Mode of inhibition of Aspergillus flavus IARI antifungal substance produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis CHD 28.3

The possible mode of inhibition of antifungal substance (AFS) in the cell-f ree supernatant from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CHD 28.3 was studied in vitro against the indicator mold Aspergillus flavus IARI The AFS appeare d to exert a lethal fungicidal effect on the young conidiophore stalk espec ially before vesicle differentiation of the mold could take place as a part of asexual reproduction. Eventual release of cytoplasmic materials from th e tip portion of conidiophore induced by AFS was also discernible. The micr oscopic examination also revealed the antagonistic effect of AFS on the ove rall asexual reproduction, resulting into anomalous environment that hinder ed growth of mold mycelia to reach the conidial stage and retarded growth o f the conidiophore.