Temperature-regulated metabolites of Serratia marcescens inhibited reproduction of pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

The pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is an invasive and destructive pathogen in forestry. Serratia marcescens AHPC29 was previously found to have nematicidal activity on B. xylophilus. The effect of AHPC29 growth temperature on B. xylophilus inhibition is unknown. Here we show that AHPC29 cultured at 15 degrees C or 25 degrees C, but not 37 degrees C, inhibited B. xylophilus reproduction. Metabolomic analysis found 31 up-regulated metabolites as potential effective substances in this temperature-related difference, with five of them were tested to be effective in inhibiting B. xylophilus reproduction. Among the five metabolites, salsolinol was further verified in bacterial cultures with effective inhibition concentrations. This study found the inhibition of S. marcescens AHPC29 on B. xylophilus reproduction was temperature regulated and the differently expressed metabolites salsolinol played roles in this temperature- regulated effect, which implies the capability of S. marcescens and its metabolites as promising new agents for the management of B. xylophilus.

Automated summary

This study found that the growth temperature of Serratia marcescens AHPC29 had different effects on the reproduction of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, with inhibition observed at 15 degrees C or 25 degrees C, but not at 37 degrees C. Metabolomic analysis identified several potential effective substances, including salsolinol, which was verified to have inhibitory effects on B. xylophilus reproduction. These findings suggest that S. marcescens and its metabolites have promising potential as new agents for the management of B. xylophilus.