Degradation of pathogen quorum-sensing molecules by soil bacteria: a preventive and curative biological control mechanism.

Abstract The plasmid pME6863, carrying the aiiA gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus sp. A24 that encodes a lactonase enzyme able to degrade N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), was introduced into the rhizosphere isolate Pseudomonas fluorescens P3. This strain is not an effective biological control agent against plant pathogens. The transformant P. fluorescens P3/pME6863 acquired the ability to degrade AHLs. In planta, P. fluorescens P3/pME6863 significantly reduced potato soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora and crown gall of tomato caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens to a similar level as Bacillus sp. A24. Little or no disease reduction was observed for the wild-type strain P3 carrying the vector plasmid without aiiA. Suppression of potato soft rot was observed even when the AHL-degrading P. fluorescens P3/pME6863 was applied to tubers 2 days after the pathogen, indicating that biocontrol was not only preventive but also curative. When antagonists were applied individually with the bacterial plant pathogens, biocontrol activity of the AHL degraders was greater than that observed with several Pseudomonas 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol-producing strains and with Pseudomonas chlororaphis PCL1391, which relies on production of phenazine antibiotic for disease suppression. Phenazine production by this well characterized biological control strain P. chlororaphis PCL1391 is regulated by AHL-mediated quorum sensing. When P. chlororaphis PCL1391 was co-inoculated with P. fluorescens P3/pME6863 in a strain mixture, the AHL degrader interfered with the normally excellent ability of the antibiotic producer to suppress tomato vascular wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Our results demonstrate AHL degradation as a novel biocontrol mechanism, but also demonstrate the potential for non-target interactions that can interfere with the biocontrol efficacy of other strains.

Iowa Department of Human Right - Community Action, Agency Performance Plan, 2007

Annual Report, Agency Performance Plan

Affirmative Action in Iowa, September 2007

In accordance with 19B.5 of the Code of Iowa, the 2007 Affirmative Action in Iowa report illustrates the progress made during fiscal year 2007 to balance the State's workforce, the challenges that the State must address and the effort that the Department of Administrative Services must lead in order to remove barriers that limit the hiring, retention and advancement of females, minorities and persons with disabilities in the State's workforce. Highlighted in the report are the State's efforts to improve EEO/AA/Diversity training, coordinating targeted recruitment and partnering with disability organizations. Additionally, the Department of Administrative Services-Human Resources Enterprise outlines its plan to build on its past efforts and implement recommendations to remove barriers in the state selection processes and to improve its affirmative action and auditing processes.

Affirmative Action in Iowa, September 2006

In accordance with 19B.5 of the Code of Iowa, the 2006 Affirmative Action in Iowa report illustrates the progress made during fiscal year 2006 to balance the State's worforce, the challenges that the State must address and the effort that the Department of Administrative Services must lead in order to remove barriers that limit the hiring, retention and advancement of females, minorities and persons with disabilities in the State's workforce. Highlighted in the report are the qualitative achievements made by all departments setting goals for fiscal year 2006. Additionally, the Department of Administrative Services-Human Resources Enterprise outlines its plan to build on its past efforts as well as pursue new initiatives to partner with advocacy groups and reach out to the commuity more directly to enhance State employment opportunities for females, minorities and persons with disabilities.

Affrimative Action Plan in Iowa, September 28, 2007

In with accordance 19B.5 of the Code of Iowa, this item has submitted the fiscal year 2007 Affirmative Action in Iowa report. The report details the progress we have made to balance our workforce in FY 2007. Just as importantly, the plan describes steps to put into practice our continued commitment to increasing diversity in the state’ workforce and details our response to the challenges we face as a result of increased talent competition. The State's renewed emphases on recruitments. along with greater oversight of state agency hiring practices, are key strategies that we must aggressively employ in competing for talent and balancing our workforce.

Iowa Lottery Action, April 2-15, 2007, Vol. 14, no. 7.

Iowa Lottery newsletter for lottery retailers.

Iowa Lottery Action, April 18-29, 2007, vol. 14, no. 7.

Iowa Lottery newsletter for lottery retailers.

Iowa Lottery Action, June 4-17, 2007, vol. 14, no. 11

Iowa Lottery newsletter for lottery retailers.

Iowa Lottery Action, July 23 - Aug. 5, 2007, vol. 14, no. 14

Iowa Lottery newsletter for retailers.

Iowa Lottery Action, Nov. 5-25, 2007, vol. 14, no. 21.

Iowa Lottery newsletter for retailers.

Iowa Lottery Action, Nov. 28 - Dec. 9, 2007, vol. 14, no. 22.

Iowa Lottery retailer newsletter.