Isolation and Identification of <i>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens </i><scp>IBFCBF</scp>‐1 with Potential for Biological Control of Phytophthora Blight and Growth Promotion of Pepper

Abstract

Abstract In this study, 76 bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of pepper. Of these, 23 bacterial isolates capable of inhibiting Phytophthora capsici growth were selected. Among the antagonistic bacteria, one strain, IBFCBF ‐1 showed the strongest antagonistic activity, and was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, physiological and biochemical testing, and morphological characteristics. When tested with a dual‐culture method and with laboratory greenhouse studies, the strain IBFCBF ‐1 was found to be a potential biocontrol agent for controlling the plant pathogen, P . capsici . Moreover, it showed high efficiency and broad‐spectrum antifungal properties in vitro . Under greenhouse conditions, IBFCBF ‐1 could significantly promote the growth of pepper seedlings, and was able to solubilize phosphate, and produce indole acetic acid ( IAA ) and ammonia. This study clearly demonstrated that IBFCBF ‐1 is a potential candidate exhibiting phytophthora blight‐suppressive and plant growth‐promoting effects on pepper.