The Fungal Endophyte <i>Epicoccum dendrobii</i> as a Potential Biocontrol Agent Against <i>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</i>

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is one of most serious fungal diseases on Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata). Eight endophytes were isolated from a young heathy branch and screened against the pathogen in vitro. One isolate, designated as SMEL1 subsequently identified Epicoccum dendrobii based morphological phylogenetic analyses, suppressed mycelial growth dual-culture plates. Additionally, E. metabolites significantly decreased biomass gloeosporioides. was able to enter internal tissues host plant via stomatal cells. Metabolites inhibited conidial germination appressorium formation, which at least partly explained why endophyte lesion development various plants. We further confirmed that some components with antifungal activity could be extracted using ethyl acetate an organic solvent. To our knowledge, this first report potential biocontrol agent phytopathogen.