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Diplotaxis erucoides-derived SynCom suppresses Alternaria blight in mustard by regulating ROS homeostasis and defense
Chetana Aggarwal1, Jogendra Singh2, Ashish Kumar Gupta3
1Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
Archives of Microbiology
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Beneficial bacteria from wild crucifers were used to create a microbial community that enhances mustard growth and protects against Alternaria blight. This synthetic microbial community (SynCom) boosts plant defense and yield for sustainable agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Alternaria blight significantly reduces rapeseed-mustard yields in India.
- Wild crucifers like Diplotaxis erucoides possess natural resistance to Alternaria blight.
- Endophytic bacteria within resistant plants are potential sources for biocontrol agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and screen endophytic bacteria from D. erucoides for plant growth-promoting and antagonistic traits against Alternaria brassicae.
- To synthesize and evaluate synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) for enhancing Brassica juncea growth and disease resistance.
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying SynCom-mediated plant defense responses.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and screening of endophytic bacteria from D. erucoides tissues.
- Selection of isolates based on growth promotion, phytohormone, siderophore production, and pathogen inhibition.
- Assembly of root-derived, leaf-derived, and combined SynComs (CSC).
- Pot trials evaluating SynCom efficacy on Brassica juncea growth, yield, and Alternaria blight severity.
- Histochemical and biochemical analyses of plant defense responses.
Main Results:
- The Combined SynCom (CSC) significantly improved plant growth and yield in Brassica juncea.
- CSC reduced Alternaria blight severity by 30.75% and provided 47.08% disease protection.
- CSC treatment led to reduced oxidative stress (H2O2 accumulation) and enhanced antioxidative enzyme activity.
- Increased phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, callose, and phenolics were observed in CSC-treated plants.
Conclusions:
- Trait-guided assembly of functionally complementary endophytes into SynComs is effective for developing microbial inoculants.
- The CSC demonstrates potential as a biocontrol agent and biofertilizer for sustainable mustard production.
- SynComs enhance plant defense through microbial antagonism and activation of host defense mechanisms.
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