Biocontrol potential of an endophytic Serratia sp. G3 and its mode of action

Abstract

Biological control is being considered as an alternative or a supplemental way of reducing the use of chemicals in agriculture. An endophytic strain G3 with potential as a biocontrol agent was isolated from the stems of Triticum aestivum L. It was classified by 16S rDNA sequencing as a member of Serratia. Strain G3 displayed a broad spectrum of antifungal activity in vitro against a number of phytopathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Cryphonectria parasitica, Rhizoctonia cerealis and Valsa sordida. Molecular mechanisms involved in biocontrol by Serratia sp. G3 was investigated for its potential application to plant health management. The results showed that G3 produces an array of antimicrobial exoproducts, including chitinase, protease, antibiotic pyrrolnitrin, and siderophores for iron competition. Moreover, it also produced the plant growth hormone indole-3-acetic acid, suggesting that multiple mechanisms and their synergistic effects may be involved in biocontrol of plant diseases. Additionally, strain G3 can produce at least ten N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) signal molecules for cell to cell communication, including unsubstituted, 3-oxo, and 3-hydroxy at the C3 position through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is different from the previously reported Serraia species. For the first time, N-3-oxo-heptanoyl-homoserine lactone, one of the main molecules was reported in the genus Serratia. The role of AHL-dependent quorum sensing system in the interactions between the endophytic strain G3 and host plants and its potential application in improving biocontrol efficacy will be further explored.