Journal of Applied Microbiology (2008) 104, 961-969

W.M. Haggag and S. Timmusk (2008)
Colonization of peanut roots by biofilm-forming Paenibacillus polymyxa initiates biocontrol against crown rot disease
Journal of Applied Microbiology 104 (4), 961-969
Abstract: Aim: To investigate the role of biofilm-forming Paenibacillus polymyxa strains in controlling crown root rot disease.
Methods and Results: Two plant growth-promoting P. polymyxa strains were isolated from the peanut rhizosphere, from Aspergillus niger-suppressive soils. The strains were tested, under greenhouse and field conditions for inhibition of the crown root rot pathogen of the peanut, as well as for biofilm formation in the peanut rhizosphere. The strains' colonization and biofilm formation were further studied on roots of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and with solid surface assays. Their crown root rot inhibition performance was studied in field and pot experiments. The strains' ability to form biofilms in gnotobiotic and soil systems was studied employing scanning electron microscope.
Conclusion: Both strains were able to suppress the pathogen but the superior biofilm former offers significantly better protection against crown rot.
Significance and Impact of the Study: The study highlights the importance of efficient rhizosphere colonization and biofilm formation in biocontrol.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Wafaa M. Haggag

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aspergillus niger	Groundnut/peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Paenibacillus polymyxa (antagonist)	Aspergillus niger	Groundnut/peanut (Arachis hypogaea)