Antimicrobial lipopeptides and polyketides from halotolerant Bacillus velezensis XT1 for crop fungal disease control

Overview

Xtrem Biotech offers a portfolio of antimicrobial compounds derived from the halotolerant bacterium Bacillus velezensis XT1, originally isolated from extreme saline environments. Microorganisms thriving in such habitats produce distinctive metabolites and structural components not found in conventional bacteria, enabling the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents. The lead compounds are lipopeptides—surfactin, bacillomycin, and fengycin—alongside unique polyketides synthesized by gene clusters identified in the XT1 genome. These compounds demonstrate strong activity against phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes, including Botrytis cinerea and Verticillium dahliae, which cause significant yield losses in olive, strawberry, tomato, and grape production. The technology provides an alternative or complementary approach to soil-applied beneficial microorganisms, with the potential for direct foliar application to infected crops.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Production of three major lipopeptides: surfactin, bacillomycin, and fengycin
• Biosynthesis of polyketides via polyketide synthase gene clusters unique to strain XT1
• Compounds are thermostable and pH-resistant, enabling robust formulation and field application
• Volatile compound production contributing to broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
• Validated in vitro activity against fungi (B. cinerea, V. dahliae) and oomycetes
• Demonstrated preventive and curative activity against Verticillium dahliae in olive trees
• Effective prevention of Botrytis cinerea infections in strawberries, tomatoes, and grapes
• Strain XT1 internationally patented and licensed to Xtrem Biotech

Technology readiness level

The technology has reached an advanced validation stage. In vitro and in vivo greenhouse and field studies have confirmed both preventive and curative efficacy against key phytopathogens. The strain genome has been fully sequenced, and polyketide synthase genes responsible for the novel polyketide production have been identified. Ongoing and future validation includes extracting and purifying lipopeptides and polyketides (with HPLC analysis), applying them via foliar spray at the minimum inhibitory concentration before and after infection, and evaluating disease incidence, severity, and plant physiological parameters in tomato and pepper crops affected by oomycetes.