Epicoccum nigrum Link as a Potential Biocontrol Agent Against Selected Dermatophytes

Abstract

Epicoccum nigrum Link is well known for producing biologically-active substances with activities against prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The major goal of this study was to assess E. nigrum as a potential in vitro agent against selected species of dermatophytes. The effects of the types of media used in this study on the interactions between the microscopic fungi were also examined. Epicoccum nigrum’s bioactive metabolites exhibited a strong growth inhibitory effect against the dermatophytes, suggesting its potential as a biocontrol agent. Notably, the strength of these interactions was dependent on the type of the medium. These secondary metabolites are not toxic against the higher eukaryotic organisms, which was further demonstrated by using the Galleria mellonella model.

Keywords

• secondary metabolites
• fungi
• endophyte
• toxicity