Antagonism of Serratia marcescens towards Phytophthora parasitica and its effects in promoting the growth of citrus

Abstract

Phytophthora parasitica causes serious widespread, and difficult-to-control root rots in warmer regions. This oomycete is one of the most important pathogen of citrus. This paper reports the biological control of the pathogen by a strain of Serratia marcescens R-35, isolated from citrus rhizosphere. In greenhouse trials, the bacterium suppressed more than 50% of the disease and promoted the plant growth.

Characterization and comparison of Serratia marcescens isolated from edible cactus and from silkworm for virulence potential and chitosan susceptibility

“…Various plant-associated roles have been put forward for Serratia marcescens , including that of a plant pathogenic bacterium (19); an herbicide degradation bacterium (24); a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium (23); an innocuous colonizer or endophyte of plants (25); and even a biocontrol agent (2, 20). However, the enteric bacterium S. marcescens is also an opportunistic human and insect, in particular silkworm, pathogen (5, 7, 9, 15).…”

Biological control of Penicillium italicum, P. digitatum and P. expansum by the predacious yeast Saccharomycopsis schoenii on oranges

“…Oranges and other citrus fruits are washed before commercialization and the inoculation of an antagonist yeast at this step would be possible, preferentially together with substances that promote the growth of antagonists (11,17,18,19). The storage time of the fruit could be increased by the treatment and securely the economical losses due to decay would diminish.…”

“…The use of fungicides has been efficient in decreasing losses due to deterioration of food, but also generates health and environmental concerns mainly due to the carcinogenic and/or teratogenic properties of the compounds, and by their cumulative toxic effects (10,19). About US$30 billion are spent yearly worldwide in pesticides and recent data show that there are approximately 25 million occupational pesticide poisonings each year among agricultural workers in developing countries (8,25).…”

Entomopathogenicity of endophytic Serratia marcescens strain SRM against larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

“…The wide range of roles played by S. marcescens include those of diverse origin such as epiphytes, endophytes, soil inhabitants, nematode symbionts, insect and plant pathogens, bacterial and fungal antagonistics, plant growth promoters and nosocomial human pathogens (Ashelford et al 2002;Zhang et al 2009). In addition to cold-tolerant and plant growth-promoting abilities (Selvakumar et al 2008), the entomopathogenic nature of S. marcescens strain SRM is unique, since endophytic S. marcescens strains so far reported are either plant pathogenic, fungal antagonistic or plant growth promoters (Gyaneshwar et al 2001;Queiroz and Melo 2006;Rascoe et al 2003).…”

“…They reportedly act as plant-growth-promoters, anti-fungal agents (Gyaneshwar et al 2001;Queiroz and Melo 2006) and as phytopathogens causing cucurbit yellow vein disease in cucurbits and decay of stored bulbs in onion (Escobar et al 2001;Rascoe et al 2003). This gains significance, since endophytic microorganisms are currently being viewed as potential natural pest control agents (Azevedo et al 2000).…”