Halotolerant bacteria belonging to operational group Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in biocontrol of the rice brown stripe pathogen Acidovorax oryzae

A review on mechanisms and prospects of endophytic bacteria in biocontrol of plant pathogenic fungi and their plant growth-promoting activities

Endophytic bacteria, living inside plants, are competent plant colonizers, capable of enhancing immune responses in plants and establishing a symbiotic relationship with them. Endophytic bacteria are able to control phytopathogenic fungi while exhibiting plant growth-promoting activity. Here, we discussed the mechanisms of phytopathogenic fungi control and plant growth-promoting actions discovered in some major groups of beneficial endophytic bacteria such as Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Pseudomonas. Most of the studied strains in these genera were isolated from the rhizosphere and soils, and a more extensive study of these endophytic bacteria is needed. It is essential to understand the underlying biocontrol and plant growth-promoting mechanisms and to develop an effective screening approach for selecting potential endophytic bacteria for various applications. We have suggested a screening strategy to identify potentially useful endophytic bacteria based on mechanistic phenomena. The discovery of endophytic bacteria with useful biocontrol and plant growth-promoting characteristics is essential for developing sustainable agriculture.

Exploiting the microbiome associated with normal and abnormal sprouting rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed phenotypes through a metabarcoding approach

Rice germination and seedlings' growth are crucial stages that influence crop establishment and productivity. These performances depend on several factors, including the abundance and diversity of seed microbial endophytes. Two popular rainfed rice varieties cultivated in Cameroon, NERICA 3 and NERICA 8, were used for investigating the seed-associated microbiome using the Illumina-based 16 S rRNA gene. Significant differences were observed in terms of richness index between normal and abnormal seedlings developed from sprouting seeds, although no significant species evenness index was assessed within either phenotype. Two hundred ninety-two bacterial amplicon sequence variants were identified in seed microbiome of the rice varieties, and principal coordinate analysis revealed that microbial communities formed two distinct clusters in normal and abnormal seedling phenotypes. Overall, 38 bacteria genera were identified, belonging to 6 main phyla. Furthermore, the core microbiome was defined, and the differential abundance of 28 bacteria genera was assessed. Based on the collected results, putative bacterial genera were directly correlated with the development of normal seedlings. For most genera that are recognised to include beneficial species, such as Brevundimonas, Sphingomonas, Exiguobacterium, Luteibacter, Microbacterium and Streptomyces, a significant increase of their relative abundance was found in normal seedlings. Additionally, in abnormal seedlings, we also observed an increased abundance of the genera Kosakonia and Paenibacillus, which might have controversial aspects (beneficial or pathogenic), together with the presence of some genera (Clostridium sensu stricto) that are commonly correlated to sick plants. The putative functional gene annotation revealed the higher abundance of genes related to the metabolic biosynthesis of soluble carbohydrates and starch, tryptophan, nucleotides and ABC transporters in normal seedlings. Data presented in this study may help in further understanding the importance of the seed endophyte microbiome for driving a correct development of rice plants at the early stages and to identify possible beneficial bacteria for technological applications aimed to increase seed quality and crop productivity.

Cyclic Lipopeptides of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DHA6 Are the Determinants to Suppress Watermelon Fusarium Wilt by Direct Antifungal Activity and Host Defense Modulation

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), poses a serious threat to watermelon productivity. We previously characterized six antagonistic bacterial strains, including DHA6, capable of suppressing watermelon Fusarium wilt under greenhouse conditions. This study investigates the role of extracellular cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) produced by strain DHA6 in Fusarium wilt suppression. Taxonomic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence categorized strain DHA6 as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identified five families of CLPs, i.e., iturin, surfactin, bacillomycin, syringfactin, and pumilacidin, in the culture filtrate of B. amyloliquefaciens DHA6. These CLPs exhibited significant antifungal activity against Fon by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting structural integrity, inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination. Furthermore, pretreatment with CLPs promoted plant growth and suppressed watermelon Fusarium wilt by activating antioxidant enzymes (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase) and triggering genes involved in salicylic acid and jasmonic acid/ethylene signaling in watermelon plants. These results highlight the critical roles of CLPs as determinants for B. amyloliquefaciens DHA6 in suppressing Fusarium wilt through direct antifungal activity and modulation of plant defense responses. This study provides a foundation for developing B. amyloliquefaciens DHA6-based biopesticides, serving as both antimicrobial agents and resistance inducers, to effectively control Fusarium wilt in watermelon and other crops.

Biocontrol Efficacy of Endophyte Pseudomonas poae to Alleviate Fusarium Seedling Blight by Refining the Morpho-Physiological Attributes of Wheat

Some endophyte bacteria can improve plant growth and suppress plant diseases. However, little is known about the potential of endophytes bacteria to promote wheat growth and suppress the Fusarium seedling blight pathogen Fusarium graminearum. This study was conducted to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria and evaluate their efficacy for the plant growth promotion and disease suppression of Fusarium seedling blight (FSB) in wheat. The Pseudomonas poae strain CO showed strong antifungal activity in vitro and under greenhouse conditions against F. graminearum strain PH-1. The cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of P. poae strain CO were able to inhibit the mycelium growth, the number of colonies forming, spore germination, germ tube length, and the mycotoxin production of FSB with an inhibition rate of 87.00, 62.25, 51.33, 69.29, and 71.08%, respectively, with the highest concentration of CFSs. The results indicated that P. poae exhibited multifarious antifungal properties, such as the production of hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores, and lipopeptides. In addition, compared to untreated seeds, wheat plants treated with the strain showed significant growth rates, where root and shoot length increased by about 33% and the weight of fresh roots, fresh shoots, dry roots, and dry shoots by 50%. In addition, the strain produced high levels of indole-3-acetic acid, phosphate solubilization, and nitrogen fixation. Finally, the strain demonstrated strong antagonistic properties as well as a variety of plant growth-promoting properties. Thus, this result suggest that this strain could be used as an alternate to synthetic chemicals, which can serve as an effective method of protecting wheat from fungal infection.

Differential Responses of Bacterial and Fungal Communities to Siderophore Supplementation in Soil Affected by Tobacco Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum)

Siderophores secreted by microorganisms can promote ecological efficiency and could be used to regulate the unbalanced microbial community structure. The influence of the siderophore activity of Trichoderma yunnanense strain 2-14F2 and Beauveria pseudobassiana strain (2-8F2) on the physiological/biochemical functions and community structure of soil microbes affected by tobacco bacterial wilt (TBW) was studied. DNS Colorimetry and Biolog-eco plates were used to quantify the impacts of strain siderophores on soil enzyme activities and microbial metabolism. Based on Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing, the soil 16S rDNA and ITS sequences were amplified to dissect the response characteristics of alpha/beta diversity and the structure/composition of a soil microbial community toward siderophores. The KEGG database was used to perform the PICRUSt functional prediction of the microbial community. We found that siderophores of 2-14F2 and 2-8F2, at certain concentrations, significantly increased the activities of sucrase (S-SC) and urease (S-UE) in the TBW soil and enhanced the average well color development (AWCD, carbon source utilization capacity) of the microbial community. The metabolic capacity of the diseased soil to amino acids, carbohydrates, polymers, aromatics, and carboxylic acids also increased significantly. The response of the bacterial community to siderophore active metabolites was more significant in alpha diversity, while the beta diversity of the fungal community responded more positively to siderophores. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria increased and was accompanied by reductions in Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. LEfSe analysis showed that Pseudonocardiaceae, Gemmatimonas, Castellaniella, Chloridiumand and Acrophialophora altered the most under different concentrations of siderophore active metabolites. The PICRUSt functional prediction results showed that siderophore increased the abundance of the redox-related enzymes of the microbial community in TBW soil. The BugBase phenotypic prediction results showed that the siderophore activity could decrease the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. The study concludes that siderophore activity could decrease the abundance of pathogenic bacteria and regulate the composition of the microbial community in TBW soil. The activities of sucrase (S-SC) and urease (S-UE) in TBW soil were significantly increased. Overall, the siderophore regulation of community structures is a sustainable management strategy for soil ecosystems.

Suppression of Fusarium Wilt in Watermelon by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DHA55 through Extracellular Production of Antifungal Lipopeptides

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum is one of the most devastating fungal diseases affecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.). The present study aimed to identify potent antagonistic bacterial strains with substantial antifungal activity against F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum and to explore their potential for biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in watermelon. Out of 77 isolates from watermelon rhizosphere, six bacterial strains—namely, DHA4, DHA6, DHA10, DHA12, DHA41, and DHA55—exhibited significant antifungal activity against F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum, as well as other phytopathogenic fungi, including Didymella bryoniae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium graminearum, and Rhizoctonia solani. These Gram-positive, rod-shaped, antagonistic bacterial strains were able to produce exo-enzymes (e.g., catalase, protease, and cellulase), siderophore, and indole-3-acetic acid and had the ability to solubilize phosphate. In greenhouse experiments, these antagonistic bacterial strains not only promoted plant growth but also suppressed Fusarium wilt in watermelon. Among these strains, DHA55 was the most effective, achieving the highest disease suppression of 74.9%. Strain DHA55 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens based on physiological, biochemical, and molecular characterization. B. amyloliquefaciens DHA55 produced various antifungal lipopeptides, including iturin, surfactin, and fengycin, that showed significant antifungal activities against F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum. Microscopic observations revealed that B. amyloliquefaciens DHA55 exhibited an inhibitory effect against F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum on the root surface of watermelon plants. These results demonstrate that B. amyloliquefaciens DHA55 can effectively promote plant growth and suppress the development of watermelon Fusarium wilt, providing a promising agent for the biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in watermelon.

Biomining Sesuvium portulacastrum for halotolerant PGPR and endophytes for promotion of salt tolerance in Vigna mungo L

Halophytic plants can tolerate a high level of salinity through several morphological and physiological adaptations along with the presence of salt tolerant rhizo-microbiome. These microbes release phytohormones which aid in alleviating salinity stress and improve nutrient availability. The isolation and identification of such halophilic PGPRs can be useful in developing bio-inoculants for improving the salt tolerance and productivity of non-halophytic plants under saline conditions. In this study, salt-tolerant bacteria with multiple plant growth promoting characteristics were isolated from the rhizosphere of a predominant halophyte, Sesuvium portulacastrum grown in the coastal and paper mill effluent irrigated soils. Among the isolates, nine halotolerant rhizobacterial strains that were able to grow profusely at a salinity level of 5% NaCl were screened. These isolates were found to have multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits, especially 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase activity (0.32-1.18  μM of α-ketobutyrate released mg^-1 of protein h^-1) and indole acetic acid (9.4-22.8  μg mL^-1). The halotolerant PGPR inoculation had the potential to improve salt tolerance in Vigna mungo L. which was reflected in significantly (p < 0.05) higher germination percentage (89%) compared to un-inoculated seeds (65%) under 2% NaCl. Similarly, shoot length (8.9-14.6 cm) and vigor index (792-1785) were also higher in inoculated seeds. The strains compatible with each other were used for the preparation of two bioformulations and these microbial consortia were tested for their efficacy in salt stress alleviation of Vigna mungo L. under pot study. The inoculation improved the photosynthetic rate (12%), chlorophyll content (22%), shoot length (5.7%) and grain yield (33%) in Vigna mungo L. The enzymatic activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase were found to be lower (7.0 and 1.5%, respectively) in inoculated plants. These results revealed that halotolerant PGPR isolated from S. portulacastrum can be a cost-effective and ecologically sustainable method to improve crop productivity under high saline conditions.

Effects of different straw returning amounts and fertilizer conditions on bacteria of rice's different part in rare earth mining area

Pot experiments were conducted to explore the effects of different rice straw returning soil on the community structure and function of bacteria in rice root, rhizosphere, leaf and phyllosphere under 7 conditions of rice straw combined with different fertilizers respectively. The results showed that: rice straw returning in different ways increased the content of soil pH and K, and reduced the accumulation of N, P and organic matter in soil, and different rice straw returning ways had different effects; rice straw returning reduced dry weight of rice grain, 2% of rice straw returning reduced rice grain greater than that of 1% rice straw returning; The reduction of NP combined fertilization is greater than that of NK combined fertilization and NPK combined fertilization. Except for the decrease of chao_1 index in rice root at maturity, rice straw returning significantly improved the abundance, diversity and evenness of bacteria in rice root, rhizosphere, leaf and phyllosphere. Rice straw returning increased the content of REEs in rice, and 2% of rice straw returning soil increased rare earth element (REE) content in rice grain greater than that of 1% rice straw returning soil. Different ways of rice straw returning soil reduced the abundance of Bacillus, while the abundance of Exiguobacterium in rice leaves was hundreds of times higher than that of the control group, and the genus in leaves was dozens of times higher than that of the control group, 2% of rice straw returning soil increased the abundance of harmful bacteria and pathogens of Acidovorax, Clostridium sensu stricto, Citrobacter, Curtobacterium, and 1% of rice straw returning soil promoted the abundance of nitrogen fixing bacteria, plant growth-promoting bacteria, stress resistant bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Azospira, Acinetobacter, Bradyrhizobium and Acidocella; Environmental factors such as available P, organic matter, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, rare earth element content in rice roots, available K and soil moisture are important factors affecting the community structure of bacteria in rice roots, rhizosphere, leaf and phyllosphere at tillering stage of the rice. pH, REE content in rice roots, shoots, organic matter, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and soil moisture content are the main environmental factors affecting the community structure of bacteria in rice roots, rhizosphere, leaf and phyllosphere at maturity stage of rice. 2% rice straw returning soil promoted the formation of harmful bacteria, which may be an important reason for its significant reduction in the dry weight of rice grains.

Assessing the potentials of bacterial antagonists for plant growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and biological control of Southern blight disease in tomato

Southern blight of tomato caused by Sclerotium rolfsii can cause severe plant mortality and yield losses. The use of rhizobacteria for the biological control of Southern blight disease is a potent alternative to chemical fungicides. Although rhizobacteria are prolific candidates, comprehensive reports regarding their use in tomato disease management are limited. The present study screened six rhizobacterial strains for antagonism against S. rolfsii in dual culture and culture filtrate assays. The selected promising strains were tested further for plant-growth-promoting and biocontrol potentials under in vitro, greenhouse, and field conditions. Of the six strains screened, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia PPB3 and Bacillus subtilis PPB9 showed the superior performance displaying the highest antagonism against S. rolfsii in dual culture (PPB3 88% and PPB9 71% inhibition), and culture filtrate assays (PPB3 53–100% and PPB9 54–100% inhibition at various concentrations). Oxalic acid produced by S. rolfsii was significantly inhibited by both rhizobacteria and supported their growth as a carbon source. The strains produced hydrogen cyanide, chitinases, siderophores, biofilm, and indole acetic acid. They showed the potential to solubilize phosphate and fix nitrogen. Seed treatment with S. maltophilia PPB3 and B. subtilis PPB9 improved seed germination and tomato seedling vigour. Significant increases in plant growth, chlorophyll contents, and N, P, and K concentrations were attained in bacterized plants compared to non-treated controls. The application of antagonists on container-grown seedlings in a greenhouse environment and field-grown tomato plants reduced symptoms of damping-off and Southern blight. The sclerotial counts decreased significantly in these soils. Bacteria-inoculated plants had a higher yield than those in the non-treated control. Bacteria colonized the entire roots, and their populations increased significantly in the protected plants. The results show the potential capabilities of S. maltophilia PPB3 and B. subtilis PPB9 for growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and biocontrol of southern blight disease in tomatoes.

Effects of rare earth elements on bacteria in rhizosphere, root, phyllosphere and leaf of soil-rice ecosystem

The effects of rare earth mining on rice biomass, rare earth element (REE) content and bacterial community structure was studied through pot experiment. The research shows that the REE content in rice roots, shoots and grains was significantly positive correlated with that in soil, and the dry weight of rice roots, shoots and grains was highly correlated with soil physical and chemical properties, nutrient elements and REE contents; The exploitation of rare earth minerals inhibited a-diversity of endophytic bacteria in rhizosphere, root, phyllosphere and leaf of rice, significantly reduced the abundance index, OTU number, Chao, Ace index and also significantly reduced the diversity index-Shannon index, and also reduced uniformity index: Pielou's evenness index, which caused β-diversity of bacteria to be quite different. The exploitation of rare earth minerals reduces the diversity of bacteria, but forms dominant bacteria, such as Burkholderia, Bacillus, Buttiauxella, Acinetobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Candida koribacter, which can degrade the pollutants formed by exploitation of rare earth minerals, alleviate the compound pollution of rare earth and ammonia nitrogen, and also has the function of fixing nitrogen and resisting rare earth stress; The content of soil available phosphorus in no-mining area is lower, and the dominant bacteria of Pantoea formed in such soil, which has the function of improving soil phosphorus availability. Rare earth elements and physical and chemical properties of soil affect the community structure of bacteria in rhizosphere and phyllosphere of rice, promote the parallel movement of some bacteria in rhizosphere, root, phyllosphere and leaf of rice, promote the construction of community structure of bacteria in rhizosphere and phyllosphere of rice, give full play to the growth promoting function of Endophytes, and promote the growth of rice. The results showed that the exploitation of rare earth minerals has formed the dominant endophytic bacteria of rice and ensured the yield of rice in the mining area, however, the mining of mineral resources causes the compound pollution of rare earth and ammonia nitrogen, which makes REE content of rice in mining area significantly higher than that in non-mining area, and the excessive rare earth element may enter the human body through the food chain and affect human health, so the food security in the REE mining area deserves more attention.

Functional Analysis and Genome Mining Reveal High Potential of Biocontrol and Plant Growth Promotion in Nodule-Inhabiting Bacteria Within Paenibacillus polymyxa Complex

Bacteria belonging to the genus Paenibacillus were frequently isolated from legume nodules. The nodule-inhabiting Paenibacillus as a resource of biocontrol and plant growth-promoting endophytes has rarely been explored. This study explored the nodule-inhabiting Paenibacillus' antifungal activities and biocontrol potentials against broad-spectrum important phytopathogenic fungi. We collected strains which were isolated from nodules of Robinia pseudoacacia, Dendrolobium triangulare, Ormosia semicastrata, Cicer arietinum, Acacia crassicarpa, or Acacia implexa and belong to P. peoriae, P. kribbensis, P. endophyticus, P. enshidis, P. puldeungensis, P. taichungensis, or closely related to P. kribbensis, or P. anseongense. These nodule-inhabiting Paenibacillus showed diverse antagonistic activities against five phytopathogenic fungi (Fusarium graminearum, Magnaporthe oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Botrytis cinerea). Six strains within the P. polymyxa complex showed broad-spectrum and potent activities against all the five pathogens, and produced multiple hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores, and lipopeptide fusaricidins. Fusaricidins are likely the key antimicrobials responsible for the broad-spectrum antifungal activities. The nodule-inhabiting strains within the P. polymyxa complex were able to epiphytically and endophytically colonize the non-host wheat plants, produce indole acetic acids (IAA), and dissolve calcium phosphate and calcium phytate. P. peoriae strains RP20, RP51, and RP62 could fix N2. P. peoriae RP51 and Paenibacillus sp. RP31, which showed potent plant colonization and plant growth-promotion competence, effectively control fungal infection in planta. Genome mining revealed that all strains (n = 76) within the P. polymyxa complex contain ipdC gene encoding indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase for biosynthesis of IAA, 96% (n = 73) contain the fus cluster for biosynthesis of fusaricidins, and 43% (n = 33) contain the nif cluster for nitrogen fixation. Together, our study highlights that endophytic strains within the P. polymyxa complex have a high probability to be effective biocontrol agents and biofertilizers and we propose an effective approach to screen strains within the P. polymyxa complex.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ALB65 Inhibits the Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on Cantaloupe Melons

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes high rates of hospitalization and mortality in people infected. Contamination of fresh, ready to eat produce by this pathogen is especially troubling because of the ability of this bacterium to grow on produce under refrigeration temperatures. In this study, we created a library of over 8,000 plant phyllosphere-associated bacteria and screened them for the ability to inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes in an in vitro fluorescence-based assay. One isolate, later identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ALB65, was able to inhibit the fluorescence of L. monocytogenes by >30-fold in vitro. B. amyloliquefaciens ALB65 was also able to grow, persist, and reduce the growth of L. monocytogenes by >1.5 log CFU on cantaloupe melon rinds inoculated with 5 × 10³ CFU at 30°C and was able to completely inhibit its growth at temperatures below 8°C. DNA sequence analysis of the B. amyloliquefaciens ALB65 genome revealed six gene clusters that are predicted to encode genes for antibiotic production; however, no plant or human virulence factors were identified. These data suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens ALB65 is an effective and safe biological control agent for the reduction of L. monocytogenes growth on intact cantaloupe melons and possibly other types of produce.IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to cause disease in approximately 1,600 to 2,500 people in the United States every year. The largest known outbreak of listeriosis in the United States was associated with intact cantaloupe melons in 2011, resulting in 147 hospitalizations and 33 deaths. In this study, we demonstrated that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ALB65 is an effective biological control agent for the reduction of L. monocytogenes growth on intact cantaloupe melons under both pre- and postharvest conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that B. amyloliquefaciens ALB65 can completely inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes during cold storage (<8°C).

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Onion Endophytic Bacterium and Its Antifungal Activity against Rice Pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using endophytic bacteria is a safe alternative to the traditional chemical method. The purpose of this research is to biosynthesize AgNPs using endophytic bacterium Bacillus endophyticus strain H3 isolated from onion. The biosynthesized AgNPs with sizes from 4.17 to 26.9 nm were confirmed and characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in addition to an energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) profile. The biosynthesized AgNPs at a concentration of 40 μg/mL had a strong antifungal activity against rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae with an inhibition rate of 88% in mycelial diameter. Moreover, the biosynthesized AgNPs significantly inhibited spore germination and appressorium formation of M. oryzae. Additionally, microscopic observation showed that mycelia morphology was swollen and abnormal when dealing with AgNPs. Overall, the current study revealed that AgNPs could protect rice plants against fungal infections.

Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Rhizobacteria Strains for Biological Control of Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) of Eggplant in China

Bacterial wilt of eggplant is the most destructive disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum throughout the world. Eleven bacterial strains with high antagonistic activity were obtained from 245 rhizobacteria. Based on analysis of morphology, 16S rRNA sequences, fatty acid profiles, gyrA and rpoB genes, they were identified as Pseudomonas putida (IMA3), Paenibacillus polymyxa (IMA5), Bacillus cereus (IMA4, IMA7 and IMA11) and the “operational group Bacillus amyloliquefaciens” (IMA1, IMA2, IMA6, IMA8, IMA9 and IMA10). The lipopeptide compounds produced by each strain also were determined. The biocontrol tests demonstrated that co-inoculation by strain IMA5 and the pathogen gave the greatest biocontrol efficiency of 87.0% and 69.2% 30 and 40 days after co-inoculation, respectively. Plant growth promotion tests revealed that IMA5 markedly promoted eggplant growth, enhancing aboveground seedling length and biomass by 60.8% and by 107.6% and underground root length and biomass by 33.0% and 69.2%, respectively. Hence, strain IMA5 could be considered for developing potential biocontrol agents and for promoting plant growth characteristics, to aid the management of the pathogen R. solanacearum in eggplants.

Endophytic Bacillus velezensis strain B-36 is a potential biocontrol agent against lotus rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum

AIM

The aim of this study was to screen potential lotus plant endophytic bacterial isolate for effective inhibition against lotus rot causing fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, endophytic bacteria were isolated from lotus tissues and tested for antagonistic activities against the pathogenic fungus F. oxysporum. Among the putative endophytic Bacillus strains identified, suspensions of the strain B-36 showed the highest inhibition rate against F. oxysporum growth. Pot assays indicated that B-36 was effective in controlling F. oxysporum-inducing lotus rot. However, the control efficiency varied with the inoculation method and concentration, where injection of 800 μl B-36 suspension per plant (2 × 10⁸  CFU per ml) into stems showed the highest control efficiencies of 77·1 and 60·0% for pre-inoculation and post-inoculation. In addition, the colonizing population levels (CPLs) of B-36 on lotus also varied with the inoculation method and concentration, with the highest CPLs, that is, 3·05 and 2·83 log(CFU per gram), being observed on lotus leaves and stems respectively for stem injection of 200 μl per plant. Moreover B-36 showed no noticeable effects on lotus seed germination rate or seedling growth. Finally, B-36 was characterized as Bacillus velezensis based on its morphology, Gram-positive characteristics, as well as its 16S rDNA and gyrB sequences.

CONCLUSION

The isolate B-36 can be applied as a biocontrol agent against F. oxysporum-inducing lotus rot.

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The soil-borne fungus F. oxysporum causes lotus rot and severe yield loss, and currently available control methods are very limited. Here we identify a new promising biocontrol agent against lotus rot caused by F. oxysporum.

Endophyte Bacillus velezensis Isolated from Citrus spp. Controls Streptomycin-Resistant Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri That Causes Citrus Bacterial Canker

Citrus bacterial canker (CBC), caused by the plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is a devastating disease in many commercial citrus cultivars. Every year, CBC causes a substantial reduction in fruit quality and quantity that corresponds to significant economic losses worldwide. Endophytic microorganisms produce numerous bioactive secondary metabolites that can control plant pathogens. We investigated the antagonistic activities of 66 endophytic bacteria isolated from nine citrus cultivars to control streptomycin-resistant Xcc. The suspension of Endophytic Bacteria-39 (EB-39), identified as Bacillus velezensis, exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against three wild-type and six streptomycin-resistant Xcc strains, with the inhibition zones between 39.47 ± 1.6 and 45.31 ± 1.6 mm. The ethyl acetate extract of EB-39 also controlled both wild-type and streptomycin-resistant Xcc strains, with the inhibition zones between 29.28 ± 0.6 and 33.88 ± 1.3 mm. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the ethyl acetate extract of EB-39-induced membrane damage and lysis. The experiments using the detached leaves of a susceptible Citrus species showed that EB-39 significantly reduced the incidence of canker on the infected leaves by 38%. These results strongly suggest that our newly isolated EB-39 is a novel biocontrol agent against CBC caused by wild-type and streptomycin-resistant Xcc strains.

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Extract and Its Inhibitory Action Against the Pathogen Acidovorax oryzae Strain RS-2 of Rice Bacterial Brown Stripe

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plants has become a promising substitute to the conventional chemical synthesis method. In this study, we report low-cost, green synthesis of AgNPs using fresh fruit extract of Phyllanthus emblica. The biosynthesized AgNPs was confirmed and characterized by analysis of spectroscopy profile of the UV-visible and Energy dispersive spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction pattern, and electron microscopy images examination. UV-visible spectra showed a surface resonance peak of 430 nm corresponding to the formation of AgNPs, and FTIR spectra confirmed the involvement of biological molecules in AgNPs synthesis. In spherical AgNPs, the particle size ranged from 19.8 to 92.8 nm and the average diameter was 39 nm. Synthesized nanoparticles at 20 μg/ml showed remarkable antimicrobial activity in vitro against the pathogen Acidovorax oryzae strain RS-2 of rice bacterial brown stripe, while 62.41% reduction in OD600 value was observed compared to the control. Moreover, the inhibitory efficiency of AgNPs increased with the increase of incubation time. Furthermore, AgNPs not only disturbed biofilm formation and swarming ability but also increased the secretion of effector Hcp in strain RS-2, resulting from damage to the cell membrane, which was substantiated by TEM images and live/dead cell staining result. Overall, this study suggested that AgNPs can be an attractive and eco-friendly candidate to control rice bacterial disease.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using endophytic bacteria and their role in inhibition of rice pathogenic bacteria and plant growth promotion

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through the use of endophytic bacteria is a safe replacement for the chemical method. The study aimed to synthesize AgNPs using endophytic bacterium Bacillus siamensis strain C1, which was isolated from the medicinal plant Coriandrum sativum. The synthesized AgNPs with the size of 25 to 50 nm were further confirmed and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with EDS profile. The synthesized AgNPs at 20 μg mL⁻¹ showed a strong antibacterial effect against the pathogen of rice bacterial leaf blight and bacterial brown stripe, while an inhibition zone of 17.3 and 16.0 mm was observed for Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strain LND0005 and Acidovorax oryzae (Ao) strain RS-1, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs significantly inhibited bacterial growth, biofilm formation and swimming motility of Xoo strain LND0005 and Ao strain RS-1. In addition, the synthesized AgNPs significantly increased root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight of rice seedlings compared to the control. Overall, this study suggests that AgNPs have the potential to protect rice plants from bacterial infection and plant growth promotion.

The mechanism of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to inhibit rice pathogenic bacteria.