Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 Isolated from Mexican Chili Powder Reveals Growth Inhibition of Phytopathogenic Fungi

Kosakonia cowanii strain Ch1 was isolated from Mexican chili powder, and the genome sequenced. The 4,765,544 bp in length, with an average G + C content of 56.22%, a plasmid (pCh1) 128,063 52.50%. A phylogenetic analysis revealed close relation pathogenic strains; nevertheless, some virulence-related genes were absent, this genetic characteristic may explain fact that K. behaved as non-pathogenic when infection assays performed on leaves fruits Capsicum annuum L. Surprisingly, we observed bacterial had ability to spread throughout serrano pepper seeds. Furthermore, evaluated for production volatile organic compounds (VOCs) against fungal pathogens, results showed Alternaria alternata Sclerotium rolfsii inhibited radial mycelial growth assay by mean rate 70% 64%, while Fusarium oxysporum only approximately 10%. Based headspace solid-phase microextraction combined gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), 67 potential VOCs identified during fermentation TSA medium. From these VOCs, nine main based relative peak area: dodecanoic acid; 3-hydroxy ethanol; 1-butanol-3-methyl; acetaldehyde; butanoic acid, butyl ester; cyclodecane; 2-butanone, 3-hydroxy; disulfide, dimethyl pyrazine-2,5-dimethyl. Our findings show biocontrol pathogens through reveal additional abilities metabolic features beneficial specie.