Study on the Inhibitory Effects of Three Endophytic Bacillus Strains on Aspergillus flavus in Maize

Siyu Ma ¹, Min Li ¹, Siqi Zhang ¹

⁰College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China.

Metabolites +

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April 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Three bacterial strains, Bacillus velezensis ZH179 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ZH409/ZH99, effectively control Aspergillus flavus in maize. These strains produce lipopeptides that inhibit fungal growth, offering a promising biological control strategy.

Area Of Science

Agricultural Microbiology
Plant Pathology
Biotechnology

Background

Maize is susceptible to Aspergillus flavus contamination, producing carcinogenic aflatoxins.
Current aflatoxin control measures are limited.
Biological control offers an environmentally friendly alternative.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the biocontrol efficacy of three bacterial strains (ZH179, ZH409, ZH99) against Aspergillus flavus.
To identify the bacterial strains and investigate their antifungal mechanisms.

Main Methods

Isolation and identification of antagonistic bacteria against Aspergillus flavus.
In vitro inhibition assays on plates and stored maize seeds.
Molecular identification of lipopeptide synthetase genes.
LC-MS analysis for lipopeptide compound identification.
Oxford cup method to assess lipopeptide antifungal activity.

Main Results

Strains ZH179 (Bacillus velezensis), ZH409, and ZH99 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) demonstrated significant inhibition of Aspergillus flavus.
These strains possess genes for lipopeptide synthesis and produce compounds like surfactin, fengycin, iturin, and bacillomycin.
The identified lipopeptides effectively inhibited Aspergillus flavus growth in vitro.

Conclusions

Bacterial strains ZH179, ZH409, and ZH99 show strong potential for controlling Aspergillus flavus in stored maize.
Lipopeptide compounds are the primary agents responsible for the observed biocontrol effects.
This study provides a foundation for developing biological control agents against Aspergillus flavus in agricultural settings.

Keywords:

Aspergillus flavus Bacillus inhibition lipopeptide maize