Molecular Identification and Bioactive Potential of Endophytic Nectria pseudotrichia from Terminalia catappa

Abstract

Endophytic fungi associated with Terminalia spp. (Combretaceae) are reported to possess significant therapeutic potential. The present
study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the bioactive properties of Nectria pseudotrichia obtained from Terminalia catappa. The
isolated fungus was screened for antifungal activity against three Fusarium spp. and was molecularly identified as N. pseudotrichia
through ITS sequencing. Further investigations focused on optimizing culture media with different carbon and nitrogen sources to
assess their effects on Fusarium growth suppression, phytochemical production, and antioxidant activity. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of diverse bioactive metabolites, while antioxidant activity was detected but varied with growth conditions and nutrient composition. The sturdiest antifungal activity was observed in 12‑day‑old cultures, with arabinose and sodium nitrate identified as the most effective carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. These optimized conditions boosted secondary metabolite production, highlighting the potential of N. pseudotrichia as a promising source of compounds for pharmaceutical applications and as an antagonist against plant pathogenic fungi.