Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600 differentially induces

tomato defense signaling pathways depending on plant

part and dose of application

The success of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as a biological control agent relies on its ability to outgrow
plant pathogens. It is also thought to interact with its plant host by inducing systemic resistance. In
this study, the ability of B. amyloliquefaciens MBI600 to elicit defense (or other) responses in tomato
seedlings and plants was assessed upon the expression of marker genes and transcriptomic
analysis. Spray application of Serifel, a commercial formulation of MBI600, induced responses in a
dose-dependent manner. Low dosage primed plant defense by activation of SA-responsive genes.
Suggested dosage induced defense by mediating synergistic cross-talk between JA/ET and
SA-signaling. Saturation of tomato roots or leaves with MBI600 elicitors activated JA/ET signaling at
the expense of SA-mediated responses. The complex signaling network that is implicated in
MBI600-tomato seedling interactions was mapped. MBI600 and flg22 (a bacterial flagellin peptide)
elicitors induced, in a similar manner, biotic and abiotic stress responses by the coordinated
activation of genes involved in JA/ET biosynthesis as well as hormone and redox signaling. This is
the first study to suggest the activation of plant defense following the application of a commercial
microbial formulation under conditions of greenhouse crop production.

(​https://doaj.org/article/0abeb7602e924d788ff74c9450c35ae2​)

Effects of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)

and cover crops on seed germination and early
establishment of field dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunk.)
Several bacterial cultures: Bacillus licheniformis (MO1), B. pumilus (MO2), and B. amyloliquefaciens
(MO3), isolated from manure; B. megatherium ZP6 (MO4) isolated from maize rhizosphere;
Azotobacter chroococcum Ps1 (MO5) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (MO6), were used to test the
influence of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on seed germination and germination rate
of field dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunk.). Also, to examine the effect of host seeds on germination
and initial growth of seedlings of field dodder plants in the dark and under white light, the seeds of
four host plants were used (watermelon, red clover, alfalfa and sugar beet). Germinated seeds were
counted daily over a ten-day period and the length of seedlings was measured on the final day. The
results show that treatments MO3, MO4 and MO6 had inhibitory effects (15%, 65% and 52%,
respectively), while treatments MO1, MO2 and MO5 had stimulating effects (3%, 3% and 19%,
respectively) on seed germination of field dodder. The data for host seeds show that light was a
significant initial factor (83-95%, control 95%) for stimulating seed germination of field dodder plants,
apart from host presence (73-79%, control 80%).

(​ https://doaj.org/article/004fd18067b040dea3721c16008eb6a3​ )
(​ )​

Induction of systemic resistance in Panax ginseng against

Phytophthora cactorum by native Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
HK34
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a perennial herb prone to various root diseases, with
Phytophthora cactorum being considered one of the most dreaded pathogens. P. cactorum causes
foliar blight and root rot. Although chemical pesticides are available for disease control, attention has
been shifted to viable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective biological means such as plant
growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for control of diseases. Methods: Native Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens strain HK34 was isolated from wild ginseng and assessed as a biological control
agent for ginseng. Leaves from plants treated with HK34 were analyzed for induced systemic
resistance (ISR) against P. cactorum in square plate assay. Treated plants were verified for
differential expression of defense-related marker genes using quantitative reverse transcription
polymerase chain reaction. Results: A total of 78 native rhizosphere bacilli from wild P. ginseng were
isolated. One of the root-associated bacteria identified as B. amyloliquefaciens strain HK34
effectively induced resistance against P. cactorum when applied as soil drench once (99.1% disease
control) and as a priming treatment two times in the early stages (83.9% disease control). A similar
result was observed in the leaf samples of plants under field conditions, where the percentage of
disease control was 85.6%. Significant upregulation of the genes PgPR10, PgPR5, and PgCAT in
the leaves of plants treated with HK34 was observed against P. cactorum compared with untreated
controls and only pathogen-treated plants. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate HK34 as a
potential biocontrol agent eliciting ISR in ginseng against P. cactorum.

(​https://doaj.org/article/0d8523b429e345b8b30d22b1ec322016​)

Insecticidal Activity of Isolated Bacteria from Hyphantria

cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is a polyphagous pest with numerous host plants. In the
present study, the bacterial flora of H.cunea was investigated to identify new organisms that can be
used as microbial control agent against the pest. Six bacteria were isolated and cultured from H.
cunea. Some morphological, biochemical and other phenotypic characteristics (with API 20E, API 50
CH, API Staph and API Coryne kits) of bacterial isolates were determined. In addition, 16S rRNA
gene region was sequenced. As a result of the studies conducted, bacterial isolates were identified
as Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Abk1), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Abk2), Staphylococcus sciuri
(Abk4), Kocuria palustris (Abk6), Arthrobacter arilaitensis (Abk7) and Microbacterium oxydans
(Abk8). All bacterial isolates were tested for 12 days against third-fourth instar larvae of H. cunea.
The highest insecticidal activity was obtained from L. sphaericus (Abk1) with 30% after application
(p<0.05). These results indicate that L. sphaericus (Abk1) can be taken into account in the microbial
pest control of H. cunea. In the future, further studies will be conducted by using pathogenicity
enrichment strategies of L. sphaericus (Abk1) (ex. combining with other entomopathogens or
insecticides) in order to increase the effectiveness on H. cunea.

(​https://doaj.org/article/13bfb13a5339465f9a58a475808666c9​)

Safety and efficacy of ZM16 10 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM

25840) as a feed additive for sows in order to have benefits in
piglets, sows for reproduction, piglets (suckling and weaned), pigs
for fattening and minor porcine species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and products or
Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety
and efficacy of ZM16 10 for all pigs. The additive is a preparation containing viable spores of a strain
of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens intended for use in feed at the proposed dose of 5 × 108 CFU/kg
complete feedingstuffs and in water for drinking at 1.7 × 108 CFU/L. The additive exists in two forms,
ZM16 and ZM16 10, and has been previously characterised by the FEEDAP Panel. B.
amyloliquefaciens is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety
(QPS) approach to establishing safety. The active agent fulfils the requirements and consequently,
the additive was presumed safe for the target animals, consumers of products from treated animals
and the environment. Given the proteinaceous nature of the active agent, the additive should be
considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot
conclude on the irritancy potential of the additive to skin and eyes or its dermal sensitisation. The
data made available by the applicant allowed the Panel to conclude that the additive, in either form,
has a potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive when added to feed for piglets (suckling
and weaned), pigs for fattening and sows at 5 × 108 CFU/kg (corresponding to 1.7 × 108 CFU/L).
The conclusions on the efficacy were extrapolated to all Suidae species.

(​https://doaj.org/article/155100999410448685f514cb65862391

Biological Control of Fusarium Stalk Rot of Maize Using Bacillus

spp
Maize (Zea mays L.) is an economically important crop in worldwide. While the consumption of the
maize is steadily increasing, the yield is decreasing due to continuous mono-cultivation and infection
of soil-borne fungal pathogens such as Fusarium species. Recently, stalk rot disease in maize,
caused by F. subglutinans and F. temperatum has been reported in Korea. In this study, we isolated
bacterial isolates in rhizosphere soil of maize and subsequently tested for antagonistic activities
against F. subglutinans and F. temperatum. A total of 1,357 bacterial strains were isolated from
rhizosphere. Among them three bacterial isolates (GC02, GC07, GC08) were selected, based on
antagonistic effects against Fusarium species. The isolates GC02 and GC07 were most efficient in
inhibiting the mycelium growth of the pathogens. The three isolates GC02, GC07 and GC08 were
identified as Bacillus methylotrophicus, B. amyloliquefaciens and B. thuringiensis using 16S rRNA
sequence analysis, respectively. GC02 and GC07 bacterial suspensions were able to suppress over
80% conidial germination of the pathogens. GC02, GC07 and GC08 were capable of producing
large quantities of protease enzymes, whereas the isolates GC07 and GC08 produced cellulase
enzymes. The isolates GC02 and GC07 were more efficient in phosphate solubilization and
siderophore production than GC08. Analysis of disease suppression revealed that GC07 was most
effective in suppressing the disease development of stalk rot. It was also found that B.
methylotrophicus GC02 and B. amyloliquefaciens GC07 have an ability to inhibit the growth of other
plant pathogenic fungi. This study indicated B. methylotrophicus GC02 and B. amyloliquefaciens
GC07 has potential for being used for the development of a biological control agent.
(​https://doaj.org/article/199f3ecb561f4d499ebd1bfffdb2358a​)

Melatonin-producing endophytic bacteria from grapevine roots

promote the abiotic stress-induced production of endogenous
melatonin in their hosts

Endophytes form symbiotic relationships with plants and constitute an important source of
phytohormones and bioactive secondary metabolites for their hosts. To date, most studies of
endophytes have focused on the influence of these microorganisms on plant growth and physiology
and their role in plant defenses against biotic and abiotic stressors; however, to the best of our
knowledge, the ability of endophytes to produce melatonin has not been reported. In the present
study, we isolated and identified root-dwelling bacteria from three grapevine varieties and found that,
when cultured under laboratory conditions, some of the bacteria strains secreted melatonin and
tryptophan-ethyl ester. The endophytic bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SB-9 exhibited the
highest level of in vitro melatonin secretion and also produced three intermediates of the melatonin
biosynthesis pathway: 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, and N-acetylserotonin. After B.
amyloliquefaciens SB-9 colonization, the plantlets exhibited increased plant growth. Additionally, we
found that, in grapevine plantlets exposed to salt or drought stress, colonization by B.
amyloliquefaciens SB-9 increased the upregulation of melatonin synthesis, as well as that of its
intermediates, but reduced the upregulation of grapevine tryptophan decaboxylase genes (VvTDCs)
and a serotonin N-acetyltransferase gene (VvSNAT) transcription, when compared to the
un-inoculated control. Colonization by B. amyloliquefaciens SB-9 was also able to counteract the
adverse effects of salt- and drought-induced stress by reducing the production of malondialdehyde
and reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2−) in roots. Therefore, our findings demonstrate the
occurrence of melatonin biosynthesis in endophytic bacteria and provide evidence for a novel form
of communication between beneficial endophytes and host plants via melatonin.

(​https://doaj.org/article/1a1eb093ba7d4943a89cf47519e41d2b​)

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Confers Tolerance to Various Abiotic Stresses

and Modulates Plant Response to Phytohormones through Osmoprotection
and Gene Expression Regulation in Rice
Being sessile in nature, plants have to withstand various adverse environmental stress conditions
including both biotic and abiotic stresses. Comparatively, abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity,
high temperature, and cold pose major threat to agriculture by negatively impacting plant growth and
yield worldwide. Rice is one of the most widely consumed staple cereals across the globe, the
production and productivity of which is also severely affected by different abiotic stresses. Therefore,
several crop improvement programs are directed toward developing stress tolerant rice cultivars
either through marker assisted breeding or transgenic technology. Alternatively, some known
rhizospheric competent bacteria are also known to improve plant growth during abiotic stresses. A
plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NBRI-SN13 (SN13) was
previously reported by our lab to confer salt stress tolerance to rice seedlings. However, the present
study investigates the role of SN13 in ameliorating various abiotic stresses such as salt, drought,
desiccation, heat, cold, and freezing on a popular rice cv. Saryu-52 under hydroponic growth
conditions. Apart from this, seedlings were also exogenously supplied with abscisic acid (ABA),
salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethephon (ET) to study the role of SN13 in
phytohormone-induced stress tolerance as well as its role in abiotic and biotic stress cross-talk. All
abiotic stresses and phytohormone treatments significantly affected various physiological and
biochemical parameters like membrane integrity and osmolyte accumulation. SN13 also positively
modulated stress-responsive gene expressions under various abiotic stresses and phytohormone
treatments suggesting its multifaceted role in cross-talk among stresses and phytohormones in
response to PGPR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on detailed analysis of plant
growth promotion and stress alleviation by a PGPR in rice seedlings subjected to various abiotic
stresses and phytohormone treatments for 0, 1, 3, 10, and 24 h.

(​https://doaj.org/article/20a79a9cdf0b4536b91a42f1559f3845​)

Biocontrol of Gray Mold Decay in Pear by Bacillus

amyloliquefaciens Strain BA3 and its Effect on Postharvest
Quality Parameters
The economic losses caused by postharvest fruits diseases have attracted global attention.
Traditional chemical fungicide could not meet the need of humans. In recent years, microbial agent
which has begun to take the place of chemical fungicide comes into people&rsquo;s vision. The aim
of this paper was to investigate the potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BA3 for its
biocontrol capability on gray mold decay of pears and its effect on postharvest quality of pears.
Compared with other treatments, the inhibition effect on gray mold of washed cell suspension of B.
amyloliquefaciens was the best. Consequently it was utilized in subsequent experiments. Spore
germination and germ tube length of Botrytis cinerea was 18.72% and 12.85 &mu;m treated with
BA3, while the control group was 62.88% and 30.44 &mu;m. We confirmed that increase of the
concentration of B. amyloliquefaciens, improved the efficacy of BA3 in controlling gray mold decay of
pears. Colonization variation of BA3 in wounds of pears was recorded. To begin with, the
populations of B. amyloliquefaciens increased rapidly and remained stable. On the fourth day, there
was a declining trend , after that the population increased to 4 &times; 105 CFU/wound and
remained stable. BA3 had no significant effect on mass loss, titratable acidity, firmness and total
soluble solids of pears that were stored at 25&deg;C for 7 days comparing with control group.
However, the effect of B. amyloliquefaciens on ascorbic acid was significantly higher than that of the
control group. Our study indicates that B. amyloliquefaciens has a potential as postharvest biocontrol
agent on pears.

(​https://doaj.org/article/1e7ac4762c6e4947ab641c421c23a24a​)

Microbiome Response to Hot Water Treatment and Potential

Synergy With Biological Control on Stored Apples
Postharvest food decay is one major issue for today’s food loss along the supply chain. Hot water
treatment (HWT), a sustainable method to reduce pathogen-induced postharvest fruit decay, has
been proven to be effective on a variety of crops. However, the microbiome response to HWT is still
unknown, and the role of postharvest microbiota for fruit quality is largely unexplored. To study both,
we applied a combined approach of metabarcoding analysis and real time qPCR for microbiome
tracking. Overall, HWT was highly effective in reducing rot symptoms on apples under commercial
conditions, and induced only slight changes to the fungal microbiota, and insignificantly affected the
bacterial community. Pathogen infection, however, significantly decreased the bacterial and fungal
diversity, and especially rare taxa were almost eradicated in diseased apples. Here, about 90% of
the total fungal community was composed by co-occurring storage pathogens Neofabraea alba and
Penicillium expansum. Additionally, the prokaryote to eukaryote ratio, almost balanced in apples
before storage, was shifted to 0.6% bacteria and 99.4% fungi in diseased apples, albeit the total
bacterial abundance was stable across all samples. Healthy stored apples shared 18 bacterial and 4
fungal taxa that were not found in diseased apples; therefore, defining a health-related postharvest
microbiome. In addition, applying a combined approach of HWT and a biological control consortium
consisting of Pantoea vagans 14E4, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 14C9 and Pseudomonas paralactis
6F3, were proven to be efficient in reducing both postharvest pathogens. Our results provide first
insights into the microbiome response to HWT, and suggest a combined treatment with biological
control agents.

(​https://doaj.org/article/1a1fe01556eb4a4d948fd3d189269e59​)

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ HG01 induces resistance in

loquats against anthracnose rot caused by ​Colletotrichum
acutatum

Highlights
B. amyloliquefaciens​ HG01 inhibited anthracnose rot caused by ​C. acutatum​ in
loquat.

B. amyloliquefaciens​ HG01 treatment markedly upregulated five

defense-related genes.

B. amyloliquefaciens​ HG01 showed antifungal activities against ​C. acutatum

growth.

Abstract
We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ​Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ HG01 in
controlling anthracnose rot caused by ​Colletotrichum acutatum​ in postharvest
loquats and to explore the probable underlying mechanisms. We observed
that relative to the control, HG01 treatment led to lower incidence of disease
and smaller diameter of lesions. In HG01-treated loquats, it was observed that
there were significant increases in total phenolic and amino acid contents;
moreover, HG01-treated fruit appeared to maintain significantly higher sugar
and organic acid contents in comparison with the control. Further, the
treatment significantly enhanced the activities of two defense-related
enzymes, namely chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase. Additionally, after HG01
treatment, the relative expression levels of the following genes were
significantly increased: nonexpresser of pathogenesis-related gene,
phenylalanine ammonia lyase 2, peroxidase, ethylene-insensitive 3, and
mandelonitrile lyase 1. We also noted HG01 significantly inhibited the growth
of ​C. acutatum​ in vitro, with an inhibition rate of 58.9%. These results suggest
that ​B. amyloliquefaciens​ HG01 can effectively inhibit anthracnose rot caused
by ​C. acutatum​ in postharvest loquat fruit, possibly by directly inhibiting growth
of the pathogen, and indirectly inducing disease resistance in loquats.
(​https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925521419306957​)

Biological control of potato common scab by Bacillus

amyloliquefaciens Ba01

Potato common scab, which is caused by soil-borne Streptomyces species, is

a severe plant disease that results in a significant reduction in the economic
value of potatoes worldwide. Due to the lack of efficacious pesticides, crop
rotations, and resistant potato cultivars against the disease, we investigated
whether biological control can serve as an alternative approach. In this study,
multiple Bacillus species were isolated from healthy potato tubers, and
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Ba01 was chosen for further analyses based on its
potency against the potato common scab pathogen Streptomyces scabies.
Ba01 inhibited the growth and sporulation of S. scabies and secreted
secondary metabolites such as surfactin, iturin A, and fengycin with potential
activity against S. scabies as determined by imaging mass spectrometry. In
pot assays, the disease severity of potato common scab decreased from 55.6
± 11.1% (inoculated with S. scabies only) to 4.2 ± 1.4% (inoculated with S.
scabies and Ba01). In the field trial, the disease severity of potato common
scab was reduced from 14.4 ± 2.9% (naturally occurring) to 5.6 ± 1.1% after
Ba01 treatment, representing evidence that Bacillus species control potato
common scab in nature.

(​https://paperity.org/p/98507705/biological-control-of-potato-common-scab-by-bacillus-a
myloliquefaciens-ba01​)
Antifungal Activity of Isolated ​Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ SYBC
H47 for the Biocontrol of Peach Gummosis

The gummosis disease is caused by ​Botryosphaeria dothidea​ (Moug. ex. Fr) Ces. et de
Not., and it is one of the most important diseases of stone fruits worldwide. The use of
biocontrol as an alternative approach to synthetic chemical fungicides has aroused
general concern about how to control plant diseases that are caused by
phytopathogens. The aim of this study is to isolate ​Bacillus​ strains from raw honeys with
the capacity to inhibit ​B.​ ​dothidea​ and to explore the mechanisms by which they could
be used in the biocontrol of peach gummosis. ​Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ SYBC H47
was isolated and identified on the basis of its physiological and biochemical
characteristics and its 16S rRNA and ​gyrB​ gene sequences. The cell suspension and
the cell-free supernatant of its culture showed significant antifungal activity against
Aspergillus niger,​ ​Mucor racemosus​, ​Fusarium oxysporum​, ​Penicillium citrinum​, and
Candida albicans​ by agar-diffusion assays. The primary antifungal substances were
bacillomycin L, fengycin, and surfactin, which were analyzed by HPLC LC/ESI-MS/MS.
Bacillomycin L showed the best inhibitory effect against conidial germination of ​B.​
dothidea​, followed by fengycin and surfactin. Surfactin had limited effects on mycelial
growth, contrary to those of bacillomycin L and fengycin. However, a mixture of the
three lipopeptides had a synergistic effect that disrupted the structure of the conidia and
mycelia. In order to reduce the production cost, the use of waste frying peanut oil and
soy oil as the sole carbon source increased the lipopeptide yield levels by approximately
17% (2.42 g/L) and 110% (4.35 g/L), respectively. In a field trial, the decreases in the
infected gummosis rate (IGR) and the disease severity index (DSI) through cell
suspension treatments were 20% and 57.5% (in 2014), respectively, and 40% and
57.5% (in 2015), respectively, in comparison with the control. In conclusion, ​B.​
amyloliquefaciens​ SYBC H47 could inhibit the germination of conidia and the growth of
mycelia from ​B.​ ​dothidea​; therefore, this strain behaves as a potential biocontrol agent
against the gummosis disease.
(​https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0162125​)

Mulberry anthracnose antagonists (iturins) produced by

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ RC-2
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ strain RC-2 produced seven antifungal compounds (​1​–​7​)
secreted into the culture filtrate. These compounds inhibited the development of
mulberry anthracnose caused by the fungus, ​Colletotrichum dematium.​ Chemical
structural analyses by NMR and FAB-MS revealed that all these compounds were
iturins (cyclic peptides with the following sequence: l-Asn → d-Tyr → d-Asn →
l-Gln → l-Pro → d-Asn → l-Ser → d-​β​-amino acid →) and compounds ​1​–​6​ are
identical to iturins A-2–A-7, respectively. Compound ​7​ (iturin A-8) is a new iturin,
which has a –(CH​2​)​10​CH(CH​3​)CH​2​CH​3​ group as a side chain in the ​β-​ amino acid in
the molecule.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ strain RC-2 produced seven antifungal compounds, which

inhibit development of mulberry anthracnose caused by the fungus, ​Colletotrichum
dematium.​ They were all iturins, and one of them had a –(CH​2​)​10​CH(CH​3​)CH​2​CH​3
group as a side chain (R) of β-amino acid.

(​https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031942202003655​)

Production of iturin A by ​Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

suppressing ​Rhizoctonia solani
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ strain B94 was used as a biocontrol agent to suppress

Rhizoctonia solani​ and other fungal plant pathogens. Three major antifungal

compounds were purified from its culture broth, each has an amino acid composition

consisting of Asn, Gln, Ser, Pro, and Tyr in a molar ratio of 3:1:1:1:1. Fast atom

bombardment mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (FAB MS/MS) collision induced

dissociation (CID) analysis showed that the antifungal compounds were three isomers

of iturin A, a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic produced by ​Bacillus subtilis.​ One of the

major compounds with a molecular weight of 1042.5533 was identified as iturin A​2​.

The peptide backbone of this compound was opened chemically, and the resulting
linear peptide partially sequenced using the Edman degradation method. The results

confirmed those obtained using FAB MS/MS CID analysis. A new reliable method

for isolation and purification of iturin A and related compounds from bacterial broth

culture was developed. The CID spectrum of iturin A could be used as a ‘fingerprint’

to identify iturin A in a variety of mixtures.

(​https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0038071702000275​)

Antifungal Activity of ​Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ NJN-6

Volatile Compounds against ​Fusarium oxysporum​ f. sp.
Cubense

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ NJN-6 produces volatile compounds (VOCs) that inhibit the
growth and spore germination of ​Fusarium oxysporum​ f. sp. ​cubense.​ Among the total of 36
volatile compounds detected, 11 compounds completely inhibited fungal growth. The
antifungal activity of these compounds suggested that VOCs can play important roles over
short and long distances in the suppression of ​Fusarium oxysporum.​

https://aem.asm.org/content/78/16/5942.short
Production of an antifungal protein for control of ​Colletotrichum
lagenarium​ by ​Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ MET0908

A plant pathogenic fungus, ​Colletotrichum lagenarium,​ causing watermelon

anthracnose, was isolated from naturally infected leaves, stems, and fruits of
watermelon. A bacterial strain, MET0908, showing a potent antifungal activity against ​C.
lagenarium,​ was isolated from soil. An antifungal protein was purified by 30%
ammonium sulfate saturation and concentrated using Centricon 10,
DEAE–Sepharose™ Fast Flow column and Sephacryl S-100 gel filtration
chromatography. The molecular weight of the purified protein was estimated as 40 kDa
by SDS–PAGE. The purified protein was stable at 80 °C for 20 min and exhibited a
broad spectrum of antifungal activity against various plant pathogenic fungi. Confocal
microscopy image analysis and scanning electron microscopy showed that the protein
acted on the cell wall of ​C. lagenarium.​ The purified antifungal protein exhibited
β-1,3-glucanase activity. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein
was determined as Ser-Lys-Ile-x-Ile-Asn-Ile-Asn-Ile-x-Gln-Ala-Pro-Ala-Pro-x-Ala. A
search of the sequence with NCBI BLAST showed no significant homology with any
known proteins, suggesting that the purified protein may be novel.

(​https://academic.oup.com/femsle/article/234/1/177/577967​)
Amylocyclicin, a Novel Circular Bacteriocin Produced by ​Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens​ FZB42

​Bacillus amyloliquefaciens​ FZB42 is a Gram-positive plant growth-promoting bacterium

with an impressive capacity to synthesize nonribosomal secondary metabolites with
antimicrobial activity. Here we report on a novel circular bacteriocin which is ribosomally
synthesized by FZB42. The compound displayed high antibacterial activity against closely
related Gram-positive bacteria. Transposon mutagenesis and subsequent site-specific
mutagenesis combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass
spectroscopy revealed that a cluster of six genes covering 4,490 bp was responsible for the
production, modification, and export of and immunity to an antibacterial compound, here
designated amylocyclicin, with a molecular mass of 6,381 Da. Peptide sequencing of the
fragments obtained after tryptic digestion of the purified peptide revealed posttranslational
cleavage of an N-terminal extension and head-to-tail circularization of the novel bacteriocin.
Homology to other putative circular bacteriocins in related bacteria let us assume that this
type of peptide is widespread among the ​Bacillus/Paenibacillus​ taxon.

https://jb.asm.org/content/196/10/1842.short