Researchers at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań have discovered a bacterial strain that could replace chemical fungicides in agriculture.
New Strain of *Bacillus velezensis* KT27 Discovered
A bacterial strain isolated in recent years shows promise as a natural antifungal agent to support crop development. The discovery by scientists from Poznań is a nominee in the *Dziennik Gazety Prawnej’s* “Eureka! Odkrywamy polskie wynalazki” (Eureka! We Discover Polish Inventions) competition.
The full name of the submission is “New strain of *Bacillus velezensis* KT27 with fungistatic properties and a method for its propagation.” The discovery is the work of a team of scientists led by Professor Roman Marecik from the Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań.
Natural Fungicide and Nutrient Enhancement
“Our biopreparation is a natural fungicide, meaning a fungicide that can replace the chemical plant protection products currently used,” explains Professor Marecik. “It can also increase the absorption of minerals contained in the soil – converting those unavailable to plants into forms that plants can absorb, resulting in higher yields without the need to increase fertilization.”
This second property is particularly valuable, significantly impacting plant size and sometimes increasing productivity by tens of percent.
Years of Microbiological Research
The discovery of the bacteria with such desirable properties is the result of many years of work by scientists from Poznań. “Our Department has been conducting various microbiological studies for over 35 years, and to date, we have deposited over 2000 strains of bacteria and about 500 species of mold fungi in our departmental collection,” says Professor Marecik.
Honoring Professor Trojanowska
The bacterial strain described in the “Eureka! Odkrywamy polskie wynalazki” competition submission was isolated by the late Professor Krystyna Trojanowska, hence the “KT” addition to its name.
Selection and Optimization
“Several years ago, we became interested in the functional properties of microorganisms that could be used in plant production. We then analyzed our collection of microorganisms and, as a result, selected this strain as the most attractive for use in crop and plant protection,” says the scientist from Poznań.
Further work required laborious research aimed at optimizing the efficiency of bacterial propagation while maintaining their metabolic properties.
Effective Against Plant Pathogens
Various fungi are exceptionally harmful plant pathogens, causing diseases that can reduce yields by 30-50%, and sometimes even destroy crops to the point where harvesting is unprofitable. The new bacterial strain – *Bacillus velezensis* KT27 – has already successfully passed laboratory, greenhouse, and field tests.
It is currently used to produce special biopreparations available to farmers.
