The global regulator GacS regulates biofilm formation in Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 differently with carbon source

Abstract

An aggressive root colonizer, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 produces various secondary metabolites that impact plant health. The sensor kinase GacS is a key regulator of the expression of biocontrol-related traits. Biofilm formation is one such trait because of its role in root surface colonization. This paper focuses on the effects of carbon source on biofilm formation. In comparison with the wild type, a gacS mutant formed biofilms at a reduced level with sucrose as the major carbon source but at much higher level with mannitol in the defined medium. Biofilm formation by the gacS mutant occurred without phenazine production and in the absence of normal levels of acyl homoserine lactones, which promote biofilms with other pseudomonads. Colonization of tomato roots was similar for the wild type and gacS mutant, showing that any differences in biofilm formation in the rhizosphere were not of consequence under the tested conditions. The reduced ability of the gacS mutant to induce systemic resistance against tomato leaf mold and tomato gray mold was consistent with a lack of production of effectors, such as phenazines. These results demonstrated plasticity in biofilm formation and root colonization in the rhizosphere by a beneficial pseudomonad.