Evaluation of the mechanism of action of spp. to manage with split root assay, RT-qPCR and qPCR.

The goal of this research is to determine the mechanism of action of two spp. that can manage population density in cotton. The overall objectives are 1) determine the efficacy and direct antagonistic capabilities of the spp. and 2) determine the systemic capabilities of the spp. The greenhouse assay indicated QST713 and I-1582 could manage similarly to the chemical standard fluopyram. An assay determined that I-1582 and its extracted metabolites were able to directly manage second stage juveniles by increasing mortality rate above 75%. A split root assay, used to determine systemic capabilities of the bacteria, indicated QST713 and I-1582 could indirectly decrease the nematode population density. Another species, strain 2, also demonstrated systemic capabilities but was not a successful biological control agent because it supported a high population density in greenhouse assay and in the split root assay. A RT-qPCR assay was used to confirm any systemic activity observed in the split root assay. At 24 hours both QST713 and I-1582 upregulated one gene involved in the initial stages of JA synthesis pathway but not another gene involved in the later stages of JA synthesis. These results point to a JA intermediate molecule, most likely OPDA, stimulated by the bacteria rather than JA in a short-term systemic response. After 1 week, the spp. stimulated a SA-responsive defense related gene. The long-term systemic response to the spp. indicates salicylic acid also plays a role in defense conferred by these bacteria. The final assay was a qPCR to determine the concentration of the bacteria on the cotton roots after 24 days. QST713 and I-43 1582 were able to colonize the root successfully, with the concentration after 24 days not significantly differing from the concentration at inoculation. This study identifies two bacteria that work systemic resistance and will help aid in implementing these species in an integrated management system.