Antifungal Activity of Plant Isolate of Lactic Acid Bacteria against Fusarium Sp.

Abstract

The lactic acid bacteria is one of the most diverse groups of bacteria, and these organisms have been characterized extensively by using different techniques. Lactic acid bacteria are nutritionally fastidious, requiring carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, nucleic acids and vitamins. These are considered as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) organisms. LAB have been shown to occur in fruits, flowers and vegetable matrices.60 isolates from plant sources were screened for antifungal activity. The isolate showing maximum antifungal activity against Fusarium sp. was identified using 16s rDNA technique to be Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain and studied for production of different antifungal compounds. The results indicated that the Leuconostoc mesenteroides from plant source produces a wide variety of antifungal compounds and is suggestive of applications for preservation of agriculture produce.