Bacteria intrinsic to Medicago sativa (alfalfa) reduce Salmonella enterica growth in planta.

This article investigates the potential of plant-associated bacteria (PAB) to reduce Salmonella enterica colonization on alfalfa sprouts, aiming to improve food safety. Researchers isolated and characterized PAB from alfalfa seeds and sprouts, identifying strains from the genera Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Priestia that can grow in planta without harming the plant. A cocktail of five such bacteria, including Pantoea sp. JV6 and RG18, Priestia sp. JV24, Pseudomonas sp. RG1, and Pseudomonas putida KT2440, was shown to reduce Salmonella Typhimurium growth on alfalfa sprouts by approximately 3 log CFU g⁻¹ over six days, while also promoting plant biomass. The study suggests that these naturally occurring PAB could be integrated with existing seed decontamination and post-harvest strategies as part of a hurdle approach to enhance the microbial safety of fresh sprouts.