Application of Silica Nanoparticles in Combination with Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus thuringiensis for Anthracnose Disease Control in Shallot.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Anthracnose in shallot contributes to significant losses. To solve this issue, silica nanoparticles, in combination with <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> and <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> were used together. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> <i>In vitro</i> antagonistic test of <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> B-27 with <i>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</i> was carried out using dual culture and co-culture methods. Treatment in greenhouse experiments was carried out using single application of silica, <i>B. thuringiensis</i>, <i>B. velezensis</i>, a combination of <i>B. thuringiensis</i> and <i>B. velezensis</i> and a combination of <i>B. thuringiensis</i>, <i>B. velezensis</i> and silica. Detection of <i>B. velezensis</i> in the roots of shallot plants was carried out by PCR using a pair of specific primers. <b>Results:</b> <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> was able to inhibit the growth of <i>C. gloeosporioides</i> mycelium <i>in vitro</i>, both in the dual culture and co-culture methods, by 62.8 and 77.17%, respectively. Treatment of <i>B. thuringiensis</i> and <i>B. velezensis</i>, either individually or in combination with silica, could reduce the intensity of anthracnose disease by 20% each and stimulate the growth of shallot plants. The PCR detection using specific primers on the roots of shallot plants showed that <i>B. velezensis</i> was detected with a DNA band length of ±576 bp. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> can inhibit the growth of <i>C. gloeosporioides</i> mycelium <i>in vitro</i>. Applying <i>B. velezensis</i>, <i>B. thuringiensis</i> and silica can reduce the intensity of anthracnose disease, promote plant growth and increase plant productivity. Furthermore, <i>B. velezensis</i> was detected in the roots of shallot plants, revealing that the bacteria are well-established.