Research Topic: bacterial antagonism

Biocontrol effects of Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus subtilis against strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora

Researchers isolated three beneficial bacteria (two Bacillus velezensis strains and one Bacillus subtilis strain) that effectively fight strawberry root rot disease. These bacteria work by both directly killing the disease-causing fungus and boosting the strawberry plant’s natural immune system. The bacteria can live inside the strawberry plant and soil, providing long-lasting protection. This offers farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their strawberry crops.

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Screening microbial inhibitors of Pseudogymnoascus destructans in Northern China

Scientists in Northern China have found bacteria living on bat skin and in cave soil that can kill the fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome, a disease devastating bat populations worldwide. These bacteria produce various antifungal compounds including volatile organic compounds that diffuse through the air and damage the fungus’s structure. By analyzing the genetic makeup of these bacteria, researchers identified specific genes responsible for producing these antifungal compounds, offering hope for developing biological control treatments that could protect bats and reduce fungal loads in cave environments.

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Potential Protective Role of Amphibian Skin Bacteria Against Water Mold Saprolegnia spp.

Frogs have helpful bacteria living on their skin that can fight dangerous water molds called Saprolegnia. Scientists discovered that different types of bacteria, especially Bacillus species, can prevent these molds from growing. The study found that frogs from polluted or salty water actually had bacteria that were better at fighting the mold, likely because harsh conditions helped tougher bacteria survive. These protective bacteria might explain why adult frogs can resist these infections better than tadpoles or eggs.

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Tackling Conifer Needle Cast and Ash Dieback with Host-Derived Microbial Antagonists Exhibiting Plant Growth-Promoting Traits

Scientists discovered native bacteria from European ash and Scots pine trees that can fight two destructive forest diseases: ash dieback and needle cast. These bacteria not only inhibit the disease-causing fungi but also help trees grow better by improving nutrient uptake. This natural approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to fungicide sprays for protecting forests.

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Potential Protective Role of Amphibian Skin Bacteria Against Water Mold Saprolegnia spp.

Researchers discovered that bacteria living on frog skin can protect against a dangerous water mold called Saprolegnia that kills amphibian eggs and young tadpoles. They tested 196 different bacteria from frogs in Portugal and found that certain bacteria, especially Bacillus species, could stop the mold from growing. Interestingly, these bacteria worked best in clean water environments with fewer nutrients, similar to natural pond conditions, suggesting nature has built-in protections for amphibians.

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Volatile Metabolome and Transcriptomic Analysis of Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 During Competitive Interaction with Sclerotium rolfsii Reveals New Biocontrol Insights

Researchers found that a bacterium called K. cowanii produces special gases (volatile organic compounds) that kill fungal plant diseases like those caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. When grown together with this fungus, the bacterium produces these toxic gases which inhibit fungal growth by up to 80%. The study identified specific genes the bacteria activate to produce these antifungal compounds, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

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Tackling Conifer Needle Cast and Ash Dieback with Host-Derived Microbial Antagonists Exhibiting Plant Growth-Promoting Traits

Researchers discovered native bacteria living in European ash and Scots pine trees that can fight two destructive forest diseases: ash dieback and needle cast. These bacteria not only inhibit pathogen growth but also help trees absorb nutrients better, making them excellent natural candidates for protecting forests without harmful chemicals. The study identified several bacterial species that showed strong disease-fighting ability, with one strain preventing needle cast fungus growth by up to 80%.

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Bacillus velezensis LMY3-5 for the biocontrol of soft rot in kiwifruit: antifungal action and underlying mechanisms

Scientists discovered a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis that can effectively prevent soft rot disease in kiwifruit, which causes serious damage during storage. The bacteria works by producing natural antimicrobial compounds that damage the fungal pathogen’s cell walls and membranes, stopping it from growing. This biocontrol approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides, reducing pesticide residues while maintaining fruit quality and safety.

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Characterization of a bacterial strain T226 and its efficacy in controlling post-harvest citrus anthracnose

Researchers identified a beneficial bacterium called Lysobacter enzymogenes (strain T226) that effectively prevents citrus fruit rot caused by anthracnose fungus. This bacterium was isolated from soil and showed stable antimicrobial properties even after repeated culture transfers. When applied to citrus fruits, it reduced disease incidence by over 61% under natural storage conditions, performing better than the chemical fungicide prochloraz, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative for protecting stored citrus.

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Effect of Pseudomonas protegens EMM-1 Against Rhizopus oryzae in Interactions with Mexican Autochthonous Red Maize

Mexican red maize, an important traditional crop, is threatened by a fungus called Rhizopus oryzae that causes root damage and wilting. Researchers found that a beneficial bacterium, Pseudomonas protegens EMM-1, can effectively stop this fungal infection and help maize plants grow better. Tests showed the bacterium reduced fungal growth by over 80% and improved plant root development when grown together with the fungus.

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