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A mutualistic interaction between Streptomyces bacteria, strawberry plants and pollinating bees
Da-Ran Kim1, Gyeongjun Cho2, Chang-Wook Jeon2
1Department of Plant Medicine and Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
Nature Communications
|October 24, 2019
Summary
A study on strawberry plants reveals that Streptomyces bacteria protect plants and honeybees from pathogens. These microbes move between plants and pollinators, forming a beneficial tripartite mutualism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
- Ecology
Background:
- Microbes form mutualistic relationships with plants and insects.
- Endophytic bacteria can inhabit plant tissues and influence ecosystem dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the movement and function of an endophytic Streptomyces strain in a strawberry ecosystem.
- To determine the protective roles of Streptomyces against pathogens for plants and pollinators.
- To elucidate the tripartite interactions between Streptomyces, strawberry plants, and honeybees.
Main Methods:
- Tracking the movement of Streptomyces bacteria within the strawberry plant and associated honeybees.
- Assessing the protective effects of Streptomyces against Botrytis cinerea (fungus) and pathogenic bacteria.
- Observing the transfer of Streptomyces by honeybee pollinators.
Main Results:
- Streptomyces bacteria were found in the rhizosphere and on strawberry flowers.
- This Streptomyces isolate protected strawberry plants from Botrytis cinerea and honeybees from pathogenic bacteria.
- Honeybees transferred Streptomyces among flowers and plants.
- Streptomyces translocated into the plant vascular system from flowers and rhizosphere.
Conclusions:
- A tripartite mutualism exists between Streptomyces, strawberry plants, and honeybee pollinators.
- Streptomyces acts as a beneficial microbe, enhancing plant and pollinator health.
- The study highlights the ecological significance of endophytic bacteria in managed ecosystems.
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