Biocontrol Potential of Streptomyces sp. C2-4 against Ceratobasidium cereale Caused Sharp Eyespot in Wheat

Recently, various fungal diseases have emerged in winter crops, including barley, oats, and wheat, as a consequence of climate change. Among these diseases, sharp eyespot, caused by Ceratobasidium cereale, is a significant concern because it occurs during the ear emergence period and can lead to substantial yield loss. In this study, beneficial microorganisms capable of biologically suppressing the occurrence of C. cereale were identified and their applicability was assessed. A total of 13 isolates, including 11 Streptomyces spp. and two Kitosatospora sp. collected from the National Institute of Biological Resources, were evaluated. The mycelial suppression ability was evaluated using C. cereale strain KACC 49887, which was isolated from sharp eyespot disease in 2020. As a result, Streptomyces sp. C2-4 exhibited the highest mycelial suppression capability, followed by C3-5 and C3-8. Consistent with these results, Streptomyces sp. C2-4 effectively controlled wheat sharp eyespot disease iinfested with C. cereale KACC 49887, highlighting its potential as a biological control agent. Streptomyces sp. C2-4 is a strain isolated from soil, and future research should focus on developing ecofriendly disease control agents through practical field applications.