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Characterisation of Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytic Bacteria from Sugarcane and Their Antagonistic Activity against Fusarium moniliforme

Summary

Researchers isolated and identified fourteen types of beneficial bacteria living inside sugarcane plants that can fight against a harmful fungus called Fusarium moniliforme, which damages both sugarcane and rice crops. These bacteria not only kill the fungus but also help plants grow better by producing growth-promoting compounds. When used as a seed treatment, the bacteria reduced fungal infection in rice seedlings by 80%, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides.

Background

Endophytic bacteria provide an effective agricultural approach for improving crop yield while reducing chemical fungicide usage. Various bacterial endophytes have been isolated from sugarcane, including diazotrophs and other species with potential biocontrol properties. Fusarium moniliforme causes significant diseases in sugarcane and rice, necessitating alternative management strategies.

Objective

To isolate and identify endophytic bacteria from sugarcane with plant growth-promoting and antifungal activities against Fusarium moniliforme. The study aimed to evaluate both direct promotion mechanisms and indirect biocontrol mechanisms of these bacterial isolates.

Results

Fourteen antagonistic bacterial isolates were identified belonging to six species: Nguyenibacter vanlangensis, Acidomonas methanolica, Asaia bogorensis, Tanticharoenia aidae, Burkholderia gladioli, and Bacillus altitudinis. Seven isolates inhibited F. moniliforme mycelial growth by up to 40%, and B. gladioli CP28 reduced fungal infection in rice seedlings by 80%. All isolates demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting traits including IAA production, phosphate and zinc solubilization, ammonia production, and siderophore biosynthesis.

Conclusion

The characterized endophytic bacteria show significant potential as biocontrol agents and plant growth promoters for managing F. moniliforme-related diseases in sugarcane and rice. These bacteria possess multiple beneficial mechanisms and could be successfully utilized in sustainable agriculture to replace or reduce chemical fungicide usage.
  • Published in:Tropical Life Sciences Research,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 35656370
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