Epicoccum nigrum as a valuable source of natural products for agricultural and biotechnological applications

The fungal endophyte strain, Epicoccum nigrum, was studied to assess the antagonistic activity against fungal phytopathogens and their bioactive secondary metabolites. The strain was isolated from plant tissues (Avena sativa) and identified through morphological and molecular analysis. Antagonistic potential was assessed via dual culture bioassays against Fusarium verticillioides and Alternaria alternata. Results showed significant inhibition of pathogen growth: F. verticillioides radial growth was reduced by 33.9% after 48 h, 65.5% after five days, and 66.8% after fifteen days, whereas weak inhibition was detected against A. alternata. Epipyrone A and epicoccamide A were the main secondary metabolites produced, purified by reversed-phase HPLC and their structures were elucidated using mass spectrometry and spectroscopic data obtained by NMR techniques. Epicoccum nigrum may function as a biocontrol agent through the production of bioactive compounds, but further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms and applications in terms of sustainable plant disease management.