Invitro antifungal and probiotic synergy of Lactiplantibacillus derived from tropical fruits: Efficacy against phytopathogen Fusarium oxysporum

Fifty-five putative lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from seven distinct tropical fruits. The highest prevalence of LABs was identified in the Solanum nigrum fruit, with Couroupita guianenis and Musa fruits displaying the lowest counts. Remarkably, two strains, isolated from Ficus racemosa , exhibited notable antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum . Sequencing 16S rDNA confirmed the strain as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVCF3 and Lpb. argentoratensis MYSVCF5. The isolates demonstrated adaptability to wide temperatures (10–45°C), pH (pH 2–7), salt (up to 7%), and invitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Thus, the strains exhibited characteristic features typical of probiotics. Lpb. argentoratensis MYSVCF5 effectively inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum and ESKAPE pathogens. 10% cell-free supernatant (CFS) could reduce the biomass yield by 94% and completely inhibit germination of conidia. CFS retained its activity even after long cold storage conditions. LC-MS/MS analysis identified organic acids in CFS, with citric acid as the most abundant component followed by lactic and malic acid. This study showed promising antifungal properties against phytopathogen, making them potential candidates for various applications, including probiotics and antifungal agents in food and agriculture.