Genetic Variability of the 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate (EPSP) Synthase Gene in Round-Up™ Resistant Soil Bacteria

Global use of Round-up™ has had a profound effect on agricultural systems. While there is a clear challenge with the emergence of resistant weeds, less emphasis has been placed on its impacts regarding the soil ecosystem. In this study, we sought to identify glyphosate resistance in two specific soil bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea. To accomplish this purpose, selective media and colony PCR were used to isolate and identify colonies with glyphosate resistance. The presence of glyphosate resistance in soil bacteria was verified, and continuing work is being done to analyze sequence data that may lead to a better biochemical understanding of how resistance to glyphosate is achieved in various soil microorganisms