Ultraviolet radiation alters maize phyllosphere bacterial diversity

Microb Ecol. 2003 May;45(4):353-61. doi: 10.1007/s00248-002-1065-5. Epub 2003 Apr 28.

Abstract

Epiphytic bacteria are subjected to very stressful environments, including UV radiation. Bacterial assemblages on Zea mays (maize) leaves exposure were examined with and without UV-B radiation. Culture-independent molecular techniques were utilized for bacterial identification, diversity analysis and selection of putative UV exposure marker sequences. Few sequences corresponded to previously characterized phyllosphere bacteria. There was a strong tendency toward increased 16S rDNA sequence diversity in UV samples. Overall community structure was assessed using denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis; significant alterations in community structure were found in comparisons of phyllosphere bacterial samples from control and solar UV-B exposed plants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria* / genetics
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Ecosystem
  • Plant Leaves / microbiology*
  • Population Dynamics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / analysis
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*
  • Zea mays

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S