Study on optimum growth condition and designing formulation for increasing shelf life of Streptomyces rimosus strain C-2012 as biocontrol agent

Introduction: An important issue in microbial biotechnology is linkage between screened beneficial strains in laboratory and industry. Therefore, to develop beneficial microbial biocontrol agents; optimization of nutritional and physiological condition for high level production and selection of carrier for final formulation are necessary. In this research we tried to find the best growth condition and suitable formulation for biocontrol Streptomyces rimosus strain C-2012. Materials and methods: For optimization of growth condition of strain C-2012, utilization of carbon sources, growth in different media, effect of temperature, pH and NaCl were investigated. Then the effect of different carriers and additives in final formulation and shelf life of microbial community were studied. Results: Study on utilization of carbon sources showed that glucose, fructose and mannitole were suitable carbon sources for growth and the best initial pH and temperature were 7 and 28°C, respectively. Results showed that the culture medium containing glucose, yeast extract and malt extract was the best medium. Investigation on NaCl effect showed that from 0 up to 300 mM sodium chloride could increase microbial community and salinity more than this range decreased microbial community. Based on the results we found that sand is suitable as microbial carrier comparing hydrogel polymers. Viability test during 36 months showed that formulation with NaCl content could keep 200 times (8*106 cfu/g) more than samples without salinity at last month. Discussion and conclusion: Using suitable carbon sources such as glucose at 28 °C and pH at 7 are important items in optimum growth and preparing final formulation with good level of microbial community. Capability in secondary volatile and liquid metabolites production and fungal pathogen control by Streptomyces rimosus in the presence of NaCl showed that this strain has high potentiality to apply in both normal and saline area. Long shelf life (3 years) without any saprophytic contamination of this strain in final formulation is important in industry and it can prepare a lucrative business.