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Interaction Between Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma citrinoviride: Synergistic Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus

Guidong Li1,2, Xianfeng Ren2,3, Changying Guo2,3

  • 1College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China.

Toxins
|March 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Combining Bacillus subtilis Bs92 and Trichoderma citrinoviride GC-T20 offers a powerful biocontrol strategy. This synergistic approach effectively inhibits Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) growth and reduces carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in food.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Microbiology
  • Food Safety
  • Biocontrol Agents

Background:

  • Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) produces aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent carcinogen, posing significant risks to food safety and public health.
  • Developing effective biocontrol strategies against A. flavus and AFB1 contamination is crucial for agricultural and food industries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the biocontrol potential of Bacillus and Trichoderma strains against A. flavus and AFB1.
  • To investigate the interactions between selected Bacillus subtilis (Bs92) and Trichoderma citrinoviride (GC-T20) strains.
  • To assess the synergistic efficacy of combined culture filtrates for enhanced biocontrol.

Main Methods:

  • Dual-culture assays were performed to screen 15 isolates each of Bacillus and Trichoderma for inhibitory activity against A. flavus.
  • Culture filtrates of the most effective strains (Bs92 and GC-T20) were tested individually and in combination.
  • Inhibition of A. flavus radial growth and AFB1 production was quantified.

Main Results:

  • Bacillus subtilis Bs92 and Trichoderma citrinoviride GC-T20 showed significant inhibition of A. flavus growth (48.61% and 74%, respectively).
  • Strong mutual inhibition was observed between the Bacillus and Trichoderma strains.
  • The combined culture filtrates of Bs92 and GC-T20 synergistically inhibited A. flavus growth by 69.59% and AFB1 production by 98.69%.

Conclusions:

  • The antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic metabolites from Bs92 and GC-T20 are complementary.
  • Combined application of Bacillus subtilis Bs92 and Trichoderma citrinoviride GC-T20 presents a promising synergistic strategy for biocontrol of A. flavus and AFB1.
  • This approach offers a viable solution for reducing contamination in food and agricultural products.
Keywords:
Aspergillus flavusBacillus subtilisTrichoderma citrinoviridebiocontrolculture filtrate

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