Biocontrol potential and molecular characterization of lipopeptides producing <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> against <i>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</i>

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive and endospore producing bacterium. Limited studies have shown that lipopeptides produced by B. can be inhibitory to phytopathogens. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum plant pathogenic fungus which causes various diseases like cotton rot, watery soft stem crown rot blossom blight in vegetable crops. The objective of the study was isolate from their potential against S. sclerotiorum. So, isolates were extracted collected soils Western Ghats India. They initially characterized through morphological parameters followed PCR amplification 16S rDNA gene confirmation BLAST algorithm NCBI database. these tested strains effective exhibited 18.33 29.5 % inhibition under dual culture bio-assay. antagonistic activity showed 21.56 88.89 lowest highest concentration lipopeptide found significantly higher than control. present has vary production some them could produce are highly strain NBAIR BSWG1 for Lipopeptide based poison food technique bioassay results immense use biological control Further being carried out formulating field application.