Ralstonia solanacearum can induce
severe wilt disease in vital crops. Therefore, there is an urgent
need to develop novel antifungal solutions. The natural compound 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) exhibits diverse physiological
activities and affects soil function. However, its specific impact
on the R. solanacearum remains unclear.
Here, we investigated the antimicrobial potential of 2,4-DTBP. The
results demonstrated that 2,4-DTBP effectively inhibited its growth
and altered morphology. In addition, it substantially impeded biofilm
formation, motility, and exopolysaccharide secretion. Transcriptomic
analysis revealed that 2,4-DTBP inhibited energy production and membrane
transport. Additionally, 2,4-DTBP hindered the growth by interfering
with the membrane permeability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production,
and electrolyte leakage. Concomitantly, this led to a significant
reduction in pathogenicity, as evidenced by the biomass of R. solanacearum in the invaded roots. Overall, our
data strongly support the potential utility of 2,4-DTBP as a potent
antibacterial agent capable of effectively preventing the onset of
bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum.