Biocontrol Potential of Antagonistic Bacteria against Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium graminearum: Isolation, Identification, and Mode of Action

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Shuailong Kong 1
Hairong He 2
Pengqiang Du 1
1 College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Henan-450046, China.
2 College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan-450046, China.
Abstract
Given the escalating threats of soil-borne diseases to global agriculture, this study investigates the biocontrol potential of Bacillus species against peanut southern blight (caused by Sclerotium rolfsii) and wheat crown rot (caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum). Strains of Soil 1-2, Soil 1-3, Soil 1-59, and Soil 2-93 were isolated from wheat rhizosphere soil and demonstrated strong antagonistic activity against both pathogens, with inhibition rates exceeding 53% in dual-culture assays. Based on morphology, biochemical characteristics, and molecular evolution analyses, the strains were identified as B. velezensis, B. subtilis, B. atrophaeus and B. pumilus, respectively. Further experiments revealed that cell-free filtrates of these strains exhibited significant antifungal activity, particularly against S. rolfsii, with complete inhibition at 72 hours. The strains also showed broad-spectrum antagonism against other fungal pathogens. Pot trials indicated that cell-free filtrates of Soil 1-2 and Soil 1-59 significantly reduced peanut southern blight severity and enhanced plant fresh weight and defense-related enzyme activities. Antifungal mechanisms included the production of volatile organic compounds, extracellular enzymes (protease, cellulase, amylase), and crude proteins. This study confirms the potential of specific Bacillus strains as effective biocontrol agents and highlights their multifaceted modes of action, providing a foundation for future development of sustainable disease management strategies.
Keywords
Biocontrol bacteria
Identification
Inhibition mechanism
Soil-borne diseases
Subjects
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 August 2026