Characterization of cellulases and antagonistic activities in fungal endophytes isolated from Espeletia spp

Endophytes are microorganisms that asymptomatically invade plant tissue. They can stimulate plant growth and provide resistance to pathogen attacks by the synthesis of various secondary metabolites. Many of these endophytes are unknown and may have several applications in industry, agriculture and medicine, rendering their study essential to evaluate their metabolic capabilities. In order to discern these activities, we evaluated 100 endophytes isolates from Espeletia spp., a plant specie that is unique to the paramo ecosystem in the Andean mountain range. We determined their in vitro antimicrobial activity using the dual confrontation technique and culture filtrates of these isolates with the plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans. In addition, we evaluated the cellulolytic potential of these endophytes in saccharification of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). This was determined by measuring the activity of total activity in filter paper (FPA), carboxymetilcelulase, exogluconases and beta-glucosidase. Results showed that few (6%) of the endophytes showed a significant anti-oomycete activity against P. infestans. Among the isolates tested, Penicillium glabrum showed maximum in vitro inhibition of mycelia growth of P. infestans. In this study we showed for the first time the role of this endophyte in controlling P. infestans. Furthermore we determined four fungi that were positive for cellulases. The highest cellulolytic activity after partial purification was shown by Penicilium globrum, with maximum enzyme activity, CMCase, FPase, exogluconases and beta-glucosidase of 44,5, 1,2, 48,3 and 0,45 U/ml respectively. Our data shows a highly metabolic activity of Penicillium glabrum and suggest that this fungus is a potential antagonistic of P. infestans and source for biofuel production.

• Autores: Cabezas Olave, Luisa Fernanda
• Fecha de publicación: 2011
• Institución: Universidad de los Andes
• Repositorio: Séneca: repositorio Uniandes
• Idioma: eng
• OAI Identifier: oai:repositorio.uniandes.edu.co:1992/11425
• Acceso en línea: http://hdl.handle.net/1992/11425
• Palabra clave: Hongos parásitos - Investigaciones; Fitoftora - Investigaciones; Celulosa - Investigaciones; Biología
• Rights: openAccess
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/