Biology subjects

Capar, U.

Publications and source records attributed to Capar, U..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Multidimensional Characterization of Novel Phage UCB24 Targeting Erwinia amylovora

This study evaluates the novel bacteriophage UCB24 as an eco-friendly biocontrol agent against Erwinia amylovora, the bacterial pathogen responsible for fire blight. Following purification, UCB24 was characterized for its optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI), infection kinetics, and environmental stability across diverse pH and temperature ranges. Microtitration assays and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed distinct morphology of the phage and its potent capacity to disrupt E. amylovora biofilms. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic profiling identified UCB24 as a genetically distinct relative of four known phages. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction analyses revealed a strong binding affinity between the phage lysin and the hosts N-acetylmuramic-acid 6-phosphate etherase, uncovering the precise molecular mechanism driving targeted host destruction. In vivo plant trials demonstrated exceptional protective efficacy in Apple cv. Gala (88.61%) and Quince cv. Esme (81.37%), significantly outperforming traditional copper treatments under severe baseline pathogen pressure. Consequently, UCB24 represents a highly effective and sustainable biopesticide for managing fire blight in susceptible orchard ecosystems.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

Integrative Genomic and Metabolomic Analysis of Terribacillus aidigensis KB25 Highlights Its Antifungal Activity against Phytophthora infestans and Adaptive Responses to Salt Stress

This study characterizes Terribacillus aidigensis strain KB25, a novel halotolerant isolate from a thermal spring, exhibiting potent antifungal activity against the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Whole-genome sequencing and electron microscopy revealed significant physiological adaptations to salt stress and a rich genomic repertoire encoding secondary metabolites. Metabolomic profiling of the bacteria-fungus interaction demonstrated upregulated cofactor biosynthesis and energy metabolism, specifically identifying antimicrobial terpene derivatives as key inhibitory agents. Complementary molecular docking studies provided mechanistic insights, predicting high-affinity binding between bacterial sporulenol and the P. infestans RxLR effector. Notably, the analysis indicated a strong structural interaction between the bacterial ABC-type proline/glycine betaine permease and the glutamate receptor, suggesting a mechanism for mediating plant stress tolerance. These findings validate the dual efficacy of KB25 which indicates direct pathogen suppression via bioactive metabolite secretion and the potential modulation of host stress signalling. Integrated genomic-metabolomic analysis was also proved our findings. Consequently, T. aidigensis KB25 represents a promising, sustainable biocontrol agent for managing late blight, particularly within saline agro-ecosystems. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=103 SRC="FIGDIR/small/704535v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (61K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@fc50d6org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@11f3a1dorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12051c7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@d8e16b_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

The Specific Genetic Markers to Diagnose Xanthomonads Infecting Pepper and Tomato Plants

We have improved a marker system to examine the genetic diversity in Xanthomonads species by using whole genome sequence analysis and repetitive regions in the bacterial genome. Specifically, we amplified microsatellite regions using PCR, and the resulting fragments were digested with specific enzymes. These fragment profiles served as molecular markers. Consequently, a more precise marker for bacterial identification was developed by combining the microsatellite and RFLP methods to differentiate Xanthomonads species. In Addition, we analysed the ancestral ordering of various Xanthomonas species genomes available in NCBI using Progressive Mauve Alignment. The data revealed unique collinear regions characteristic of Xanthomonas species. These regions were also associated with cut genomic fragments used as markers, enabling the discrimination of Xanthomonas species infecting tomato and pepper. We propose that these findings contribute to understanding the genetic diversity of Xanthomonas and rapidly diagnosis.

molecular biology↗