Biocontrol Potential of Freshwater Fungi Against Plant Pathogens

Antimicrobial Potential of Freshwater Fungi Mediated by Extracellular Metabolites

Yunjeong Heo1, Hye Yeon Mun1, Gil Han1, Sanghee Lee1, Jeong Tae Kim1, Jaeduk Goh1 and Wonsu Cheon2*

1Biological Resources Research Department, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea

2Using Technology Development Department, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources Support Division, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea

*Email: cws24@nnibr.re.kr

Freshwater fungi have gained attention as sources of diverse bioactive metabolites, yet their antimicrobial functions remain insufficiently understood. In this study, five freshwater fungal isolates exhibiting strong antimicrobial activity were investigated for their inhibitory effects against plant pathogenic microorganisms. All isolates exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against multiple phytopathogenic fungi in dual culture assays. Ethyl acetate extracts of culture broths also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against both fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. These findings indicate that freshwater fungi possess diverse antimicrobial capabilities mediated by extracellular metabolites and underscore their potential as promising sources of bioactive compounds with broad inhibitory spectra.