Antagonistic activities of local actinomycete isolates against rice fungal pathogens

Several actinomycete isolates obtained from various habitats in Manipur were screened for activity against some major rice fungal pathogens such as Curvularia oryzae MTCC 2605, Pyricularia oryzae MTCC 1477, Bipolaris oryzae LSMU1, and Fusarium oxysporum MTCC 287. LSCH-10C, NRP1-14, NRP1-18 and NRP1-26 showed potent antagonistic activities in dual culture assay. Among 33 indigenous actinomycete isolates, LSCH-10C isolated from Loktak lake sediment on chitin agar, was found most promising to be developed as biocontrol agent (BCA) for rice. The nature of the activity in terms of fungitoxic or fungistatic nature was also determined. This report presents the preliminary results of these bio-control actinomycetes. Some of the strains have been selected for further studies towards application as rice BCAs. This paper also deals with characterization of the most promising agroactive strain.