Researchers have uncovered potential uses for tropical fruit-derived Lactiplantibacillus strains as probiotics and antifungal agents against the notorious plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. This study, published in Scientific Reports, zeroes in on two promising strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVCF3 and Lpb. argentoratensis MYSVCF5, which were isolated from various tropical fruits.
The presence of Fusarium oxysporum is not to be taken lightly; it poses significant threats to food security and agricultural economies, particularly in tropical regions where environmental conditions are favorable for its persistence and growth. Traditional methods for controlling this pathogen often involve chemical fungicides, but these can have adverse environmental impacts and result in inadequate levels of control. Creating biological control solutions, like those developed from lactic acid bacteria (LAB), may offer more sustainable and efficient alternatives.
This innovative research isolated LAB from seven distinct tropical fruits, focusing particularly on fruits common to regions around Mysuru and Mandya, Karnataka, India. The isolation process revealed impressive LAB counts, with some strains showing exceptional antifungal activity against F. oxysporum.
Among the findings, two LAB strains exhibited remarkable antifungal properties: Lpb. plantarum and Lpb. argentoratensis. Specifically, the latter significantly reduced fungal biomass by 94% and inhibited conidial germination completely. Notably, the study pointed to the role of organic acids produced by these strains, particularly citric acid, which was identified as the most abundant component at 34.9 µg/mL.
These findings not only suggest LAB's potential health benefits as probiotics, but they also highlight their capacity to act against harmful fungal pathogens effectively. This dual capability positions them as versatile agents within agricultural practices. Providing additional support, one of the co-authors noted, "By leveraging the capabilities of these LAB, we can develop natural, probiotic-based solutions to combat F. oxysporum infection."
Other qualities of these tropical strains included their tolerance to various environmental conditions, making them suitable candidates for probiotic and agricultural applications. Their ability to endure stressors mimicking gastrointestinal conditions suggests they can survive the digestive tract, thereby enhancing their value as probiotics.
The research also emphasizes the ecological benefits of utilizing these LAB strains as biocontrol agents. By decreasing the dependence on traditional, often harmful chemical fungicides, there is potential for reducing environmental pollution and protecting non-target organisms. "These attributes make them attractive for integrationinto crop protection strategies," the researchers stated, signaling optimism for practical future applications.
Overall, this study marks significant progress toward developing sustainable solutions for managing Fusarium oxysporum outbreaks. By drawing on the inherent properties of tropical fruit-derived LAB, researchers are paving the way for innovative approaches to combating fungal threats, ensuring greater food security and safety.