Isolation, identification, and metabolic characterization of endophytic fungi from Attalea geraensis Barb. Rodr.

This study aimed to characterize the endophytic fungi found on the leaves of Attalea geraensis, analyzing their synthesized chemical compounds.Our findings showed that a total of 225 leaf fragments were sampled, with fungal growth observed in 80 of them, representing a colonization frequency of 35.5%. Forty-three isolates were randomly selected and grouped into 29 morphogroups based on morphological characteristics. Sequences obtained from amplifying the 18S region of rDNA led to the identification of 17 endophytic isolates through BLAST analysis in the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analyses provided precise identification of various species and genera, including Diaporthe macintoshii, Diaphorte sp., Phomopsis sp., among others.Chemical analyses revealed the predominant presence of coumarins in all fungal extracts, albeit with variations in intensity. Tannins were detected in 14 out of 17 extracts, ranging from moderate to low intensity. Variations in metabolite classes were observed among different genera, indicating distinct adaptations for biotic interactions. PCA indicated that the first two Principal Components explained 82.84% of the total variance in metabolite class data. The factor distribution highlighted three accession groups, showing a high correlation between coumarin and tannin contents.These results suggest significant diversity of cultivable endophytic fungi in Attalea geraensis leaves, with important implications for understanding the ecology of these organisms and their metabolic potential.Chemical screening of the isolated fungi showed the presence of coumarins in all extracts, varying in intensity. Tannins were detected in 14 out of 17 extracts, with moderate to low intensity. Different genera exhibited distinct chemical profiles, suggesting adaptations for environmental interactions.Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the first two principal components accounted for 82.84% of the total variance in metabolite classes. The distribution of factors highlighted three accession groups, with high correlation between coumarin and tannin contents.Overall, the findings underscored the diversity of cultivable endophytic fungi associated with Attalea geraensis leaves and provided insights into their metabolic potential and ecological roles.