Bacteria Pitted Against Fungi to Protect Wheat and Barley

by Jan Suszkiw

Link:http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130109.htm

Summary:
 The US Department of Agriculture scientist investigated bacteria's potential to biologically control root-rot caused by fungi. Root-rot typically causes 10-30% loss of crops. The bacteria of the genus pseudomonas stop the growth of fungi that cause diseases in wheat and barley crops. The two pathogens that are most problematic mostly affect seedlings between 4-6 weeks old. Fungicides aren't very effective, and there are no immune strains of wheat or barley available for farmers to grow. Rotating wheat with other crops wouldn't be effective either because of the pathogens' wide range of plant-hosts. The bacteria secretes powerful enzymes and biochemicals that stop the fungi from spreading, some strains of the bacteria trigger an immune-system response, and others produce hormone-like substances that affect root and shoot growth to help them overcome fungal damage. Experiments have yielded results with 30-92% of the root rot diminished. However, a commercial product isn't likely to be available for a few more years.

Connection:
In class we had talked about symbiotic relationships between fungi and protists, yielding lichen, and here there is a parasitic relationship between fungi and plants, and a commensalismic relationship between plants and bacteria, with the plants benefiting. This also ties in with class subjects because the bacteria affect the root and shoot growth, which means that they are affecting the apical meristems, and that is helping them overcome the fungal damage.