Articles
Use of Wickerhamomyces anomalus as a biocontrol agent against soil-borne pathogen Fusarium sambucinum
Article number
1454_31
Pages
223 – 230
Language
English
Abstract
The presence of soil-borne pathogens is one of the major causes of disease in potato crops, resulting in significant economic and food losses.
Among these, dry rot diseases caused by Fusarium sambucinum occur both in the field and in storage, with dramatic economic losses for potato growers and the pre-packed potato industry.
Standard chemical pesticides are used to control these diseases in order to protect crop yields and reduce food waste.
However, a potential consequence of the overuse of chemicals is the increase in pesticide resistance in soil-borne pathogens.
Therefore, the use of biocontrol agents represents a promising biotechnological tool to meet the demand for more environmentally friendly and chemical-free alternatives.
In this work, the antifungal activity of Wickerhamomyces anomalus was investigated.
This killer yeast can produce β-1,3 glucanase (EC 3.2.1.58), which breaks down the β-1,3 glucan chains of the cell wall of pathogenic fungi.
To improve the antifungal activity and biomass production of W. anomalus, several parameters were studied such as glucose concentration, different β-1,3 glucan inducers such as corn starch, barley and yeast glucan, C:N ratio, liquid:void space ratio.
The highest total protein concentration was obtained by maintaining the C:N ratio of 1:2 (using both 20 g L‑1 of glucose and 30 g L‑1 of corn starch as carbon source) and the liquid:void space ratio of 1:4. In addition, the presence of the soil-borne pathogen F. sambucinum on potato tubers was reduced by 50% in in vivo potatoes tests when W. anomalus was produced at 48 h with 30 g L‑1 barley glucan and 20 g L‑1 of glucose, a C:N ratio of 1:2 and a liquid:void space ratio of 1:19. These preliminary results are part of a broader research initiative focused on sustainable Integrated Pest Management strategies for the potato supply sector.
Among these, dry rot diseases caused by Fusarium sambucinum occur both in the field and in storage, with dramatic economic losses for potato growers and the pre-packed potato industry.
Standard chemical pesticides are used to control these diseases in order to protect crop yields and reduce food waste.
However, a potential consequence of the overuse of chemicals is the increase in pesticide resistance in soil-borne pathogens.
Therefore, the use of biocontrol agents represents a promising biotechnological tool to meet the demand for more environmentally friendly and chemical-free alternatives.
In this work, the antifungal activity of Wickerhamomyces anomalus was investigated.
This killer yeast can produce β-1,3 glucanase (EC 3.2.1.58), which breaks down the β-1,3 glucan chains of the cell wall of pathogenic fungi.
To improve the antifungal activity and biomass production of W. anomalus, several parameters were studied such as glucose concentration, different β-1,3 glucan inducers such as corn starch, barley and yeast glucan, C:N ratio, liquid:void space ratio.
The highest total protein concentration was obtained by maintaining the C:N ratio of 1:2 (using both 20 g L‑1 of glucose and 30 g L‑1 of corn starch as carbon source) and the liquid:void space ratio of 1:4. In addition, the presence of the soil-borne pathogen F. sambucinum on potato tubers was reduced by 50% in in vivo potatoes tests when W. anomalus was produced at 48 h with 30 g L‑1 barley glucan and 20 g L‑1 of glucose, a C:N ratio of 1:2 and a liquid:void space ratio of 1:19. These preliminary results are part of a broader research initiative focused on sustainable Integrated Pest Management strategies for the potato supply sector.
Authors
B. Pérez Bibbins, C. Ghidelli
Keywords
β 1,3 glucanase, soil-borne pathogens, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, potato tubers
Groups involved
- Division Plant Genetic Resources, Breeding and Biotechnology
- Working Group Genetic Transformation and Gene Editing
- Working Group Horticultural Biotechnology and Breeding
- Division Ornamental Plants
- Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Horticulture for Development
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