Isolation and molecular characterization of Rhizosphere and maize (Zea mays) soil antagonistic bacteria against Fusarium verticilloides causing maize stem rot disease

Abstract

Bacterial isolates from Karbi anglong maize field and the rhizosphere samples from maize plant has been analyzed for the potency of biocontrol agent property against F.verticilloides. Screening of the isolated strains has been performed for the antagonistic activities in the PDA medium against F. verticilloides. Identification of 4 bacterial isolates out of 20 screened isolates showed antagonistic activity against Fusarium. These isolates were also analyzed for production of chitinase metabolites. Based on the 16S rRNA molecular identification, the prevalent bacterial strains were Fictibacillus and Priestia genera which were isolated from rhizosphere and Staphylococcus and Mammaliccocus genera were isolated from maize field soil. All the genera showed the antagonistic, inhibition growth against the fungus and chitinase activity against F.verticilloides. The result demonstrates the potency for development of biocontrol agents for controlling disease caused by Fusarium in the maize plant.    Keywords: Antagonistic, Antifungal, Fusarium verticilloides, Maize, Endophytic bacteria, Epiphytic bacteria, PGI (Percentage of Growth Inhibition).