Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Provorov Nikolai
All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia
Keynote: Evolutionary genetics of microbe-plant symbioses: A conduit for constructing the sustainable crop production systems
Time : 10:15-11:00
Biography:
Provorov Nikolai has completed his PhD from All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology. He is the Deputy Director in Research of All-Russia
Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology. He has published over 20 papers in reputed international journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board
Member of international journal Annals of Applied Biology. The scope of his expertise includes evolutionary genetics of symbiosis, mathematical simulation of
population dynamics and genetic construction of symbiotically active microbes.
Abstract:
Symbioses of plants with benefi cial microbes implementing numerous nutritional (N2 fi xation, mobilization of soil
phosphates), defensive (biocontrol of pathogens and phytophagans) and anti-stress functions, are widely distributed in
natural ecosystems. These symbioses are broadly used in sustainable agriculture based on substitution of the hazardous chemical
fertilizers and pesticides by the environmentally friendly microbial preparations. Using the model of rhizobia (N2-fi xing
symbionts of legumes) we dissect the microbe-plant co-evolution into three major stages: Pleiotropic symbioses (equilibrium
between mutualistic and antagonistic partners’ interactions); mutual partners’ exploitation (evolutionary stable mutualism
based on the partners’ metabolic exchange) and altruistic interaction (genetic or epigenetic reduction of microsymbionts’
viability resulted in a marked increase of their benefi cial impacts on the host). Based on this strategy, an algorithm for genetic
construction of microbe-plant symbiosis for the sustainable crop production is suggested: Improvement of Principle Benefi cial
Function (PBF) responsible for the plant fi tness (e.g., activation of nitrogenase synthesis or its energy supply); optimization of
host ability to utilize the products of PBF (optimization of plant habitus for maximizing the allocation of N2 fi xation products
from nodules to shoots); improvement of partners’ altruistic interactions based on PBF (in rhizobia-inactivation of the
negative N2 fi xation regulators which result in an increased host benefi t but a decreased ex planta survival). Th e perspectives of
constructing the plants with permanent PBF-implementing organelles (e.g., N2-fi xing plastids) will be considered.
Keynote Forum
Vladimir A Zhukov
All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia
Keynote: Molecular evolution of paralogous symbiotic receptor kinase genes in pea (Pisum sativum L)
Time : 11:20-11:50
Biography:
Vladimir A Zhukov was graduated from Saint-Petersburg State University, Faculty of Biology, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (St. Petersburg, Russia)
and then completed his PhD at from Saint-Petersburg State University (St. Petersburg, Russia). He has worked at Aarhus University (Aarhus, Denmark) and
in CNRS (Gif-sur-Yvette, France) within the frame of joint international projects devoted to studying the genetic bases of benefi cial plant-microbe interactions.
Presently he works as the Head of the Laboratory in All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology (St. Petersburg, Russia). He has published more
than 20 papers in reputed Russian and international scientifi c journals.
Abstract:
In the course of interactions between legume plants and nodule bacteria, the signal molecules excreted by bacteria (Nod
factors) are specifi cally perceived by plant receptor kinases. In pea, 3 paralogous genes (Sym37, K1 and LykX) encoding
receptor kinases probably binding Nod factors are located in cluster on LG I of pea and mutations in any of these genes hamper
bacteria penetration into the plant root. In this work, the fragments of 1st exons of the genes Sym37, K1 and LykX encoding
the receptor parts of the corresponding proteins were sequenced and analyzed in 99 pea genotypes that represent virtually all
the diversity within the genus Pisum. Th e Sym37 gene sequence, according to the McDonald-Kreitman test, underwent the
pressure of positive (directional) selection. Th e K1 gene sequence possesses multiple polymorphic sites, suggesting that the
positive selection acts in favor of several allelic states of the gene. Th e sequence of the third receptor gene (LykX) possesses
the site, which seems to be critical for the functioning of the encoded protein; this site was found to be under the signifi cant
negative selection pressure. Th e assumption that these paralogous genes were diff erentiated for realization of the diverse
functions is reinforced by the results obtained. In general, the data obtained provide insights on the evolution and functioning
of symbiotic systems formed by leguminous plants.
Keynote Forum
Jacobus Johannes Marion Meyer
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Keynote: The role of plant growth promoting microbes in the maintenance of the mysterious fairy circles of Namibia
Time : 11:20-11:50
Biography:
Jacobus Johannes Marion Meyer is a Professor of Medicinal Plant Science at University of Pretoria, South Africa. He collaborates with several international
institutions, including the ITMO St Petersburg University.
Abstract:
The cause and maintenance of the hundreds of thousands of fairy circles in the Namibian pro-desert have not yet been
satisfactorily explained. Several diverse hypotheses have been put forward, but none have universally been accepted. We
previously found the ‘chemical footprints’ of toxic Euphorbia plants with GCMS analysis in nearly all the fairy circles of the
Garub region of Namibia. Th is implies that these toxic Euphorbia species were present, where there are fairy circles today. In
our search for the mechanism by which these toxic plants cause and maintain the fairy circles, we found that the E. damarana
extract has extremely low MIC values against plant growth promoting bacteria isolated from the ‘healthy’ soil from outside the
fairy circles. Th is indicates that the grasses will not have the benefi ts of plant growth promoting organisms when colonizing areas
where Euphorbia species have died in the harsh conditions of the Namib Desert. Th e MIC values of this extract were also found
to be very low against several human pathogenic bacteria. Pot experiments have shown that an inoculum of the rhizosphere
from grasses growing outside the fairy circles could reverse the negative eff ect of the fairy circle soil. Th is study supports the
hypothesis that the fairy circles are caused by Euphorbia spp. and maintained by the lack of plant growth promoting organisms.
Keynote Forum
Tatiana V Matveeva
St. Petersburg State University, Russia
Keynote: Biodiversity of naturally transgenic Linaria plants
Time : 11:20-11:50
Biography:
Tatiana V Matveeva has completed her PhD and Postdoctoral studies from the Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, Russia. She is a Doctor of
Biological Science, presently working as a Professor of the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology at St. Petersburg State University,
Russia. She is also a Member of the Vavilov Society of Geneticists and Breeders and Member of Russian Society of Biotechnologists.
Abstract:
Most genetic engineering of plants uses Agrobacterium mediated transformation to introduce novel gene content. In nature,
insertion of T-DNA in the plant genome and its subsequent transfer via sexual reproduction has been shown in several
species in the genera Nicotiana, Ipomea and Linaria. Th ey are called naturally transgenic plant. A sequence homologous to the
T-DNA of the Ri plasmid of Agrobacterium rhizogenes was found in the genome of untransformed Nicotiana glauca about 30
years ago and was named “cellular T-DNA” (cT-DNA). A similar cT-DNA has also been found in other species of the genus
Nicotiana. In our study T-DNA-like sequences has been detected and characterized in diff erent Linaria species, belonging to
two sections Linaria and Speciosa. In all characterized Linaria species the cT-DNA is present in two copies and organized as
a tandem imperfect direct repeat and contained the same T-DNA oncogenes and the mis gene, however there are diff erent
mutations inside the T-DNA in the investigated forms. Linaria species are medicinal transgenic plants that people used for
ages. Characterization of structure of T-DNA in close species of naturally transgenic plants is important, since they could be
good model system for study of delayed environmental risks of GMO.
Keynote Forum
Suresh Deka
Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, India
Keynote: Application of biosurfactant for general welfare of economically important crops with special reference to management of phytopathogenic fungi
Time : 11:20-11:50
Biography:
Suresh Deka has completed his PhD in Microbial Ecology from Guwahati University in 1991 and has more than 25 years of research experience in the fi elds
of hydrocarbon degradation, bioremediation, biosurfactant and plant diseases control. He is currently working as a Professor in the Institute of Advanced Study
in Science and Technology (IASST), India. He has more than 100 publications/presentations, fi led 4 patents and produced 7 PhD. He was awarded overseas
Associateship by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India during the year 2006-2007 and carried out Research on Biosurfactant in University of
Ulster. He has completed several research projects funded by different central governmental agencies as Principal Investigator.
Abstract:
The human population in the globe is increasing day by day. However, the land for the agriculture is decreasing with the
increasing human population. To meet the growing demands for food, agricultural production has become a matter of great
concern for all the countries. For increasing the agricultural product, agrochemicals have been used tremendously. Widespread
use of these agrochemicals cause great harm to the soil health and make the soil unproductive in the long run. To overcome the
problems, research is going on to search non-hazardous alternatives against the agrochemicals. Biosurfactant is a surface active
microbial metabolite and belongs to various classes including glycolipids, lipopeptides, fatty acids, phospholipids, neutral lipids
and lipopolysaccharides. Th e unique properties of biosurfactant have recently attracted the attention of industries to become
a possible replacement to the synthetic chemical pesticides. Biosurfactant has aspecial advantage over the chemicals being
used as they are less toxic, highly biodegradable and exhibit better environmental compatibility. Keeping this in mind, a study
was undertaken to explore the prospective application of biosurfactant isolated from native bacterial strains as an antifungal
agent against some plant pathogenic fungi. For that, a range of bacteria were isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated soil
and screened for the ability to produce biosurfactant. Th e effi cacy of the produced biosurfactants was tested in vitro as well as
in planta against some important fungal plant pathogens. Results revealed that the biosurfactant produced by the bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain JS29 could effi ciently control the plant pathogen Colletotrichum capsici, the causal organism of
anthracnose diseases of chili and Alternaria solani, the causal organism of early blight in Tomato; P. aeruginosa strain DS9 could
control Fusarium sacchari, the causal organism of Pokkah boeng disease of sugarcane and Colletotrichum falcatum, the causal
organism of red rot of sugarcane and P. aeruginosa strain SS14 could control Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi,causal organism
of Fusarium wilt of pea and Fusarium verticillioides, causal organism of stalk and ear rot of maize. Th e biosurfactants were
identifi ed as rhamnolipids. Th e rhamnolipids produced by the bacterial strains could be used to control the causal organisms
of the diseases effi ciently, which could lead to the development of an alternative, ecofriendly, cost eff ective and viable biopesticide
against these plant pathogenic fungi.
Keynote Forum
Anton Sulima
All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia
Keynote: The pea (Pisum sativum L) selectivity towards nitrogen-fi xing microsymbiont caused by receptorlike kinase gene LykX
Time : 14:00-14:30
Biography:
Anton Sulima is currently a PhD student in All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia. His scientifi c interests lie in the fi eld of initial stages
of legume-rhizobial symbiosis and recognition of symbiotic partners. He has been a co-author of several papers published in reputed journals and has participated
in a number of international conferences.
Abstract:
Specifi city of the symbiosis between legume plants and nodule bacteria (rhizobia) is based on ligand-receptor interactions,
during which the bacterial signal molecules (Nod-factors) are recognized by plant receptor kinases. Within the pea species,
several genotypes originating from Middle East are diff erent in their ability to perceive the Nod-factor structure, which results
in their increased selectivity for bacterial symbionts. Th is trait is controlled by plant gene Sym2 with unknown function.
We have identifi ed a new pea gene LykX which encodes a receptor-like kinase potentially capable of binding Nod-factor.
Th ere are two specifi c alleles of LykX leading to amino acid substitutions in corresponding protein which correlate with the
high selectivity in legume-rhizobial symbiosis. Th us, LykX is currently considered the most likely candidate for the Sym2.
For a further description of the role of LykX in symbiosis we performed the TILLING analysis on pea mutant collection (in
collaboration with Dr. Marion Dalmais, INRA-URGV, France). 8 mutant families with mutations presumably disrupting the
function of LykX protein (according to the in silico prediction; SIFT program) were identifi ed. Plants in each family have shown
the decreased number of nodules along with signifi cantly increased number of infection attempts. To decisively confi rm the
role of LykX, we intend to conduct the allelism test between mutant LykX alleles and wild Sym2 varieties.
Keynote Forum
Vladimir Kuzmich Chebotar
All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia
Keynote: Bacterial endophytes of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) as benefi cial partners for the effective plantmicrobial systems
Time : 12:50-13:20
Biography:
Vladimir Kuzmich Chebotar has completed his PhD from All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology. He is presently a Senior Researcher and
Head of the Lab of Microbial Technology, All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology. He has published more than 45 papers in reputed journals, 5
monographs and has been serving as Reviewer in a few international journals.
Abstract:
The strategy of symbiotic (cooperative) adaptations is at least as common, if not more common, in the living nature as that of
individual (autobiotic) adaptations. However, few plants have been studied in respect of their interaction with endophytic
microorganisms. Endophytic bacteria are present in all tissues and organs of grapevine but their numbers increase from shoots
to roots. B. pumilus and B. cereus have been found both in fl owers and in other parts of grapevine plants. During our study
the culturable strains of bacteria inhabiting the endosphere of grapevine cuttings of four cultivars have been isolated and
their physiological and benefi cial properties were identifi ed and characterized. Colonization process and localization sites of
introduced dsRed-labeled strain in the endosphere of grapevine have been studied using confocal scanning laser microscopy.
Th e taxonomic diversity of microorganisms isolated from the inner tissues of grapevine (four cultivars) was identifi ed based on
the analysis of the 16S rRNA gene fragments. A characteristic feature of bacterial populations of grapevine of diff erent cultivars
and diff erent geographical origin was the presence of bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus. As a result of transformation of
several promising strains of endophytic bacteria, DsRED+phenotypes were obtained. Th eir introduction into the vegetative
parts of grapevine plants made it possible to reveal its endophytic localization of DsRED labeled pseudomonads in the vascular
tissue of the plants. Endophytic bacteria were localized in pitted vessels of grapevine shoots, single cells or in small groups.
Th e strain was mobile and could move and circulate in the vessels. So, isolated endophytic bacterial strains show biocontrol
and phytostimulating activity and may colonize internal tissues of grapevine. Th e inoculation of grapevine cuttings with these
strains before rooting may provide the plants with endophytic PGP microorganisms.
- Workshop
Chair
Vladimir Kuzmich Chebotar
All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia
Co-Chair
Dr.Provorov Nikolai
Deputy Director in research of All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology
Session Introduction
Vladimir A Zhukov
All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia
Title: Molecular evolution of paralogous symbiotic receptor kinase genes in pea (Pisum sativum L)
Time : 11:20-11:50
Biography:
Vladimir A Zhukov was graduated from Saint-Petersburg State University, Faculty of Biology, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (St. Petersburg, Russia)
and then completed his PhD at from Saint-Petersburg State University (St. Petersburg, Russia). He has worked at Aarhus University (Aarhus, Denmark) and
in CNRS (Gif-sur-Yvette, France) within the frame of joint international projects devoted to studying the genetic bases of benefi cial plant-microbe interactions.
Presently he works as the Head of the Laboratory in All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology (St. Petersburg, Russia). He has published more
than 20 papers in reputed Russian and international scientifi c journals.
Abstract:
In the course of interactions between legume plants and nodule bacteria, the signal molecules excreted by bacteria (Nod
factors) are specifi cally perceived by plant receptor kinases. In pea, 3 paralogous genes (Sym37, K1 and LykX) encoding
receptor kinases probably binding Nod factors are located in cluster on LG I of pea and mutations in any of these genes hamper
bacteria penetration into the plant root. In this work, the fragments of 1st exons of the genes Sym37, K1 and LykX encoding
the receptor parts of the corresponding proteins were sequenced and analyzed in 99 pea genotypes that represent virtually all
the diversity within the genus Pisum. Th e Sym37 gene sequence, according to the McDonald-Kreitman test, underwent the
pressure of positive (directional) selection. Th e K1 gene sequence possesses multiple polymorphic sites, suggesting that the
positive selection acts in favor of several allelic states of the gene. Th e sequence of the third receptor gene (LykX) possesses
the site, which seems to be critical for the functioning of the encoded protein; this site was found to be under the signifi cant
negative selection pressure. Th e assumption that these paralogous genes were diff erentiated for realization of the diverse
functions is reinforced by the results obtained. In general, the data obtained provide insights on the evolution and functioning
of symbiotic systems formed by leguminous plants.
Jacobus Johannes Marion Meyer
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Title: The role of plant growth promoting microbes in the maintenance of the mysterious fairy circles of Namibia
Time : 11:50-12:20
Biography:
Jacobus Johannes Marion Meyer is a Professor of Medicinal Plant Science at University of Pretoria, South Africa. He collaborates with several international
institutions, including the ITMO St Petersburg University.
Abstract:
The cause and maintenance of the hundreds of thousands of fairy circles in the Namibian pro-desert have not yet been
satisfactorily explained. Several diverse hypotheses have been put forward, but none have universally been accepted. We
previously found the ‘chemical footprints’ of toxic Euphorbia plants with GCMS analysis in nearly all the fairy circles of the
Garub region of Namibia. Th is implies that these toxic Euphorbia species were present, where there are fairy circles today. In
our search for the mechanism by which these toxic plants cause and maintain the fairy circles, we found that the E. damarana
extract has extremely low MIC values against plant growth promoting bacteria isolated from the ‘healthy’ soil from outside the
fairy circles. Th is indicates that the grasses will not have the benefi ts of plant growth promoting organisms when colonizing areas
where Euphorbia species have died in the harsh conditions of the Namib Desert. Th e MIC values of this extract were also found
to be very low against several human pathogenic bacteria. Pot experiments have shown that an inoculum of the rhizosphere
from grasses growing outside the fairy circles could reverse the negative eff ect of the fairy circle soil. Th is study supports the
hypothesis that the fairy circles are caused by Euphorbia spp. and maintained by the lack of plant growth promoting organisms.
Tatiana V Matveeva
St. Petersburg State University, Russia
Title: Biodiversity of naturally transgenic Linaria plants
Time : 12:20-12:50
Biography:
Tatiana V Matveeva has completed her PhD and Postdoctoral studies from the Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, Russia. She is a Doctor of
Biological Science, presently working as a Professor of the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology at St. Petersburg State University,
Russia. She is also a Member of the Vavilov Society of Geneticists and Breeders and Member of Russian Society of Biotechnologists.
Abstract:
Most genetic engineering of plants uses Agrobacterium mediated transformation to introduce novel gene content. In nature,
insertion of T-DNA in the plant genome and its subsequent transfer via sexual reproduction has been shown in several
species in the genera Nicotiana, Ipomea and Linaria. Th ey are called naturally transgenic plant. A sequence homologous to the
T-DNA of the Ri plasmid of Agrobacterium rhizogenes was found in the genome of untransformed Nicotiana glauca about 30
years ago and was named “cellular T-DNA” (cT-DNA). A similar cT-DNA has also been found in other species of the genus
Nicotiana. In our study T-DNA-like sequences has been detected and characterized in diff erent Linaria species, belonging to
two sections Linaria and Speciosa. In all characterized Linaria species the cT-DNA is present in two copies and organized as
a tandem imperfect direct repeat and contained the same T-DNA oncogenes and the mis gene, however there are diff erent
mutations inside the T-DNA in the investigated forms. Linaria species are medicinal transgenic plants that people used for
ages. Characterization of structure of T-DNA in close species of naturally transgenic plants is important, since they could be
good model system for study of delayed environmental risks of GMO.
Suresh Deka
Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, India
Title: Application of biosurfactant for general welfare of economically important crops with special reference to management of phytopathogenic fungi
Time : 12:50-13:20
Biography:
Suresh Deka has completed his PhD in Microbial Ecology from Guwahati University in 1991 and has more than 25 years of research experience in the fi elds
of hydrocarbon degradation, bioremediation, biosurfactant and plant diseases control. He is currently working as a Professor in the Institute of Advanced Study
in Science and Technology (IASST), India. He has more than 100 publications/presentations, fi led 4 patents and produced 7 PhD. He was awarded overseas
Associateship by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India during the year 2006-2007 and carried out Research on Biosurfactant in University of
Ulster. He has completed several research projects funded by different central governmental agencies as Principal Investigator.
Abstract:
The human population in the globe is increasing day by day. However, the land for the agriculture is decreasing with the
increasing human population. To meet the growing demands for food, agricultural production has become a matter of great
concern for all the countries. For increasing the agricultural product, agrochemicals have been used tremendously. Widespread
use of these agrochemicals cause great harm to the soil health and make the soil unproductive in the long run. To overcome the
problems, research is going on to search non-hazardous alternatives against the agrochemicals. Biosurfactant is a surface active
microbial metabolite and belongs to various classes including glycolipids, lipopeptides, fatty acids, phospholipids, neutral lipids
and lipopolysaccharides. Th e unique properties of biosurfactant have recently attracted the attention of industries to become
a possible replacement to the synthetic chemical pesticides. Biosurfactant has aspecial advantage over the chemicals being
used as they are less toxic, highly biodegradable and exhibit better environmental compatibility. Keeping this in mind, a study
was undertaken to explore the prospective application of biosurfactant isolated from native bacterial strains as an antifungal
agent against some plant pathogenic fungi. For that, a range of bacteria were isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated soil
and screened for the ability to produce biosurfactant. Th e effi cacy of the produced biosurfactants was tested in vitro as well as
in planta against some important fungal plant pathogens. Results revealed that the biosurfactant produced by the bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain JS29 could effi ciently control the plant pathogen Colletotrichum capsici, the causal organism of
anthracnose diseases of chili and Alternaria solani, the causal organism of early blight in Tomato; P. aeruginosa strain DS9 could
control Fusarium sacchari, the causal organism of Pokkah boeng disease of sugarcane and Colletotrichum falcatum, the causal
organism of red rot of sugarcane and P. aeruginosa strain SS14 could control Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi,causal organism
of Fusarium wilt of pea and Fusarium verticillioides, causal organism of stalk and ear rot of maize. Th e biosurfactants were
identifi ed as rhamnolipids. Th e rhamnolipids produced by the bacterial strains could be used to control the causal organisms
of the diseases effi ciently, which could lead to the development of an alternative, ecofriendly, cost eff ective and viable biopesticide
against these plant pathogenic fungi.
Anton Sulima
All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia
Title: The pea (Pisum sativum L) selectivity towards nitrogen-fi xing microsymbiont caused by receptorlike kinase gene LykX
Time : 14:00-14:30
Biography:
Anton Sulima is currently a PhD student in All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia. His scientifi c interests lie in the fi eld of initial stages
of legume-rhizobial symbiosis and recognition of symbiotic partners. He has been a co-author of several papers published in reputed journals and has participated
in a number of international conferences.
Abstract:
Specifi city of the symbiosis between legume plants and nodule bacteria (rhizobia) is based on ligand-receptor interactions,
during which the bacterial signal molecules (Nod-factors) are recognized by plant receptor kinases. Within the pea species,
several genotypes originating from Middle East are diff erent in their ability to perceive the Nod-factor structure, which results
in their increased selectivity for bacterial symbionts. Th is trait is controlled by plant gene Sym2 with unknown function.
We have identifi ed a new pea gene LykX which encodes a receptor-like kinase potentially capable of binding Nod-factor.
Th ere are two specifi c alleles of LykX leading to amino acid substitutions in corresponding protein which correlate with the
high selectivity in legume-rhizobial symbiosis. Th us, LykX is currently considered the most likely candidate for the Sym2.
For a further description of the role of LykX in symbiosis we performed the TILLING analysis on pea mutant collection (in
collaboration with Dr. Marion Dalmais, INRA-URGV, France). 8 mutant families with mutations presumably disrupting the
function of LykX protein (according to the in silico prediction; SIFT program) were identifi ed. Plants in each family have shown
the decreased number of nodules along with signifi cantly increased number of infection attempts. To decisively confi rm the
role of LykX, we intend to conduct the allelism test between mutant LykX alleles and wild Sym2 varieties.
Vladimir Kuzmich Chebotar
All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, Russia
Title: Bacterial endophytes of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) as benefi cial partners for the effective plantmicrobial systems
Time : 15:00-15:30
Biography:
Vladimir Kuzmich Chebotar has completed his PhD from All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology. He is presently a Senior Researcher and
Head of the Lab of Microbial Technology, All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology. He has published more than 45 papers in reputed journals, 5
monographs and has been serving as Reviewer in a few international journals.
Abstract:
The strategy of symbiotic (cooperative) adaptations is at least as common, if not more common, in the living nature as that of
individual (autobiotic) adaptations. However, few plants have been studied in respect of their interaction with endophytic
microorganisms. Endophytic bacteria are present in all tissues and organs of grapevine but their numbers increase from shoots
to roots. B. pumilus and B. cereus have been found both in fl owers and in other parts of grapevine plants. During our study
the culturable strains of bacteria inhabiting the endosphere of grapevine cuttings of four cultivars have been isolated and
their physiological and benefi cial properties were identifi ed and characterized. Colonization process and localization sites of
introduced dsRed-labeled strain in the endosphere of grapevine have been studied using confocal scanning laser microscopy.
Th e taxonomic diversity of microorganisms isolated from the inner tissues of grapevine (four cultivars) was identifi ed based on
the analysis of the 16S rRNA gene fragments. A characteristic feature of bacterial populations of grapevine of diff erent cultivars
and diff erent geographical origin was the presence of bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus. As a result of transformation of
several promising strains of endophytic bacteria, DsRED+phenotypes were obtained. Th eir introduction into the vegetative
parts of grapevine plants made it possible to reveal its endophytic localization of DsRED labeled pseudomonads in the vascular
tissue of the plants. Endophytic bacteria were localized in pitted vessels of grapevine shoots, single cells or in small groups.
Th e strain was mobile and could move and circulate in the vessels. So, isolated endophytic bacterial strains show biocontrol
and phytostimulating activity and may colonize internal tissues of grapevine. Th e inoculation of grapevine cuttings with these
strains before rooting may provide the plants with endophytic PGP microorganisms.