Multi-method approach for characterizing the interaction between Fusarium verticillioides and Bacillus thuringiensis...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Microbiology
• Plant Pathology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Bacterial antagonists are crucial for integrated pest management, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) shows promise as a biocontrol agent against plant pathogens like Fusarium.
• Fusarium verticillioides is a significant maize pathogen, producing harmful fumonisins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki and Fusarium verticillioides.
• To evaluate the efficacy of Bt in suppressing fungal growth and fumonisin production.
• To assess the utility of flow cytometry in analyzing fungal cell responses during biocontrol interactions.

Main Methods:

• Microscopy
• Flow cytometry
• Indirect immunofluorescence
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Main Results:

• Bacillus thuringiensis demonstrated significant in vitro suppression of Fusarium verticillioides growth.
• Fumonisin production by F. verticillioides was inhibited by B. thuringiensis.
• Flow cytometry effectively characterized fungal cell death and oscillations during the interaction.
• This is the first report using flow cytometry to quantify living and apoptotic F. verticillioides cells and Bt Cry1Ab toxin.

Conclusions:

• Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki exhibits strong potential as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium verticillioides.
• Flow cytometry is a valuable tool for assessing the impact of biocontrol agents on fungal viability and apoptosis.
• Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy of this Bt isolate in controlling plant pathogens.