Population dynamics and antagonistic potential of enterococci colonising the phyllosphere of grasses

Autor: OTT, E.M.; MÜLLER, T.; MÜLLER, M.; FRANZ, C.M.A.P.; ULRICH, A.; GABEL, M. UND SEYFARTH, W.
In:

Journal of Applied Microbiology

Bandangabe: 91
Auflage: 1
Seite: 54 - 66
Jahr: 2001

Einordung:
Institut: Professur Ernährungsphysiologie und Tierernährung

Abstract:
AIMS: To investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of enterococci colonizing forage grass and their ability to produce bacteriocins.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Enterococci could be detected on above-ground plant parts throughout the growing season, with high continuity but low cell numbers (2.60 x 101-6.16 x 104 cfu g-1 fresh matter). A total of 750 strains were isolated and identified by their whole-cell protein patterns as Enterococcus faecalis (7.9%), Ent. mundtii (7.9%), Ent. casseliflavus (5.5%), Ent. faecium (5.2%) and Ent. sulfureus (0.1%). The vast majority of the strains (69.7%) formed a homogeneous 16S rDNA genotype that differed from those of known enterococci. A screening for antagonistic activity using an agar spot test revealed that 18.4% of all isolates were potential antagonists. Partially-purified proteins extracted from cell-free culture supernatant fluids of various species were characterized as pH- and heat-stable bacteriocins active against a wide range of lactic acid bacteria, clostridia and Listeria. The producing strains were antagonistically active even on 'phylloplane agar' at temperatures between 4 and 37 degrees C.
CONCLUSION: Enterococci are a common part of the epiphytic microflora of grasses, displaying probably some antagonistic activity.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results provide new information on the distribution, species diversity and antagonistic potential of enterococci in the phyllosphere.

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