Siderophore-producing Alcaligenes feacalis exhibited more biocontrol potential vis-à-vis chemical fungicide.

We report the in vitro phytopathogen suppression activity of siderophoregenic preparations of Alcaligenes feacalis vis-à-vis the oraganochlorine fungicide, bavistin. Siderophore-rich culture broth, siderophore-rich supernatant, and purified siderophore preparation exerted antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger NCIM 1025, A. flavus NCIM 650, Fusarium oxysporum NCIM 1008, and Alternaria alternata IARI 715. Among all the preparations, siderophore-rich broth exhibited potent antifungal activity. The minimum fungicidal concentration required was 75 microl for A. niger and F. oxysporum and 50 microl for A. flavus and A. alternata.