Partial characterization of bacteriocin-like compounds from two strains of<i>Bacillus cereus</i>with biological activity against<i>Paenibacillus larvae,</i>the causal agent of American Foulbrood disease

Abstract

An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is needed to ensure the sustainability of the beekeeping industry due to the increasing demand for organic honey and the reduction of dependence on antibiotics. Biocontrol agents produced by bacteria isolated from apiarian sources seem promising and able to combine with an IPM strategy. The most significant findings of this study are the characterization of bacteriocin-like compounds (BLIS) obtained from two strains of Bacillus cereus isolated from honey. Both BLIS have a narrow activity range and highly inhibit the growth of Paenibacillus larvae, the causal agent of American Foulbrood disease of honey bees.