Isolation and numerical identification of Streptomyces strains producing inhibitors of fungal cell wall synthesis

Abstract

The aim of the present research program was to identify and develop strains of actinomycetes producing antifungal antibiotics which inhibit cell wall biosynthesis. 860 strains of Actinomycetes were isolated from various soil samples. Three isolates, EMS4, EMP22, and L234 were selected as the strains producing antifungal antibiotics inducing abnormal morphology against Penicillium cyclopium, Cryptococcus laurentii, and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. Taxonomic unit characters of the strains were tested and the data were analyzed numerically using TAXON program. EMS 4, EMP22, and L234 were identified to be a member of Streptomyces lavendulae, Streptomyces willmorei, and Streptomyces aburaviensis, respectively.