MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Bacillus velezensis CNPMS-22 as biocontrol agent of pathogenic fungi and plant growth promoter

Summary

A bacterial strain called Bacillus velezensis CNPMS-22 shows promise as a natural pest control agent for crops. When applied to maize seeds, it reduced fungal diseases and increased plant productivity as effectively as chemical fungicides. The bacteria produces natural compounds that kill harmful fungi while also promoting plant growth, offering a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.

Background

Bacillus velezensis is a ubiquitous bacterium with potent antifungal activity and plant growth-promoting properties. Multiple strains have gained popularity as biocontrol agents in agriculture, with at least 10 commercial products available on the market. Secondary metabolites and volatile organic compounds produced by B. velezensis offer safer alternatives to chemical fungicides.

Objective

This study investigated the potential of B. velezensis CNPMS-22 as a biocontrol agent against phytopathogenic fungi through diverse experimental conditions and evaluated its plant growth-promoting capacity. Genome sequencing and analysis were performed to identify genes involved in antifungal activity and plant growth promotion.

Results

CNPMS-22 showed antifungal activity in vitro against all fungi tested with inhibition rates ranging from 54.50% to 76.19% in DCP and 0% to 97.60% in ISP. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological alterations in F. verticillioides hyphae including twisted, wrinkled, and ruptured structures. Greenhouse and field experiments demonstrated that seed treatment with CNPMS-22 reduced Fusarium symptoms and increased maize productivity.

Conclusion

The findings highlight CNPMS-22’s potential as a bioinoculant for fungal disease control and plant growth promotion with valuable implications for sustainable crop productivity. The strain contains multiple gene clusters for synthesizing non-ribosomal lipopeptides, extracellular lytic enzymes, biofilm components, and volatile organic compounds with antifungal activity.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40109964
Scroll to Top