Abstract:
Purpose: Microorganisms are proven bio-resources for the environmentally-friendly and sustainable
biological control of plant diseases and microbial enzyme production. The present study confi rms the
identity of an indigenous Burkholderia isolate, determines its desirable features as a biological control
agent of plant pathogenic fungi and an enzyme producer and analyzes molecular relationships with
selected environmental isolates of Burkholderia.
Research Method: In vitro antagonism of Burkholderia isolate on colony growth and spore germination
of fi ve fungal pathogens causing fi eld and postharvest diseases were tested. Antifungal ability of cell-free
fi ltrate and eff ect of temperature on antifungal ability were determined. Extracellular enzyme production
of Burkholderia isolate was screened and phylogenetic relationships were elucidated.
Findings: Burkholderia isolate inhibited colony growth of the fi ve fungal pathogens by a range of 45 - 59
%, reduced the spore germination ability forming spores of a typical morphology. Antifungal ability was
lost beyond 57 oC and cell-free fi ltrates did not show antagonism against the tested fungi. The bacterial
isolate gave the best match with Burkholderia A45 strain and it was; catalase, gelatinase, lipase and
casein hydrolysis positive. The indigenous bacterial isolate grouped together with Burkholderia strains,
having biodegradation ability of environmental pollutants.
Research Limitations: Absence of a comprehensive image on extracellular enzyme producing ability
and information on biodegradation ability of the bacterial isolate.
Originality/value: Findings will be useful to exploit the potential of the bacterium in integrated
management of pre- and postharvest fungal diseases and in microbial enzyme production.
