Novel endophytic fungi and methods of use

Abstract

This invention provides a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor , that produces a mixture of volatile antibiotics with activity on specific plant pathogens, bacteria, nematodes and insects. Also provided is a method for treating or protecting plants, soil and seeds from microbial infections comprising applying an effective amount of a volatile antibiotic producing Muscodor sp. The invention also relates to fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal and nematicidal compositions comprising this novel Muscodor strain and the antibiotics and metabolites produced by this strain either alone, or in combination with other chemical and biological pesticides. Also provided is a method for identifying and isolating related gas producing fungi.

1 . A method for biological control of a bacteria comprising applying to the bacteria or to a habitat of the bacteria an effective amount of a composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a strain of  Muscodor  capable of controlling the bacteria 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises applying to the bacteria or to the habitat of the bacteria an effective amount of at least one chemical or biological pesticide. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the composition further comprises a carrier. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the carrier is an agriculturally acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the composition comprises a biologically pure culture of a strain of  Muscodor albus.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the strain is NRRL 30547. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the composition comprises a biologically pure culture of a strain of  Muscodor roseus.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the strain is NRRL 30548. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the bacteria is  Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus  or  Pseudomonas  spp. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the bacteria is a post harvest pathogen. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the bacteria is a food-borne pathogen.