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Title: Transformation of Bacillus mojavensis with GFP and its endophytic localization

Author
item Olubajo, Babatunde
item Bacon, Charles

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2006
Publication Date: 7/29/2006
Citation: Olubajo, B.A., Bacon, C.W. 2006. Transformation of Bacillus mojavensis with GFP and its endophytic localization [abstract]. Phytopathology 96:S87.

Interpretive Summary: Abstract - no summary required.

Technical Abstract: Current studies on the use of bacterial endophytes for disease control and mycotoxin reduction in maize require the in planta localization and interaction of the intended biocontrol agent. Bacillus mojavensis, an endophytic species that has a phenotypic similarity to B. subtilis, has the potential for use as an endophytic biocontrol agent in maize. Very little information is available on the extent of maize colonization and growth patterns of bacterial endophytes in plants. To understand the interaction between B. mojavensis and maize, several strains of the bacterium were transformed with the genes for different Green Fluorescent Proteins (GFP) in order to study this species growth and colonization of maize. PSG1154, PSG1156, PSG1192, PSG1193, PICFP and PIYFP were used to transform B. mojavensis strains using modified transformation protocols. Transformations were verified by microscopy and amylase deficiency, based on incorporation of plasmids through recombination with the amylase gene. Furthermore, the in planta expression was measured in maize seedling roots. To our knowledge this is the first report for the first successful transformation of this species with reporter genes.