Bacillus subtilis HussainT-AMU and its Antifungal activity against Potato Black scurf caused by Rhizoctonia solani on seed tubers

Black scurf is a significant cause of concern worldwide, wherever potato is grown year after year managed mainly through seed tubers treatment before sowing and other cultural practices. Based on 16s RNA molecular and biochemical tests, a new biosurfactant strain Bacillus subtilis HussainT-AMU and its culture filtrate were tested against Rhizoctonia solani in vitro and in vivo study. Significant inhibition of pathogen mycelium growth was observed as compared with control under the dual culture method. The partially purified biosurfactant characterized as lipopeptide group-surfactin through Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy. Results of bioagent were further evaluated in a pot as well as in the field conditions. Reduction in disease incidence was up to 71% and 50% under pot and field conditions, respectively indicating a significant effect of culture filtrate of B. subtilis HussainT-AMU against R. solani for further research for finding which metabolites are involved in this protection against the soil-borne fungal pathogen and to develop an eco-friendly method to boost organic farming.