Microbes Inside Rootcrops May Cure Ubi Anthracnose, Other Plant Diseases
Researchers at the Philippine Rootcrop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) of the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay, Leyte have unveiled what could become the next potential biological control for anthracnose in purple yam and other plant diseases.
Julie D. Tan, Evelyn B. Taboada, May V. Tampus, Jilly B. Regis, and Rodney H. Perez have isolated and tested the endophytic microorganisms found in sweetpotato, which are recognized as sources of secondary metabolites useful in biotechnology and agriculture. And initial results confirmed that these endophytes produce antimicrobial compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in plants.
In their study titled “Antimicrobial evaluation and effects of fermentation process conditions of bioactive compounds produced by endophytic Bacillus sp. against some selected food and plant pathogens”, the researchers screened isolates of endophytes from rootcrop-based products and other related fermented food products for their abilities to inhibit the growth of some selected food pathogens. They also determined the effects of fermentation on the productivity and activity of the biocontrol compound.