Exploiting the nematicidal compounds from guava endo microbiome against root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne enterolobii

Guava root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii has emerged as a major threat in tropical and sub-tropical countries across the globe. These nematodes utilize their esophageal gland-secreted protein, M. enterolobii Translationally Controlled Tumour Protein (MeTCTP) for successful parasitism on guava plants. Our current study was focused on identifying the biomolecules produced by nematicidal endophytic bacterial strains crucial for suppressing MeTCTP. Results of our study exhibited that among different isolates Bacillus cereus (GREB1) demonstrated superior nematicidal efficacy and biomolecules from this strain, such as 2,1,3-benzothiodiazole (−6.0 kcal/mol), 2 hexen-1-ol (−5.1 kcal/mol) and heptanoic acid (−4.5 kcal/mol), exhibited notable binding affinity to MeTCTP protein in docking studies. Molecular dynamics simulation studies underscored the stability, dynamics, and binding mechanisms of these biomolecules with MeTCTP. Furthermore, the results of the in vitro assay with identified biomolecules proved that 2,1,3 benzothiadiazole @ 200 ppm had 99% juvenile mortality. The probit analysis revealed the LC50 concentration of 2,1,3 benzothiadiazole (52.17 μg/mL), 2 hexen-1- ol (84.37 μg/mL) and heptanoic acid (141.93 μg/mL) respectively. Integrating in-silico and in-vitro bio-efficacy assays, our study provides a pivotal foundation for novel biomolecules against guava nematodes. Moreover, the study lays the foundation to formulate a novel solution comprising potent biomolecules to curb M. enterolobii populations, offering a promising avenue for effective crop protection.