Investigating the Biocontrol Potential of the Natural Microbiota of the Apple Blossom

Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of fire blight, leads to important economic losses of apple and pear crops worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the resident microbiota of the apple blossom in combatting plant disease-causing organisms, with a focus on controlling fire blight. We obtained 538 isolates from sites around Canton Zurich, which we tested for activity against Pectobacterium carotovorum and E. amylovora. We also evaluated the isolates' activity against oomycete and fungal pathogens. Nine isolates showed activity against P. carotovorum, and eight of these against E. amylovora. Furthermore, 117 showed antifungal, and 161 anti-oomycete, activity. We assigned genera and in some cases species to 238 of the isolates by sequencing their 16S RNA-encoding gene. Five strains showed activity against all pathogens and were tested in a detached apple model for anti-E. amylovora activity. Of these five strains, two were able to antagonize E. amylovora, namely Bacillus velezensis #124 and Pantoea agglomerans #378. We sequenced the P. agglomerans #378 genome and analyzed it for secondary metabolite clusters using antiSMASH, revealing the presence of a putative bacteriocin cluster. We also showed that B. velezensis #124 exhibits strong activity against three different fungi and two oomycetes in vitro, suggesting a broader capacity for biocontrol. Our results showcase the protective potential of the natural apple blossom microbiota. We isolated two candidate biocontrol strains from apple blossoms, suggesting that they might persist at the most common entry point for the causative agent of fire blight. Furthermore, they are probably already part of the human diet, suggesting they might be safe for consumption, and thus are promising candidates for biocontrol applications.