Sarfaraz Hussain, Maratab Ali, Abdel‑Halim Ghazy, Abdullah A. Al-Doss, Kotb A. Attia, Tawaf Ali Shah, Fujun Li
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
This study addresses the critical issue of Fusarium wilt in tomatoes, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL), a severe fungal pathogen responsible for global yield losses. Conventional control measures, such as resistant crop varieties and chemical fungicides, have limitations due to environmental concerns and the risk of pathogen resistance. As a sustainable alternative, this study aims to explore the biocontrol potential of the bacterial strain Sh-17, focusing on its lipopeptides (LPs) to effectively suppress FOL.
Results
This study demonstrated the antifungal capability of the Sh-17 strain, obtained from a tomato field, against FOL. Through 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis and phenotypic evaluation, Sh-17 was identified as Bacillus subtilis Sh-17. During the disease control assay using in vitro petri dishes, Sh-17 showed promising plant growth-promoting and disease-control capabilities in seedlings when tomato seeds were inoculated with both Sh-17 and FOL. Subsequently, the lipopeptide extract derived from Sh-17 showed strong antifungal properties in a dose-dependent manner, with complete inhibition of FOL at a concentration of 3500 µg mL−1. Furthermore, it was observed that LPs decreased the amount of ergosterol, which affects the stability and general structure of the plasma membrane. The genomic DNA of Sh-17 was subjected to PCR screening, which revealed the presence of genes responsible for the biosynthesis of antifungal LPs. Furthermore, LC–MS analysis identified distinct LPs, such as surfactins, fengycin, iturins, bacilysin, and bacillomycin derivatives in the crude LPs extract of Sh-17. Moreover, microscopic analyses (fluorescent/TEM) demonstrated morphological abnormalities and even death of the hyphae and spores of the phytopathogen upon its interaction with LPs.
Conclusions
B. subtilis Sh-17 exhibits strong antifungal properties against FOL and supports seedlings health by protecting them from pathogen infestation. The LPs produced by Sh-17 inhibit FOL growth in a dose-dependent manner by disrupting the pathogen’s cellular structures and proved to be an effective biocontrol agent against Fusarium wilt in tomatoes.
期刊介绍:
Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture is an international, interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed forum for the advancement and application to all fields of agriculture of modern chemical, biochemical and molecular technologies. The scope of this journal includes chemical and biochemical processes aimed to increase sustainable agricultural and food production, the evaluation of quality and origin of raw primary products and their transformation into foods and chemicals, as well as environmental monitoring and remediation. Of special interest are the effects of chemical and biochemical technologies, also at the nano and supramolecular scale, on the relationships between soil, plants, microorganisms and their environment, with the help of modern bioinformatics. Another special focus is the use of modern bioorganic and biological chemistry to develop new technologies for plant nutrition and bio-stimulation, advancement of biorefineries from biomasses, safe and traceable food products, carbon storage in soil and plants and restoration of contaminated soils to agriculture.
This journal presents the first opportunity to bring together researchers from a wide number of disciplines within the agricultural chemical and biological sciences, from both industry and academia. The principle aim of Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture is to allow the exchange of the most advanced chemical and biochemical knowledge to develop technologies which address one of the most pressing challenges of our times - sustaining a growing world population.
Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture publishes original research articles, short letters and invited reviews. Articles from scientists in industry, academia as well as private research institutes, non-governmental and environmental organizations are encouraged.