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Phylogenetically closely related pseudomonads isolated from arthropods exhibit differential insect‐killing abilities and genetic variations in insecticidal factors
Author(s) -
Vesga Pilar,
Augustiny Eva,
Keel Christoph,
Maurhofer Monika,
Vacheron Jordan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.954
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1462-2920
pISSN - 1462-2912
DOI - 10.1111/1462-2920.15623
Subject(s) - biology , pseudomonas chlororaphis , insect , pseudomonas , biological pest control , antibiosis , microbiology and biotechnology , phylogenetics , phylogenetic tree , virulence , bacteria , gene , botany , genetics
Summary Strains belonging to the Pseudomonas protegens and Pseudomonas chlororaphis species are able to control soilborne plant pathogens and to kill pest insects by producing virulence factors such as toxins, chitinases, antimicrobials or two‐partner secretion systems. Most insecticidal Pseudomonas described so far were isolated from roots or soil. It is unknown whether these bacteria naturally occur in arthropods and how they interact with them. Therefore, we isolated P . protegens and P . chlororaphis from various healthy insects and myriapods, roots and soil collected in an agricultural field and a neighbouring grassland. The isolates were compared for insect killing, pathogen suppression and host colonization abilities. Our results indicate that neither the origin of isolation nor the phylogenetic position mirror the degree of insecticidal activity. Pseudomonas protegens strains appeared homogeneous regarding phylogeny, biocontrol and insecticidal capabilities, whereas P . chlororaphis strains were phylogenetically and phenotypically more heterogenous. A phenotypic and genomic analysis of five closely related P . chlororaphis isolates displaying varying levels of insecticidal activity revealed variations in genes encoding insecticidal factors that may account for the reduced insecticidal activity of certain isolates. Our findings point towards an adaption to insects within closely related pseudomonads and contribute to understand the ecology of insecticidal Pseudomonas .