Extraction and Chemical identification of certain antifungal compounds from the pigmented fungus Epicoccum nigrum against phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium solani

Abstract

Abstract Epicocum nigrum strain AUMC 15771 was isolated from E.miliileaves, as well as four endophytic fungi were isolated from E.hirtaleaves which were collected from Helwan University garden. On the basis of antifungal activities of the five isolated endophytic fungi against phytopathogenic F.solani. Epicocum nigrum achieved a strong inhibition percent (94%). Ethyl acetate extracts of the cultural filtrates were active against F. solanicompared to the control and other extracts (Dichlorometane, Chloroform:Methanol (2:1). Both Light microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy showed that higher concentrations of Ethyl acetate extract caused a change in hyphal aggregation and spore′s formation of F.solani. Furthermore, higher concentrations of Ethyl acetate extracts of E.nigrum had a slight phytotoxic effect on Faba been (Vicia Faba.L) germination and root length compared to lower Ethyl acetate extract concentrations. Identification of antifungal agents in Ethyl acetate extract using GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4-Hexadeutero Octadecanal, 2, 2-Dideutero Octadecanal, and Isochiapin B as major components that could be have antifungal and antimicrobial substances. These results offer a viable and sustainable alternative to using E.nigrum extracts for controlling phytopathogenic F.solani.