Study of naturally sourced bacteria with antifungal activities

The study was carried out with the aim of sourcing for bacteria from the natural environment having antifungal capabilities to control and inhibit postharvest fungal spoilage of fruits and vegetables caused by Botrytis cinerea. Soil and water samples were collected from Heriot Watt University environment and Dr Ruth Fowler's garden and inoculated using the spread plate technique; identification was carried out using Microbact Identification kits; and isolates assayed for antifungal activities against Botrytis cinerea. Forty eight bacteria species were isolated out of which sixteen (16) belonging to genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Escherichia, Burkholderia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Proteus showed antifungal activities. Bacteria species Pseudomonas stutzeri and Burkholderia cepacia had the highest zones of inhibition with average radii of 3.06 and 3.20 cm respectively. The bacteria had the potential to inhibit mycelial and spore growth at varying levels thus making them possible candidates for further tests and studies. Considering the aim of the study, further research into identifying these antifungal isolates inhibitory compounds and metabolites is highly recommended.