Control of Toxic Endophytic Fungi with Bacterial Endophytes and Regulation of Bacterial Metabolites for Novel Uses in Food Safety

1. Determine the potential and genetic mechanisms involved in horizontal gene transfer from Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria to a plant friendly Gram-positive bacterial endophyte Bacillus mojavensis affecting its use as a desirable biocontrol potential. 2. Determine the diversity, evolution, and function of bacterial endophytes in cornfield environments and their impact on the metabolic activity of Fusarium verticillioides, including the production of mycotoxins as well as the detoxification/inactivation of xenobiotic compounds. 3. Determine how the biocontrol organisms can be effectively utilized to prevent the accumulation of the fumonisins; specifically the enhancement of plant defense strategies and production of the antifungal agent surfactin by Bacillus mojavensis.