In Vitro Antagonistic Action by Bacillus Velezensis Strain LP16S Against Cotton Wilt Pathogens

Abstract

Cotton productivity and profitability are hampered by several biotic stresses, including the two most destructive wilt pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV). In this study, an in vitro assay was conducted to determine the activity of Bacillus velezensis LP16S against three V. dahliae isolates and six F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum isolates. Among the fungal isolates, the response when exposed to the B. velezensis LP16S strain in a half-strength potato dextrose agar plate varied markedly. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum isolates FOV11, FOV 944, and FOV Tx8 were tolerant, while FOV Tx39, FOV 1073, and the three V. dahliae isolates were highly sensitive to B. velezensis LP16S. In conclusion, this Bacillus sp. strain has potential for use in managing these damaging cotton diseases.