Selection of an endophytic Streptomyces sp. strain DEF09 from wheat roots as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium graminearum

Colombo E.M., Kunova A., Pizzatti C., Saracchi M., Cortesi P., Pasquali M.

Biological control is a valuable alternative to chemical products. In particular, targeting toxigenic fungi which produce dangerous molecules like mycotoxins, is important. To identify the most effective biological control agent, it is important to see its effects against the pathogen (in this work a species of the genus Fusarium) but also the effects of the antagonist on the plant (in this case wheat). 

Our work combines a set of laboratory assays that lead to the identification of a Streptomyces strain able to survive as endophyte in the plant. This strain, DEF09, showed the ability to effectively limit the pathogen on wheat in the field.

Colombo EM, et al. 2019. Selection of an endophytic Streptomyces sp. strain DEF09 from wheat roots as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium graminearum. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10:2356, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2019.02356