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Antagonistic mechanism of Bacillus velezensis HX0039 as a biocontrol agent against Trichoderma virens-induced ‘Sanghuang’ green mold

Summary

Scientists discovered a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis HX0039 that can protect ‘Sanghuang’ mushrooms from harmful green mold disease. This bacteria produces natural antifungal compounds like iturin A that stop the disease without harming the mushrooms or the environment. Testing showed it was 83% effective at preventing green mold and was completely safe for both mushroom cultivation and animal consumption, making it a promising alternative to chemical fungicides.

Background

Green mold disease caused by Trichoderma spp. is a serious threat to ‘Sanghuang’ mushroom (Sanghuangporus vaninii) production. Current fungicide-based control methods pose health and environmental risks, and resistance development is emerging. Bacillus velezensis has shown promise as a biocontrol agent against Trichoderma in other mushroom species.

Objective

This study evaluated the biocontrol efficacy and antagonistic mechanisms of Bacillus velezensis HX0039 strain against Trichoderma virens-induced green mold in ‘Sanghuang’ mushroom production. The research aimed to characterize the antifungal compounds produced by HX0039 and assess its safety for mushroom cultivation.

Results

HX0039 exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity, inhibiting T. virens SH4 by 65.49% in dual-culture and 82.08% in cell-free supernatant assays. In vivo biocontrol efficacy reached 83.33% with disease incidence of 16.67% in treated culture bags versus 100% in untreated controls. Genomic analysis identified 13 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters; UPLC-MS detected iturin A, fengycin, macrolactin A, surfactin, and bacillibactin. HX0039 was confirmed as biosafe in hemolytic, cell viability, and mouse toxicity studies.

Conclusion

Bacillus velezensis HX0039 demonstrates excellent potential as a safe and effective biocontrol agent against ‘Sanghuang’ green mold, with iturin A identified as a key antifungal metabolite. The strain’s multiple lipopeptide production mechanisms provide broad-spectrum antifungal activity without negative effects on mushroom growth. This research supports HX0039 as a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides in ‘Sanghuang’ production.
  • Published in:Applied and Environmental Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40626662, DOI: 10.1128/aem.00005-25
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