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Exo-metabolome profiling of soybean endophytes: a road map of antagonism against Fusarium oxysporum

Summary

Scientists discovered that certain beneficial bacteria living inside soybean roots can protect the plant from a harmful fungus that causes root rot and reduces crop yield. By analyzing the chemical compounds these bacteria produce, researchers identified specific antifungal substances that kill or inhibit the pathogenic fungus. These findings suggest that instead of using harmful chemical fungicides, farmers could use these beneficial bacteria as a natural, environmentally-friendly way to protect soybean crops and improve agricultural sustainability.

Background

Soybean is a major agricultural crop threatened by Fusarium oxysporum, a soil-borne pathogenic fungus causing root rot and yield losses. Chemical fungicides used for control are environmentally harmful. Soybean plants host beneficial bacterial endophytes that may provide natural biocontrol.

Objective

To identify antagonistic bacterial endophytes from soybean roots and characterize their antifungal mechanisms through metabolomics analysis. The study aimed to determine which endophytic strains produce antifungal secondary metabolites and map their molecular signatures.

Results

Bacillus-HT1 and Bacillus-HT2 (both Bacillus velezensis) demonstrated strong antifungal activity against F. oxysporum, while Bacillus-HT3 (B. thuringiensis) showed no activity. The antifungal strains produced significant amounts of bacillibactin, surfactin C, fusidic acid, kynurenine, and various fatty acids. These metabolites correlated with fungal hyphae shrinkage and growth inhibition.

Conclusion

Bacillus-HT1 and Bacillus-HT2 show strong potential as biocontrol agents against F. oxysporum in soybean. Their antifungal activity is mediated by multiple secondary metabolites including cyclic lipopeptides and fatty acids. These findings support development of microbial-based alternatives to chemical fungicides for sustainable agriculture.
  • Published in:mSystems,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41031829
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