Antagonist Effect of Bacillus Species against Alternaria Rot of Tomato

The PGPR possesses antifungal activity against a broad range of pathogens. In this research study, the LPs of Bacillus strain B1 and B2 against Alternaria alternata were assessed. In vitro and in Planta assay on tomato fruit was made to check the post-harvest quality of fruits. The lipopeptides produced by both strains suppress the growth of the fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata and lessen the disease severity of the Alternaria rot on tomato fruits. The result revealed the quality of the Bacillus-treated fruits was also maintained and satisfactory. The lipopeptides of bacillus strain B1 and B2 represent a new innovative method to lessen the use of fungicides and chemical approaches to reduce the post-harvest loss caused by Alternaria alternata.