The inhibitory activity of endophytic Bacillus sp strain CHM1 against plant pathogenic fungi and its plant growth-promoting effect

A Bacillus sp., strain CHMI, possessing antifungal activity was isolated from a paddy field in the present study. On the basis of the comprehensive taxonomic data from morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, CHM1 was identified to be Bacillus licheniformis. The culture filtrate of CHM1, even when sterilized, inhibited mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinereapers, Gibberella zeae, Dothiorella gregaria and Colletotrichum gossypii in vitro. When CHM1 culture suspension was sprayed on plant leaves, it protected maize (Zea mays) against infection by Bipolaris maydis and horsebean (Vicia faba) against infection by R. solani with a mean control efficacy of 70.22 and 62.79%, respectively. The culture suspension of CHM1, drenched around the root of rice and cole (Brassica napus), promoted seedling growth. The data here showed that Bacillus sp. CHMI could be a potential agent to protect maize, horsebean, cole and rice (Oryza sativa) plants from infection by pathogenic fungi in vivo and had properties as a plant growth-promoting endophytic bacterium (PGPE). (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.