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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #218782
Title: Cyclic lipopeptide profile of three Bacillus subtilus strains; antagonists of Fusarium head blight

Author
item Dunlap, Christopher
item Schisler, David
item Price, Neil
item Vaughn, Steven

Submitted to: Journal of Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/13/2011
Publication Date: 8/31/2011
Citation: Dunlap, C.A., Schisler, D.A., Price, N.P., Vaughn, S.F. 2011. Cyclic lipopeptide profile of three Bacillus subtilus strains; antagonists of Fusarium head blight. Journal of Microbiology. 49:603-609. DOI: 10.1007/s12275-011-1044-y.

Interpretive Summary: Fusarium head blight, also known as wheat scab, is responsible for extensive damage of wheat in humid and semi-humid regions in the United States and around the world. The fungus can produce potent mycotoxins on wheat heads and reduce the overall yield of grain. We have previously described three microbial biological control agents, which reduce the impact of the disease. The current study identifies antifungal molecules produced by these biocontrol agents. These discoveries help us understand the mode of action of these biocontrol agents and provide clues to improving their performance for better disease control.

Technical Abstract: The cyclic lipopeptide profile of three Bacillus subtilis strains (AS 43.3, AS 43.4, and OH 131.1) was determined using mass spectroscopy. The strains are antagonists of Gibberella zeae and have been shown to be effective in reducing Fusarium head blight in wheat. Strains AS 43.3 and AS 43.4 produced the anti-fungal lipopeptide iturin A and to a much lesser extent fengycin during the stationary growth phase. All three strains transiently produced the lipopeptide surfactin during the exponential growth phase. Strain OH 131.1 only produced surfactin under these conditions. The amount of lipopeptide produced during culturing was estimated by measuring the surface tension of the culture media for each strain. The anti-fungal activity of culture supernatant was determined by the inhibition of G. zeae. Media from strains AS 43.3 and AS 43.4 demonstrated strong antibiosis of G. zeae, while strain OH 131.1 had no activity. These results suggest a different mechanism of antagonism for strain OH 131.1, relative to AS 43.3 and AS 43.4. The current results are interpreted in conjunction with previous bioassays to identify potential antagonism mechanisms.