Biocontrol Efficiency of Bacillus subtilis SL-13 and Characterization of an Antifungal Chitinase

The seed germination and tomato seedling tests showed that Bacillus subtilis SL-13 could promote the sprouting and seedling growth of tomato. The fresh and dry weight of tomato seedlings increased 42.86% and 18.75%, respectively. The control efficacies of the SL-13 to tomato Rhizoctonia rot were 20.65% and 35.23% in the greenhouse and field, respectively. The growth of the plant-pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani was considerably inhibited in the presence of the strain SL-13 culture supernatant. The main antifungal protein was detected to be chitinase through vitro assay. The chitinase was purified with DEAE-Sepharose fast flow ion exchange column chromatography and Sephadex G-75 gel filtration for further characterization. The optimal pH and temperature for the chitinase activity were 7.0 and 50 degrees C, respectively. It was demonstrated that the enzyme was stable at pH 5-9 and 40-60 degrees C. 70% of the enzyme activity was retained when incubated at 121 degrees C and 0.11 MPa for 20 min, and the enzyme was not sensitive to protease K and ultraviolet radiation. Thus it is suitable for effective biological control in relatively unstable environment.