Actinomycetes from organic farming soils as biocontrol agents against postharvest anthracnose of rose apple caused by Colletotrichum siamense
摘要
Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum siamense, significantly affects the quality and shelf-life of tropical fruits like rose apple (Syzygium samarangense). Fungicide-based control methods raise environmental and health concerns, prompting the search for safer alternatives. This study investigated actinobacteria from organic farm soils in Lampang, Thailand, as potential biocontrol agents. Three of 56 isolated actinomycete strains (4LI1, 4LI2, and 5LS4) showed strong antifungal activity, inhibiting C. siamense by over 60% in dual culture assays. These strains produced cell wall-degrading enzymes (lipase, protease, cellulase, and amylase). In vivo tests on rose apples showed that strains 4LI1 and 5LS4 reduced anthracnose severity by over 85%. LC–MS/MS analysis detected antifungal metabolites, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, maleic acid, p-coumaric acid, and myricitrin, in all three strains. These actinomycetes likely suppress fruit rot through the production of lytic enzymes and antifungal compounds. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing and morphology, strain 4LI1 was identified as Kitasatospora, while 4LI2 and 5LS4 belonged to Streptomyces. These results support the potential of actinomycetes as eco-friendly solutions for postharvest anthracnose management.