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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #95589
Title: ROLE OF THE PFKA GENE OF ENTEROBACTER CLOACAE IN COLONIZATION OF RADISH, SOYBEAN, SUNFLOWER AND SWEET CORN SEEDS

Author
item Roberts, Daniel
item Dery, Pierre
item YUCEL, IREM - FORMER BPDL
item Buyer, Jeffrey

Submitted to: Journal of Applied & Environmental Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/19/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Biological control of soilborne pathogens is a promising technology with the potential to reduce or replace chemical pesticide use. However, little is known regarding the genetic and biochemical means by which biocontrol agents establish themselves on seeds and roots of plants - a process thought to be important for successful biological control. This study is part of an ongoing effort to determine how biocontrol agents utilize chemicals released from seeds and roots to establish themselves and persist in the soil in association with plants. In this study the role of the pfkA gene of Enterobacter cloacae in growth on various seeds was studied. It was determined that this gene is important for growth on seeds that release limited quantities of chemicals that support growth of this bacterium. This information will be useful to scientists.

Technical Abstract: Enterobacter cloacae strain A-11, a pfkA mutant of strain 501R3, was reduced in colonization of radish but not sunflower, sweet corn, and soybean seeds relative to strain 501R3. Radish seed released substantially less carbohydrate and amino acid than the other seeds. These results indicate that the pfkA gene is important in colonization of f seeds that release limited quantities of reduced carbon.