First Isolation and Identification of Agriphages in Vegetable Crops in West Africa (Côte d’Ivore): Potential Uses of Biocontrol in Plants

Agriphages or bacterial viruses are ubiquitous in the environment. The discovery of virulent phages against phytobacteria improves crop growth and proposes biopesticide uses for plant diseases. In Africa, many phytobacteria like Ralstonia, Clavibacter, and Xanthomonas were reported in several regions. The study aims to evaluate the presence of agriphages for the biocontrol of phytobacteria in Côte d'Ivoire. Leaves and soil samples were collected from healthy and diseased plants, and in three sites located in Anyama, Abidjan, and Bingerville. The pretreatments occur with sterile and physiological water for leaves and soil samples respectively. The isolation of agriphages was done on specific media with Xanthomonas campestris as bacterial host. Lytic activity was tested on agar media for five bacteria strains. After DNA extraction using the Qiagen method kit, molecular confirmation of agriphages was done by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-PCR. From this study, five (5) agriphages were isolated in soil and leaves in site 2. These agriphages have all been isolated from Xanthomonas campestris and have a broad spectrum of lytic activity. Molecular characterization by RAPD-PCR showed that three of these agriphages are DNA phages. The dendrogram showed that phages ΦXanS1, ΦXanS2 have 93% similarities. While ΦXanS1 and ΦXanS2 are 62% similar to ΦXanF1. This study is the first reported agriphages in West Africa and their potential uses against phytobacteria for biocontrol infection in crops.   &nbsp

First Isolation and Identification of Agriphages in Vegetable Crops in West Africa (Côte d’Ivore): Potential Uses of Biocontrol in Plants

Agriphages or bacterial viruses are ubiquitous in the environment. The discovery of virulent phages against phytobacteria improves crop growth and proposes biopesticide uses for plant diseases. In Africa, many phytobacteria like Ralstonia, Clavibacter, and Xanthomonas were reported in several regions. The study aims to evaluate the presence of agriphages for the biocontrol of phytobacteria in Côte d'Ivoire. Leaves and soil samples were collected from healthy and diseased plants, and in three sites located in Anyama, Abidjan, and Bingerville. The pretreatments occur with sterile and physiological water for leaves and soil samples respectively. The isolation of agriphages was done on specific media with Xanthomonas campestris as bacterial host. Lytic activity was tested on agar media for five bacteria strains. After DNA extraction using the Qiagen method kit, molecular confirmation of agriphages was done by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-PCR. From this study, five (5) agriphages were isolated in soil and leaves in site 2. These agriphages have all been isolated from Xanthomonas campestris and have a broad spectrum of lytic activity. Molecular characterization by RAPD-PCR showed that three of these agriphages are DNA phages. The dendrogram showed that phages ΦXanS1, ΦXanS2 have 93% similarities. While ΦXanS1 and ΦXanS2 are 62% similar to ΦXanF1. This study is the first reported agriphages in West Africa and their potential uses against phytobacteria for biocontrol infection in crops.   &nbsp

Complete genome sequence of Escherichia coli Siphophage BRET

The lytic Escherichia coli siphophage BRET was isolated from a chicken obtained at a local market in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Its linear genome sequence consists of 59,550 bp (43.4% GC content) and contains 88 predicted genes, including 4 involved in archaeosine biosynthesis. Phage BRET is related (95% nucleotide identity) to Enterobacteria phage JenK

Combined Proteotranscriptomic-Based Strategy to Discover Novel Antimicrobial Peptides from Cone Snails

International audienceDespite their impressive diversity and already broad therapeutic applications, cone snail venoms have received less attention as a natural source in the investigation of antimicrobial peptides than other venomous animals such as scorpions, spiders, or snakes. Cone snails are among the largest genera (Conus sp.) of marine invertebrates, with more than seven hundred species described to date. These predatory mollusks use their sophisticated venom apparatus to capture prey or defend themselves. In-depth studies of these venoms have unraveled many biologically active peptides with pharmacological properties of interest in the field of pain management, the treatment of epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiac ischemia. Considering sequencing efficiency and affordability, cone snail venom gland transcriptome analyses could allow the discovery of new, promising antimicrobial peptides. We first present here the need for novel compounds like antimicrobial peptides as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics. Secondly, we review the current knowledge on cone snails as a source of antimicrobial peptides. Then, we present the current state of the art in analytical methods applied to crude or milked venom followed by how antibacterial activity assay can be implemented for fostering cone snail antimicrobial peptides studies. We also propose a new innovative profile Hidden Markov model-based approach to annotate full venom gland transcriptomes and speed up the discovery of potentially active peptides from cone snails