Inhibition of potato common scab by Bacillus subtilis XT11 and its reshaping of the microbial community in potato geocaulosphere soil
摘要
Plant microbiota contribute to disease suppression, but biocontrol mechanisms against potato common scab (PCS) and microbial community interactions remain unclear. We isolated Bacillus subtilis XT11 from PCS-infected soil, showing strong antagonism against Streptomyces bottropensis AMCC400023. Field trials showed that XT11 reduced PCS severity and pathogen abundance. Soil microbial networks became more complexly interconnected post-treatment, with XT11 abundance positively linked to beneficial microbes and negatively to the pathogen, implying cooperative biocontrol. Genomic analysis of strain XT11 revealed candidate genes predicted to be associated with biocontrol-related functions, including genes involved in antimicrobial compound biosynthesis (e.g., surfactin), biofilm formation (e.g., the eps operon), and motility-related processes (e.g., the fli operon). These predicted genomic features indicate a broad metabolic potential and may contribute to the ecological adaptability of strain XT11. Our study reveals soil microbiota’s critical role in PCS control, advancing sustainable strategies for potato disease management.