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Flg22-facilitated PGPR colonization in root tips and control of root rot
Yanan Li1, Yafei Li1, Yuepeng Wang1
1College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Enzyme Engineering of Agricultural Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China.
Molecular Plant Pathology
|November 5, 2024
Summary
Engineered Pseudomonas bacteria secreting Flg22 effectively colonized wheat root tips, overcoming plant defenses. This enhanced colonization reduced root rot and improved plant growth, demonstrating a novel strategy for agricultural applications.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Plant root border cells (RBCs) impede colonization by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), limiting their ability to control root tip pathogens.
- Effective PGPR colonization of root tips is crucial for disease control and plant growth promotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer Pseudomonas sp. UW4 strains to overcome RBC-mediated defenses and enhance root tip colonization.
- To evaluate the efficacy of engineered PGPR in controlling root rot and promoting plant growth.
Main Methods:
- Engineered four strains of Pseudomonas sp. UW4 expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) with variations in Flg22 secretion.
- Assessed wheat RBC immune responses (mucilage, extracellular DNA, ROS) to engineered strains.
- Quantified root tip colonization, root rot incidence, root length, and dry weight in pot trials.
Main Results:
- Strains secreting Flg22 elicited immune responses in wheat RBCs and successfully colonized root tips.
- Flg22-secreting strains demonstrated significantly higher root tip colonization (33.8%-93.8%) and reduced root rot (24.6%-35.7%).
- Higher PGPR colonization correlated with reduced root rot and increased wheat root length and dry weight.
Conclusions:
- Engineered secretion of Flg22 by PGPR is a viable strategy to overcome plant defenses and enhance root colonization.
- This approach effectively controls root rot pathogens and promotes plant growth, offering a promising tool for sustainable agriculture.
