Title | Identification and characterization of Bacillus subtilis ET-1. A strain with antifungal activity against fruit rot pathogens |
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Publication Type | Atti di Congresso |
Year of Publication | 2010 |
Authors | Ambrico, Alfredo, Trupo Mario, and Lopez Loredana |
Conference Name | XVI convegno nazionale S.I.Pa.V, Firenze |
Volume | Journal of Plant Pathology |
Number of Volumes | 92 (4, Supplement) |
Pagination | S4.71 |
Date Published | 12/2010 |
Publisher | Edizioni ETS Pisa |
Abstract | A bacterial strain (ET-1) isolated from soil and used in these studies, was identified as Bacillus subtilis based on morphological and physiological tests, Biolog and the 16S rDNA sequence. This species is commonly regarded as a biological control agent. Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium digitatum are known to cause severe rotting of strawberries and citrus fruits during storage and shelf life. Inhibition of mycelial growth and conidial germination of the two fungal pathogens by a strain ET-1 cell-free supernatant was tested on agar substrate. Preliminary assays were also conducted on strawberry and lemon fruits to assess the ability of ET-1 bacterial suspension and ET-1 cell-free supernatant to inhibit the growth of fungal agent rots in post-harvest. In vitro, isolated ET-1 significantly reduced mycelial growth of both fungal pathogens forming a clear-cut inhibition zone. Cell-free supernatant diluted 1:32 and 1:128 caused over 95% inhibition on conidial germination of B. cinerea and P. digitatum, respectively. Promising results were obtained in vivo trials. The more efficient protection was observed on strawberry and lemon fruits treated with cell-free supernatant. Our results are in agreement with those of other studies and confirm the ability of strain ET-1 to secrete secondary metabolites with antifungal activity. Further investigation is needed to verify the effectiveness of ET-1 under real conditions of fruits storage and to identify the molecules involved in fungal inhibition. |
URL | http://www.sipav.org/main/jpp/volumes/0510/051010.pdf |
Citation Key | 7901 |