Work

Characterization of rhizosphere Streptomyces virginiae IRHB6 as a dual-agent for disease suppression and growth promotion in soybean

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Streptomyces spp. are renowned for producing biologically active compounds and serving as biological control agents against plant diseases. In a previous study, Streptomyces strain IRHB6, isolated from the soybean rhizosphere, exhibited significant inhibitory activity against mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, the causative agent of soybean root rot. To further characterize its biocontrol potential, we conducted comprehensive in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate antagonistic effects on multiple phytopathogens, and assess plant growth-promoting capabilities. Our results showed that strain IRHB6 exhibited a colony morphology characterized by a wrinkled, rough surface texture and was identified as Streptomyces virginiae through multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). The strain produced hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and exhibited phosphorus-solubilizing activity. A dual confrontation assay revealed that IRHB6 significantly suppressed the growth of pathogenic fungi (e.g., Fusarium species responsible for soybean root rot) and bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, the cause of kiwifruit canker). Genomic detection of biosynthetic gene clusters (T2PKS) futher substantiates its capacity for producing bioactive compounds against phytopathogens. Furthermore, treatment with IRHB6 cell suspension significantly enhanced plant growth parameters. Critically, IRHB6 conferred substantial protective capabilities against Fusarium root rot. Based on these fingdings, S. virginiae IRHB6 represents a promising biocontrol agent for soil-borne disease as well as plant growth promotion.

Source: Biological Control

DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105925

Authors: Hafsa Ashraf, Yanru Zhou, Dengqin Wei, Yuze Li, Feng Yang, Xiaoling Wu, Weiying Zeng, Zudong Sun, Xiaochun Wang, Taiwen Yong, Xiaoli Chang

Institution: Sichuan Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390