[Isolation and identification of Mycobacterium cultures antagonistic to phytopathogenic microflora]

A number of saprophytic bacteria were isolated from natural substrates. Their identification showed that the majority of the isolates belonged to the genus Mycobacterium. The previously developed test-system including treatment of soil substrates by alkali and the use of optimal nutrient media provided preferencial isolation of saprophytic mycobacteria. The primary studies demonstrated that the cultures belonging to the genus Mycobacterium had antifungal properties and might be promising for screening antagonists of phytopathogens.