Open AccessBiofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis is altered in the presence of pesticides
Author(s) -
Rachael Newton,
Jennifer Amstutz,
Joyce E. Patrick
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
access microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2516-8290
DOI - 10.1099/acmi.0.000175
Subject(s) - swarming (honey bee) , swarming motility , biofilm , bacillus subtilis , motility , pesticide , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , chemistry , quorum sensing , ecology , genetics
Bacillus subtilisuses swarming motility and biofilm formation to colonize plant roots and form a symbiotic relationship with the plant. Swarming motility and biofilm formation are group behaviours made possible through the use of chemical messengers. We investigated whether chemicals applied to plants would interfere with the swarming motility and biofilm-forming capabilities of B. subtilis in vitro . We hypothesized that pesticides could act as chemical signals that influence bacterial behaviour; this research investigates whether swarming motility and biofilm formation ofB. subtilisis affected by the application of the commercial pesticides with the active ingredients of neem oil, pyrethrin, or malathion. The results indicate that all three pesticides inhibit biofilm formation. Swarming motility is not affected by the application of pyrethrin or malathion, but swarm expansion and pattern is altered in the presence of neem oil. Future studies to investigate the mechanism by which pesticides alter biofilm formation are warranted.