Author:
Carlos Caicedo Juan,Villamizar Sonia
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication system quorum sensing (QS) denotes the ability of bacteria to track the population density, in order to coordinate its phenotypic traits to successfully establish and thrive in new ecological niches. Different citrus phytopathogenic bacteria such as: Xanthomonas citri spp. citri, Xillela fastidiosa and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae regulate several pathogenicity factors through well-established quorum sensing DSF (Diffusible Signal Factor) and AHL (AcylHomoserine Lactone) pathways. The goal of this chapter is to review exophytic and endophytic bacteria able to disrupt quorum sensing communication system in these bacteria in order to reduce the symptomatology of citrus canker, citrus variegated chlorosis and citrus blast. The quorum quenching of phytopathogen bacteria could afford new tools for disease control, thus reducing the overuse of antimicrobial drug and decrease its environmental accumulation, thus relieving the selection pressure of resistant bacterial populations.