Selection of the Dominant Endophytes Based on Illumina Sequencing Analysis for Controlling Bacterial Wilt of Patchouli Caused by .

Bacterial wilt caused by () is one of the most devastating diseases in patchouli ( [Blanco] Benth.), which results in low yield and quality of patchouli. However, no stable and effective control methods have been developed yet. To evaluate the potential of dominant bacterial endophytes in biocontrol, the endophytic bacterial diversity of patchouli was investigated based on Illumina sequencing analysis, and the ability of isolates belonging to the dominant bacterial genera to control wilt of patchouli was explored in pot experiments. A total of 245 bacterial genera were detected in patchouli plants, with the highest relative abundance of operational taxonomic units belonging to the genus detected in roots, leaves, and stems. The isolates S02, S09, and S26 showed antagonistic activity against in vitro and displayed many plant growth-promoting characteristics, including production of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase and phosphate- and potassium-solubilizing capability. Inoculation of patchouli plants with the isolates S02, S09, and S26 significantly improved shoot growth and decreased the incidence of bacterial wilt caused by . The results suggest that screening of dominant bacterial endophytes for effective biocontrol agents based on Illumina sequencing analysis is more efficient than random isolation and screening procedures.