Exploring antifungal compound produced by marine Bacillus for sustainable chickpea protection

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri (FOC), induces chickpea yield losses exceeding 50%. This study evaluates marine Bacillus subtilis BS90 as a sustainable biocontrol alternative to chemical fungicides. In vitro assays confirmed BS90’s antagonism, with hexane extracts yielding a 7 ± 2.1 mm zone of inhibition. Characterisation via UV–Vis, Fourier transform infra-red and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy identified the active metabolites as surfactin (m/z 1034.66) and iturin. Scanning electron microscopy and elevated malondialdehyde levels validated fungal membrane disruption. In pot trials, BS90 + FOC treatment significantly enhanced growth over untreated controls: height increased by 13.26%, biomass by 1.40% and fruiting by 43.33%. Furthermore, BS90 triggered systemic resistance by increasing peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities while reducing stress-induced proline levels. These findings quantify BS90’s efficacy in suppressing FOC and promoting plant vigour, supporting its use for sustainable chickpea cultivation.