Ginseng root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum is serious disease that impacts ginseng production. In the present study, 145 strains of bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy ginseng plants. Three strains with inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum (accession number AF077393) were identified using the dual culture tests and designated as YN-42(L), YN-43(L), and YN-59(L). Morphological, physiological, biochemical, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were used to identify the strains as Bacillus subtilis [YN-42(L)] (accession number ON545980), Delftia acidovorans [YN-43(L)] (accession number ON545981), and Bacillus polymyxae [YN-59(L)] (accession number ON545982). All three isolates effectively inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum in vitro and the antagonistic mechanism used by the three strains involved the secretion of multiple bioactive metabolites responsible for the hydrolysis of the fungal cell wall. All three biocontrol bacteria produce indoleacetic acid, which has a beneficial effect on plant growth. From our findings, all three antagonistic strains can be excellent candidates for ginseng root rot caused by the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. These bacteria have laid the foundation for the biological control of ginseng root rot and for further research on the field control of ginseng pathogens.
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