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

TL;DR

This study identifies two Bacillaceae strains that improve wheat yield and baking quality, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides.

Contribution

Combining genomic analysis with traditional screening to identify effective biofertilizers and biocontrol agents for wheat.

Findings

Bacillus velezensis ZAV-W70 and P. megaterium ZAV-W64 increase wheat yield without fungicides.

ZAV-W64 improves bread-making quality by increasing total gluten and alveograph W.

Genomic and phenotypic approaches reveal strain-specific beneficial traits for agricultural use.

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 or 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.

• Rhizosphere Bacillaceae strains show dual plant growth promotion and biocontrol

• B. velezensis ZAV-W70 and P. megaterium ZAV-W64 increase wheat yield

• ZAV-W64 increases bread-making quality including total gluten and alveograph W

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-025-13544-9.

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