A Novel Rhizospheric Bacterium: Bacillus velezensis NKMV-3 as a Biocontrol Agent Against Alternaria Leaf Blight in Tomato.

Murthy Vignesh,Shankar Ramakrishanan Madhan Shankar,Bodethala Narayanan Vedha Hari,Davoodbasha Mubarakali

doi:10.1007/s12010-021-03684-9

Abstract

A novel strain of Bacillus isolated from rhizosphere has shown to be an excellent biocontrol agent against various plant pathogens. In this study, a first report of a Bacillus strain NKMV-3 which effectively controls Alternaria solani, which cause the early blight disease in tomato. Based on the cultural and molecular sequencing of 16S rRNA gene sequence, the identity of the strain was confirmed as Bacillus velezensis NKMV-3. The presence of the lipopeptide which are antibiotic synthesis genes, namely iturin C, surfactin A and fengycin B and D, was confirmed through gene amplification. In addition, lipopeptides were also confirmed through liquid chromatography. The extract showed inhibitory effect against A. solani in vitro and detached tomato leaf assays. Bacillus velezensis strain NKMV-3-based formulations may provide an effective solution in controlling early blight disease in tomato and other crops.

Highlights

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Linn.), is one of the most important crops cultivated throughout the world in a wide range of climates among solanaceous crops [1, 2]
Bacillus velezensis strain NKMV-3 based formulations may provide an effective solution in controlling early blight disease in tomato and other crops
Of the 146 strains screened by dual culture technique(data not shown), NKMV-3 showed maximum inhibition against A. solani.Based on this result we further explored the biocontrol potential of NKMV-3

Summary

Introduction

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Linn.), is one of the most important crops cultivated throughout the world in a wide range of climates among solanaceous crops [1, 2]. There is a high demand because of its wide use and nutritional values, both in fresh and processed tomato markets. The early blight caused by Alternaria solani, in particular severely affects the tomato production[4, 5]. A. solani is an air-borne pathogen inhabiting the soil. It is distributed worldwide, but is highly infective in the tropics and temperate regions[5]. But is highly infective in the tropics and temperate regions[5] Synthetic fungicides such as mancozeb, pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin and hexaconazole are utilized for the control of this disease in various crops[6, 7]. A. solani is gaining resistance to these pesticides and causing serious problems in the yield of tomatoes[8, 9]

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