Bacillus Bombysepticus JAB01 Unleashes Antifungal Defense Against Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum White Mold Disease

Author(s): Paula Klotz Brandão Rodrigues, Luis Angel Chicoma Rojas, Max Hervot de Mattos Vaz and Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo Lemos

White mold disease, caused by the pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, affects over 600 plant species globally, including key crops such as soybeans, beans, cotton, and tomatoes. This fungus leads to significant reductions in yield and quality, posing a substantial threat to grain production. Biological control offers an environmentally safe and effective alternative against S. sclerotiorum, with the genus Bacillus emerging as a promising tool. In this study, the strain JAB01 was identified as Bacillus bombysepticus through morphological examinations and confirmed by whole genome sequencing. In vitro assays demonstrated that B. bombysepticus JAB01 produced diffusible substances and volatile organic compounds that effectively suppressed S. sclerotiorum growth by 80% and inhibited sclerotia germination by 100%, significantly reducing disease infection on seeds and leaves. These findings suggest that B. bombysepticus JAB01 could serve as a promising biological agent against white mold disease. This research has the potential to significantly impact agriculture and the phytopathogen control industry by contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in the cultivation of soybeans and other host plants. By reducing the reliance on fungicides for white mold disease control, this study offers benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment, promoting more responsible and effective agricultural practices.