Diversity and Characterization of Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Tidal Flat Plants and their Antagonistic Effects on Oomycetous Plant Pathogens

A study of endophytic bacteria from tidal flat plants revealed a surprising diversity of strains with antagonistic effects against oomycete plant pathogens, including Phytophthora capsici and Pythium ultimum. Nine percent of the 256 isolated root-colonizing bacteria exhibited inhibitory activity in vitro. Phylogenetic analysis identified these antagonistic strains across four bacterial classes (Firmicutes, α-Proteobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria, and Actinomycetes) and ten genera, with some belonging to potential new species of α-Proteobacteria. The research highlights the untapped potential of tidal flat plants as a source of novel antimicrobial compounds and biocontrol agents, suggesting their ecological significance in suppressing oomycete pathogens. The study analyzed surface-disinfected root tissues from six plant species (Rosa rugosa, Suaeda maritima, Vitex rotundifolia, Carex scabrifolia, Glehnia littoralis, and Elymus mollis) in Namhae Island, Korea.

Bibi, F., Yasir, M., Song, G.-C., Lee, S.-Y., & Chung, Y.-R. (2012). Diversity and Characterization of Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Tidal Flat Plants and their Antagonistic Effects on Oomycetous Plant Pathogens. The Plant Pathology Journal, 28(1), 20–31. https://doi.org/10.5423/ppj.oa.06.2011.0123