Bacillus licheniformis JF-22 to Control Meloidogyne incognita and Its Effect on Tomato Rhizosphere Microbial Community

Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most destructive soil pests, causing serious economic losses in tomato production. Here, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the Bacillus licheniformis strain JF-22 has the potential to prevent M. incognita infection. A pot experiment confirmed that B. licheniformis strain JF-22 isolated from the tomato rhizosphere soil and planted in the tomato root-knot nematode disease area effectively prevented and controlled M. incognita, reducing its negative effect on tomato growth. Additionally, the composition of volatile substances secreted by B. licheniformis strain JF-22 was analyzed using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We detected acetoin, 2,3-Butanediol, [R-(R*,R*) ]-, and hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane as the main components among these volatiles. Using MiSeq sequencing technology and bioinformatics, we analyzed the influence of B. licheniformis strain JF-22 on the microbial community of the tomato rhizosphere. B. licheniformis strain JF-22 changed the composition of the microbial community; particularly, it significantly reduced the diversity of the fungal community. Furthermore, using the FUNGuild and PICRUSt databases, we predicted the effect of JF-22 on microbial community function. In conclusion, B. licheniformis strain JF-22 may be considered as a potential biocontrol agent against M. incognita.