Antagonistic potential of bacillus species against plant pathogenic fungi

In the present study, Bacillus strains showed highest antifungal activity against some plant pathogenic fungi that is Rhizoctonia spp. and Rhizopus. The antagonism between different microbial (bacterial strains) can be expressed by the production of metabolites, competition and direct parasitism. Biological control refers to the suppression of a single pathogen (or pest), by a single antagonist, in a single cropping system. Biocontrol can occur when non-pathogens compete with pathogens for nutrients in and around the host plant. Direct interactions that benefit one population at the expense of another also affect our understanding of biological control. Bacillus spp. isolates were used in vitro sensitivity experiments against fungal spp., these fungi were collected from IMTEC Chandigarh including Rhizotina solani and Rhizopus species. Potato dextrose agar plates were inoculated with antagonistic isolate of Bacillus strain as a streak line with a loop-full of 2 days-old culture, incubated for 48 h prior inoculation by the tested fungus.