The Characterization of the Inhibitory Substances Produced by Bacillus pumilus LYMC-3 and the Optimization of Fermentation Conditions

Abstract

Bacillus pumilus plays a very important role in the biological control of plant diseases. In this study, we conducted indoor biocontrol experiments using the LYMC-3 strain of B. pumilus to assess its efficacy against poplar canker and tea gray blight. Simultaneously, we explored the optimal fermentation conditions for the production of inhibitory substances against Phomopsis macrospora and Pestalotiopsis vesicolor. Subsequently, the inhibitory substances were extracted crudely and subjected to a preliminary investigation of their properties. The results of the indoor biocontrol experiments showed that the LYMC-3 strain exhibited disease prevention rates of 44.12% and 48.59% against poplar canker and tea gray blight, respectively. The fermentation optimization experiment showed that a culture medium containing 10 g/L of glucose, 15 g/L of tryptone, and 5 g/L of sodium chloride favored the production of inhibitory substances via the LYMC-3 strain. Among the crude extracts obtained, the non-protein extracts demonstrated the most obvious inhibitory effects. Furthermore, the inhibitory substances exhibited high polarity, excellent thermal stability, and high sensitivity to strong acids and bases. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for the purification and identification of inhibitory substances using the LYMC-3 strain. Additionally, it contributes to elucidating biological control mechanisms and facilitates the application of the LYMC-3 strain in production.