Abstract
Bacteria can regulate expression of certain genes through quorum sensing (QS), a cell density dependent communication system. The signal molecules up-regulate their own synthesis and hence act as auto-inducers. Most of well characterized phytopathogenic bacteria depend on this communication system for virulence and pathogenicity. Although pathogenesis is a multifactorial phenomenon but expression of virulence factors regulated by QS is a perquisite to cause infection. Majority of phytopathogenic bacteria are Gram negative and their signal molecules and QS systems are fairly investigated. Increased understanding on gene expression of QS regulated virulence functions has led to development of QS-disrupting strategies to fight bacterial plant diseases. Although success in vivo achieved in combating bacterial diseases are varied but encouraging. In this particular chapter, the role of QS in mediating virulence factors and pathogenicity among important phyto-pathogenic bacteria are reviewed and summaries various strategies of QS-disruption of plant pathogens to protect plant health.
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