MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Comparative Antagonistic Activities of Endolichenic Fungi Isolated from the Fruticose Lichens Ramalina and Usnea

Summary

Researchers studied fungi living inside lichen plants from the Philippines to see if they could help fight crop diseases. They tested 40 different fungi against three harmful pathogens that destroy important crops. The results showed that these lichen-dwelling fungi were effective at stopping pathogen growth, with fungi from Ramalina lichens performing better than those from Usnea lichens. This discovery suggests a natural, eco-friendly way to protect crops without harsh chemicals.

Background

Fungal pathogens persistently threaten global food security despite various mitigation strategies. Synthetic fungicides have environmental and health impacts, prompting interest in sustainable alternatives. Endolichenic fungi (ELF) found inside lichen thalli are underexplored microorganisms showing promise as biocontrol agents.

Objective

To test and compare the antagonistic activities of 40 endolichenic fungi isolates from two fruticose lichen hosts (Ramalina and Usnea) against three economically important fungal pathogens (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Fusarium oxysporum).

Results

All ELF isolates successfully reduced pathogen growth with direct contact inhibition as the predominant trait. Ramalina ELF isolates generally demonstrated higher inhibition percentages (32.39-61.44% against tested pathogens) compared to Usnea ELF isolates (13.20-53.73%). Molecular analysis identified isolates as belonging to Xylariaceae family, primarily Xylaria and Nemania genera. SEM revealed mycoparasitic behavior with hyphal coiling around pathogen hyphae.

Conclusion

Endolichenic fungi demonstrate significant potential as efficient biocontrol agents against major crop pathogens. Ramalina-derived ELF isolates showed superior antagonistic activities, and identified isolates employed multiple mechanisms including mycoparasitism, direct contact inhibition, and antibiosis. These findings support the development of ELF-based sustainable disease management strategies.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40278123, DOI: 10.3390/jof11040302
Scroll to Top