Bacillus subtilis ED24 Controls Fusarium culmorum in Wheat Through Bioactive Metabolite Secretion and Modulation of Rhizosphere Microbiome.

ABSTRACT: Fusarium culmorum is a soil-borne fungal pathogen causing root and stem rot, seedling blight, and significant yield losses in small grain cereals, including wheat. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of Bacillus subtilis ED24, an endophytic strain isolated from Ziziphus lotus (L.) roots, and its effects on wheat growth and yield under controlled conditions. In vitro assays demonstrated that B. subtilis ED24 inhibited F. culmorum mycelial growth by up to 87%, associated with the secretion of 37 distinct secondary metabolites, predominantly involved in carbon cycling. In pot experiments, B. subtilis ED24 significantly enhanced wheat germination (85%) and growth compared to infected plants treated with the chemical fungicide tebuconazole. Although nutrient analysis showed si

SUBMITTER: Oulkhir FE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12364970 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature