Diversification of Eupatorium buniifolium essential oil composition by endophytic fungi

F. M. CECATI; C. MAGALLANES NOGUERA; C. E. ARDANAZ; C. E. TONN; M. KURINA-SANZ

Congreso; VII Worshop on Biocatalysis and Biotransformations; 2014

Eupatorium buniifolium essential oil (EO) has repellent activity toward plague insects [1], but its potential use as a biopesticide is limited by the volatility of its major components (D-limonene and α-pinene). A rising in the oxygenation degree would enhance the bioactivity of EOs against insects, mainly by increasing their persistence; thus improving their chances of controlling plagues affecting crops and human health. Endophytic microorganisms are able to survive the pressure of allelopathic compounds synthesized by their host plants, so they could be competent biological agents to biotransform EOs. Herein we present a survey about the biocatalytic potential of endophytic fungi (EFs) toward E. buniifolium EO and its main monoterpene components.