Use of Bacillus subtilis and Related Organisms as Biofungicides

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Abstract
Use of a strain of Bacillus subtilis (designated B‐3) as a biological control agent is reviewed, with emphasis on the post‐harvest application to stone fruit for control of brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola. Included are studies on the antifungal peptides (identified as Iturin antibiotics) produced by B‐3, laboratory tests to determine compatibility of the organism with current commercial procedures, and a pilot test on simulated and commercial peach‐packing lines. In the pilot test, B‐3 (2 × 108 to 7 × 108 colony‐forming units kg−1 fruit) in commercial wax was equal to benomyl (1‐2 mg kg−1 fruit) in controlling brown rot. The bacterium was screened for use against other fungal pathogens of stored plant products. In‐vivo activity against fungi was shown for apple rots caused by M. fructicola, Botrytis cinerea, and Glomerella cingulata, and for grey mould of grapes caused by B. cinerea.