Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXI
Written by Mariana-Grațiela SOARE (VLADU), Caterina TOMULESCU, Maria PETRESCU, Irina LUPESCU, Mișu MOSCOVICI, Ovidiu POPA, Narcisa BĂBEANU

Most of the plant diseases are caused by microorganisms. Among these, most often mentioned in the literature are bacteria and fungi. Diseases caused by phytopathogens like Erwinia carotovora and Xanthomonas campestris lead to lower production and quality, causing significant economic losses. In order to prevent the diseases can be used microbial antagonists which, besides protection capability, can stimulate plant growth by degrading the substrate and releasing of certain compounds needed for growth. After a preliminary screening, from a total of 25 microorganisms isolated from plant materials, best antimicrobial activities were registered with bacteria B1 and Bm belonging to the genera Pseudomonas sp. respectively Bacillus sp.. Following biochemical tests in conjunction with microscopy studies and MALDI-TOF MS, selected bacteria were identified as Pseudomonas putida, respectively Bacillus mycoides. Their antimicrobial activity was comparable to that of microorganisms belonging to the same genera, from the collection of the National Institute for Chemical Pharmaceutical Research and Development-ICCF. When they were grown on agar media with different compositions, significant differences regarding antimicrobial activity have not been observed. However, substantial differences were recorded in terms of antagonistic ability between Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus mycoides, the last one making the biggest area of inhibition against both phytopathoges X. campestris ICCF 274 (40 mm) and E. carotovora ICCF 138 (20 mm). These results suggest the possibility of using newly isolated antagonists to prevent diseases caused by Erwinia carotovora and Xanthomonas campestris.

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