Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-based biofungicide used against anthracnose launched in Brazil

Brazilian farmers can now rely on Bactel, a new biofungicide composed of the bacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and produced by Dillon Biotecnologia under the ECCB Bioinsumos line.

Some bacteria, such as B. amyloliquefaciens, act through several mechanisms that involve the formation of structures called biofilms, which form on the surface of roots and leaves, as well as the secretion of metabolites, such as enzymes, antibiotics, volatile substances and siderophores.

“The bacteria grow quickly, taking up space by producing substances against fungus. This situation of negative interaction between bacteria and fungus is what happens in plantations when Bactel is applied,” said the manufacturer.

Fungal diseases, such as anthracnose, affect several crops, such as strawberry, grape, papaya, mango and vegetables, causing production losses that can reach 100%. The greater volume of rainfall in recent seasons is a factor that, added to high temperatures, favors the occurrence of anthracnose and other fungal diseases, such as mildew and rot.

Bactel has been used on grape and other fruit crops. In a study carried out on strawberries, it was found that the biofungicide reduced the incidence of anthracnose by between 70% and 95% when used preventively, and around 60% when used curatively.

According to Dillon, the product protects different parts of affected plants and does not have a grace period, so it is possible to apply it even during harvest periods, as it does not leave residues on fruits, therefore, facilitating exports.

“Biological products are indispensable crop management tools. Concerning the treatment of diseases of the aerial parts of plants, it is important for Bactel to be used in a preventive way, because if the climatic conditions are favorable, some diseases can still infect plants during the phases of flowering and the start of fructification, becoming latent and manifesting symptoms only during the maturation phase,” Dillon said.

Some bacteria belonging to the Subtilis group, including B. amyloliquefaciens, have other properties of interest when applied on crops, like growth promoters, being known by the acronym PGPR or “plant growth-promoting rhizobacter,” as they secrete vegetable hormones and other metabolites that increase the absorption of nutrients by plants, having positive effects on their development. Some may be insoluble phosphate solubilizers, therefore, making them available to plants.

Another key property of PGPRs is their ability to elicit systemic plant resistance, by activating defense mechanisms before the arrival of pathogens.

The application of various strains of Bacillus is indicated for use against several diseases, including anthracnose, gray mold (Botrytis spp.), powdery mildew, rust, mildew, post-harvest rot, Glomorella cingulata, damping-off and nematode infections. Annual control mainly reduces the incidence of soil diseases, Dillon said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)