Open AccessThe potential of bacteriophages to control Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris at different stages of disease development
Author(s) -
Holtappels Dominique,
Fortuna Kiandro J.,
Moons Lauren,
Broeckaert Nand,
Bäcker Léon E.,
Venneman Sofie,
Rombouts Sofie,
Lippens Louis,
Baeyen Steve,
Pollet Sabien,
Noben JeanPaul,
Oechslin Frank,
Vallino Marta,
Aertsen Abram,
Maes Martine,
Van Vaerenbergh Johan,
Lavigne Rob,
Wagemans Jeroen
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
microbial biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.287
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 1751-7915
DOI - 10.1111/1751-7915.14004
Subject(s) - xanthomonas campestris , xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris , biology , xanthomonas , microbiology and biotechnology , disease control , bacteria , genetics
Summary Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a vascular pathogen that invades the xylem of Brassica crops. Current chemical and antibiotics‐based control measures for this bacterium are unsustainable and inefficient. After establishing a representative collection of Xcc strains, we isolated and characterized bacteriophages from two clades of phages to assess their potential in phage‐based biocontrol. The most promising phages, FoX2 and FoX6, specifically recognize (lipo) polysaccharides, associated with the wxc gene cluster, on the surface of the bacterial cell wall. Next, we determined and optimized the applicability of FoX2 and FoX6 in an array of complementary bioassays, ranging from seed decontamination to irrigation‐ and spray‐based applications. Here, an irrigation‐based application showed promising results. In a final proof‐of‐concept, a CaCl 2 ‐formulated phage cocktail was shown to control the outbreak of Xcc in the open field. This comprehensive approach illustrates the potential of phage biocontrol of black rot disease in Brassica and serves as a reference for the broader implementation of phage biocontrol in integrated pest management strategies.