Biocontrol potential of Bacillus sp. against indigenous fungal phytopathogens of potato and sugarcane

Fungal diseases pose significant threats to crops, necessitating effective control measures to mitigate their impact on agricultural productivity. In this study, fungal pathogens affecting sugarcane and potato crops in Pakistan were investigated. Morphological and molecular characterization revealed the presence of Fusarium sacchari and Ceratocystis sp. in sugarcane samples, and Epicoccum nigrum and Alternaria alternata in potato samples. Effective biocontrol of these pathogens was shown by two corn rhizobacteria, i.e. Bacillus subtilis (MUN-1) and Bacillus velezensis (MUN-15). Both strains exhibited significant inhibition of fungal growth in vitro with Bacillus subtilis demonstrating higher efficacy. Gene-specific PCR analysis confirmed the presence of surfactin and iturin genes responsible for antifungal metabolite production in these bacteria in addition to VOCs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Epicoccum nigrum infecting potato plants in Pakistan. Implementing such eco-friendly strategies can contribute to the reduction of chemical inputs in agriculture ensuring crop health and productivity.