SCREENING OF SOME MARINE PLANTS FOR ACTIVITY AGAINST MARINE FOULING BACTERIA

Sixteen marine plants collected from different locations have been tes ted for bactericidal activity against fifteen strains of marine foulin g bacteria. Results of the primary test indicate that methanolic extra cts of Sonneratia caseolaris and an unidentified moss were active agai nst all fifteen strains of test organisms (inhibition zone ranging bet ween 2-6 mm), while, Halodule pinifolia was totally inactive. A second ary test was used for those extracts giving a significant result in th e primary test. Secondary screening showed reduction in the activity o f the fractionated products as compared to aqueous methanolic extracts used in the primary test. The synergistic effect of different compoun ds in the aqueous methanolic extract may be responsible for the observ ed bactericidal activity.