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Dual benefits of Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus strain GIC41 in mitigating Pythium root rot and enhancing plant growth across cultivation systems

Summary

Scientists tested a bacteria strain called Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus (GIC41) to fight a destructive plant disease called Pythium root rot. In both soil and water-based growing systems, this bacteria significantly reduced disease symptoms in spinach and tomato plants while also making the plants grow bigger and stronger. The bacteria works by producing enzymes and possibly triggering the plant’s natural defenses, without directly poisoning the disease-causing pathogen.

Background

Pythium root rot is a destructive plant disease affecting various crops in greenhouses and nurseries. Current control strategies using fungicides and other methods have limitations including resistance development and harm to beneficial microorganisms. Plant growth-promoting bacteria offer sustainable solutions for both disease suppression and growth enhancement.

Objective

This study evaluated the potential of Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus strain GIC41 as a biostimulant to mitigate Pythium root rot and enhance plant growth across different cultivation systems. The research assessed GIC41’s ability to reduce disease severity in spinach and tomato while identifying the mechanisms underlying its biocontrol activity.

Results

GIC41 application reduced disease severity index by approximately 52% in spinach and from 61% to 15% in tomato seedlings. The strain significantly suppressed root colonization by the pathogen and caused morphological abnormalities in about 93% of encysted zoospores. GIC41 treatment improved tomato shoot dry weight by 47% and stem diameter by 43%, while producing protease but not cellulase.

Conclusion

Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus strain GIC41 is a promising biostimulant offering dual benefits of disease mitigation and growth promotion across different crops and cultivation systems. The strain’s biocontrol activity appears mediated by protease production and possible plant immunity stimulation rather than direct antimicrobial activity.
  • Published in:Plant Biotechnology (Tokyo),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41181070, DOI: 10.5511/plantbiotechnology.25.0316a
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