In order to produce high-quality fermenting composts, a microorganism was isolated from the natural world. The bacterium has not only in high enzyme activities but also had good antimicrobial activities against phytopathogenic microorganisms. Its cultivating characteristics were then investigated. Bacterium KJ-9, which contains high CMCase, protease and chitinase activities and excellent antimicrobial activities against phytopathogenic microorganisms, was separated from leaf mold and identified as Bacillus licheniformis by two methods: Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and API 50 CHL Carbohydrate Test Kit (Bio Merieux, France) using an ATB (Automated Identification) computer system (Bio Merieux, France). Optimal medium for cultivation of B. licheniformis was 2% soluble starch as a carbon source, 0.5% yeast extract as a nitrogen source and 0.05% MgSO4·7H2O. Optimal growth conditions of pH, temperature and shake speed were pH 7.0, 50℃and 180 rpm, respectively.Culture broth of B. licheniformis KJ-9 cultured for 36~60 hr was effective in fungicidal activities against plant pathogens including Botrytis cinerea, Corynespora cassicola, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani.

Approximately 80 species of bacteria were isolated from the fermented mushroom first and the HJ-57 antibacterial micro-organism was selected to the final isolation bacteria. It has a high degree of CMCase, amylase, and protease activity as well as high antibacterial activity against mushroom pathogenic bacteria without affecting the growth and development of Flammulina velutipes and Lentinus edodes mushrooms. The finally selected HJ-57 antibacterial micro-organism was identified as Bacillus sp.HJ-57. The initial pH for culture was pH7 and its optimum culture temperature was 35°C. The antibacterial material produced by Bacillus sp. HJ-57 showed a little antibacterial activity even in the 12 hr of culture, but showed the highest antibacterial activity in the 36~48 hr of culture. The HJ-57 antibacterial micro-organism also showed a high antibacterial activity against mushroom pathogenic bacteria and molds in the corn cob contained culture medium is used in Flammulina velutipes cultivators.