# Antifungal Effects of Fermented _Sophora flavescens_ and _Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus_ Extract
## 1 Introduction
Examples of substances produced through Bacillus fermentation include nattokinase, phytase, amylase, protease, and biosurfactants [27; 28]. The process is generally carried out in liquid or solid-state fermentation systems under controlled conditions to maximize product yield and quality. In this study, _Plutophthora cactorum_, _Botrytis cinerea_, _Colletotrichum fructicola_ Sau-3, and _Colletotrichum gloeosporoides_ were used to confirm the antifungal activities of _bacillus_-fermented _S. flavescens_ and _E. sessiliflorus_ extracts. _P. cactorum_ is a well-known and significant pathogen in the field of agriculture; it is known particularly for its detrimental effects on strawberries and other fruit crops [29]. This pathogen is often transported through plant material as a latent infection and can also survive in soil and plant debris [30]. In recent years, _P. cactorum_ has caused significant losses in the strawberry industry in Finland and has also been responsible for an increase in culling of silver birch seedlings in forest nurseries due to stem lesions [31]. The impact of this pathogen on the agricultural sector cannot be overlooked and requires immediate attention for effective management and control. B. cinerea is a fungal pathogen that is known to cause a soft decay of plant tissues, accompanied by the growth of fuzzy gray-brown mold [32]. It can have a significant impact on many plants, particularly those grown in humid conditions. The pathogen typically enters the plant's tissue through injuries, where it forms gray, velvety mats of sporulating tissues [33]. This can result in the death of infected twigs, causing them to die back several inches. Additionally, infected blossoms can lead to increased fruit drop and injuries to the developing fruit. C. gloeosporoides is a well-known fungal plant pathogen that is responsible for causing bitter rot in a variety of crops worldwide, with a particular impact on perennials in tropical regions [34]. This pathogen is known to infect a range of important host plants, including citrus, yam, papaya, avocado, coffee, eggplant, sweet pepper, and tomato. In fruits, it commonly causes black or brown lesions, while in inflorescence, blight, necrosis, and lesions with flecks and streaks can occur. The symptoms produced by this fungus vary depending on the host species and the infected tissue. It is considered the most widespread and serious post-harvest disease of several tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, pitaya, and avocado [35]. The most damaging phase of this disease is when it remains dormant and undetected, particularly during the preclimacter phase of fruit development. _C. fructicola_, commonly known as Sau-3, is a well-known and extensively studied fungus belonging to the _C. gloesporoides_ complex [36]. This polyphagous fungus has been reported from all five continents, causing anthracose, bitter rot, and leaf spotting diseases on over 90 cultivated and non-cultivated woody or herbaceous plant species [37]. Its wide distribution and ability to infect a diverse range of plants make it a significant pathogen, causing significant economic losses to important crops such as apple, pear, strawberry, and other Rosaceae and non-Rosaceae species [38]. This fungus has been reported to cause anthracose on various plants in different regions, including white jute in China [39], cassava in Brazil [40], tea in Taiwan [41], and shine muscat in Korea [42]. In southern Brazil and Uruguay, it is the primary cause of apple bitter rot and Glomerella leaf spot [43; 44]. Furthermore, _C. fructicola_ has been identified as a major pathogen of strawberries worldwide, exhibiting strong pathogenicity to both leaves and petioles [45]. Its broad host range and ability to cause severe diseases make it a significant concern for farmers and researchers alike. This study aimed to verify the antifungal activities of _S. flavescens_ and _E. sessiliflorus_ through fermentation by _Bacillus_ species. A single microbial strain was isolated from the humus soil to ferment _S. flavescens_ and _E.