Luciano Takeshi Kishi

Evaluation of Xylella fastidiosa genetic diversity by fAFPL markers

The first phytopathogenic bacterium with its DNA entirely sequenced is being detected and isolated from different host plants in several geographic regions. Although it causes diseases in cultures of economic importance, such as citrus, coffee, and grapevine little is known about the genetic relationships among different strains. Actually, all strains are grouped as a single species, Xylella fastidiosa, despite colonizing different hosts, developing symptoms, and different physiological and microbiological observed conditions. The existence of genetic diversity among X. fastidiosa strains was detected by different methodological techniques, since cultural to molecular methods. However, little is know about the phylogenetic relationships developed by Brazilian strains obtained from coffee and citrus plants. In order to evaluate it, fAFLP markers were used to verify genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships developed by Brazilian and strange strains. fAFLP is an efficient technique, with high reproducibility that is currently used for bacterial typing and classification. The obtained results showed that Brazilian strains present genetic diversity and that the strains from this study were grouped distinctly according host and geographical origin like citrus-coffee, temecula-grapevine-mulberry and plum-elm.

Genetic Diversity and Population Differentiation of Guignardia mangiferae from “Tahiti” Acid Lime

Among the citrus plants, “Tahiti” acid lime is known as a host of G. mangiferae fungi. This species is considered endophytic for citrus plants and is easily isolated from asymptomatic fruits and leaves. G. mangiferae is genetically related and sometimes confused with G. citricarpa which causes Citrus Black Spot (CBS). “Tahiti” acid lime is one of the few species that means to be resistant to this disease because it does not present symptoms. Despite the fact that it is commonly found in citric plants, little is known about the populations of G. mangiferae associated with these plants. Hence, the objective of this work was to gain insights about the genetic diversity of the G. mangiferae populations that colonize “Tahiti” acid limes by sequencing cistron ITS1-5.8S-ITS2. It was verified that “Tahiti” acid lime plants are hosts of G. mangiferae and also of G. citricarpa, without presenting symptoms of CBS. Populations of G. mangiferae present low-to-moderate genetic diversity and show little-to-moderate levels of population differentiation. As gene flow was detected among the studied populations and they share haplotypes, it is possible that all populations, from citrus plants and also from the other known hosts of this fungus, belong to one great panmictic population.

Reclassification of the taxonomic status of SEMIA3007 isolated in Mexico B-11A Mex as Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae by bioinformatic tools

BackgroundEvidence based on genomic sequences is extremely important to confirm the phylogenetic relationships within the Rhizobium group. SEMIA3007 was analyzed within the Mesorhizobium groups to define the underlying causes of taxonomic identification. We previously used biochemical tests and phenotypic taxonomic methods to identify bacteria, which can lead to erroneous classification. An improved understanding of bacterial strains such as the Mesorhizobium genus would increase our knowledge of classification and evolution of these species.ResultsIn this study, we sequenced the complete genome of SEMIA3007 and compared it with five other Mesorhizobium and two Rhizobium genomes. The genomes of isolated SEMIA3007 showed several orthologs with M. huakuii, M. erdmanii and M. loti. We identified SEMIA3007 as a Mesorhizobium by comparing the 16S rRNA gene and the complete genome.ConclusionOur ortholog, 16S rRNA gene and average nucleotide identity values (ANI) analysis all demonstrate SEMIA3007 is not Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae. The results of the phylogenetic analysis clearly show SEMIA3007 is part of the Mesorhizobium group and suggest a reclassification is warranted.

Bacterial communities in mining soils and surrounding areas under regeneration process in a former ore mine

Human activities on the Earths surface change the landscape of natural ecosystems. Mining practices are one of the most severe human activities, drastically altering the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil environment. Bacterial communities in soil play an important role in the maintenance of ecological relationships. This work shows bacterial diversity, metabolic repertoire and physiological behavior in five ecosystems samples with different levels of impact. These ecosystems belong to a historical area in Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil, which suffered mining activities until its total depletion without recovery since today. The results revealed Proteobacteria as the most predominant phylum followed by Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, and Bacteroidetes. Soils that have not undergone anthropological actions exhibit an increase ability to degrade carbon sources. The richest soil with the high diversity was found in ecosystems that have suffered anthropogenic action. Our study shows profile of diversity inferring metabolic profile, which may elucidate the mechanisms underlying changes in community structure in situ mining sites in Brazil. Our data comes from contributing to know the bacterial diversity, relationship between these bacteria and can explore strategies for natural bioremediation in mining areas or adjacent areas under regeneration process in iron mining areas.

Soil Microbiome and Their Effects on Nutrient Management for Plants

The soil microbiome is a diverse system composed of microorganisms with different functions. Microorganisms known as plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) can help plants with nutrient uptake and consequently with crop yields. From this class of microorganisms, we can isolate nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB), phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs), and the microbes that are able to produce phytohormones. The use of these microorganisms in improving nutrient uptake by plants has been acceptable because of reduced costs and the safety of application for humans and the environment. It is for this reason that inoculant products have been developed. During the process of inoculant development, it is possible to use molecular biology techniques, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This technique helps with the identification of potential microorganisms adapted for different conditions and crops. Moreover, these microorganisms can be used in degradable areas or as pathogen controls. It is also important to consider the siderophore, which is a biological molecule produced by various bacteria, and which has an immense application in agriculture. Another important symbiosis that occurs is realized by mycorrhizas, which are essential for transferring nutrients and water from the soil to plants.

Draft Genome Sequence of Bradyrhizobium elkanii TnphoA 33, a Producer of Polyhydroxyalkanoates

ABSTRACT The genus Bradyrhizobium comprises bacteria with the ability to form nitrogen-fixing symbioses with legumes. They are of great interest in agriculture, as well as for the production of biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. Here, we report the draft genome assembly of Bradyrhizobium elkanii TnphoA 33 comprising 9 Mb, 1,124 contigs, and 9,418 open reading frames.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Chitinophaga Strain Isolated from a Lignocellulose Biomass-Degrading Consortium.

ABSTRACT Chitinophaga comprises microorganisms capable of degrading plant-derived carbohydrates, serving as a source of new tools for the characterization and degradation of plant biomass. Here, we report the draft genome assembly of a Chitinophaga strain with 8.2 Mbp and 7,173 open reading frames (ORFs), isolated from a bacterial consortium that is able to degrade lignocellulose.