Mycochemical contents of higher fungi and their in vitro effect on plant growth

Abstract

This research work is part of a project to develop the natural substances of higher basidiomycetes from Algeria’s forest. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds of higher fungi, by quantifying phenols and flavonoids using spectrophotometry. The assay, showed that the highest quantity of flavonoids was recorded in the extract of Trametes quercina (10.27 ± 0.015 mg QE/g), followed by Suillus mediterraneensis (7.82 ± 0.011 mg QE/g). For phenols, amount of 442.23 and 432.88 mg GAE/g were respectively found in Lactarius zonarioides and S. mediterraneensis. In addition, TLC chromatographic screening was carried out for the first time in order to select higher basidiomycetes containing secondary metabolites. The results reported that all the basidiomycete extracts are rich in phenols, tannins and flavonoids with a similarity of secondary metabolites between the different extracts. Following these chemical investigations, eight extracts showing a phyto-stimulating effect were selected for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The presence of flavones and flavonols was detected: Flavones were found in Agaricus bisporus, Boletus sp., Pleurotus dryinus, S. mediterraneensis, Coprinus atramentarius, T. quercina and Xerocomus sp. On the other hand, flavonols were found in C. atramentarius, Pleurotus ostreatus and P. dryinus. Additionally, tannic acid was found in S. mediterraneensis, chromatographic profiles show that basidiomycete extracts produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, with many compounds common to all extracts. The study of plant growth enhancement by extracts of basidiomycetes on eggplant, in hydroponic conditions, is a novelty. The chemical study confirmed that these extracts do indeed contain a diversity of bioactive products that contribute to increasing plant yield, thus offering strong agricultural potential.