Molecular characterization of indigenous microbes and its potential as a biological control agent of Fusarium stem rot disease (Fusarium verticillioides) on maize

Bacterial endophytes inhabiting desert plants provide protection against seed rot caused by Fusarium verticillioides and promote growth in maize

“…Siderophores synthesized by biocontrol agents exhibit biological activity through direct antibiosis against bacterial and fungal phytopathogens along with their well-known mechanism of competition through iron scavenging. 3,44 Besides, the synthesis and release of hydrolytic enzymes like glucanases, chitinases, and proteases have been widely reported as one of the most interesting mechanisms employed by biocontrol agents. In fact, these enzymes are involved in cell wall component lysis.…”

“…Previous studies highlighted the importance of Bacillus species as effective biocontrol agents in the management of maize ear and root rot. 2,3,67 Additionally, all Bacillus strains belong to the B. subtilis species complex, which is recognized for its agronomic importance as phytopathogenic antagonist, plant growth promoter, and inducer of systemic resistance. These strains are known for their ability to produce diverse antimicrobial compounds that prevent the proliferation of other microorganisms, form spores that confer resistance to adverse environmental conditions, and exhibit high adaptability to the soil-root agroecosystem and competitive advantages.…”

“…The studied bacteria also demonstrated the ability to produce biosurfactants through emulsification with promising applications as antimicrobial agents, 43 siderophores, and hydrolytic enzymes, known for their different antimicrobial potentials. Siderophores synthesized by biocontrol agents exhibit biological activity through direct antibiosis against bacterial and fungal phytopathogens along with their well‐known mechanism of competition through iron scavenging 3,44 . Besides, the synthesis and release of hydrolytic enzymes like glucanases, chitinases, and proteases have been widely reported as one of the most interesting mechanisms employed by biocontrol agents.…”

“…2 This fungus is a highly destructive soil-borne plant pathogen. 3 The control of F. verticillioides is difficult because it can survive in the soil for long periods in the form of resistant structures or as mycelium and conidia on residues from remnant harvest. 4 The issue is far more challenging since the fungus invades the root system and grows endophytically and asymptomatically, causing systemic infection.…”

“…The latter is the most important and the most reported worldwide and in Cameroon 2 . This fungus is a highly destructive soil‐borne plant pathogen 3 . The control of F. verticillioides is difficult because it can survive in the soil for long periods in the form of resistant structures or as mycelium and conidia on residues from remnant harvest 4 .…”