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Streptomyces-Based Bioformulation to Control Wilt of Morchella sextelata Caused by Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola

Summary

Morel mushrooms are delicious and nutritious but are threatened by a fungal disease that can destroy up to 80% of crops. Scientists discovered that two beneficial bacteria species (Streptomyces) from morel soil produce compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus. When applied to morel fields, these beneficial bacteria not only prevented the disease but also increased mushroom yields by about 30% compared to untreated crops, offering a natural and sustainable solution for morel farmers.

Background

Morchella sextelata (morel mushrooms) are valuable culinary and medicinal fungi rich in amino acids, proteins, and bioactive compounds. Despite their high nutritional value and commercial importance, morel cultivation faces significant threats from fungal pathogens, including Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola, which causes apothecium wilt disease with incidence rates reaching 80% in some cultivation bases.

Objective

To isolate and characterize Streptomyces isolates from M. sextelata rhizosphere soil that demonstrate antagonistic activity against P. trachicarpicola, and to evaluate their biocontrol efficacy and yield-enhancing potential in field cultivation.

Results

Both Streptomyces sp. F16 and F19 exhibited potent antagonistic activity against P. trachicarpicola through multiple mechanisms including volatile compounds and soluble antimicrobial metabolites. Fermentation filtrates at 50× dilution achieved 66.93% and 49.22% inhibition of conidial germination respectively. Field applications yielded 299.6 g/m² (F16) and 277.65 g/m² (F19), significantly exceeding untreated controls (231 g/m²) and P. trachicarpicola-inoculated plots (134.93 g/m²).

Conclusion

Streptomyces-based bioformulations effectively control P. trachicarpicola-induced wilt disease in M. sextelata while simultaneously enhancing fruiting body yield, demonstrating sustainable biological control potential for morel cultivation.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11060452, PMID: 40558963
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