This article examines the antimicrobial activity of fungal strains isolated from the epiphytic and rhizosphere zones of cotton in the Ujar region and their impact on the germination and development of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the biological control potential of these fungi against various phytopathogenic microorganisms and their potential to stimulate plant development. Fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, A. flavus, Penicillium nigricans, P. citrinum, P. spinilosum, Trichoderma harzianum, Mucor, and Fusarium solani were identified from samples collected in spring, summer, and autumn.

The antimicrobial activity of these fungi against the test targets Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis was assessed. The effect of fungal suspensions on germination energy and seed development dynamics was also studied. A literature review revealed that harnessing the biological potential of microorganisms is essential for maintaining cotton health and increasing yields.

The study’s results reveal the seasonal distribution dynamics of these fungal species, their potential antimicrobial properties, and their plant growth-promoting effects, paving the way for the development of new biological control strategies for sustainable agriculture.