New Bacillus subtilis Strain from Ragweed Boosts Cucumber Growth and Fights Fusarium Wilt

A research team from Shenyang Normal University and Shenyang Agricultural University has isolated a potent strain of Bacillus subtilis, named TCX1, from the invasive plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed). This endophytic bacterium shows remarkable potential in both enhancing cucumber growth and combating Fusarium wilt disease, one of the most damaging cucumber pathogens worldwide.

The study, published in Plants (2025), demonstrated that TCX1 suppresses Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum with an inhibition rate of 86%. The bacterium produces lipopeptides and hydrolytic enzymes such as protease, cellulase, and β-glucanase that disrupt fungal cell walls and hinder spore germination.

Beyond direct antifungal action, TCX1 activates cucumber’s internal defense system by stimulating key antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, PAL, PPO) and defense-related genes (npr1, pr1a, pr2, pr9, lox1, ctr1). This dual mechanism enhances systemic resistance and improves plant health under pathogen stress.

Additionally, TCX1 promotes cucumber growth by producing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), solubilizing phosphate, and secreting siderophores, all of which improve nutrient uptake. In greenhouse trials, cucumber plants treated with TCX1 exhibited greater height, biomass, and a 41.9% lower disease index than untreated plants.

According to the authors, TCX1’s combination of biocontrol and biofertilization properties presents an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Future research aims to explore its genome and field-scale performance across different crops.

Reference

Dong, H., Qv, K., Zhu, Q., Li, J., Liu, C., Zhang, L., & Yang, W. (2025). Construction of closed bipolar electrochemiluminescence sensor based on Co-MOF-derived Au/CoO-modified carbon cloth for uric acid detection. Microchimica Acta, 192(10), 698. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-025-07549-4