Antiviral activity of Micrococcus luteus against the infection of bean yellow mosaic virus in faba bean

Soil drenching application of Micrococcus luteus resulted in a 78% decrease in the severity of the disease and a 70% decrease in viral accumulation levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were all significantly increased after <i>M. luteus</i> treatment. The levels of oxidative stress indicators, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), were shown to be much lower after <i>M. luteus</i> treatment. The transcripts of genes involved in pathogenesis were found to be upregulated with these alterations. It is possible to use <i>M. luteus</i> as a biocontrol agent, which is a practical and environmentally friendly way to protect faba bean plants against BYMV infection, since it may increase faba bean growth and generate systemic resistance against BYMV disease. Antiviral action against viral infections in plants has never been previously documented for <i>M. luteus</i>.