Isolation and Identification of Antifungal Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Citrus Field
Isolation and Identification of Antifungal Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Citrus Field
Amir Abdullah Khan and Muhammad Irfan*
ABSTRACT
Fruit rotting is major problem in the world and the fungus mostly causes it. Citrus is susceptible to postharvest decay caused by fungus. The use of synthetic fungicides, which have negative effects on human health and the environment, reduces the widespread economic losses in citriculture caused by these pathogens. In the current study, 68 bacterial strains were isolated from citrus field soil and tested for antifungal activity using the streak plate method. Among them, one bacterium was found to be antagonist against the pathogen. This was identified as Bacillus subtilis 2i through 16SrRNA. The disease causing fungus was also isolated and identified as Schizophyllum sp. B2A through 18SrRNA.The strain Bacillus subtilis 2i was cultivated in sub-merged fermentation for the production of bioactive compounds. Various parameters were optimized to obtain maximum bioactive compounds production. Maximum antifungal activity was observed at temperature 37°C, pH 8, inoculum size 2.5% and 24h fermentation period. These results recommended the potential utilization of Bacillus subtilis 2i for intention to control the disease causing fungus Schizophyllum sp. B2A in citrus.
Novelty Statement | It is the first antifungal bacteria reported in this region. It is helpful in the control of fungal diseases in citrus.
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December 2022
Vol. 37, Iss. 2, pp. 93-182
