Biological control of pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with Bacillus subtilis Gl

摘要

The antagonistic activity of Bacillus subtilis strain Gl was tested against various isolates of Aspergillus flavus in vitro. A talc-based powder formulation of B. subtilis strain Gl was prepared and evaluated to control A. flavus infection and aflatoxin Bl contamination in groundnut under greenhouse and field conditions. The results showed that B. subtilis strain G1 could inhibit the growth of all isolates of A. flavus tested in dual culture assay and the growth inhibition ranged from 93 to 100%. Results of greenhouse and field experiments indicated that B. subtilis strain Gl when applied to groundnut as seed treatment and soil application significantly suppressed A. flavus population in the soil, A. flavus infection and aflatoxin Bl content in kernels and increased the pod yield. These studies show that B. subtilis strain Gl has potential as a biocontrol agent for control of aflatoxin contamination in groundnut.