The antagonistic effect and mechanisms of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DGA14 against anthracnose in mango cv. 'Carabao'

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain DGA14 was tested for in vitro antagonism towards Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a causal pathogen of anthracnose in mango cv. 'Carabao'. DGA14 produced extracellular metabolites in solid and liquid media that suppressed the growth of C. gloeosporioides. The cells of DGA14 were often observed adjacent to the pathogen so affecting its spore germination and mycelium development. DGA14 colonised mango fruit 48 h after artificial inoculation and persisted 14 days after storage at 18-20 degrees C. On fruit surfaces, DGA14 attached and produced dents to spores of C. gloeosporioides. Dipping mangoes in aqueous cell suspension (10(8) mL L-1) of DGA14 significantly decreased the incidence of anthracnose as compared to untreated fruit.