Photorhabdus is a bacterium that forms a mutualistic relationship with nematodes (Heterorhabditidae) and is responsible for insect mortality during nematode infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate virulence modulation (vmo) in Photorhabdus spp. where individual colonies exhibit different levels of virulence. Despite in-depth studies on culturing Photorhabdus spp. and its nematode partner, little is known about ideal growth conditions prior to virulence assays. Accordingly, eight Photorhabdus strains with representatives from each species were grown in four media types. All strains grew best in either Luria-Bertani broth + 0.1% pyruvate or tryptic soy broth + 0.5% yeast extract. However, on agar the only media on which all strains grew well were agar plates supplemented with pyruvate. To investigate vmo, virulence of individual colonies from three species was examined. Vmo was exhibited in two out of the three tested strains. Results may aid in the design of Photorhabdus virulence assays.
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