Antimicrobial profile of the culturable olive sporobiota and its potential as a source of biocontrol agents for major phytopathogens in olive agriculture

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe phytopathogens Xylella fastidiosa and Verticillium dahliae present an unparalleled threat to olive agriculture. However, there is no efficient field treatment available today for either pest. Spore‐forming bacteria (i.e., the sporobiota) are known for their extraordinary resistance properties and antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was thus to identify potential novel sustainable spore‐forming biocontrol agents derived from the culturable olive microbiome, termed the sporobiota, in general and in particular against X. fastidiosa and V. dahliae.RESULTSWe demonstrate the wide‐ranging antimicrobial profile of 415 isolates from the culturable olive sporobiota towards human and plant pathogens. We further identified five candidates with antagonistic activity against X. fastidiosa and V. dahliae. These belong to the Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Peribacillus simplex clade. The activity was related to the species and their relative origin (soil versus leaf endophytic). It is of particular interest that two of these candidates are already naturally present at the site of disease‐development that is, plant interior. We further confirmed the presence of lipopeptide genes potentially associated with the reported bioactivity.CONCLUSIONSThe study provides insights into how members of the olive sporobiota may support the olive plant to ward off detrimental pathogens. It further yields five promising candidates for the development of eco‐friendly, multi‐active biocontrol agents in olive agriculture. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Simply Versatile: The Use of Peribacillus simplex in Sustainable Agriculture

“…simplex also reduced fungi-associated diseases in potato (pink rot) and wheat (Septoria Tritici Blotch) [65,66], while other studies demonstrated its antagonistic activity against the phytopathogens Pectobacterium sp. and Xylella fastidiosa [67,68]. Finally, in silico studies of the strain BA2H3 suggested the production of the antimicrobial compounds bacitracin and anthrachelin [67,74].…”