Phylogenetic analyses and bioactivities of endophytic Pestalotiopsis from Amazonian Species

The genus Pestalotiopsis shows its potential for bioactivity applications; this potential may originate from the close relationship with its host species. In this study, we verified the efficiency of the ITS regions for phylogenetic analysis of Pestalotiopsis species isolated as endophytes associated with basidiomycetes. Endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the genera Gustavia, Rollinia, Euterpe, Myrcia, Arrabidaea and a species of Pinus. A part of this investigation was to evaluate the degree of proximity between the isolated strains and their hosts, suggesting that proximity to the host plant could improve the chance to produce bioactive compounds. Secondary metabolites were tested for larvicidal, cytotoxic and, antifungal activity. This work demonstrates the capacity of the genus Pestalotiopsis to produce substances with larvicidal activity against larvae (L3) of Aedes aegypti. In addition, there are other biological activities, showing that the genus is a producer of biologically active substances with potential pharmacological interest.