Aspergillus terreus obtained from mangrove exhibits antagonistic activities against Pythium aphanidermatum-induced damping-off of cucumber

Hanaa Al-Shibli, Sergey Dobretsov, Abdulrahman Al-Nabhani, Sajeewa S.N. Maharachchikumbura, Velazhahan Rethinasamy, Abdullah M. Al-Sadi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the potential of Aspergillus terreus obtained from Avicennia marina mangrove roots in inhibiting Pythium aphanidermatum and damping-off disease of cucumber. Aspergillus terreus exhibited in vitro inhibition of Pythium aphanidermatum growth. Electron microscope examination revealed that the antagonistic fungal isolate resulted in shrinking and groves in Pythium hypha. When Aspergillus terreus culture filtrate was added to Pythium aphanidermatum, it resulted in a significant increase (by 73%) in electrolyte leakage from Pythium hypha compared to the control, as well as significant reduction (by 71%) in oospore production. The Aspergillus terreus culture was also found to produce a cellulase enzyme, which is suggested to be involved in the antagonism against Pythium aphanidermatum. Adding Aspergillus terreus to soil infested with Pythium aphanidermatum significantly reduced percent mortality in cucumber seedlings by 70%. Aspergillus terreus, when applied alone on cucumber seedlings, did not show any suppressive effects on cucumber growth (length and fresh and dry weight). This appears to be the first report of isolation from mangrove of Aspergillus terreus with antagonistic activity against Pythium aphanidermatum-induced damping-off of cucumber. The study indicates that fungal isolates obtained from marine nvironments may serve as potential biocontrol agents against some plant pathogens.

Original languageEnglish
Article number7884
JournalPeerJ
Volume2019
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Avicennia marina
  • Biocontrol
  • Mangrove
  • Marine fungi
  • Oomycete

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Aspergillus terreus obtained from mangrove exhibits antagonistic activities against Pythium aphanidermatum-induced damping-off of cucumber'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this