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POSTERS: Biological Control I

P-069 - Biocontrol of plant pathogenic bacteria using Bacillus velezensis

Monday, August 4, 2025
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3
Abstract Text: Plant pathogenic bacteria pose a significant and ongoing threat to global agriculture, with current management strategies proving largely ineffective. Notable pathogens such as Pectobacterium, Dickeya, Erwinia, Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas have caused substantial losses to important vegetable crops, fruits and cereals worldwide, constantly ranking among top 10 lists of critical plant pathogenic bacteria. Biocontrol presents a promising alternative for managing these pathogens both in field, and during storage. Our research involved screening over 1,000 soil isolates from seven different fields in Montana. Through this extensive screening, we identified a soil isolate capable of effectively destroying the aforementioned plant pathogens in vitro. The whole genome sequencing revealed this biocontrol agent to be Bacillus velezensis. Further analysis using Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry identified Surfactin A, B, C, and D as the key molecules synthesized by B. velezensis responsible for destroying tested plant pathogenic bacteria. We also evaluated the multiplication and biocontrol efficacy of B. velezensis under varying temperatures (12-30°C), demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing potato soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium and Dickeya spp. Our future research aims to assess the biocontrol potential of B. velezensis under greenhouse and field conditions, with the goal of developing a sustainable management strategy for combating phytopathogens. Overall, we identified a beneficial bacterium with antipathogenic activity against various pathogenic bacteria.