Ralstonia solanacearum Secretions Induce Shifts in Macrolactin Composition and Reduction in Antimicrobial Activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BNC5

Using untargeted metabolomics, researchers uncovered the mechanisms underlying the battle between the plant wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum and the biocontrol microbe Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BNC5. Normally, BNC5 produces antimicrobial macrolactins to eliminate its competitors. However, when exposed to substances secreted by R. solanacearum, the macrolactin profile shifted, resulting in reduced inhibitory efficacy. Interestingly, the researchers found that applying BNC5 extracts first, followed by live BNC5 cells, could enhance disease control and provide a more sustainable strategy for managing bacterial wilt while reducing reliance on agricultural chemicals in the future.