The Use of Streptomyces spp. to Inhibit Colletotrichum gloeosporioides the Causal Agent of Anthracnose in Mango

Abstract

Anthracnose disease in mango, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, severely affects both yield and quality of mangoes throughout all stages of growth from seedlings to postharvest. Although chemical fungicides can effectively control the disease in the short term, their prolonged use leads to issues such as chemical residues and the development of fungal resistance. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Streptomyces spp. in inhibiting the growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides under laboratory conditions. Seven isolates of Streptomyces spp. were tested for their antagonistic activity against the fungus on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) using the dual culture technique. The results showed that all seven Streptomyces spp. isolates inhibited the growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, with inhibition rates ranging from 49.10% to 59.63%. The isolate 2CRAO5 and 2CRA04 exhibited the highest average inhibition rate at 59.63% and 59.19%, which was statistically significant. This was followed by isolates 2CRA02, 2CRA08, 2CRA01, 2CRF04, and SNP3-9C04, with average inhibition percentages of 55.02%, 54.24%, 53.72%, 52.41%, and 49.10%, respectively. Given the effectiveness of Streptomyces spp., these isolates present a promising alternative for biological control of plant diseases.