Characterizing MLZ01, a Fungal Isolate from Banana Leaves, and Its Inhibitory Activity Against Banana Fungal Epiphytes

Fungi play diverse and essential roles in various fields, including agriculture, biotechnology, medicine, and environmental conservation. A fungal isolate coded MLOZI was found to be an interesting isolate because it appeared to inhibit a non-filamentous surface growth on a potato dextrose agar (PDA) plate. This study was conducted in order to identify the genus level of MLZ01 based on its cultural and morphological characteristics, to determine the antagonistic activity of MLZ01 with the use of line streak technique and plug and suspension technique, and to determine the consistency of results between the two inoculation technique used. Thirty-seven epiphytic fungal isolates obtained from banana sigatoka infected leaves, collection of Dr. Lynn Esther E. Rallos, professor of the Science Department, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, was used. Based on the cultural and morphological characteristics of the fungal isolate MLZ01, surface characteristics such as green-white surface color with a powdery surface texture, an ellipsoidal conidial shape that were arranged in long chains, a two-staged branched conidiophore branching pattern, phialides giving a brush like appearance, and the penultimate branching of metulae, it shows a similarity affiliated to the genus Penicillium. Majority of epiphytic fungal isolates co-inoculated with MLZ01 had reduced lateral growth on PDA, suggesting an antagonism or inhibitory activity on the plate. Meanwhile, it was observed that MLZ01 were able to inhibit the fungal isolate MLY. Overall, the fungal isolate MLZ01 could be used as a potential agent against other epiphytic fungi base on its antagonistic interaction and inhibitory activity.