[Objective] The aim of this study was to breed new strains which have higher inhibitory effects on the pathogens of watermelon fusarium wilt.[Method] The endophytic Bacillus subtilis B47 strain was obtained from tomato stems by UV mutagenesis for two consecutive times,then genetic stability as well as physiological and biochemical properties of mutant strains were studied.[Result] The antibacterial activity of all the three mutant strains F303,F304 and F305 was higher than that of B74 strain.After subculture of 10 successive generations,the antibacterial activity of all the three mutant strains for the pathogens of watermelon fusarium wilt decreased,but the antibacterial activity of F305 strain decreased the least,indicating its best genetic stability among the tested strains.The antibacterial circle diameter of F305 strain was 5 mm larger than that of wild strain B47 under the same condition.The mutant strain F305 was in logarithmic growth phase within 36 h and in stationary phase within 36-96 h,while its optimum growth temperature was 35 ℃.F305 strain could grow in sodium salt with the concentration of 1%-10%,but it grew best at the concentration of 1%.Physiological and biochemical responses of F305 strain were in accordance with those of wild strain B47.[Conclusion] This study lays the foundation for the factorial production of antagonistic substance by B47 strain and new methods of preventing from the pathogens watermelon fusarium wilt.
