Isolation and Evaluation of Antifungal Metabolites from Bacillus subtilis Against Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) Fungal Pathogens

The increasing resistance of fungal pathogens and environmental concerns over chemical fungicides necessitate alternative control strategies in sustainable agriculture. The present study evaluates the antifungal efficacy of secondary metabolites produced by Bacillus subtilis against three significant fungal pathogens—Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria solani, and Rhizoctonia solani—that commonly infect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Secondary metabolites from B. subtilis were extracted and applied to tomato seeds and fungal cultures. Results indicated a concentration-dependent antifungal effect andenhancement of seed germination at optimal metabolite levels. This study supports the utilization of B. subtilis as a biocontrol agent and biofertilizer component for disease suppression and growth promotion in tomato crops.