Isolation and Screening of Endophytic Bacteria Against Colletotrichum sp. Causing Antracnose in Edamame

Abstract

Edamame (Glycine max L. Merr.) is a horticultural commodity with high potential as a protein-rich functional food, in line with the increasing demand from both domestic and export markets. However, edamame productivity in Indonesia continues to face serious constraints due to anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum sp. This pathogen can infect nearly all parts of the plant and significantly reduce both yield quality and quantity. Conventional control strategies relying on synthetic fungicides have raised various negative impacts; therefore, alternative approaches that are environmentally friendly and sustainable are urgently required. This study aimed to isolate endophytic bacteria from edamame plant tissues and to screen their antagonistic activity against Colletotrichum sp. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from the roots, stems, and leaves of edamame, followed by antagonistic assays using the dual culture method. The results revealed several endophytic bacterial isolates with varying abilities to inhibit the growth of Colletotrichum sp. Selected isolates exhibited high inhibition percentages and did not induce hypersensitive reactions in tobacco assay, indicating their potential to be further developed as biological control agents in edamame disease management systems.