Isolation, screening and selection of Aspergillus and Penicillium strains from wheat rhizosphere for multienzyme production and antifungal properties

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Laboratory of Valorization and Conservation of Biological Resources, University of Boumerdes, 35000 Boumerdes, Algeria.

2 Laboratory of Biotechnology and Protection of Agricultural and Natural Ecosystems, University of Bouira, 10000 Bouira, Algeria and Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Bouira, 10000 Bouira, Algeria.

3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Bouira, 10000 Bouira, Algeria.

4 Laboratory of Biotechnology and Protection of Agricultural and Natural Ecosystems, University of Bouira, 10000 Bouira, Algeria and Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Bouira, 10000 Bouira, Algeria

10.22103/jab.2026.26514.1822

Abstract

Objective
Microbial enzymes are crucial for developing industrial bioprocesses due to their economic relevance in various bioindustry sectors. Therefore, the search for new hyper producing strains is very meaningful for meeting industrial needs. This study aimed to isolate and screen Aspergillus and Penicillium strains with high potential for the production of multiple biotechnologically important enzymes and biocontrol of some phytopathogens.
Materials and methods: Thirty fungal strains were isolated from the rhizospheric soils of durum wheat crops in central Algeria and identified based on their phenotypic characteristics. Twelve strains from the targeted genera were screened for their ability to produce eight hydrolytic and lignocellulolytic enzymes on specific solid media. The hyper producer strains were tested for simultaneous enzyme production under solid-state fermentation using wheat bran as substrate and antagonism effect against some wheat pathogens (Fusarium graminearum, F. culmorum, F. verticillioides, and Alternaria alternata) by dual culture assay.
Results: The findings revealed high production rates among screened strains: 100% for amylases, 91.67% for chitinases and cellulases, 83.33% for laccases, 75% for pectinases and lipases, and lower rates for proteases and gelatinases. Among the most efficient strains, A. niger S2 exhibited the highest amylase (5.46 IU/mL), protease (29.80 U/mL), and laccase (0.072 IU/mL) activities. Milk-clotting activities were notable for Penicillium sp. S1 (7.06 SU/mL) and A. niger S9 (46.60 SU/mL). Additionally, the strains produced significant chitinase levels (1.27–1.50 IU/g) within only 48 hours. The antagonistic activity of highly chitinase producers against Fusarium and Alternaria pathogens showed strong inhibition rates ranging from 50.3% to 73.33%, with A. niger S9 being the most effective.
Conclusion: These findings revealed the potential of these locally isolated strains as promising candidates not only for the production of industrially relevant enzymes but also as effective biocontrol agents, paving the way for their application in both industrial biotechnology and sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords

References

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Agricultural Biotechnology Journal
Volume 18, Issue 3
June 2026
Pages 77-104

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