LAUSR

Abstract The main objectives of the present study are to assess the biocontrol potential of Bacillus sp. LBF-01 for its disease prevention against Fusarium oxysporum and plant growth promotion in Capsicum annuum L. plants. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were done to characterize the biocontrol potentialities of the strain following standard protocols. The strain exhibited antifungal activity against F. oxysporum. The in-vivo pot experiment in C. annuum L. plants showed 9.04 times less disease incidence by F. oxysporum, with 50% carbendazim use, and enhanced plant growth parameters. Seed bacterization enhanced the germination potentiality and seedling vigour by 24% and 592.8%, respectively. The FT-IR and GC-MS spectra indicate seven major fatty acids (Tridecanoic acid group) as antifungal compounds. The disease prevention and multifarious growth-promoting traits of the Bacillus sp. LBF-01 suggest that its potentiality for exploitation as a biocontrol agent in sustainable agriculture in C. annuum L. plants.