First Report of Antifungal Activity of Microbulbifer Halophilus 201y Against Fusarium Verticilloides Czld Strain Isolated from Livestock Feed in Algeria

Abstract

Fungal contamination of livestock feed causes economic losses and health risks. Biological control using beneficial microorganisms, especially antifungal bacteria, is a safe and sustainable alternative. This study aims to isolate and identify Fusarium verticilloides from livestock feed, and the in vitro investigation for the first time of antifungal activity of Microbulbifer halophilus 201Y. First, fungus and antagonistic bacterium were isolated from livestock feed. Phenotypic and genotypic identification were used to identify and confirm the fungal and bacterial isolates. Hydrolytic enzymes assays and the antifungal activity of 201Y were subsequently tested. The results indicated that 201Y was capable of reducing fungal growth in the dual culture test; the inhibition rate was estimated between 53% and 56%. Moreover, volatile compounds produced by this strain reduced fungal growth by 64%. Although the strain 201Y did not produce any tested hydrolytic enzymes. This study is the first to suggest that 201Y can be used as a biological control agent and highlights its potential for future biological control applications.