Highly diverse endophytic fungi from Serra do Amolar-Pantanal (Brazil) producing bioactive secondary metabolites against phytopathogens.

INTRODUCTION

The exploration of new bioactive compounds for agricultural applications is critical for sustainable development. Endophytic fungi, particularly those from underexplored biomes in Brazil, represent a promising source of natural compounds. This study focused on isolation and bioprospecting endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant (Pohl), grown in Serra do Amolar (Brazilian Pantanal Biome), with an additional emphasis on conserving microbial biodiversity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Leaves and petioles were collected from 18 V. divergens specimens, from which 293 endophytes were isolated and grouped by morphological characteristics into 91 phenotypes. One representative of each phenotype was selected for secondary metabolite extraction and taxonomic identification. Fungi belonging to 27 families and 32 different genera were identified, with , , and as the most predominant. We also introduce and describe a new endophytic species, . Multiple extracts inhibited mycelial growth of the phytopathogenic fungus , with a superior effect compared to the fungicide control. These extracts were produced by , , and . Additionally, the extract from one isolate displayed moderate activity against the phytopathogen . HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS analyses of these most inhibitory extracts revealed natural products with beneficial potential that need characterization and to have their modes of action elucidated.

DISCUSSION

Finally, a very important contribution of this study was the conservation of the biodiversity of the Serra do Amolar, allowing future studies and biotechnological applications involving endophytes from this region.