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Biocontrol efficiency and mechanism of novel Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 against banana Fusarium wilt

Summary

A newly discovered bacterium called Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 offers a natural solution to banana Fusarium wilt, a serious disease that destroys banana crops globally. When applied to banana plants, this beneficial bacterium reduced disease occurrence by 59% while also promoting healthier plant growth. The bacterium works by producing antifungal compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus and by enriching the soil with other helpful microorganisms that protect the plant.

Background

Banana Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4), is a devastating soil-borne disease threatening global banana production with estimated economic losses up to $10 billion. Biocontrol agents offer a promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical control. Streptomyces species are ideal candidates due to their resilience and ability to colonize plant root systems.

Objective

To comprehensively evaluate the biocontrol potential of the novel strain Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 against banana Fusarium wilt and elucidate its antifungal mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo through characterization of antifungal compounds, in vitro efficacy, and assessment of impacts on plant-soil systems.

Results

The SCA4-21 extract inhibited Foc TR4 mycelial growth and spore germination with an EC50 of 37.88 µg/mL, exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against eight phytopathogenic fungi, and severely disrupted pathogen cell ultrastructure. In pot experiments, SCA4-21 achieved 59.3% biocontrol efficacy, significantly promoted banana seedling growth, and enriched beneficial bacterial genera (Streptomyces, Bacillus, Sphingomonas, Massilia, Pseudomonas) and fungal genera while reducing pathogenic Fusarium abundance.

Conclusion

Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 represents a promising biocontrol agent for sustainable banana production, operating through synergistic mechanisms involving direct antifungal compound production and indirect recruitment of beneficial microbiota that create a disease-suppressive rhizosphere microbiome.
  • Published in:Microbiology Spectrum,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 41369247
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