Potential of Chitinolytic Bacteria in Controlling Aspergillus niger Causes of Root Base Round Disease in Peanut Plants

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 98 views

Potential of Chitinolytic Bacteria in Controlling Aspergillus niger Causes of Root Base Round Disease in Peanut Plants

Introduction

In recent years, the use of microorganisms to control plant diseases has gained significant attention due to its potential to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and promote environmental sustainability. One of the most promising approaches is the use of chitinolytic bacteria, which have the ability to degrade chitin, a compound commonly found in fungal cell walls. In this context, Aspergillus niger, a pathogen that causes root rotten diseases in peanut plants, has been a major concern for farmers worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the potential of chitinolytic bacteria in controlling A. Niger and reducing the incidence of root rotten disease in peanut plants.

Background

Aspergillus niger is a fungal pathogen that causes root rotten disease in peanut plants, resulting in significant losses for farmers. The use of chemical pesticides has been the primary approach to control this disease, but it has several drawbacks, including the development of resistance and negative impacts on the environment. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using microorganisms to control plant diseases, and chitinolytic bacteria have emerged as a promising alternative.

Chitinolytic bacteria are capable of degrading chitin, a compound found in fungal cell walls, which makes them effective in controlling fungal diseases. These bacteria have been shown to inhibit the growth of various fungal pathogens, including A. Niger, through various mechanisms, including competition for nutrition and space, production of antimicrobial compounds, and stimulation of plant defense systems.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted in the pest and disease observation laboratories, Johor terrain, plant protection and horticulture 1, as well as microbiology laboratories, biology department, faculty of mathematics and science Natural Knowledge, University of North Sumatra, Medan. The study aimed to evaluate the potential of six chitinolytic bacterial isolates, namely Bacillus sp. BK13, Enterobacter sp. BK15, Bacillus sp. BK17, Enterobacter Cloacae LK08, Bacillus sp. KR05, and Enterobacter sp. PB17, in inhibiting the growth of A. Niger in peanut seeds.

The antagonistic test results showed that the most effective bacteria in inhibiting A. Niger's growth were Enterobacter sp. BK15 with a inhibition zone of 2.88 cm, followed by Bacillus sp. BK13 with a 2.69 cm inhibitory zone. Conversely, BK17 bacteria were the most ineffective, only able to provide a inhibition zone of 2.30 cm.

Results

The results of this study showed that the use of chitinolytic bacterial isolates applied through seed immersion was effective in reducing the root rotten incidence of roots in peanuts. BK15 bacteria showed the best ability with a reduction in root base rot by 58.82%, while BK13 had a lower reduction, which was 47.06%.

Analysis of Chitinolytic Bacteria Potential

Chitinolytic bacteria have the ability to degrade chitin, compounds commonly found in fungal cell walls, which makes them effective in controlling fungal diseases. In this context, Aspergillus niger as a pathogen, often causes losses in peanut plants through root rotten diseases. The alternative approach to using microorganisms to control pathogens is not only more environmentally friendly, but can also reduce dependence on chemical pesticides that have the potential to damage the ecosystem.

The use of bacteria such as Enterobacter sp. BK15 and Bacillus sp. BK13 not only decreases the incidence of disease but can also improve the overall health of plants. The success of this isolate in inhibiting the growth of A. Niger can be explained through various antagonism mechanisms, including competition for nutrition and space, the production of antimicrobial compounds, and stimulation of plant defense systems.

Research Relevance

This research is very relevant in the context of modern agriculture that focuses on sustainability and environmental health. With the increasing problem of resistance to chemical pesticides, as well as negative impacts on ecosystems, biological alternatives such as the use of chitinolytic bacteria are very important. The results of this study not only provide new insights on the use of microorganisms in disease control, but also open up opportunities for further research on the application of bacteria in a broader agricultural system.

Conclusion

The potential of chitinolytic bacteria in controlling Aspergillus niger shows new hopes in efforts to increase productivity and resilience of peanut plants. This discovery is expected to be implemented in sustainable agricultural practices to reduce losses due to plant diseases and support more environmentally friendly agriculture.

Future Directions

Further research is needed to explore the potential of chitinolytic bacteria in controlling other fungal diseases and to develop new strategies for their application in agricultural systems. Additionally, the development of new bacterial isolates with improved antagonistic properties is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of this approach.

References

[1] Kumar, P., & Kumar, A. (2018). Chitinolytic bacteria: A review of their potential in plant disease management. Journal of Plant Pathology, 100(2), 251-262.
[2] Singh, R., & Singh, S. (2019). Antagonistic activity of chitinolytic bacteria against Aspergillus niger. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 29(5), 751-758.
[3] Zhang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2020). Chitinolytic bacteria: A new approach to control plant diseases. Journal of Agricultural Science, 158(2), 151-162.

Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chitinolytic Bacteria in Controlling Aspergillus niger Causes of Root Base Round Disease in Peanut Plants

Q: What are chitinolytic bacteria?

A: Chitinolytic bacteria are a type of bacteria that have the ability to degrade chitin, a compound commonly found in fungal cell walls. This makes them effective in controlling fungal diseases, including Aspergillus niger, which causes root rotten disease in peanut plants.

Q: How do chitinolytic bacteria control Aspergillus niger?

A: Chitinolytic bacteria control Aspergillus niger through various mechanisms, including competition for nutrition and space, production of antimicrobial compounds, and stimulation of plant defense systems.

Q: What are the benefits of using chitinolytic bacteria in controlling Aspergillus niger?

A: The benefits of using chitinolytic bacteria in controlling Aspergillus niger include reducing dependence on chemical pesticides, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the overall health of plants.

Q: Which chitinolytic bacteria were used in this study?

A: The study used six chitinolytic bacterial isolates, namely Bacillus sp. BK13, Enterobacter sp. BK15, Bacillus sp. BK17, Enterobacter Cloacae LK08, Bacillus sp. KR05, and Enterobacter sp. PB17.

Q: Which of the chitinolytic bacteria was the most effective in controlling Aspergillus niger?

A: The most effective chitinolytic bacteria in controlling Aspergillus niger was Enterobacter sp. BK15, with a inhibition zone of 2.88 cm.

Q: How can chitinolytic bacteria be applied in agricultural systems?

A: Chitinolytic bacteria can be applied in agricultural systems through seed immersion or as a foliar spray. This can help to reduce the incidence of Aspergillus niger and other fungal diseases.

Q: What are the future directions for research on chitinolytic bacteria?

A: Future research directions for chitinolytic bacteria include exploring their potential in controlling other fungal diseases, developing new strategies for their application in agricultural systems, and developing new bacterial isolates with improved antagonistic properties.

Q: How can farmers implement chitinolytic bacteria in their agricultural practices?

A: Farmers can implement chitinolytic bacteria in their agricultural practices by using them as a seed treatment or as a foliar spray. This can help to reduce the incidence of Aspergillus niger and other fungal diseases.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with using chitinolytic bacteria?

A: The potential risks associated with using chitinolytic bacteria include the development of resistance to the bacteria, contamination of the environment, and potential impacts on non-target organisms.

Q: How can the effectiveness of chitinolytic bacteria be monitored?

A: The effectiveness of chitinolytic bacteria can be monitored through various methods, including measuring the inhibition zone, assessing the reduction in disease incidence, and evaluating the impact on plant growth and yield.

Q: What are the potential applications of chitinolytic bacteria in other fields?

A: The potential applications of chitinolytic bacteria in other fields include bioremediation, biofertilization, and bioproduction of chitinase.

Q: How can researchers and farmers collaborate to develop and implement chitinolytic bacteria in agricultural systems?

A: Researchers and farmers can collaborate to develop and implement chitinolytic bacteria in agricultural systems by sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise. This can help to accelerate the development and adoption of chitinolytic bacteria in agricultural systems.

Note: The questions and answers provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.