Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Calvo, Ana M.

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that infects oilseed crops worldwide. When colonizing the plants, it produces mycotoxins, including carcinogenic compounds such as aflatoxins. Mycotoxin contamination results in an important economic and health impact. The design of new strategies to control A. flavus colonization and mycotoxin contamination is paramount. In this study, we identified a promising new isolate of Pseudomonas spp., 20EI1, and observed that it is able to reduce the growth of A. flavus AF70. Furthermore, we determined that this growth inhibition is iron-dependent. To further elucidate the nature of this bacterial-fungus interaction, we performed metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses. In the present study, Pseudomonas 20EI1 reduced or blocked the production of both, aflatoxins and also cyclopiazonic acid. Expression of genes involved in the production of both types of mycotoxins were down-regulated in the presence of the bacteria, in some cases the observed down-regulation was iron-dependent. Our results suggest that Pseudomonas 20EI1 is a promising biocontrol against A. flavus, and provide further insight into this bacterial-fungal interaction.

Extent

55 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS