Fig. 7
Schematic representation of Bacillus subtilis JCK-1398’s microbiome-mediated defense strategy in mitigating pine wilt disease. This diagram illustrates the contrasting outcomes between untreated and B. subtilis JCK-1398-treated pine on disease progression and microbiome dynamics. On the left, untreated pine seedlings exhibit increased vulnerability to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (pinewood nematode) infestation, which accelerates pine wilt disease symptoms. The nematode-associated microbiome is dominated by pathogenic bacterial genera such as Erwinia and Kosakonia, with a concurrent reduction in beneficial Pantoea. The rhizosphere microbiome reflects diminished levels of beneficial bacteria, including members of Rhizobiales. On the right, pine seedlings treated with B. subtilis JCK-1398 demonstrate enhanced resilience, with a shift in the nematode-associated microbiome towards nematicidal Pantoea dominance. In addition, the rhizosphere microbiome shows an increase in beneficial microbes, contributing to the plant’s overall health and defense system. This schematic highlights the broad-spectrum protective effects of B. subtilis JCK-1398, suggesting a multifaceted defense strategy that boosts the pine tree resistance to pine wilt disease by altering both nematode-associated and rhizosphere microbial communities.
