2025/02/10 by Miroslav Kolařík, Eva Stodůlková, Soňa Kajzrová +9 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Fungal Biology and Applications #Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions #Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases
paper · doi:10.1016/j.funeco.2025.101414
openalex publication_date 2025/02/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/13
Ambrosia fungi colonize dead trees, providing nutrition for ambrosia beetles. A key aspect of this symbiosis is the ability of fungi to colonize and dominate the wood around the beetle tunnels. Hypotheses for these dynamics include active beetle management, fungal inoculation priority, and the chemical ecology of the fungus. The ecological role of allelochemicals produced by ambrosia fungi is unknown. This study presents an analysis of secondary metabolites from Geosmithia eupagioceri (Ascomycota: Hypocreales). Eight extracellular compounds were identified: 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid, several hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPA), 4-HPA methyl ester, tyrosol, and thymine. Most compounds show cross-taxon activity, suppressing the growth of bacteria, fungi, a nematode, and a mite. We also point out that these compounds also have potential to modulate the physiology of their producer, the beetle host and associated microbes through synergism.