Abstract
An endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. subtilis was isolated from surface sterilized seedlings of tropical corn. To evaluate the hypothesis that this endophyte is defensive in nature and determine the mechanisms of host defense we examined the effects of the endophyte on pathogens and host disease resistance genes. The bacterial endophyte showed antifungal activity against fungal pathogens Fusarium moniliforme, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Aspergillus flavus. Plant protection activity was also observed in Indian popcorn seedlings inoculated with the endophyte against F. moniliforme. Gene expression analysis was conducted and demonstrated that up-regulation of several defense genes in corn was greater after 48 hours of pathogen challenge than 24 hours. Plant defense pathways triggered by the endophytic bacterium appeared to be SA (salicylic acid) independent. The abundance of the zm Jasmonic acid-induced gene expression was greater in pathogen challenged plants pre-treated with the endophytic bacterium than in the plants challenged only with pathogen. Pre-treatment with the endophytic bacterium resulted in a more intense induction of maize pathogenesis related protein genes PR-1 and PR-10 during interaction with F. moniliforme compared to plants that were treated only with the fungal pathogen.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
