SCREENING THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ACTINOMYCETES STRAINS ISOLATED FROM ANTARCTICA

A total of 40 actinomycete strains, isolated from Antarctica, were tested for antagonistic activity against 7 Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria and yeasts, 16 phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. During the initial screening 60 % of the strains showed inhibition potential against test-microorganisms. Ten of them had a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity and could be used in the development of new substances for pharmaceutical or agricultural purposes.