Bacillus velezensis K165 biocontrol agent for soil-borne plant pathogens
A biocontrol solution using Bacillus velezensis K165 to protect cotton and lettuce crops against major soil-borne pathogens while promoting plant growth. Validated under greenhouse conditions, with field validation underway. Seeking partnership for consumables and personnel funding.
Overview
Bacillus velezensis K165 is a biological control agent that protects cotton and lettuce crops against soil-borne plant pathogens while simultaneously enhancing plant vigor. The strain produces antibiotics that suppress pathogen growth and stimulates the plant's own defense mechanisms, creating a dual mode of action. In addition, K165 produces phytohormones such as indole acetic acid, which directly promotes plant growth.
This biocontrol approach offers an alternative to chemical fungicides, addressing growing demand for sustainable agriculture practices. The solution targets key pathogens affecting two economically important crops: cotton (against Thielaviopsis bassicola and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum) and lettuce (against Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum).
Technical specifications
Mechanism of action:
- Production of antibiotics that inhibit pathogen growth (antibiosis)
- Enhancement of plant defense mechanisms, boosting natural resistance
- Production of phytohormones such as indole acetic acid to promote plant vigor
- Effective root colonization that establishes long-term protective presence
Validated applications:
- Cotton protection against Thielaviopsis bassicola and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum
- Lettuce protection against Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
- Application methods: soil drench, seed coating, and nursery-stage inoculation
Experimental design:
- Between-subjects greenhouse trials with experimental groups (n=10 plants) inoculated with K165 followed by pathogen challenge after 5 days
- Controls (n=10 plants) receiving pathogen only
- ANOVA analysis confirming statistically significant reduction in disease severity
- Each experiment replicated three times for statistical robustness
Technology readiness level
The biocontrol agent has been validated under controlled greenhouse conditions through replicated pot experiments demonstrating statistically significant disease reduction. The research group is now advancing to field validation, which will take approximately two years to complete across different field conditions. Field trials will test K165 as a drench and seed coating inoculum in cotton, and as nursery and transplantation application in lettuce, with assessment of both protective activity and crop yield. The research team is actively seeking partnership support for consumables needed in field experiments and funding for key personnel to advance toward commercial readiness.
About Agricultural University of Athens
The Agricultural University of Athens is a specialized public research university in Greece focused on agriculture and the wider bioeconomy. Industry engages through experimental farms and greenhouses, farm units used for pilot production such as a dairy and winery, and applied laboratories that support lab‑to‑field validation. An innovation hub and entrepreneurship programs connect companies with faculty and students, and a competence center in smart agriculture links the university with technology vendors and agrifood firms across Attica. Research is backed by competitive EU and national funding, including Horizon Europe and the European Regional Development Fund, and Greece’s General Secretariat for Research and Innovation. A dedicated Office of Innovation and Technology Transfer supports IP, licensing, and spin‑offs.
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