GC-MS Profiling and Antifungal Activity of Secondary Metabolites from Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Velamen Roots of Epidendrum radicans

Endophytic fungi, residing within plant tissues have beneficial roles in promoting plant health and resistance to various stresses.This study investigates the antifungal properties of twelve endophytic fungi isolated from the velamen roots of the epiphytic orchid Epidendrum radicans, against the plant pathogenic fungus Pythium myriotylum.Dual culture and well diffusion methods were used to test the antifungal activity of nine fungal species against P. myriotylum.Six out of nine fungal species demonstrated inhibitory activity against P. myriotylum.Diaporthe eucalyptorum exhibited the highest zone of inhibition (5.67 mm 0.07) and the least Zone of inhibition was exhibited by Xylaria aristata (1.36 mm 0.04 in dual culture method.On the other hand, the highest Zone of inhibition in Well diffusion method was exhibited by Trichoderma atroviridae (8.13 mm 0.85) and the least by T. asperellum (2.38 mm 0.48).The antifungal efficacy of these endophytes is attributed to the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites, analyzed through GC-MS.The exact mechanisms of antifungal activity exhibited by endophytic fungi need to be elucidated.The bioactive secondary metabolites responsible for antifungal activity require further characterization and purification.Our findings confirm the presence of various volatile compounds across six fungal species, suggesting their potential application as eco-friendly fungicides in agriculture.The study also highlights the importance of endophytic fungi in sustainable agriculture.Future studies can build upon the findings of this research and explore the potential applications of endophytic fungi in sustainable agriculture and pharmaceutical industries.