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Biocontrol of citrus fungal pathogens by lipopeptides produced by Bacillus velezensis TZ01

Summary

Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus velezensis that can protect citrus fruits from harmful fungi. This bacterium produces natural compounds called lipopeptides that kill disease-causing fungi without the need for chemical fungicides. The lipopeptides are stable and effective across different environmental conditions, making them promising for use in citrus farming as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pesticides.

Background

Citrus fungal pathogens cause significant economic losses by reducing yield and fruit quality. Chemical fungicides pose environmental and health risks, making biocontrol agents an attractive sustainable alternative. Bacillus species have shown potential as effective bioagents due to their strong antifungal activity and production of secondary metabolites.

Objective

To isolate and characterize a Bacillus velezensis strain with antagonistic activity against three major citrus pathogenic fungi and identify the bioactive lipopeptides responsible for its antifungal effects.

Results

TZ01 demonstrated potent antagonistic effects against Diaporthe citri (74.04% inhibition), Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (65.62%), and Alternaria alternata (64.10%). Crude lipopeptides were identified as the major active components and remained stable across wide temperature ranges, pH levels, and UV radiation. LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of surfactin A, bacillomycin D, and fengycin A homologs.

Conclusion

Bacillus velezensis strain TZ01 represents a promising biocontrol agent for citrus fungal diseases, with lipopeptides as the primary antifungal compounds. The strain’s production of multiple lipopeptide types and their stability under various environmental conditions support its potential for agricultural application as an ecofriendly alternative to chemical fungicides.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 39296284, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1471305
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