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Streptomyces-Based Bioformulation to Control Wilt of Morchella sextelata Caused by Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola

Summary

Morels are valuable mushrooms threatened by fungal wilt disease in China. Researchers isolated two beneficial bacteria (Streptomyces) from morel soil that naturally fight the fungal disease. When applied to morel fields, these bacteria reduced disease and increased mushroom yield by 30% compared to untreated fields. This represents a natural, eco-friendly solution to protect morel crops and boost production without chemical fungicides.

Background

Morchella sextelata (morels) are valued for culinary and medicinal applications, but morel wilt diseases have caused severe outbreaks with incidence rates reaching 80% in China. Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola has been recently identified as a causative agent of apothecium wither in cultivated M. sextelata. Actinomycetes, particularly Streptomyces species, are known to produce bioactive secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties useful for plant disease biocontrol.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate Streptomyces antagonists from M. sextelata rhizosphere soil with activity against P. trachicarpicola, characterize their antagonistic mechanisms, and evaluate their biocontrol efficacy in field cultivation of M. sextelata.

Results

Two Streptomyces isolates (F16 and F19) were identified with potent antagonistic activity against P. trachicarpicola through both soluble and volatile antimicrobial compounds. Fermentation filtrates at 50× dilution achieved 66.93% inhibition (F16) and 49.22% inhibition (F19) of conidial germination. Field trials demonstrated that 5- and 10-fold diluted filtrates significantly reduced disease incidence and increased M. sextelata yield to 299.6 g/m² (F16) and 277.65 g/m² (F19), substantially exceeding control yields of 231 g/m².

Conclusion

Streptomyces sp. F16 and F19 isolates effectively control P. trachicarpicola wilt disease in M. sextelata through dual antagonistic mechanisms and simultaneously promote fruiting body yield. These findings indicate that Streptomyces-based bioformulations represent a promising sustainable approach for managing morel diseases while enhancing productivity. The research provides practical solutions for integrating biocontrol agents into morel cultivation management systems.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Field Trial Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11060452, PMID: 40558963
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