Isolation Of Endophytic Fungi Research Articles

Antagonistic effects of endophytic fungi from Camellia reticulata pedicels on yeasts: implications for antimicrobial mechanism of nectar

Endophytic fungi are extensive in plant tissues and involved in the defense against stress from harmful microbes. The interaction between pedicel endophytic fungi and nectar yeasts is critical for maintaining nectar homeostasis. This study used Camellia reticulata as the research subject. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the community composition of endophytic fungi in the pedicel is dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Their abundance varies at different taxonomic levels, showing sample variability. In total, 27 endophytic fungal isolates were isolated and screened from the pedicel under laboratory conditions. They exhibited antagonistic effects against three nectar yeasts (Metschnikowia reukaufii, Cryptococcus laurentii, and Rhodotorula glutinis) and displayed morphological and physiological diversity. The isolates were classified into the phylum Ascomycota and further categorized into the genera Alternaria, Trichoderma, Fusarium, and Dactylaria. The endophytic fungus D23, which effectively antagonizes nectar yeasts, was identified as Alternaria alternata. This fungus produces various secondary metabolites, including antibiotics such as penicillin G, grandiomycin, and cephalosporin C. The metabolic pathways involved include the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, phenylpropanoids, amino acids, nucleotides, and antibiotics. The endophytic fungal community in C. reticulata pedicel is rich and diverse, making it a valuable material for screening antagonistic strains. This study provides a theoretical basis for the antagonistic effects of endophytic fungal metabolites from the pedicel of C. reticulata against nectar yeasts, highlighting their significance in maintaining nectar stability and reproductive fitness in cross-pollinated plants.

Scrutinizing harsh habitats endophytic fungi and their prospective effect on water-stressed maize seedlings.

Drought constitutes a significant abiotic stressor that hinders plant growth and productivity in many countries. Habitat-adapted endophytic fungi offer an environmentally sustainable approach to address this issue by promoting plant development and enhancing resilience against abiotic stresses. In this study, 30 endophytic fungal isolates were recovered from some wild plants in the extreme habitats of Port Said Governorate, Egypt, and evaluated for their drought tolerance using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Only eight isolates demonstrated drought tolerance properties and were further evaluated for their plant growth-promoting biochemical activities and ability to improve maize germination under simulated drought conditions. All eight isolates exhibited enzyme activity for endo-1,4-β-glucanase, amylase, and pectinase, and most displayed significant nutrient mobilization, with siderophores production ranging from 4 to 89%, ammonia production from 1 to 7μmol/ml, and phosphate solubilization from 129to 256µg/ml. Additionally, all isolates showed strong antioxidant activity and high total phenolic content, with some also producing notable levels of indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) as plant growth hormones. Coating maize grains with spore suspensions of the eight fungal isolates, in general, significantly increased their germination parameters and seedling vigor in vitro under 8% PEG-6000. This enhancement was particularly pronounced with Neurospora sitophila (P8L4M1) and Penicillium tardochrysogenum (P15L4M1), which increased the vigor of maize seedlings by approximately 308% compared to untreated control. Molecular identification of P8L4M1 and P15L4M1 was performed by amplifying the 28S rRNA gene. This study disclosed unique endophytic fungal isolates with promising potential for enhancing drought resistance in maize.

Production of Antibiotics from Endophyte Fungi Isolates of Bidara Plants (Ziziphus mauritina L.) Isolates Codes IFAZ-6, IFBZ-6, IFDZ-8 With Variations in Carbon Sources

Research has been carried out on antibiotic production from endophytic fungal isolates coded IFAZ-6, IFBZ-6, and IFDZ-8 from bidara plants (Ziziphus mauritina L.) with variations in carbon sources. This research aims to determine antibiotic production with variations in carbon sources. The first stage was the purification of each selected endophytic fungal isolate. The endophytic fungal isolate was inoculated into the fermentation medium using a variety of carbon sources, namely glucose, fructose, and galactose for 21 days. The antibiotic activity was carried out using the agar diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli bacteria. The results obtained showed that the glucose carbon source was better in producing antibiotic compounds than the galactose carbon source in endophytic fungal isolates coded IFAZ-6, the glucose carbon source was better in producing antibiotic compounds than the fructose and galactose sources in endophytic fungal isolates coded IFBZ-6, and the fructose carbon source is better at producing antibiotic compounds than the galactose source in endophytic fungal isolates coded IFDZ-8.

Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolate from Bidara Plant (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) Against Bacteria That Cause Digestive Infections by Agar Diffusion Method

Isolates of endophytic fungi coded IFAZ-6 derived from bidara plants (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam) has antibacterial abilities. This study determine whether those isolates has antibacterial activity against bacteria Escherichia coli. Isolates of endophytic fungi were purified and fermented for 21 days and the fermentation results were extracted using ethyl acetate solvent. The ethyl acetate extract obtained was carried out with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) as well as activity tests with the agar diffusion method. From the test results, statistical tests were carried out, the highest concentration IFAZ-6 isolate extracts that has highest inhibitory zone was 300,000 ppm in E. coli bacteria but only significantly different to 200.000 ppm.

Antibacterial Properties in Fermentate Extracts of Endophytic Fungus Derived from Marine Algae Caulerpa lentillifera Against Gastrointestinal Pathogenic Bacteria

Endophytic fungi, residing symbiotically within living plant tissues, are a promising source of novel bioactive compounds. These fungi are known to produce secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial properties. This study explored the antibacterial potential of fermented extracts from endophytic fungi isolated from the marine alga Caulerpa lentillifera, a food source consumed by coastal communities and traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautography was employed to identify extracts with activity against common gastrointestinal pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhi. Two endophytic fungal isolates displayed promising antibacterial activity against these pathogens. TLC analysis tentatively identified the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids, potentially responsible for the observed effects. This research sheds light on the pharmacological potential of endophytic fungi and their applications in combating bacterial infections.

Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Parang Romang (Boehmeria virgata (G.Forst) Guill) Leaves Against Gastrointestinal Pathogens

Parang romang (Boehmeria virgata (G.Forst) Guill) is a plant traditionally used for treating various digestive tract infections. However, obtaining bioactive compounds directly from the plant requires significant biomass. Therefore, endophytic fungi, sourced from specific plant parts, are explored for their ability to produce similar bioactive compounds. The research examined the potential antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi isolated from parang romang leaves against common gastrointestinal pathogens. The methods used in was, characterization of endophytic fungal isolates, and antagonistic activity was evaluated using the agar diffusion method. The results showed that the endophytic fungal strains, namely isolates IFBV 6, IFBV 7, and IFBV 10 could inhibit the bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and Vibrio cholera. With an average zone of inhibition for each strains isolate against Esherichia coli respectively 11.53 mm, 10.49 mm, and 14.85 mm; Salmonella typhi 14.47 mm, 8.66 mm, and 15.51 mm; Shigella dysenteriae 22.28 mm, 13.76 mm, and 15.33 mm; and Vibrio cholera 16.91mm, 11.94mm, 15.16mm. In conclusion, isolated endophytic fungal strains hold promise as potential as antibacterialn agents.

Insights into the culturable fungal endophytes of Dioscorea bulbifera L. in terms of their diversity, antidiabetic and antioxidant activity

The research on endophytes is focused on understanding the complex microbiome compositions, their interactions with host plants and their bioactive potential. Our study provided an overview of the diversity, distribution and bioactivities of culturable endophytic fungi associated with fungal endophytes of Dioscorea bulbifera L. The phylogenetic analysis depicted the evolutionary relationship among taxa of endophytic fungal isolates. The isolated fungal endophytes belonged to twenty-five genera and thirty-eight species. Further, diversity indices demonstrated significant diversity of fungal endophytes in the different tissues: stem, leaf, tuber and bulbil. A higher consistency of endophytic fungal isolates in the bulbils was found using Shannon index. Furthermore, Simpson's index revealed that the leaf tissue harboured highly diverse fungal endophytes. Likewise, Margalef's index depicted high taxonomic richness in bulbils. The isolates such as Acrocalymma medicaginis, Curvularia lycoperscii, Talaromyces macrospora, Fusarium laceratum, Paecilomyces formosus and Microascus cirrosus isolated in this study have been reported as endophytes for the first time from any plant. In-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the ethyl acetate extracts revealed that Nigrospora oryzae (Z2) effectively inhibited α-glucosidase activity with IC50 value of 0.6 µg/ml whereas IC50 value of the acarbose, the positive control was reported to be 0.040 µg/ml. The results of antioxidant activity demonstrated that H15A (Acrocalymma medicaginis) and BD5 (Phomopsis longicolla) could be used as potential sources of antioxidant agents. Moreover, H15A (Acrocalymma medicaginis) was reported to produce 687.1 ± 0.17 µg GAE/mg of TPC and 78.55 ± 0.29 µg QE/mg of TFC quantitatively. These findings suggest that the potential endophytes could be explored using systematic bio-guided investigations to further discover novel natural products. Our study provides an important resource for a deeper understanding of endophyte-plant interactions at molecular and genetic levels.

Isolation, Identification, and Application of Endophytic Fungi from Lavandula stoechas L.: Mitigating Salinity Stress in Hydroponic Winter Cereal Fodder

Soil and irrigation water salinity is a growing global problem affecting farmland, due to poor agricultural practices and climate change, leading to reduced crop yields. Given the limited amount of arable land and the need to boost production, hydroponic systems offer a viable solution. Additionally, endophytic fungi have been shown to mitigate salinity effects through symbiosis with plants. This study evaluated three endophytic fungi isolated from Lavandula stoechas L. in the grasslands of Extremadura (i.e., Diplodia corticola L11, Leptobacillium leptobactrum L15, and Cladosporium cladosporioides L16) for their ability to improve hydroponic forage production under saline conditions. In vitro experiments were conducted assessing plant growth promotion and fungal growth under salinity, followed by research evaluating the impact of fungal inoculation on hydroponic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) forages irrigated with NaCl solutions (0, 100, and 200 mM). The results showed improved fungal growth and production of plant growth-promoting substances, which could explain the improved plant germination, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, and yield of inoculated plants growing under salinity. Plants inoculated with L15 or L16 showed the best performance overall. L15 demonstrated broader bioactivity in vitro, potentially explaining its superior performance in both wheat and barley growth. Conversely, L16 was more effective in barley, while L11 was beneficial in wheat but detrimental in barley. This study provides a preliminary exploration of the capabilities of these fungi and their optimization for hydroponic forage production.

Antiprotozoal Natural Products from Endophytic Fungi Associated with Cacao and Coffee

Background: Collectively, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease cause approximately 8 million cases and more than 40,000 deaths annually, mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The current drugs used to treat these diseases have limitations and many undesirable side effects; hence, new drugs with better clinical profiles are needed. Fungal endophytes associated with plants are known to produce a wide array of bioactive secondary metabolites, including antiprotozoal compounds. In this study, we analyzed endophytic fungal isolates associated with Theobroma cacao and Coffea arabica crop plants, which yielded extracts with antitrypanosomatid activity. Methods: Crude extracts were subjected to bioassay-guided isolation by HPLC, followed by spectrometric and spectroscopic analyses via mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Results: Compounds 1–9 were isolated and displayed novel antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities ranging from 0.92 to 32 μM. Tandem liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis of the organic extracts from different strains via the feature-based Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) molecular networking platform allowed us to dereplicate a series of metabolites (10–23) in the extracts. Molecular docking simulations of the active compounds, using the 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase protein from L. donovani (Ld3MST) and the cruzipain enzyme from T. cruzi as putative molecular targets, allowed us to suggest possible mechanisms for the action of these compounds. Conclusions: The isolation of these antiprotozoal compounds confirms that crop plants like coffee and cacao harbor populations of endophytes with biomedical potential that confer added value to these crops.

Endophytic Penicillium oxalicum AUMC 14898 from Opuntia ficus-indica: A Novel Source of Tannic Acid Inhibiting Virulence and Quorum Sensing of Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a harmful pathogen that causes a variety of acute and chronic infections through quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms. The increasing resistance of this bacterium to numerous antibiotics has created a demand for new medications that specifically target QS. Endophytes can be the source of compounds with antibacterial properties. This research is the first to examine tannic acid (TA) produced by endophytic fungus as a potential biotherapeutic agent. A novel endophytic fungal isolate identified as Penicillium oxalicum was derived from the cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.). The species identification for this isolate was confirmed through sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region. The metabolites from the culture of this isolate were extracted using ethyl acetate, then separated and characterized using chromatographic methods. This led to the acquisition of TA, a compound that shows strong anti-QS and excellent antibacterial effects against extensively drug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. Furthermore, it was shown that treating P. aeruginosa with the obtained TA reduced the secretion of virulence factors controlled by QS in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that TA inhibited the QS characteristics of P. aeruginosa. Simultaneously, TA significantly inhibited the expression of genes associated with QS, including rhlR/I, lasR/I, and pqsR. In addition, in silico virtual molecular docking showed that TA could efficiently bind to QS receptor proteins. Our results showed that P. oxalicum could be a new source of TA for the treatment of infections caused by extensively drug-resistant P. aeruginosa.

Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi from Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. and their antibacterial activity

In order to explore the endophytic resources of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. and identified novel antibacterial substances. Thirty endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the stems and roots of A. sparsifolia Shap. Morphological and molecular biology methods were used to identify ten strains of fungi, including four strains of Aspergillus niger, three strains of Alternaria alternata, two strains of Aspergillus flavus, and one strain of Fusarium incarnatum. All these strains were isolated from A. sparsifolia Shap. for the first time, and of these Aspergillus was the dominant genus. Antibacterial activity of the ten strains against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated using the disc diffusion method. The results demonstrated that the metabolites from all the strains had inhibitory effects on at least one indicator bacterium. Notably, the endophytic fungi AFJ3 and AFG6 demonstrated strong broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly against E. coli, with inhibition zones measuring 32.0 ± 0.3 and 31.3 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. The three endophytic fungi (AFG1, AFG2, and AFG3) isolated from the roots demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa forming an inhibition zone of diameter 31.3 ± 0.1, 25.6 ± 0.2, and 25.6 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. However, the strains of endophytic fungi demonstrated no significant inhibitory effects on C. albicans. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) analysis depicted that the ethyl acetate phase of AFJ3 and AFG6 fermentation broth predominantly contained organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and fatty acids. These secondary metabolites often exhibited good antibacterial activity. This study broadens our understanding of endophytic fungi in A. sparsifolia Shap. The antibacterial activity of some strains of endophytic fungi was significant, making it worthy of further research on their active material.

Determination of the prevalence of fungi associated with amaranth cultivation in the locality of Kombé, Republic of Congo

Amaranth is a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable. Phytopathogenic fungi are causing major losses in amaranth crop production in the Kombé area. The detection of these phytopathogenic fungi can play an important role. The aim of this study is to assess the abundance of endophytic and saprophytic fungi associated with amaranth cultivation in Brazzaville, with a view to recommending biological control of fungal diseases. The prevalence of fungi associated with amaranth began with a survey, then continued in the laboratory. During the survey, 15 amaranth and soil samples were then collected separately in different stomacher bags, labelled and shipped to the laboratory where they were stored in a refrigerator at 4°C for four (4) weeks for analysis. In the laboratory, endophytic and saprophytic fungi were isolated using the fresh-state inoculation method for endophytic fungi and the suspension-dilution method for saprophytic fungi. The isolated strains were identified by determining their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The phytosanitary survey revealed that the most dominant symptom on amaranth plants in Kombé was wilting (42.86%). The results obtained from the distribution of endophyte isolates by colour indicate the presence of 5 isolates of unidentified endophytic fungi obtained from the leaf organ. Through isolation and microscopic analysis of soil saprophytes, six genera of fungi were identified: Botrytis cineara, Rhizoporus sp, Penicillium sp, Mucor sp, Scedospirium sp and Curvularia sp.

Novel endophytic fungal species Pithoascus kurdistanensis producing morphine compounds

Papaver genus, commonly known as popies, is a valuable source of alkaloids used in medicine, including papaverine, morphine, codeine, and thebaine. We isolated six endophytic fungal isolates producing morphinan alkaloids from four Papaver species growing in Kurdistan Province, Iran. To do this, a 1:1 mixture of methanol and chloroform was used to extract fungal cultures. The contents of morphinan alkaloids in the extracts were subsequently determined using phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Among the morphinan alkaloid-producing fungal isolates, IRAN 4653C had the highest yield giving 23.06 (mg/g) morphine and 2.03 (mg/g) codeine when grown in potato dextrose liquid medium. The identity of this isolate was examined and recognized as a new fungal species named as Pithoascus kurdistanesis sp. nov. based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, TEF-1α, and TUB2 sequences data and morphological features. The morphinan-producing endophytic fungus and the isolated Pithoascus species from Papaver are being reported for the first time. Accordingly, this fungus shows promise as a new source of valuable compounds which is illustrated and introduced here as a new Microascaceae member belonging to Pithoascus from Kurdistan Province, Iran. Moreover, the morphinan productivity of P. kurdistanesis was further validated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Molecular phylogenetic characterization of L-asparaginase-producing endophytic fungi inhabiting Prunus africana and Periploca linearifolia: Effect of incubation time and pH on enzyme production

The therapeutic use of L-asparaginase derived from bacterial sources has been constrained by various challenges, including toxicity and repression. This has prompted the exploration of alternative sources, particularly eukaryotic microorganisms like fungi, to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the L-asparaginase enzyme. This study aims to investigate the fungal endophytes inhabiting Periploca linearifolia and Prunus africana as a potential source of novel L-asparaginase. Additionally, the study seeks to examine the impact of incubation time and pH on L-asparaginase production. Standard surface sterilization techniques were used for isolation of endophytic fungi. Based on the research findings, 24 % of the fungal endophytes demonstrated a positive reaction for L-ASNase activity and were identified as Colletotrichum sydowii, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium solani, Cercospora canescens, Penicillium crustosum, Penicillium pancosmium, Phoma sp, Penicillium ubiquetum, septoria sp and Penicillium commune. A significant variation in the production of L-asparaginase based on the time of incubation and pH was observed. Most endophytic fungal isolates exhibit optimal enzyme activity on the 6th day of incubation. However, both Septoria sp and Colletotrichum sydowii recorded the highest L-asparaginase activity on the 9th day of incubation. Fusarium solani demonstrated peak activity of 12.4 ± 1.12 UI/mL on the 12th day of incubation. The optimal pH for L-asparaginase production by fungal endophytes was found to be between 5 and 6. The fungal endophytes isolated from medicinal plants have the potential to serve as sources of novel L-asparaginase. Furthermore, it is evident that fungal endophytes display considerable variation in L-asparaginase production, influenced by the duration of incubation and pH conditions.

Endophytic fungal diversity and bioactive potentials: investigating antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

This study investigates the colonization of endophytic fungi in nettle leaf tissues and evaluates their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Using an inverted optical microscope, extensive fungal colonization was observed in all leaf parts, with hyphae prevalent in epidermal cells, parenchyma cells, and vascular tissues. 144 endophytic fungal isolates were isolated from 800 leaf fragments, indicating an 18% retention rate. ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0. 001) in colonization frequencies among 20 subjects, with subject 3 showing the highest frequency (40%) and subject 11 the lowest (2. 5%). Ethyl acetate extracts of the three most abundant endophytic fungi demonstrated notable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Inhibition zones ranged from 9. 5 to 15. 16 mm, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 0. 19 to 25 mg/mL. Alternaria sp. exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against MRSA. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging test and FRAP method. All extracts showed substantial free radical scavenging properties, with IC50 values close to those of standards like BHT. Alternaria sp. had the highest antioxidant activity, followed by Epicocum sp. and Ulocladium sp. The FRAP method confirmed high reducing potential, with Alternaria sp. again exhibiting the highest activity. These findings highlight the potential of endophytic fungi in nettle leaves as sources of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, with significant implications for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.

Endophytic fungi from Cissus quadrangularis plant a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Cissus quadrangularis is a succulent, perennial plant belonging to the family Vitaceae typically found in Asia and Africa's tropical and subtropical forest zones. It is an ancient medicinal plant, containing phytosterols, polyphenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and ascorbic acid. Due to the presence of phytosterols it plays a crucial role in bone fracture healing. However, due to the limited resources of these medicinal plants there is a need to search for a reservoir of biologically active metabolites. This medicinal property of the plants therefore may be attributed to the endophytic fungi within the plant. This study includes isolation of endophytic fungi from C. quadrangularis and the characterization of fungal extracts. Three endophytes were isolated namely Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum siamense and Phoma sp. The qualitative analysis of targeted metabolites from Cissus quadrangularis stem and fungal extracts of all the three endophytes showed the presence of phytosterols. Methanol extracts of endophytes and C. quadrangularis plant exhibit significant antioxidant and the radical scavenging activity because of the presence of β-carotene. The Ic50 value for stem and isolated endophytes was 5.748, 19.937, 7.00, and 6.493 respectively. This study will give further scope for studying the bone healing ability of phytosterol from the endophytic isolates of C. quadrangularis plant.

Antibacterial Test of Endophytic Fungi of Red Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale Rosc) Against Bacillus cereus

Busy activities make people prefer to consume ready-to-eat food which sometimes does not guarantee the level of cleanliness, so that cases of food poisoning often occur. Bacillus cereus is a bacteria that causes food poisoning which is usually found in rice. To overcome this problem, research was carried out to find new sources of medicine from endophytic fungi, namely fungi that live in plant tissue. The addition of clinical drugs derived from fungi has attracted interest in the discovery of new secondary metabolites derived from endophytic fungi. This research aims to (1) obtain endophytic fungal isolates isolated from red ginger rhizomes, (2) obtain endophytic fungal isolates that are antibacterial against Bacillus cereus. The method used is a laboratory experiment by randomizing and repeating the samples. The results showed that four isolates of endophytic fungi were successfully isolated from red ginger rhizomes with varying inhibitory abilities between isolates. The highest percentage of inhibitory power based on the in vitro dual culture assay was a cream colored isolate of 100 ± 0.0%.

Treasures in our backyard: unleashing the biotechnological potentials of endophytic fungi from Tanzanian mangroves

Endophytic fungi are useful in a variety of biological processes and may find value in pharmaceutical settings. However, there hasn’t been much research done on the bioactive compounds produced by mangrove fungal endophytes from the East African coast. Our previous research revealed a significant number of mangrove endophytic fungi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This study explores the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of these endophytic fungi. Crude extracts of 34 mangrove endophytic fungal isolates were screened, with thirteen showing antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. MIC and cytotoxicity tests revealed varying bioactivity. Aspergillus fumigatus (HMD45) was particularly potent against tested organisms (MIC = <0.195 to 0.391 mg/ml) and (LC50 = 36.001). GC-MS evaluation of HMD45 extracts indicated the existence of compounds including dodecanoic acid, n-heptadecanol-1, and n-hexadecanoic acid, which may contribute to its bioactivity. These findings offer insight into the bioactivity of mangrove endophytic fungi and trigger interest for further research.

Isolation of Antagonistic Endophytic Fungi from Postharvest Chestnuts and Their Biocontrol on Host Fungal Pathogens.

In this study, antagonistic endophytic fungi were isolated from postharvest chestnut fruits; endophytic antagonistic fungi and their combination of inhibitory effects on the fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum were evaluated. A total of 612 endophytic fungi were isolated from 300 healthy chestnut kernels, and 6 strains out of them including NS-3, NS-11, NS-38, NS-43, NS-56, and NS-58 were confirmed as antagonistic endophytic fungi against Neofusicoccum parvum; these were separately identified as Penicillium chermesinum, Penicillium italicum, Penicillium decaturense, Penicillium oxalicum, Talarmyces siamensis, and Penicillium guanacastense. Some mixed antagonistic endophytic fungi, such as NS-3-38, NS-11-38, NS-43-56, and NS-56-58-38, exhibited a much stronger antifungal activity against N. parvum than that applied individually. Among them, the mixture of NS-3-38 showed the highest antifungal activity, and the inhibition rate was up to 86.67%. The fermentation broth of NS-3, NS-38, and their combinations exhibited an obvious antifungal activity against N. parvum, and the ethyl acetate phase extract of NS-3-38 had the strongest antifungal activity, for which the inhibitory rate was up to 90.19%. The NS-3-38 fermentation broth combined with a chitosan coating significantly reduced N. parvum incidence in chestnuts from 100% to 19%. Furthermore, the fruit decay and weight loss of chestnuts during storage were significantly decreased by the NS-3-38 fermentation broth mixture along with a chitosan coating. Therefore, a mixture of P. chermesinum and P. decaturense could be used as a potential complex biocontrol agent to control postharvest fruit decay in chestnuts.

Research on the Isolation of Endophytic Fungi from Papaya and the Prevention of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Endophytic fungi can be used as a source of herbal antioxidants to overcome the limitations of low yield and lengthy growth cycles associated with using plants as raw materials for antioxidant production. Papaya fruit is often susceptible to infection by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides after harvest, leading to postharvest rot. Endophytic fungi were extracted with ethyl acetate, and the initial screening concentration was 100 mg/L. Seven strains were identified, with scavenging rates exceeding 50% and strong antioxidant activity. The IC50 values in DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays ranged from 19.72 to 84.06 mg/L and from 14.34 to 64.63 mg/L, respectively. Strain Y17 exhibited robust antioxidant activity (IC50 < 20 mg/L) and was identified as Penicillium rolfsii (MT729953) through ITS sequencing. Treatment of papaya fruit wounds with a fermentation broth of strain Y17 significantly inhibited the infection and colonization of anthracnose pathogens, resulting in a slowed disease incidence rate. This promoted the activity of protective enzymes, such as CAT, POD, and SOD, in the papaya fruit and slowed down the rate of MDA accumulation. This strain, which was found to have antioxidant activity in this study, has the potential to control anthracnose in papaya and has value in terms of further development and utilization.