Researchers from Jilin Normal University, China, have isolated a potent antifungal compound from Bacillus velezensis YJ0-1 that offers a sustainable solution to one of soybean’s most devastating diseases—Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the cause of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR).
The study, published in MDPI Fermentation (2025), identified fengycin, a cyclic lipopeptide (C72H110N12O20, MW 1463.8 Da), as the key antimicrobial compound responsible for the bacterium’s strong inhibitory activity. Fengycin was purified through a three-step process involving acid precipitation, chromatographic separation, and mass spectrometry analysis.
To enhance fengycin production, the researchers optimized the culture medium using single-factor analysis and a Box–Behnken response surface design, determining ideal conditions of peptone 66.62 g/L, sucrose 32.68 g/L, and pH 6.5. Validation experiments achieved an impressive 2.03 g/L fengycin yield, closely matching the predicted value with a minimal 0.49% error—demonstrating excellent model precision.
This discovery establishes Bacillus velezensis YJ0-1 as a promising biocontrol resource for environmentally friendly management of SSR and other fungal pathogens. Moreover, the high thermal stability and strong antifungal activity of fengycin suggest great potential for industrial-scale production and integration into sustainable agricultural systems.
By advancing microbial fermentation optimization, this work provides a theoretical and technical foundation for the commercial application of fengycin-based biopesticides—offering a green alternative to chemical fungicides and contributing to global efforts in sustainable crop protection.
Reference
Zou, X., Yang, S., Li, Y., & Deng, Y. (2025). Isolation and Purification of Extracellular Inhibitory Products from Bacillus velezensis YJ0-1 and Optimization of Fermentation Medium. Fermentation, 11(10), 595. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11100595
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