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Antifungal efficacy and mechanisms of Bacillus licheniformis BL06 against Ceratocystis fimbriata

Summary

Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus licheniformis BL06 can effectively prevent sweet potato black rot, a fungal disease that causes major crop losses worldwide. When applied to sweet potatoes, this bacterium reduces disease damage by interfering with the fungus’s ability to grow, form spores, and survive. The study reveals that the bacterium works by disrupting the fungus’s cell structure and energy production, making it a promising natural alternative to chemical fungicides.

Background

Sweet potato black rot caused by the pathogenic fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata is a destructive disease causing severe agricultural losses worldwide. Current management strategies including chemical fungicides present environmental and practical limitations, necessitating the development of eco-friendly biocontrol solutions.

Objective

This study evaluates the antifungal efficacy and mechanisms of Bacillus licheniformis BL06 against C. fimbriata through in vitro and in vivo experiments, and explores the molecular pathways involved using transcriptome analysis.

Results

BL06 achieved mycelial growth inhibition rates of 39.53%-69.11% in a time-dependent manner, effectively suppressed black rot lesions in sweet potato tissues, and markedly reduced spore production and germination in a dose-dependent manner. The CFS was identified as the primary antifungal agent with 76.11% mycelial inhibition, and transcriptome analysis revealed significant downregulation of genes involved in cell wall and membrane biosynthesis, spore development, protein processing, and energy metabolism.

Conclusion

B. licheniformis BL06 is a potent biocontrol agent against C. fimbriata that exerts its antifungal effects through multiple molecular pathways including disruption of cell wall and membrane integrity, inhibition of spore germination, impairment of endoplasmic reticulum function, and disruption of energy metabolism.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40093601; DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1535296
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