Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophage Active Against Burkholderia glumae

Abstract

Burkholderia glumae, the primary causal agent of Bacterial Panicle Blight (BPB), results in the abortion of infected rice kernels and grain rot that may result in 75% yield loss. The significance of this disease and finding a sustainable control is evident, as rice is the primary food staple in many countries and this disease threatens production worldwide. Presently there are no chemicals registered for protective or therapeutic treatment of rice with BPB in the US, and although some varieties of rice exhibit moderate resistance to BPB, most non-hybrid commercial varieties are still susceptible. The goal of this research was to isolate, characterize and determine the host range of virulent bacteriophages active against B. glumae, which would be the first steps in the possible development of a sustainable bacteriophage based treatment for BPB