In the heart of Serbia, at the Institute of Soil Science in Belgrade, a groundbreaking discovery is set to revolutionize the way we approach crop protection and yield enhancement. Magdalena Knežević, a leading researcher, has unveiled the versatile capabilities of a bacterium that could significantly impact sustainable agriculture and, by extension, the energy sector.
Knežević and her team have been exploring the potential of Bacillus velezensis, a bacterium known for its plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits. Their findings, published in a recent study in Biological Control, reveal that this bacterium could be a game-changer in the fight against two major threats to cereal crops: the fungus Fusarium poae and the insect larvae Agriotes lineatus, commonly known as wireworms.
The research, led by Knežević, isolated and tested eleven Bacillus strains for their PGP and biocontrol traits. Among them, B. velezensis BHC 5.6 stood out, exhibiting a wide range of beneficial properties. “This strain showed remarkable antifungal and insecticidal effects, making it a strong candidate for integrated pest management,” Knežević explained.
The strain demonstrated an impressive 67% inhibition of Fusarium poae, a fungus that can cause significant yield losses in cereals. Moreover, it showed a 56.67% insecticidal effect against wireworms, which are notorious for damaging crops and reducing yields. “The potential of this strain to control both fungal and insect pests is unprecedented,” Knežević added.
But the benefits don’t stop at pest control. The study also found that B. velezensis BHC 5.6 significantly enhanced barley yield in pot experiments. Infected barley seeds showed a 17.09% increase in yield, while uninfected seeds saw a 10.12% boost. This dual action of pest control and yield enhancement makes B. velezensis BHC 5.6 a promising candidate for sustainable agriculture.
The implications of this research extend beyond the farm. The energy sector, which relies heavily on crops for biofuels, could see significant benefits. Increased crop yields and reduced pest damage could lead to a more reliable and abundant supply of biomass for bioenergy production. This, in turn, could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
The discovery of B. velezensis BHC 5.6’s multifaceted abilities opens up new avenues for research and development in the field of biological control. As Knežević puts it, “This strain could pave the way for more integrated and sustainable pest management strategies.” The future of agriculture and energy production could be shaped by this tiny, powerful bacterium, proving once again that big things often come in small packages.