Transcriptome and Secretome Analyses of Endophyte and Pathogen Interacting Show Nutrient Competition.

is the causal agent of several plant diseases affecting fruit and nut crops. strain SR1.6/6 was isolated from and shown to promote plant growth by producing phytohormones, providing nutrients, inhibiting , and preventing Citrus Variegated Chlorosis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction among these microbes are still unclear. The present work aimed to analyze physiological and molecular aspects of SR1.6/6 and 9a5c in co-culture. The transcriptome and secretome analyses indicated that down-regulates cell division and transport genes and up-regulates stress via induction of chaperones and pathogenicity-related genes including, the lipase-esterase LesA, a protease, as well as an oligopeptidase in response to competition. On the other hand, also down-regulated transport genes, except for iron uptake, which was up-regulated. Secretome analysis identified four proteins in exclusively produced in co-culture with , among these, three are related to phosphorous uptake. These results suggest that inhibits growth mainly due to nutrient competition for iron and phosphorous, thus promoting starvation, besides producing enzymes that degrade cell wall, mainly hydrolases. The understanding of these interactions provides a direction for control and management of the phytopathogen , and consequently, helps to improve citrus growth and productivity.