A Bacillus subtilis strain mitigates the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus in a field study with maize and lima bean.

Abstract

This study assessed the potential of a B. subtilis strain in controlling Pratylenchus in the roots of lima bean and maize under field conditions. Maize (Zea mays L.) and lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) were submitted to three treatments: B. subtilis (strain AP-3) alone (a) or in combination with chemical fertilization (NPK) (b), and a treatment without B. subtilis inoculation (c). The inoculation of B. subtilis in both maize and lima bean seeds resulted in a decrease in the active forms of Pratylenchus spp. in their respective roots, reducing Pratylenchus spp. in maize (∼90%) and lima bean (∼40%) roots. B. subtilis also stimulated higher nodule number, biomass, and size, and increased the specific nodulation in lima bean. Therefore, the inoculation of B. subtilis can potentially to control Pratylenchus in the roots of maize and lima bean under field conditions and stimulate the nodulation in lima bean.