In the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, a novel bacterial strain has been discovered that could revolutionize the way we combat plant diseases, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides. This breakthrough, led by Yali Tan from the College of Life Science at Yangtze University and the National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, has been published in the journal *Biological Control* (translated as “生物防治” in Chinese).
The strain, named Bacillus velezensis Shannan.BV80-12, has demonstrated remarkable antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of 21 different plant pathogenic fungi. In dual-culture assays, the inhibition rates ranged from 61.9% to 97.5%, and in poison agar assays with 2% cell-free supernatant, the rates were between 40.2% and 89.0%. This broad-spectrum efficacy suggests that the strain could be a game-changer in the agricultural sector, particularly in sustainable farming practices.
“Our findings indicate that Bacillus velezensis Shannan.BV80-12 possesses the capability to co-produce a variety of bioactive metabolites that synergistically contribute to its strong antimicrobial effects,” said Tan. This co-production includes six distinct families of antimicrobial metabolites, such as fengycins, surfactins, iturins, bacillibactin, plantazolicin, and bacilysin.
The genome sequencing and analysis of the strain revealed the genetic basis for its biocontrol efficacy. It contains 19 biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for secondary metabolites and 23 glycoside hydrolase genes involved in degrading phytopathogen cell walls. Additionally, the strain has multiple genes associated with bacteria-plant interactions that can enhance plant health and resistance to pathogens. It also possesses genes crucial for adaptation to harsh environments, which may contribute to the stability and efficacy of the strain in controlling phytopathogens under adverse conditions.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. With the growing global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices, the discovery of Bacillus velezensis Shannan.BV80-12 could lead to the development of new biocontrol agents that are effective, stable, and environmentally friendly. This could significantly reduce the reliance on chemical fungicides, which have been linked to adverse effects on human health and the environment.
Moreover, the strain’s ability to adapt to harsh environments suggests that it could be used in a variety of agricultural settings, from high-altitude regions to arid climates. This adaptability could open up new markets for biocontrol products, particularly in regions where traditional chemical fungicides are less effective.
The research also sheds light on the potential of beneficial microorganisms in sustainable agriculture. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, the discovery of Bacillus velezensis Shannan.BV80-12 offers a promising solution. It underscores the importance of exploring and harnessing the power of nature to develop sustainable and effective agricultural practices.
In the words of Tan, “Our study not only elucidates the biocontrol mechanisms of B. velezensis strain Shannan.BV80-12 but also supports its potential application as a broad-spectrum biocontrol agent against phytopathogenic fungi in sustainable agriculture.” This research, published in *Biological Control*, is a significant step forward in the field of biological control and offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture.