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Biocontrol of Seedborne Fungi on Small-Grained Cereals Using Bacillus halotolerans Strain B33

Summary

Researchers discovered that a bacterium called Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 can effectively prevent harmful fungi from damaging cereal seeds like wheat, barley, oats, and rye. When seeds were treated with this beneficial bacterium, it successfully eliminated or greatly reduced three dangerous fungal pathogens while also helping the seeds germinate better. This natural approach offers a promising environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting grain crops.

Background

Seedborne fungal diseases significantly reduce cereal crop yields and quality. Bacillus species are promising alternatives to chemical pesticides in sustainable agriculture. This study evaluates Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 as a biocontrol agent against seedborne fungal pathogens.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 against three common seedborne fungal pathogens (Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria alternata, and Aspergillus flavus) on wheat, barley, oat, and rye seeds.

Results

B33 achieved 83.55-94.38% efficacy against F. graminearum and 85.05-96.70% against A. alternata, with highest efficacy on wheat. B33 achieved 100% efficacy against A. flavus on barley, rye, and oat seeds (96.24% on wheat). All treatments significantly enhanced seed germination compared to controls.

Conclusion

Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 effectively managed seedborne fungal pathogens while enhancing seed germination, demonstrating promise as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides in sustainable cereal agriculture.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39997438
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