Activation of sweet pepper defense responses by novel and known biocontrol agents of the genus Bacillus against Botrytis cinerea and Verticillium dahliae

Abstract The Fresno-Benavente Pepper (F-BP) Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a horticultural crop characterized by its great agronomic, economic and cultural importance in the region of Castilla y León (Spain). Field production threatened verticillium wilt caused Verticillium dahliae postharvest losses due to grey mould Botrytis cinerea . Eight Bacillus spp. strains endophytically isolated from F-BP roots were used study. By conducting an vitro antagonism study, we found that all effective against B. five them showed high V. , with siamensis proteolyticus being most both pathogens. for infection test fruits plants their activity fungal We report thuringiensis pumilus (SCFC 1–2) could control pepper through direct action local activation plant defences. In case root infection, inoculated able significantly decrease occurrence disease jasmonic acid as defence response. Therefore, propose be plants, respectively, well induction responses.