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Biocontrol effects of Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus subtilis against strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora

Summary

Researchers isolated three beneficial bacteria (two Bacillus velezensis strains and one Bacillus subtilis strain) that effectively fight strawberry root rot disease. These bacteria work by both directly killing the disease-causing fungus and boosting the strawberry plant’s natural immune system. The bacteria can live inside the strawberry plant and soil, providing long-lasting protection. This offers farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their strawberry crops.

Background

Strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is an emerging disease threatening the strawberry industry, causing yield losses of 30-70%. Current control strategies rely on synthetic fungicides which promote resistance development and pose environmental and health risks. Biological control using Bacillus species offers a promising eco-friendly alternative with multiple antimicrobial properties.

Objective

To isolate and characterize antagonistic bacterial strains from healthy strawberry plants and rhizosphere soil, and evaluate their biocontrol potential against N. clavispora through assessment of antifungal activity, colonization capacity, and defense enzyme induction.

Results

QY-4 and QJ-3 were identified as Bacillus velezensis, while TT-3 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Cell-free filtrates inhibited N. clavispora with rates of 63.29%, 69.4%, and 73.57% respectively. All three strains showed broad-spectrum activity against multiple phytopathogenic fungi (50.37-78.88% inhibition). In pot experiments, TT-3 achieved 67% disease control efficacy, and all strains significantly elevated SOD, POD, and CAT enzyme activities in strawberry leaves.

Conclusion

Three Bacillus strains (QY-4, QJ-3, TT-3) demonstrate dual biocontrol mechanisms combining direct antifungal activity with induced host resistance. The strains colonize strawberry tissues and rhizosphere effectively, exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and significantly reduce root rot severity, offering promising candidates for sustainable strawberry disease management.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41334167
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