Harnessing Termitarium-Associated Bacillus Species for Biocontrol and Plant Growth Promotion

Zeiwang Konyak¹, Madhu Kamle^1,2and Pradeep Kumar^2*

¹Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli, India.

²Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucnow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail:pkbiotech@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.13.1.21

Article Publishing History

Received: 26 Mar 2025
Accepted: 30 Apr 2025
Published Online: 30 Apr 2025

Review Details

Reviewed by: Dr. Massimi Mohunnad 
Second Review by: Dr. Aadil Farooq Shah
Final Approval by: Dr. José Luis da Silva Nunes

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Abstract:

The prolonged use of artificial fertilizers and agrochemicals damages soil health by reducing water retention, increasing salinity, and disrupting nutrient balance. This highlights the need for eco-friendly alternatives to manage crop diseases. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial soil bacteria that enhance plant growth, suppress pathogens, and restore soil fertility. They produce key compounds like phytohormones, antimicrobial metabolites, and enzymes, making them promising biopesticides and biofertilizers. Additionally, termite mound soil, rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, supports plant growth and crop yield. Bacillus spp. is considered the most suitable PGPR with multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) activities. In this study, 42 soil-inhabiting termitarium bacteria were isolated and screened for their antifungal activity against A. alternata and their plant-growth-promoting activity in vitro. TH5/J showed maximum percentage inhibition of the phyto-pathogen (35.06 %) after 48 hours. CFCF (cell-free culture filtrate) also inhibited A. alternata in vitro. TH5/J produced the highest amount of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), which supports the PGP in plants. The isolates also tested positively for ammonia and hydrogen cyanide (HCN). TH2/2 and TH5/J showed the maximum PGP activity on the mung bean seeds in vitro. These isolates were identified as belonging to Bacillus spp through biochemical analysis. This study highlights Bacillus spp. from termite mounds as eco-friendly biopesticides and biofertilizers, promoting plant growth of mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) and suppressing A. alternata. It emphasizes termite mound soil as a reservoir of beneficial microbes, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals.

Keywords:

Ammonia (NH3); Cell-free culture filtrate (CFCF); Hydrogen cyanide (HCN); Indole acetic acid (IAA); Plant growth promoting (PGP); Termiterium Hill (TH); Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

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