Use of the genetically engineered Agrobacterium strain K1026 for biological control of crown gall

Strain KS4 of Agrobacterium (formerly called A. radiobacter) has been a successful biocontrol agent of crown gall disease for almost 30 years all over the world. In spite of its demonstrated efficiency, the most important risk of failure when using strain K84 is the possibility of transfer of plasmid pAgK84 to pathogenic Agrobacterium strains. pAgK84 codifies production of and immunity to agrocin 84, the main factor involved in crown gall biocontrol by strain K84. Then, a second generation of strain K84 was obtained and the genetically engineered strain was called K1026, It contains a deletion in the transfer region of pAgK84. To date, a considerable number of studies have been performed to compare both strains in its ability to control crown gall, plasmid transfer, antibiotic production, root colonization and survival in the rhizosphere. The aim of this review is to discuss all this comparative available information which advises that strain K1026 should be used as a biopesticide to safeguard biocontrol of crown gall wherever strain K84 is employed.