Abstract

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This study was carried out to investigate the antagonistic activities of tongue isolates; Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus mutatis, and Corynebacterium sp. and Aspergillus sp. against five test pathogenic fungi; Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Colletotrichum capsici, Colletotrichum pisi, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum, monitored over a period of five days incubation. All isolates were subjected to screening against the plant pathogens and most of the isolates showed antagonistic activity. Streptococcus mutatis (13.8±0.1: P=.05) showed the highest antagonistic activity after 24h; and least, Micrococcus luteus (0.1±0.0) against Colletotrichum capsici. The experimental results demonstrated the fungicidal effect of tongue microflora and revealed the possibility of the metabolites produced by these microorganisms to be used as potential biocontrol agents against these fungal species. This research paper further discussed the use of oral microflora as possible source(s) of biocontrol agents in control of plant disease, especially those caused by the selected test fungal pathogens. It also highlights factors that contribute to the limited use of biocontrol agents (BCAs).

Keywords: Antagonism, pathogenic, fungi, tongue isolates, biocontrol