Myxococcus fulvus, as a Potential Isolate to be used as a Future Biocontrol Agent

Biological control has emerged as an alternative approach for mitigating plant diseases and minimizing the disproportionate use of agrochemicals and their hazardous impacts. Myxobacteria, a group of swarming soil bacteria, owing to their predatory mechanisms, are of particular interest such as their biocontrol potential. The present study investigates the antagonistic potential of myxobacteria isolated from various eco-geographical regions of India against phytopathogenic fungi, including Sclerotinia sp., Colletotrichum capsici, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium oxysporum. Myxococcus fulvus (ST/P/71) isolate exhibited significant broad-range antagonistic activity. ST/P/71 extract demonstrated antifungal activity against F. solani and inhibited biofilm formation by both F. solani and A. flavus. The ST/P/71 isolate was also observed to produce cell wall-degrading enzymes and the antifungal secondary metabolite myxothiazole A, suggesting their micro-predation capabilities against phytopathogens.