The The Potential of Peat Soil Bacteria from Teluk Belitung Village as Antagonistic Agents against Fusarium Oxysporum

Abstract

Utilization of bacteria as biological control agents is one of the alternatives to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides. Peat soil is known to be a habitat for bacteria with potential as biological agents in controlling phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of peat soil bacteria isolated from Teluk Belitung Village as antagonistic agents against F. oxysporum. A qualitative descriptive method was employed. Isolation was carried out using the spread plate technique. The obtained isolates were examined for colony and microscopic characteristics, catalase activity, cells number, and antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum. Five bacterial isolates (IS1, IS2, IS3, IS4, and IS5) were successfully obtained. The isolates were rod shaped, Gram-negative, and exhibited catalase activity. Isolate cells number between 0.02 to 7.20 x 109 CFU.g-1. All isolates demonstrated antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum, with growth inhibition rates ranging from 18.75 to 77.50%. Based on growth inhibition, isolates IS1, IS2, and IS3 showed the greatest potential as antagonistic agents against F. oxysporum.