Antifungal Potential Of Exo-Metabolites Produced By Penicillium Capsulatum Against Phytopathogenic Fungi

Fungi are well-known producers of secondary metabolites, commonly referred to as exo-metabolites, which play crucial roles in ecological interactions, including plant protection. Among these metabolites, many exhibit potent antifungal properties, making them effective biocontrol agents against phytopathogenic fungi that cause significant agricultural losses. This study investigates the antifungal potential of solvent extracts derived from the extracellular secondary metabolites of Penicillium capsulatum, specifically targeting five phytopathogenic fungi: Fusarium equseti, Fusarium acuminatum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium javanicum, and Nigrospora sphaeria. Using a solvent extraction method, partially purified fungal metabolites were tested for their antifungal activity via the pour plate method. The extracts were incorporated into agar medium in two concentrations: 100μl (lower dose) and 500μl (higher dose), and the growth reduction percentage was calculated based on the colony diameter measurements. The results indicated that the toluene extract of P. capsulatum exhibited the highest growth reduction against F. equseti, achieving 45.00 ± 3.54% at the higher dose and 37.50 ± 3.54% at the lower dose. The methanolic extract demonstrated complete inhibition (100.00 ± 0.00%) of F. acuminatum and C. gloeosporioides at the higher dose, while acetic acid, DMSO, and acetonitrile extracts showed varying levels of antifungal activity against other target pathogens. These findings highlight the potential of P. capsulatum metabolites as effective antifungal agents against diverse phytopathogenic fungi, presenting a promising alternative to chemical fungicides. Furthermore, the results support the need for further exploration of fungal metabolites in the development of sustainable biocontrol strategies for managing plant diseases