In Vitro Inhibitory Potential of Six Isolated Endophytic Fungi from Selected Plants Against Cabbage Fusarium Wilt
In Vitro Inhibitory Potential of Six Isolated Endophytic Fungi from Selected Plants Against Cabbage Fusarium Wilt
Rosmalinda O. Lobitaña1,2*, Junel F. Fuentes1,2, Donn Jericho Jake D. Densing1,2, Djamae L. Manzanares1, Neil Pep Dave N. Sumaya3 and Nanette Hope N. Sumaya1,2
1Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
2 Flora and Biodiversity Laboratory, Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
3Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Southern Mindanao Main Campus, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines
*Email: rosmalinda.lobitana@g.msuiit.edu.ph
Cabbage Fusarium Wilt (CFW), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans (FOC), is a major disease of cabbage and other Brassica crops that can lead to severe yield losses when mismanaged. Current management approaches mainly rely on the application of synthetic fungicides, which are known to be ecologically hazardous and are thus being gradually banned worldwide. In the quest for finding novel biocontrol agents (BCAs) for the management of CFW, we have screened potential endophytic fungi (EF) isolated from white-veined fig (Ficus septica), spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus), and caladium (Caladium bicolor). Morphological and sequence analysis based on rDNA identified potential isolated endophytes as Glomerella cingulata (OQ568330), Colletotrichum fructicola (OQ581712), Colletotrichum siamense (OQ568331), Diaporthe sp. (OQ568326), Arthrinium phaeospermum (OQ621767), and Daldinia eschscholtzii (OQ568328). The isolated endophytes showed Type B, D, and F interactions against the target pathogen. Moreover, the dual culture assay revealed that all the isolated endophytes except Colletotricum fructicola significantly inhibited the growth of FOC in vitro. Further studies focusing on the mode of action and field experiments, including its inhibitory potential against other economically important plant pathogens, can provide a deeper understanding of its potential as a biocontrol agent in an organic and eco-friendly agricultural setting.
