<i>Epicoccum nigrum</i> as a valuable source of natural products for agricultural and biotechnological applications

The fungal endophyte strain, <i>Epicoccum nigrum</i>, was studied to assess the antagonistic activity against fungal phytopathogens and their bioactive secondary metabolites. The strain was isolated from plant tissues (<i>Avena sativa</i>) and identified through morphological and molecular analysis. Antagonistic potential was assessed <i>via</i> dual culture bioassays against <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i> and <i>Alternaria alternata</i>. Results showed significant inhibition of pathogen growth: <i>F. verticillioides</i> 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 <i>A. alternata</i>. 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. <i>Epicoccum nigrum</i> 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.