Pathogen Sclerotium Rolfsii Research Articles

Response to oxalic acid: an important supplement screening against stem rot resistance in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

BackgroundStem rot, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, pose a serious challenge in the groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) cultivation. Although this disease is widespread globally but had most adverse impact in groundnut growing regions of United States, India, and Australia. The pathogen primarily targets the crown region of the plant, resulting in systemic collapse and potentially leading to yield losses up to 80%. Effective genetic control measures are essential to mitigate the impact of this disease on groundnut production. Realizing the time and resource-consuming complex field-based phenotyping, the availability of easy and repeatable phenotyping methods may fasten the process of donor and gene discovery efforts.ResultsMulti-season phenotyping was performed for stem rot on 184 minicore germplasm accessions, including checks, under two conditions: sick field screening and response to oxalic acid assay. This study demonstrated medium to high heritability (52–63% broad-sense heritability) and significant environmental influence (36%). The response to the oxalic acid assay showed a high proportion of similarity (approximately 80%) with the percent mortality observed in the sick field indicating an easy way of performing precise phenotyping. Notably, seven genotypes—ICG163, ICG721, ICG10479, ICG875, ICG11457, ICG111, and ICG2857—exhibited stable resistance, with less than 30% mortality against stem rot disease. Among these, ICG163, ICG875, and ICG111 displayed low mortality and consistent stability across multiple seasons in both the sick field and controlled conditions of the oxalic acid assay.ConclusionsThe oxalic acid assay developed in this study effectively complements field phenotyping, as a reliable method for assessing stem rot resistance. Seven resistant genotypes identified through this assay can be utilized for the introgression of stem rot resistance into elite genotypes. Given the significant influence of the environment on stem rot resistance, it is essential to implement multi-season phenotyping to obtain precise results. Furthermore, the response to oxalic acid serves as a valuable supplement to traditional field phenotyping, since maintaining uniform disease pressure during field screenings is often challenging.

Identification and Evaluation of Antagonistic Potential of Different fluorescent pseudomonads in Northern Plains of West Bengal

To achieve future food security, reliable crop protection will be critically important. Development of biological control for soil borne disease is accepted as a safe, durable and ecofriendly alternative for chemical management strategy. Pseudomonads possess many traits like production antibiotics, lytic enzymes, siderophores, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) that make them well suited as biocontrol and growth-promoting agents. An attempt was taken to isolate and identify different fluorescent Pseudomonads and to evaluate their antagonistic ability. Twelve fluorescent Pseudomonads isolates were collected from different crop rhizosphere from different locations of northern parts of West Bengal. Isolates characterized morphologically and biochemically. All the isolates were gram negative rods with smooth and glossy colony on kings B and nutrient agar medium with convex elevation but variation was found in respect to pigment production. A huge variation was found in respect to biochemical characterization. From the result of biochemical analysis, the isolated sp. can be identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens or Pseudomonas putida or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Some of the isolate produce green, some isolates produce yellowish green and rest of them produce red/pink pigments. Isolates showed a huge variation in respect to pathogenicity against soil borne pathogen Slerotium rolfsii. Percent inhibition varied from 31 to 74 %. Isolate 3 and 8 can be efficient biocontrol agent as highest growth inhibition of the pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii was obtained by the isolate 8 (74.37%) followed by isolate 3 (63.15%). In respect to growth parameter isolate 8, 9 and 10 were found better among the isolates where as in respect to disease reduction isolate 3, 8, 9 and 11 were promising under in vivo study.

Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Physcion against Sclerotium rolfsii, the Causal Agent of Peanut Southern Blight.

Peanut southern blight, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, is a widespread and devastating epidemic. Frequently, it is laborious to effectively control by labor-intensive foliar sprays of agrochemicals due to untimely find. In the present study, seed treatment with physcion (PHY) at doses of 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 g AI kg-1 seed significantly improved the growth and photosynthetic activity of peanuts. Furthermore, PHY seed treatment resulted in an elevated enzymatic activity of key enzymes in peanut roots, including peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, lipoxygenase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, as well as an increase in callus accumulation and lignin synthesis at the infection site, ultimately enhancing the root activity. This study revealed that PHY seed treatment could promote the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET) in peanut roots, while also decreasing the content of malondialdehyde levels in response to S. rolfsii infection. The results were further confirmed by transcriptome data and metabolomics. These findings suggest that PHY seed treatment activates the plant defense pathways mediated by SA and JA/ET in peanut roots, enhancing the resistance of peanut plants to S. rolfsii. In short, PHY is expected to be developed into a new plant-derived immunostimulant or fungicide to increase the options and means for peanut disease control.

The growth-promoting and disease-suppressing mechanisms of Trichoderma inoculation on peanut seedlings.

Trichoderma spp. is known for its ability to enhance plant growth and suppress disease, but the mechanisms for its interaction with host plants and pathogens remain unclear. This study investigated the transcriptomics and metabolomics of peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L.) inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum QT20045, in the absence and presence of the stem rot pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii JN3011. Under the condition without pathogen stress, the peanut seedlings inoculated with QT20045 showed improved root length and plant weight, increased indole acetic acid (IAA) production, and reduced ethylene level, with more active 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate acid (ACC) synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO), compared with the non-inoculated control. Under the pathogen stress, the biocontrol efficacy of QT20045 against S. rolfsii was 78.51%, with a similar effect on plant growth, and IAA and ethylene metabolisms to the condition with no biotic stress. Transcriptomic analysis of peanut root revealed that Trichoderma inoculation upregulated the expression of certain genes in the IAA family but downregulated the genes in the ACO family (AhACO1 and AhACO) and ACS family (AhACS3 and AhACS1) consistently in the absence and presence of pathogens. During pathogen stress, QT20045 inoculation leads to the downregulation of the genes in the pectinesterase family to keep the host plant's cell wall stable, along with upregulation of the AhSUMM2 gene to activate plant defense responses. In vitro antagonistic test confirmed that QT20045 suppressed S. rolfsii growth through mechanisms of mycelial entanglement, papillary protrusions, and decomposition. Our findings highlight that Trichoderma inoculation is a promising tool for sustainable agriculture, offering multiple benefits from pathogen control to enhanced plant growth and soil health.

Efficacy of Different Bioagents against Collar Rot Disease of Chickpea Incited by Sclerotium rolfsii under In vitro Conditions

Sclerotium rolfsii is a destructive soil-borne pathogen causes over 500 spp. in 100 families of agricultural and horticultural crops. Collar rot disease of chickpea caused by pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. First symptom associated with S. rolfsii are usually girdling or rotting at basal or collar region of the stem resulting yellowing and wilting of entire plant. In the current study, the seven microorganisms were evaluated by dual culture technique for their antagonistic effect against S. rolfsii under In-vitro conditions. Maximum mycelial growth inhibition (80.97%) was noticed in Trichoderma harzianum which was followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens (74.04%). Least inhibition was observed in T. virens (45.53%). The results showed that the application of these bioagents were successfully decreases the disease incidence in chickpea.

Morphological and Cultural Characterization of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc on Chickpea and Its Management Using Combined Fungicide Molecules

Collar rot stands as a significant affliction of chickpea, attributed to the pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii. The current research investigated the morphological and cultural diversity among 10 isolates of S. rolfsii collected from major chickpea cultivation regions of Karnataka by assessing their growth rate, colony color and appearance, and features of Sclerotium including color, arrangement, and maturity days of Sclerotia were recored on two different media. The isolates BSR 2, BSR 5, BRS 9 and BSR 10 exhibited notably rapid growth on both Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Corn meal Agar (CMA). Overall, the growth of these isolates appeared denser, indicating more substantial mycelial formation on PDA compared to CMA. These findings underscore the existence of variability among the isolates. In vitro evaluation of fungicides for the management of collar rot was evaluated using new combi fungicides. Among those Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% (0.15%), Hexaconazole 4% WP + Zineb 68%, Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5 %, Tricyclazole18 % + Mancozeb 62% WP, Captan 70% + Hexaconazole 5% WP at 0.05 per cent concentration showed cent per cent inhibition. Hence, these combi fungicides have been proven effective in suppressing the pathogen, making them valuable tools for implementing successful disease management strategies during the initial stages of crop growth.

Streptomyces is a Potential biocontrol agent for the management of Groundnut stem rot Pathogen Sclerotiumrolfsii

Streptomyces is a Potential biocontrol agent for the management of Groundnut stem rot Pathogen Sclerotiumrolfsii

Antifungal activity of bioactive compounds produced by the endophyte Bacillus velezensis NC318 against the soil borne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc

Antifungal activity of bioactive compounds produced by the endophyte Bacillus velezensis NC318 against the soil borne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc

Studies on Anti-Fungal Activity of Different Macro Algal Extracts against Soil Borne Pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.

Management of soil-borne plant pathogens is one of the single greatest challenges facing modern agriculture worldwide. Seaweeds are considered as a source of bioactive compounds as they are able to produce a great variety of secondary metabolites characterized by a broad spectrum of biological activities. The seaweeds derived compounds showing broad range of biological activities such as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal activities. The antimicrobial activity of macro algal extracts is generally analysed using various organic solvents which always present higher efficiency in extracting bioactive compounds. Among the different the solvent extracted macro algal extracts tested, methanol extracts of Sargassum wightii recorded maximum mycelial inhibition (88.22 %) and on par with aqueous extracts recorded 85.78% of mycelial inhibition @ 10% concentration compared to other macro algal extracts.. Among the fifteen macro algal extracts, maximum inhibition of mycelial growth was recorded the Sargassum wightii (Brown algae), Ulva lactuca (Green algae) and Gracilaria salicornia (red algae) at different concentrations. In this study, we have shown that Sargassum wightii has antimicrobial potential against the S. rolfsii. Methanol extract was found to be the best solvent for retention of the antimicrobial activity

Culturable bacterial endophytes of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. were diverse in phylogeny, plant growth promotion, and antifungal potential.

Medicinal plants harbor tremendously diverse bacterial endophytes that maintain plant growth and health. In the present study, a total of 124 culturable bacterial endophytes were isolated from healthy Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. plants. These strains were clustered into 10 genera based on full-length 16S rDNA sequences, among which Bacillus and Pseudomonas were the dominant genera. In addition, A. carmichaelii may capture 10 potential new bacterial species based on multi-locus sequence analysis of three housekeeping genes (gyrA, rpoB, and atpD). The majority of these bacterial endophytes exhibited plant growth-promoting ability through diverse actions including the production of either indole acetic acid and siderophore or hydrolytic enzymes (glucanase, cellulose, and protease) and solubilization of phosphate or potassium. A total of 20 strains inhibited hyphal growth of fungal pathogens Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum in vitro on root slices of A. carmichaelii by the dual-culture method, among which Pseudomonas sp. SWUSTb-19 showed the best antagonistic activity. Field experiment confirmed that Pseudomonas sp. SWUSTb-19 significantly reduced the occurrence of southern blight and promoted plant biomass compared with non-inoculation treatment. The possible mode of actions for Pseudomonas sp. SWUSTb-19 to antagonize against S. rolfsii involved the production of glucanase, siderophore, lipopeptides, and antimicrobial volatile compounds. Altogether, this study revealed that A. carmichaelii harbored diverse plant growth-promoting bacterial endophytes, and Pseudomonas sp. SWUSTb-19 could be served as a potential biocontrol agent against southern blight.

Deciphering the mechanism of Trichoderma spp. consortia possessing volatile organic compounds and antifungal metabolites in the suppression of Sclerotium rolfsii in groundnut

Groundnut, one of the oilseed crops is severely infected with necrotropic pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, incurring huge economic loss to farmers. In the present study, the microbial volatiles (mVOCs) produced by six different Trichoderma spp. was tested for its in vitro efficacy against S. rolfsii IS (BDI)-8 infecting groundnut. Among the six isolates, Trichoderma longibrachiatum T (SP)-20 exhibited the maximum percentage inhibition (84.44%) followed by T (AR)-10 (75.44%) and TNAU TA (75.33%) in dual culture assay against S. rolfsii. Besides, volatiles of T. longibrachiatum T (SP)-20 and T. asperellum T (AR)-10 effectively reduced the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii by 61.11 and 54.44% respectively in paired plate assay. Co culturing of Trichoderma spp. with S. rolfsii produced specific antimicrobial mVOCs viz., Isolongifolan-7-ol and Trans-sesquisabinene hydrate, which could induce plant growth promotion and inhibited the growth of S. rolfsii. Application of consortia of Trichoderma longibrachiatum T (SP)-20 + Trichoderma asperellum T (AR)-10 as seed treatment at 4 g/kg and soil application at 50 g/pot before sowing and at 30 DAS (Days After Sowing), along with mahua oil cake as soil application at 100 g/pot recorded least stem rot disease incidence of 11.34% in pot culture. Besides, upregulation of a novel antifungal metabolite 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one (6-PP) was also noticed in groundnut through GC-MS analysis. Thus, it is concluded that microbial volatiles and metabolites from Trichoderma spp. play an important role in resistance to S. rolfsii in groundnut.

Leaves of Chenopodium album as source of natural fungicides against Sclertium rolfsii

Series of experiments were conducted to identify the possible antifungal components of Chenopodium album leaves for the management of a highly destructive soil-borne fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii. A 4% methanolic extract caused up to 82% reduction in biomass of the target organism. This extract was partitioned using solvents of variable polarities, and the obtained subfractions were evaluated for their activity against S. rolfsii. The best antifungal activity was detected for the ethyl acetate subfraction (60–74%) followed by n-hexane (51–69%), n-butanol (50–60%), chloroform (20–40%) while the aqueous sub-fraction had the lowest activity (9–35%) as detected by the decrease in biomass of the pathogen. Ethyl acetate and n-hexane sub-fractions were analyzed for their chemical constituents by GC–MS technique. Literature survey showed that among the identified compounds kitazin P, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid, 2-fluoro-1-methoxymethyl-, ethyl ester and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- had antifungal activities against other fungal species and could be responsible for control of S. rolfsii by methanolic extract in the present study.

Comparative Phenotypic, Genomic, and Transcriptomic Analyses of Two Contrasting Strains of the Plant Beneficial Fungus Trichoderma virens.

Trichoderma virens is a beneficial fungus that helps plants fight pathogens and abiotic stresses and thereby enhances crop yields. Unlike other Trichoderma spp., there are two well-defined strains (P and Q) of T. virens, classified by secondary metabolites profiling, primarily the biosynthesis of the nonribosomal, strong antimicrobial agents gliotoxin (Q) and gliovirin (P). We have studied the phenotypic and biocontrol properties of two well-studied representative isolates (T. virens Gv29-8 and T. virens GvW/IMI304061) that represent a Q strain and a P strain of T. virens, respectively. We refined the genome assembly of the P strain using nanopore technology, and we compared it with the Q strain. The differences between the genomes include gene expansion in the Q strain. T. virens Gv29-8 is weaker than GvW as a mycoparasite on the broad host-range plant pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, and it is ineffective as a biocontrol agent when applied to pathogen-infested soil. T. virens Gv29-8 proved to be phytotoxic to Arabidopsis seedlings, whereas the effect of T. virens GvW was not major. Both strains colonized the surface and outer cortex layer of tomato roots, with about 40% higher colonization by T. virens Gv29-8. T. virens Gv29-8 induced the expression of a larger set of tomato genes than did T. virens GvW, although some tomato genes were uniquely induced in response to T. virens GvW. We studied the comparative transcriptome response of T. virens Gv29-8 and T. virens GvW to S. rolfsii. A larger set of genes was regulated in T. virens GvW than in T. virens Gv29-8 in the presence of the plant pathogen. IMPORTANCE Trichoderma virens populations that were earlier classified into two strains (P and Q) based on secondary metabolites profiling are also phenotypically and genetically distinct, with the latter being ineffective in controlling the devastating, broad host range plant pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii. The two strains also provoke distinct as well as overlapping transcriptional responses to the presence of the plant and the pathogen. This study enriches our knowledge of Trichoderma-plant-pathogen interactions and identifies novel candidate genes for further research and deployment in agriculture.

The native strain Paenibacillus sp. A224 induces systemic tolerance and mitigates stresses caused in peanut plants by high temperatures and the pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii

The native strain Paenibacillus sp. A224 induces systemic tolerance and mitigates stresses caused in peanut plants by high temperatures and the pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii

Biochemical characterization of Actinomycetes isolated from rhizosphere soils of groundnut in Andhra Pradeh

Roving survey was conducted and collected Actinomycetes isolates in major groundnut growing areas of Andhra Pradesh (10 districts) viz., Anantapuramu, YSR Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor, SPSR Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, West Godavari, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam during Kharif, 2016. During the survey, 180 rhizospheric soil samples were collected and isolated a total number of fifty morphologically different Actinomycetes isolates. Basic identification of Actinomycetes was done by visual observation, general morphology, spore formation, colony morphology, an earthy odouri and including Gram stain. The isolates were characterized based on different biochemical tests. The enzymativ activity of isolates was studied to know the efficacy against stem rot pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii in groundnut.

Multiple MicroRNAs are Involved in Regulating Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Resistance to Sclerotium rolfsii at the Early Stage

Stem rot, caused by soilborne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, is one of the most destructive diseases of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) worldwide. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are indispensable regulators for plant defense, the miRNA species have not been explored for peanut immunity against the soilborne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii. Here, we report a miRNA comparative analysis of the durably resistant peanut variety Rizhaohua-1 (Rzh) and the susceptible peanut variety Jitian-1 (JT) in response to infection by Sclerotium rolfsii. We identified a group of known and novel miRNAs that were differentially expressed upon S. rolfsii infection. The predicted target genes included receptor kinases, transcription factors, and genes involved in the production and transport of metabolites. In this study, we have shown that miRNAs regulate a broad range of genes to respond to the pathogen, and eventually establish a systemic defense network to combat disease.

Effect of soil solarization and organic amendments on Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc sclerotia

Soil-borne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc attacks several crops in Morocco. Studies were initiated to assess the potential of soil solarization, alone or combined with two organic amendments, namely compost and sheep manure, on the viability of S. rolfsii sclerotia. In the 4 and 6 weeks microplots experiment the highest soil temperature recorded was 59.3 °C in the solarized plots. Treatments from solarized plots with compost was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced germination and viability of sclerotia than other treatments, with a germination reduction rate of sclerotia (GRRS) of 100%, 93.4% and 53.6% at 5, 10 and 20 cm soil depth respectively. The field trial lasted 2 months and the germination rate of sclerotia (GRS) of plots solarized with compost, with sheep manure and those non-solarized/non-amended was 10.25%, 15.38% and 80.19% respectively. The results suggest that soil solarization combined with organic amendments proves to be effective in the control of S. rolfsii.

Microwave Soil Heating Promotes Strawberry Runner Production and Progeny Performance

Strawberry runners (transplants) in many regions of the world are produced in soils treated with chemical fumigants to control pathogens and weeds and meet phytosanitary requirements. Many fumigants, however, are under threat of withdrawal because of concerns over their impact on the environment (e.g., methyl bromide). The current study considered the use of microwaves for heat disinfestation of soil for field-grown runners for the first time. Results from two field experiments showed that microwave treatment reduced the survival of buried inoculum of the strawberry pathogens Fusarium oxysporum (by up to 93%) and Sclerotium rolfsii (by up to 100%) compared with untreated soil. Furthermore, the treatment reduced the subsequent growth of these pathogens in the laboratory by up to 82% and 100%, respectively. Microwave treatment also reduced the natural DNA concentration of Pythium spp. (clades I &amp; F) in soil by up to 94% compared with untreated soil. The effect of microwave against soilborne pathogens reduced as soil depth increased. Microwave treatment reduced the emergence of weeds in field soils by up to 65% and increased runner yields by 10–37%. The effect of microwave treatment on runner yield was greater when all soil was treated, rather than when strips of soil around the mother plants were treated. Results from complimentary pot experiments showed that early strawberry growth in the glasshouse was equivalent in soils treated with microwave or the fumigant methyl bromide/chloropicrin. Furthermore, the early performance of runners sourced from field soils treated with microwave or methyl bromide/chloropicrin was equivalent. Results from the pot experiments also showed that steam treatment required 10 times more energy per mass of soil to disinfest than microwave. The limitations of microwave in the current experiments are discussed, but the capacity for the technology to disinfest field soils in an energy-efficient manner demonstrates its potential for further development as an alternative to soil disinfestation with chemical fumigants.

SCREENING, ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HEAT STRESS TOLERANT TRICHODERMA ISOLATES: SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

To provide food security with quality crops for exponentially growing population brought intense pressure on the limited land and natural resources among developing countries. Abiotic stresses such as continuously rising temperature as consequences of global warming is adding pressure to existing problems by adversely affecting crop productivity through physiological changes in plants. Hence there is need of qualitatively potential vegetable crops that can withstand changing environmental conditions such as Okra (Abelmoschus spp.) holding high level of nutrients along with economic importance. But requirement of high temperature and humidity for its cultivation make the plant prone to several phytopathogens that ultimately leads to severe qualitative and quantitative losses depending upon the plant growth stage getting affected. Due to the unenviable problems of chemical fertilizers, biocontrol agents were applied as auxiliary treatments either single or in combination that possess fewer consequences on the environment. But due to increasing environmental and soil temperature, activities of these formulations are getting hindered. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to procure high temperature stress tolerant strains along with antagonistic and plant growth promoting abilities. In the current study, we mainly focused on isolation of high temperature tolerant Trichoderma harzianum (BHU P4) strain with antagonistic abilities against fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii causing collar rot disease. The strain was also studied for plant growth promoting attributes in okra plant which resulted in increased fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll content and nutrient content in comparison to control and pathogen challenged plants. This study was associated with an improvement in the level of total phenol, SOD, PO and PAL enzymes in order to regulate the host defense mechanism against its confrontation with S. rolfsii.

Assessment of antibiosis potential of Bacillus sp. against the soil-borne fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. (Athelia rolfsii (Curzi) Tu & Kimbrough)

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the rhizosphere bacterial isolates’ antagonistic property against the soil-borne fungal phytopathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. (Athelia rolfsii (Curzi) Tu & Kimbrough). The chemical control of the disease caused by S. rolfsii is economically and environmentally unsustainable, and therefore, a bio-control agent in the form of rhizospheric bacteria is gaining importance.Main bodyFive rhizospheric Bacillus species viz. B. subtilis subsp. Subtilis str.168 (accession no. MH283878), B. siamensis strain PDA 10 (accession no. MH283879), B. amyloliquefaciens strain 1034 (accession no. MH283880), B. velezensis strain FZB42165 (accession no. MH283881), and B. atrophaeus strain NBRC 15539 (accession no. MH283882) were assessed for their antagonistic potential against S. rolfsii based on 3 different screening methods. Among these, 100% fungal growth inhibition by all 5 Bacillus spp. was observed in the novel ring method, whereas in the dual culture method, the maximum growth inhibition was (58%) exhibited by the strain NBRC 15539 of B. atrophaeus. The antagonistic activity showed by the modified dual culture method was also relatively high, and the highest activity (93.7%) was shown by the strain NBRC 15539 of B. atrophaeus. Besides, the Bacillus sp. was also evaluated for their plant growth-promoting attributes and other properties such as the production of siderophore, HCN, amylase, protease, lipase, and ammonia, including their assessment for chitinase and cellulase activity.ConclusionThe study provided empirical evidence of Bacillus sp. antagonistic potential against S. rolfsii and should be of contributive value in developing a biocontrol agent for this highly important crop fungal pathogen.