BEHAVIOR OF BIOCONTROL BACTERIA IN THE SPERMOSPHERE AND RHIZOSPHERE

Authors: Roberts, Daniel; KOBAYASHI, DONALD - RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, NJ

Submitted to: Recent Research Developments in Plant Pathology Book Review
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/12/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Biocontrol of soilborne plant pathogens with bacterial biocontrol agents has the potential to reduce chemical input in agriculture. However, very few microorganisms have been commercialized for controlling soilborne plant pathogens. This is due, in part, to inconsistent performance by biocontrol agents in the field. A more thorough understanding of the genetic and physiological basis of biocontrol and the impact that various environmenta factors have on these physiological processes is needed to understand and overcome inconsistencies in biocontrol performance. Traits known to be important to the suppression of soilborne plant pathogens by biocontrol bacteria are reviewed in this article. In addition, the impact of various environmental factors on the expression of these traits is discussed. Methodologies used in this research are also discussed. This article will be useful as a reference to scientists interested in biocontrol, plant pathology, and plant-microbe interactions. This article also provides information on upcoming methodologies useful in this area of research.

Technical Abstract: Biocontrol bacteria that influence plant growth through the suppression of soilborne plant pathogens are the subject of this article. Traits associated with the suppression of soilborne plant pathogens by bacterial biocontrol agents include production of antibiotics, production of hydrolytic enzymes, competition for nutrients, and induction of plant defense mechanisms. Colonization of subterranean plant surfaces is also thought to be important in certain biocontrol interactions. A more thorough understanding of the genetic and physiological basis of biocontrol and the impact that various environmental factors have on these physiological processes is needed to understand and overcome inconsistencies in biocontrol performance. Recent technological advances, especially in molecular biology, have provided methods that are being used to identify genes and traits important for biocontrol and to determine the impact of various environmental factors on the expression of these genes and traits. This article discusses the application of these techniques to this area of research. This article also provides an overview of our current understanding of the behavior of biocontrol bacteria at the genetic and the organismal levels in the spermosphere and rhizosphere.