BIOCONTROL POTENTIAL OF STREPTOMYCES SPECIES AGAINST FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F.SP. ZINGIBERI (CAUSAL AGENT OF RHIZOME ROT OF GINGER)

Abstract

The present study aimed at determining biocontrol potential of six Streptomyces species (SSC-MB-01 to SSC-MB-06) against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi, causal agent of rhizome rot of ginger. Primary screening for antifungal activity was tested by dual culture method. Agar well diffusion method was employed to screen inhibitory efficacy of ethyl acetate extracts obtained from fermentation broths of Streptomyces species. In both the assays, marked inhibitory activity was observed in case of Streptomyces species SSC-MB-02. In case of Streptomyces species SSC-MB-05, no inhibitory activity was observed in both the assays. The results obtained indicate the possible utilization of Streptomyces isolates for the protection of the ginger rhizomes from soft rot symptoms.