Development of specific antifungal compound for Ganoderma Boninense

Abstract

The application of broad-spectrum chemical compounds for controlling the fungal pathogens could contribute to the development of resistant strains and distruption of beneficial microorganisms in the Rhizosphere. Thus, the identification and characterization a biological control agents that can produce narrow spectrum antifungal compound to suppress the growth of Phytopathogenic Fungi is very important. This study aimed to develop novel antifungal compounds that specifically inhibit Ganoderma Boninense, the causal agent of Basal Stem Rot in oil palm plantations. A total of 25 potential isolates from our biocontrol agent bacteria collection was tested againts eight various fungi, representing plant pathogens and beneficial fungi. We found that Bacillus Methylothropicus HC5.1 produces narrow-spectrum antifungal compounds that effective against root pathogen such as Ganoderma Boninense and Fusarium sp., but interestingly not inhibit the Plant-Beneficial Fungus Trichoderma sp.. Furthermore, to evaluate the application of cell-free filtrates HC5.1 on oil palms, in-vivo assay was done under greenhouse condition using rapid inoculation assay. A significant decrease was observed in disease severity occurred in HC5.1-treated palms inoculated with Ganoderma Boninense after 1.5 months post-inoculation. This result showed that Bacillus Methylothropicus HC5.1 has a potential application as a specific bio-control agent for Basal Stem Rot Disease and as part of mantaining sustainable practice in the oil palm plantation.