MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

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

Summary

Researchers tested a naturally occurring soil bacterium called Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 to protect cereal seeds from harmful fungi. When seeds infected with fungal pathogens were treated with this bacterium, it successfully eliminated 83-100% of the fungi, depending on the pathogen and crop type. The treatment was as effective as commercial chemical disinfectants but offers a more environmentally friendly alternative for sustainable farming.

Background

Seedborne fungal diseases significantly reduce cereal crop yield and quality by affecting seed germination and vigor. Chemical seed-applied pesticides are increasingly being replaced by biological agents in sustainable agriculture. Bacillus halotolerans has shown promise as a biocontrol agent against various plant pathogens.

Objective

This study evaluated 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. The objective was to assess B33 as a potential biological alternative to chemical fungicides for sustainable cereal seed treatment.

Results

B33 achieved high efficacy against F. graminearum (83.55–94.38%) and A. alternata (85.05–96.70%), with highest efficacy on wheat and lowest on rye. Against A. flavus, B33 achieved 100% efficacy on barley, rye, and oat seeds, and 96.24% on wheat. All treatments significantly enhanced seed germination compared to controls, with strong negative correlation between disease severity and germination rate.

Conclusion

Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 effectively managed seedborne fungal pathogens on small-grained cereals with efficacy comparable to sodium hypochlorite, while enhancing seed germination. The findings suggest B33 is a promising environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical fungicides for sustainable cereal seed treatment, though further greenhouse and field validation studies are needed.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39997438, DOI: 10.3390/jof11020144
Scroll to Top