Wheat rhizosphere-derived bacteria protect soybean from soilborne diseases

• Published in: Plant disease
• Main Authors: Yin, Chuntao, Larson, Matthew, Lahr, Nathan, Paulitz, Tim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Fungi; cultural and biological practices; Field crops; Crop Type; oilseeds and legumes; Nematodes; Causal Agent; Disease management; Subject Areas
• ISSN: 0191-2917
• DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-08-23-1713-RE

Soybean [ (L.) Merr.] is an important oilseed crop with a high economic value. However, three damaging soybean diseases, soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Ichinohe), Sclerotinia stem rot caused by the fungus (Lid.) de Bary, and soybean root rot caused by spp., are major constraints to soybean production in the Great Plains. Current disease management options, including resistant or tolerant varieties, fungicides, nematicides, and agricultural practices (crop rotation and tillage), have limited efficacy for these pathogens or have adverse effects on the ecosystem. Microbes with antagonistic activity are a promising option to control soybean diseases with the advantage of being environmentally friendly and sustainable. In this study, 61 bacterial strains isolated from wheat rhizospheres were used to examine their antagonistic abilities against three soybean pathogens. Six bacterial strains significantly inhibited the growth of in the dual-culture assay. These bacterial strains were identified as , , , two spp., and by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, , , and significantly increased the mortality of SCN second-stage juveniles (J2) and two spp. inhibited the growth of . Further growth chamber tests found that and reduced soybean Fusarium root rot disease. and dramatically decreased SCN egg number on SCN susceptible soybean "Williams 82". Two spp. protected soybean plants from leaf damage and collapse after being infected by . These bacteria exhibit versatile antagonistic potential. This work lays the foundation for further research on the field control of soybean pathogens.