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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #425193
Research Project: Develop an Improved Understanding of Microbe-pathogen Interactions for Biological Control

Location: Crop Bioprotection Research

Title: Genomically-selected antifungal Bacillaceae strains improve wheat yield and baking quality

Author
item CASAL, ALEJO - National University Of Rosario
item GIZZI, FERNAN - Instituto Nacional Tecnologia Agropecuaria
item FIGUEROA, SOL - National University Of Rosario
item PETITTI, TOMAS - Taxon Bioinformatics Solutions
item FERRAGUTTI, FACUNDO - National University Of Rosario
item GAIDO, JIMENA - Universidad Nacional Del Litoral
item MANNO, MARIANO - Taxon Bioinformatics Solutions
item CECCOLI, GABRIEL - Universidad Nacional Del Litoral
item PAOLETTI, LUCIANA - National University Of Rosario
item Dunlap, Christopher
item DAURELIO, LUCAS - Universidad Nacional Del Litoral
item ESPARIZ, MARTIN - National University Of Rosario

Submitted to: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/19/2025
Publication Date: 7/10/2025
Citation: Casal, A., Gizzi, F.O., Figueroa, S., Petitti, T., Ferragutti, F., Gaido, J., Manno, M.A., Ceccoli, G., Paoletti, L., Dunlap, C.A., Daurelio, L.D., Espariz, M. 2025. Genomically-selected antifungal Bacillaceae strains improve wheat yield and baking quality. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-025-13544-9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-025-13544-9

Interpretive Summary: Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world. Wheat farmers face many challenges from fungal pathogens, such as Fusarium head blight. The goal of this study was to identify microbes associated with wheat that can enhance wheat health and yield. The study uses genomic and traditional methods to identify bacteria with promising potential to improve wheat agronomy. The study identifies two bacteria that successfully controlled Fusarium head blight in field trials when applied as seed-coatings. These findings provide a new method of identifying effective agricultural biologicals for sustainable production of wheat.

Technical Abstract: Soil microbial diversity degradation through agricultural intensification necessitates sustainable alternatives. This study employed genomic and phenotypic approaches to characterize wheat rhizosphere-associated Bacillaceae for agricultural applications. Initial screening of 576 sporulating isolates for antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum, followed by RAPD analysis, identified 39 distinct genetic profiles, out of which 15 were classified in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Priestia megaterium groups by 16S RNA sequence. Whole-genome sequencing of selected strains enabled precise taxonomic classification and comprehensive trait prediction using in silico tools. Genomic mining revealed strain-specific distributions of beneficial traits, including antimicrobial compound production pathways and plant growth-promoting characteristics. Phenotypic validation confirmed key predicted traits while uncovering additional functionalities not detected in silico. Integration of kernel bioassays, pot experiments, and field trials identified Bacillus velezensis ZAV-W70 and P. megaterium ZAV-W64 as promising biofertilizer and biocontrol candidates, demonstrating enhanced yield without fungicides and improved bread-making quality, respectively. These findings highlight the value of combining genomic analysis with traditional screening methods for developing effective agricultural biologicals, contributing to sustainable wheat production practices.