Evaluating Bacteria as Biocontrol Agents Against Pseudomonas syringae pv. N-215 Disease in Zea mays
Major
Biology
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Biology
Faculty Advisor
Loralyn Cozy
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-11-2026 11:15 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 12:30 PM
Abstract
Some strains of Pseudomonas syringae are bacterial plant pathogens responsible for substantial crop losses worldwide. This study evaluated environmental bacteria as potential biocontrol agents against Pseudomonas syringae pv. N-215, a strain associated with disease in Zea mays (maize) and originally isolated near Illinois Wesleyan University. Soil samples were collected from 42 locations across the United States, the majority of which were from central Illinois. More than 40,000 bacterial isolates were screened for antagonistic activity against P. syringae using pathogen lawn assays, and candidate strains were selected based on visible zones of inhibition. To assess host-pathogen interactions, a seed sterilization protocol was established to eliminate external contaminants. Hydroponic slant board germination systems were then constructed, providing uniform growth conditions and full visibility of plant anatomy. Following development of a reproducible maize-pathogen infection model, the effects of pathogen exposure were examined during the first seven days of seedling germination. Pathogen inoculation prior to germination resulted in obvious phenotypic impact on early plant development, supporting the suitability of this model for studying illness in initial growth and intervention strategies. Several environmental isolates demonstrated inhibitory activity against P. syringae in vitro. Ongoing experiments aim to evaluate selected bioactive agents to determine their effectiveness in preventing infection, reducing symptom severity, or slowing disease progression when introduced simultaneously with the pathogen. The most effective method of biocontrol delivery to the host remains under investigation. The identification and development of effective biocontrol agents may provide a sustainable strategy for managing plant disease while reducing dependence on chemical treatments, overall contributing to national food security.
Evaluating Bacteria as Biocontrol Agents Against Pseudomonas syringae pv. N-215 Disease in Zea mays
CNS Atrium
Some strains of Pseudomonas syringae are bacterial plant pathogens responsible for substantial crop losses worldwide. This study evaluated environmental bacteria as potential biocontrol agents against Pseudomonas syringae pv. N-215, a strain associated with disease in Zea mays (maize) and originally isolated near Illinois Wesleyan University. Soil samples were collected from 42 locations across the United States, the majority of which were from central Illinois. More than 40,000 bacterial isolates were screened for antagonistic activity against P. syringae using pathogen lawn assays, and candidate strains were selected based on visible zones of inhibition. To assess host-pathogen interactions, a seed sterilization protocol was established to eliminate external contaminants. Hydroponic slant board germination systems were then constructed, providing uniform growth conditions and full visibility of plant anatomy. Following development of a reproducible maize-pathogen infection model, the effects of pathogen exposure were examined during the first seven days of seedling germination. Pathogen inoculation prior to germination resulted in obvious phenotypic impact on early plant development, supporting the suitability of this model for studying illness in initial growth and intervention strategies. Several environmental isolates demonstrated inhibitory activity against P. syringae in vitro. Ongoing experiments aim to evaluate selected bioactive agents to determine their effectiveness in preventing infection, reducing symptom severity, or slowing disease progression when introduced simultaneously with the pathogen. The most effective method of biocontrol delivery to the host remains under investigation. The identification and development of effective biocontrol agents may provide a sustainable strategy for managing plant disease while reducing dependence on chemical treatments, overall contributing to national food security.