New Bacillus paralicheniformis Strain H12 Offers Eco-Friendly Protection Against Gray Mold in Cherry Tomatoes

Introduction
A team of international researchers has unveiled a promising biological weapon against Botrytis cinerea, the notorious fungus behind gray mold in cherry tomatoes. The study, published in the World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (2025), introduces Bacillus paralicheniformis strain H12 — an eco-friendly biocontrol agent isolated from Algeria’s saline soil.

Key Findings
The researchers screened 82 Bacillus isolates from various Algerian soils, identifying 41 with antifungal activity. Among these, strain H12 exhibited the highest inhibition index against B. cinerea. In vivo tests demonstrated that tomatoes treated with H12 showed a dramatic reduction in fungal decay, with only 2.76% weight loss compared to 5.04% in untreated controls.

Safety and Genomic Insights
Whole-genome sequencing revealed that strain H12 possesses a genome size of 4.28 Mb with 4,226 coding sequences and a GC content of 45.87%. The analysis uncovered multiple biosynthetic gene clusters linked to antimicrobial activity but confirmed that H12 is non-hemolytic and sensitive to most antibiotics, ensuring safety for agricultural use.
Additionally, genes supporting plant growth, biofilm formation, and stress tolerance were identified — positioning H12 as a robust candidate for biopesticide formulation.

Implications for Sustainable Agriculture
With synthetic fungicides facing scrutiny for environmental impact and pathogen resistance, strain H12 offers a sustainable and biologically safe alternative. Its origin from saline (sabkha) soils also suggests resilience to harsh environmental conditions, expanding its potential for field applications in challenging climates.

Conclusion
Bacillus paralicheniformis H12 stands out as a scientifically validated, environmentally sustainable solution to one of agriculture’s persistent challenges. Its genomic and functional attributes reinforce its potential role in advancing green biocontrol strategies for fruit crops worldwide.

Reference

Ghozlani, A., Driss, F., Nguyen, D. H., Boumerdassi, H., El Aichar, F., Djouadi, L. N., Oliveira, P. H., Fardeau, M.-L., Pradel, N., Rouis, S., Frikha-Gargouri, O., & Nateche, F. (2025). Bacillus paralicheniformis strain H12 from saline soil for the management of gray mold in cherry tomatoes. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 41(10), 386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-025-04629-8