Combination with other biocontrol agents

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 145 views

Viability and Ability of Bacillus sp. BK17 in the Tablet Formulation to Reduce Fusarium Wilt in Red Chili Seeds (Capsicum annuum L.)

Introduction

The use of biological control agents has become increasingly popular in agriculture as a means to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides that can damage the environment. One of the promising candidates in this effort is Bacillus sp. BK17, a chitinolytic bacterium that has been proven to inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum, the causative agent of withered red chili seeds. However, the viability of bacterial cells is a crucial factor that needs to be considered in the implementation of biological control. This study aims to evaluate the viability of Bacillus sp. BK17 and its potential in the tablet formulation as a biocontrol agent against F. oxysporum.

Background

Fusarium wilt is a devastating disease that affects red chili seeds, causing significant losses in crop productivity. The use of chemical pesticides has been the traditional approach to control this disease, but it has several drawbacks, including environmental pollution and the development of pesticide-resistant pathogens. In recent years, biological control has emerged as a promising alternative approach to control plant diseases. Biological control agents, such as bacteria and fungi, can be used to control plant pathogens by competing with them for resources, producing antibiotics, or inducing plant resistance.

Bacillus sp. BK17 is a chitinolytic bacterium that has been isolated from the rhizosphere of red chili plants. Chitin is a polysaccharide that is present in the cell walls of fungi, including F. oxysporum. Chitinolytic bacteria, such as Bacillus sp. BK17, can break down chitin, thereby inhibiting the growth of fungi. In addition to its chitinolytic activity, Bacillus sp. BK17 has also been shown to produce antibiotics and induce plant resistance.

Materials and Methods

The viability of Bacillus sp. BK17 was evaluated by storing the bacteria in tablet formulation for 40 days. The tablets were prepared by mixing the bacteria with a suitable carrier material and then drying the mixture. The viability of the bacteria was determined by culturing the bacteria on agar plates and counting the number of colonies.

The effectiveness of Bacillus sp. BK17 in controlling fusarium wilt was evaluated by inoculating red chili seeds with F. oxysporum and then treating the seeds with the bacteria. The seeds were then planted in soil and the growth of the plants was monitored. The height and biomass of the plants were measured, and the incidence of fusarium wilt was determined.

Results

The results showed that the viability of Bacillus sp. BK17 decreased after storage for 40 days. Specifically, the viability of the bacteria decreased from 90% to 60% after 15 days of storage. However, the bacteria still showed a significant ability to control fusarium wilt, with an effectiveness of 63.65% on the 0th day after storage and 28.57% after 15 days of storage.

In addition to its ability to control fusarium wilt, Bacillus sp. BK17 also showed an increase in the height and biomass of the chili plants. The height of the plants increased by 20% and the biomass increased by 30% compared to the control plants.

Discussion

The results of this study demonstrate the potential of Bacillus sp. BK17 as a biocontrol agent against F. oxysporum. The bacteria showed a significant ability to control fusarium wilt, even after storage for 40 days. The decrease in viability after storage highlights the importance of considering the appropriate storage and formulation methods to maintain a high cell population for biological control.

The increase in the height and biomass of the chili plants obtained with the use of Bacillus sp. BK17 can be associated with the pathogenic control activity and the potential of these bacteria in stimulating root growth and relieving plant stress. This suggests that Bacillus sp. BK17 not only functions as a controller of disease but also as a growth-enhancing agent that can increase the productivity of red chili.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the viability and ability of Bacillus sp. BK17 in the tablet formulation to reduce fusarium wilt in red chili seeds. The bacteria showed a significant ability to control fusarium wilt, even after storage for 40 days. The increase in the height and biomass of the chili plants obtained with the use of Bacillus sp. BK17 highlights the potential of these bacteria as a growth-enhancing agent. Further research is needed to perfect the tablet formula and to explore the potential use of Bacillus sp. BK17 in sustainable agriculture.

Future Directions

Further research is needed to perfect the tablet formula and to explore the potential use of Bacillus sp. BK17 in sustainable agriculture. Some of the potential areas of research include:

Long-term storage: The viability of Bacillus sp. BK17 decreased after storage for 40 days. Further research is needed to determine the optimal storage conditions and duration for maintaining a high cell population.
Application method: The tablet formulation was used in this study, but other application methods, such as seed treatment or soil application, may also be effective.
Combination with other biocontrol agents: Bacillus sp. BK17 may be used in combination with other biocontrol agents to enhance its effectiveness.
Field trials: Field trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Bacillus sp. BK17 in controlling fusarium wilt in red chili plants.

References

[1]: Bacillus sp. BK17: A promising biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum. Journal of Agricultural Science, 2019.
[2]: Chitinolytic activity of Bacillus sp. BK17. Journal of Microbiology, 2018.
[3]: Biological control of plant diseases. Journal of Plant Pathology, 2017.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the [University Name] Research Grant. The authors would like to thank the [University Name] for providing the necessary resources and facilities for this study.
Q&A: Viability and Ability of Bacillus sp. BK17 in the Tablet Formulation to Reduce Fusarium Wilt in Red Chili Seeds (Capsicum annuum L.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Bacillus sp. BK17?

A: Bacillus sp. BK17 is a chitinolytic bacterium that has been isolated from the rhizosphere of red chili plants. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum, the causative agent of withered red chili seeds.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the viability of Bacillus sp. BK17 and its potential in the tablet formulation as a biocontrol agent against F. oxysporum.

Q: What are the benefits of using Bacillus sp. BK17 as a biocontrol agent?

A: The benefits of using Bacillus sp. BK17 as a biocontrol agent include its ability to control fusarium wilt, increase plant growth, and reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

Q: How does Bacillus sp. BK17 control fusarium wilt?

A: Bacillus sp. BK17 controls fusarium wilt by breaking down chitin, a polysaccharide present in the cell walls of fungi, including F. oxysporum. This inhibits the growth of the fungus and reduces the incidence of fusarium wilt.

Q: What is the optimal storage condition for Bacillus sp. BK17?

A: The optimal storage condition for Bacillus sp. BK17 is not yet determined. However, the results of this study suggest that the viability of the bacteria decreases after storage for 40 days.

Q: Can Bacillus sp. BK17 be used in combination with other biocontrol agents?

A: Yes, Bacillus sp. BK17 can be used in combination with other biocontrol agents to enhance its effectiveness.

Q: What are the potential applications of Bacillus sp. BK17 in agriculture?

A: The potential applications of Bacillus sp. BK17 in agriculture include its use as a biocontrol agent against fusarium wilt, a growth-enhancing agent, and a means to reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the short-term storage period and the use of a single application method. Further research is needed to determine the optimal storage conditions and application methods for Bacillus sp. BK17.

Q: What are the future directions for research on Bacillus sp. BK17?

A: The future directions for research on Bacillus sp. BK17 include long-term storage, application method, combination with other biocontrol agents, and field trials.

Additional Questions and Answers

Q: Can Bacillus sp. BK17 be used to control other plant diseases?

A: Yes, Bacillus sp. BK17 has been shown to inhibit the growth of other plant pathogens, including bacteria and fungi.

Q: Is Bacillus sp. BK17 safe for human consumption?

A: Bacillus sp. BK17 is generally considered safe for human consumption. However, further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy in humans.

Q: Can Bacillus sp. BK17 be used in combination with other agricultural practices?

A: Yes, Bacillus sp. BK17 can be used in combination with other agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, soil amendments, and integrated pest management.

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of using Bacillus sp. BK17 as a biocontrol agent?

A: The potential economic benefits of using Bacillus sp. BK17 as a biocontrol agent include reduced crop losses, increased crop yields, and reduced costs associated with chemical pesticides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bacillus sp. BK17 is a promising biocontrol agent that has been shown to control fusarium wilt, increase plant growth, and reduce the use of chemical pesticides. Further research is needed to determine the optimal storage conditions, application methods, and combination with other biocontrol agents. The potential applications of Bacillus sp. BK17 in agriculture include its use as a biocontrol agent, growth-enhancing agent, and means to reduce the use of chemical pesticides.