In vitro antagonistic action of egg plant and sweet potato phylloplane bacteria to some parasitic fungi

The surfaces of aerial plant parts provide a habitat for epiphytic micro-organisms, many of which also influence the growth of pathogens. Bacteria are generally the predominant initial inhabitants of newly expanded leaves, while yeasts and filamentous fungi dominate later in the growing season (Kinkel et al., 1987). A large body of information has been accumulated regarding antagonism between bacteria and fungi on the leaf surface, and its possible role in the biological control of pathogenic fungi (Gowdu and Balasubramanian, 1988). Biological control may be an alternative to chemicals in the control of some pathogenic fungi, in order to reduce environmental pollution. Saprophytic In vitro antagonistic action of egg plant and sweet potato phylloplane bacteria to some parasitic fungi