PJB-2026-48
Biocontrol of Eggplant Root Rot: Isolation and Fermentation Optimization of a Protective Bacterial Strain X-104
Wenxing Li
Abstract
Eggplant Root rot, caused by Fusarium solani, is prevalent and devastating disease. To expand the resources of high-quality antagonistic bacteria against F. solani, the bacteria strains were isolated from soil and screened via a dual-culture plate assay. Among the isolates, strain X-104 exhibited superior antagonistic activity, achieving an inhibition rate of 67.72%. Morphological and molecular biological identification identified the strain as Bacillus stercoris. To maximize the antagonistic efficacy of strain X-104, the fermentation medium and culture conditions were systematically optimized. Through a sequential approach involving single-factor experiments, orthogonal tests, the composition of glucose 20.88 g·L-1 and ammonium fluoride 13.66 g·L-1, ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O 10.74 g·L-1 was finally determined. Modeling via Design Expert software predicted inhibition rate of 82.53%. The actual inhibition rate after validation was 85.42%, closely matching the predicted value. The optimal fermentation conditions were 100 mL of liquid volume, 35°C temperature and 12 h of fermentation. A low concentration of the fermentation broth (diluted 1:50 with water) promoted both seed germination and plant growth. Specifically, it significantly enhanced key agronomic traits in eggplants, including plant height, root length, stem diameter, and both fresh and dry weight. Furthermore, significant increase in germination potential and germination rate was observed.
To Cite this article:
Under Review
We Welcome Latest Research Articles In Field Of Botany The Pakistan Journal of Botany is an international journal .... Read More
