Isolation, identification, and functional analysis of quorum sensing producing strain Pectobacterium atrosepticum associated with blackleg disease in potatoes

Abstract

Potato is an important food and cash crop that production losses have a double effect on society, causing both a food security and financial crisis. The significant problem in the potato fields is blackleg of potato caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pa). The research concentrates on the isolation and characterization of P. atrosepticum, as one of the major causal organisms of the potato blackleg disease, in particular its prevalence in the Pakistani regions. Differential diagnosis by using biochemical methods and Koch’s Postulates, the etiological agent was identified. The involvement of N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones (NAHLs)-based quorum sensing (QS) in modulating Pa behaviors was clarified by the investigations. Novel QS inhibitors showing non-lethal quorum quenching capacity surfaced, however the long-term possibilities could be further improved. Initial data reflect a strong drop of virulence markers up to Day 16, which demonstrates the importance of increasing the knowledge of limiting influence arising from characteristics of bioactive substances or intrinsic ecological dynamics. Overall, this research contributes significantly to comprehending P. atrosepticum-associated threats and lays foundation for devising eco-friendly intervention tactics centered on quorum quenching paradigms.