Nematophagous Fungi Isolated from Municipal Waste-contaminated Soil in Medan City, North Sumatera: Morphological Identification, Phylogeny Analysis and Assessment as Root-knot Nematodes Biocontrol

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are groups of nematodes that cause significant diseases in horticultural and field crops. Chemical pesticides used to control RKNs could pollute environmental resources and ultimately affect human health. Therefore, eco-friendly efforts are needed. Previous research revealed that nematode-trapping fungi (NTFs) as the biological enemies of nematodes has been observed suppressing the nematode population. This study aimed to isolate NTF species from municipal waste-contaminated soil in Medan City, Indonesia, and identified them using morphological and molecular analysis. Furthermore, their biocontrol potential against Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae) was assessed. Soil sample covered seven districts with seven repeats for isolation and in vitro assessment against M. hapla was done on CMA and observed after 12-72 hours. Three isolates were successfully obtained and proven effective in suppressing M. hapla by 97.7% (isolate sH51 and sH52) and 89.27% (isolate sH53). Morphological identification on PDA and genetic analysis of ITS concluded that sH51 is Drechslerella brochopaga Drechsler (Ascomycota: Orbiliaceae) and sH53 is Arthrobotrys thaumasius Drechsler (Ascomycota: Orbiliaceae). Morphological analysis for isolate sH52 reveals it as Arthrobotrys sinensis but is limited to Arthrobotrys sp. based on phylogeny analysis thus additional gen needs to be sequenced for confirmation.