A newly published study reveals that a targeted microbial consortium—led by Bacillus velezensis HAB-2 and supported by two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)—offers significantly improved protection against cowpea Fusarium wilt, a devastating soil-borne disease responsible for major yield losses worldwide.
Cowpea Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum, is a persistent challenge in tropical and subtropical agriculture due to its long soil survival and difficulty of control. According to the research, HAB-2 alone demonstrated strong antagonistic ability, suppressing pathogen growth by 69.8% in vitro and achieving a 47.62% disease control rate in pot experiments. The strain also showed plant growth-promoting traits and efficient root colonization.
The breakthrough came when researchers isolated two compatible rhizobacteria—Pseudomonas hunanensis HD33 and Enterobacter soli HD42—from soils previously treated with HAB-2. Across 15 evaluated microbial combinations, the trio exhibited superior and more stable disease suppression. The best-performing combination improved control efficacy by an additional 15.15% compared to HAB-2 alone.
Beyond disease management, the combination treatment significantly enhanced cowpea growth parameters. Fresh weight, leaf area, and plant height increased by 10.60%, 8.04%, and 7.81%, respectively. Molecular analyses further revealed upregulation of key defense-related genes, indicating that the microbial consortium not only suppresses the pathogen but also strengthens systemic resistance in cowpea.
Overall, the study positions the HAB-2–HD33–HD42 consortium as a promising sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides and a valuable strategy for future cowpea production systems.
Reference
Wei, W., Qi, T., Lu, J., Wei, X., Wu, P., Norvienyeku, J., Miao, W., & Liu, W. (2025). Evaluation of Biocontrol Efficacy of Bacillus velezensis HAB-2 Combined with Pseudomonas hunanensis and Enterobacter soli Against Cowpea Fusarium Wilt. Microorganisms, 13(11), 2578. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112578
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