Solation and Selection of Potential Endophytic Fungi as Growth Inhibitors of PathogenicFusarium oxysporumColonies on Black Pepper

Abstract

ellow disease in black pepper (Piper nigrumL.) is caused by plant parasitic nematodes and F. oxysporum. Wounds caused by parasitic nematodes create necrotic tissue in the roots, which facilitates infection by F.oxysporum. The use of endophytic microbes is an environment-friendly method that supports sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to identify potential endophytic isolates as biocontrol agents for F. oxysporum. Endophytes were isolated from the roots of black pepper plants of the Merapin and Lampung Daun Lebar (LDL) varieties at different cultivation sites. Endophytic fungi isolates were screened using the dual culture assayagainst the pathogenic fungus F. oxysporum. In this study, 98 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained, of which 13 isolates were found to have the potency to inhibit the growth of F. oxysporummycelia by 7.78-50% on dual culture screening. The endophytic fungus Gliocladiumsp. CMS8 can inhibit F. oxysporummycelia by up to 50 %, making it a promising candidate for biological control of F. oxysporumin black pepper.