Abstract
The genus Serratia is widely distributed in soil, water, plants, animals, invertebrates, and humans. Some species of this genus have antifungal, antibacterial, and nematicidal activity. In this work, the nematicidal activity of the endophytic strain of Serratia sp. in chili, Capsicum annuum L., is reported, where at a bacterial concentration of 4 × 109 cel/mL, the penetration of nematodes into the roots significantly decreased by 91 and 55% at 7 and 21 days after inoculation. This bacterial concentration also significantly decreased the number of galls, eggs, egg masses and reproduction factor produced by Nacobbus aberrans in Chili plants, with respect to the control where this bacterial strain was not applied. In the analysis of the genome of the strain, based on average nucleotide identity (ANI), the isolate could be affiliated to the species Serratia ureilytica. The size of the genome is 5.4 Mb, with a 59.3% content of GC. Genes related to the synthesis of chitinases, siderophores, proteases C, serralisins, hemolysin, and serrawettin W2 that have been reported for biocontrol of nematodes were identified in the genome. It is the first report of Serratia ureilytica with nematicidal activity. Based on these results of nematicidal activity, this strain can be evaluated in the field as an alternative in the biocontrol of Nacobbus aberrans in chili cultivation.
Highlights
The false root-knot nematode Nacobbus aberrans is a species located within the top 10 phytoparasitic nematodes worldwide [1], and within the most economically important groups in Mexico in the crops of chili, tomato, and bean [2]
In the assessment of the nematicidal capacity of this strain of bacteria under in vitro conditions, an 88.8% mortality of J2 of N. aberrans was recorded [16], an effect confirmed in vivo under the conditions evaluated in the present investigation
The main component of the nematode cuticle is collagen, without the presence of chitin [20,21,22]; there are reports that indicate a nematicidal effect of chitinases both in solution and those produced by different species of bacteria, among which is Serratia sp. when using a chitinase solution
Summary
The false root-knot nematode Nacobbus aberrans is a species located within the top 10 phytoparasitic nematodes worldwide [1], and within the most economically important groups in Mexico in the crops of chili, tomato, and bean [2]. In Mexico, losses caused by N. aberrans are reported in tomato yields of 55%, chili 50–70%, and beans 36% [2,3,4,5]. Chemical control of phytonematodes has been the main management strategy, but this generates contamination problems due to its persistence in the environment, causing animal and human health problems. In recent decades nematode management has been focused on the use of different control methods, such as biocontrol that uses different enemies or natural antagonists such as fungi and bacteria [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
