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POSTERS: Biological Control I

P-067 - Efficacy of carbon-negative cultivation management of papaya by microbial regulation

Monday, August 4, 2025
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3

    Presenting Author(s)

  • YC

    Yu-Hsuan Chen

    Ph.D
    Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University
    Taichung, TAIWAN

    • Author(s)

  • TH

    Tzu-Pi Huang (she/her/hers)

    Professor
    Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University
    Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan (Republic of China)

  • WG

    Woei-Jiun Guo

    Professor
    Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University
    Tainan, Tainan, Taiwan (Republic of China)

  • YC

    Ying-Huey Cheng

    Researcher
    Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture
    Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Republic of China)

  • HC

    Ho-Hsiung Chang

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University
    Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan (Republic of China)

  • CL

    Cheng-Hsien Lin

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University
    Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan (Republic of China)

Abstract Text: As global warming and climate change threaten crop production and food security, net-zero carbon strategies are essential for sustainable agriculture. Papaya (Carica papaya), a key tropical fruit crop, faces production constraints due to viral diseases and Phytophthora root rot. Among these, Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is the most prevalent, reducing leaf chlorophyll content, CO₂ assimilation, and photosynthetic efficiency. PRSV-infected plants often exhibit root browning and latent fungal infections, indicating diminished carbon sequestration potential. This study evaluates microbial biocontrol for managing papaya diseases and enhancing carbon sequestration. Bacillus subtilis WMA1 effectively suppressed Phytophthora palmivora-induced root rot while promoting plant growth. Under 50% fertilizer reduction, weekly B. subtilis WMA1 application restored plant height to full-fertilization levels by weeks 4–6, with even greater effects in weeks 6–8. Notably, papaya leaf carbon fixation increased significantly with B. subtilis WMA1 treatment. Under PRSV infection and 50% fertilizer reduction, B. subtilis WMA1 restored plant growth and fruit yield to full-fertilization levels. In conclusion, B. subtilis WMA1 enhances papaya growth, mitigates PRSV infection, and sustains yield. Additionally, it serves as a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers, with potential to reduce carbon emissions in papaya cultivation.