Antifungal effects of cellulose-degrading bacteria isolated from bovine excrement against phytopathogenic fungi

Background and Aim : Bovine excrement is a rich source for screening cellulolytic bacteria. The present study was conducted to isolate and identify cellulose degrading bacteria from bovine excrement and their screening for potential antifungal activity.Methods : The cellulolytic bacteria were screened out and isolated from the collected samples by serial dilution method on modified Czapeck (CMC) agar medium and subsequent Congo red assay. Seventeen isolates were selected on the basis of cellulose degrading activity through Congo red assay. The antifungal activity of these isolates was also determined against different phytopathogenic fungi including Alternaria, Cladosporium, Verticillium, Fusarium, Mucor and Rhizopus.Results : The isolates were identified according to standard biochemical tests in Bergey’s manual. Among the ۱۷ isolates, ۱۰ to Bacillus spp., ۲ to Pseudomonas spp., ۱ to Citrobacter spp., ۳ to Staphylococcus spp. and one belonged to Penibacillus. The antifungal activity against the target phytopathogens was shown by the isolates of some Bacillus species. Isolate Bacillus spp. R۷ showed high activity against Alternaria by giving a zone of inhibition of ۱۶mm while isolate R۱ showed good antifungal activity against Fusarium by giving a clear zone of ۱۳ mm.Conclusion : The results of the present study is promising for biocontrol of phythopathogens and it is possible to use biological control as an effective strategy to manage plant diseases, increase yield and protect the environment.

Keywords:

Cellulolytic bacteria , Antifungal Activity , Phytopathogen , bovine excrement