The chemistry of fungal antagonism and defense

Abstract

Mechanisms of fungal antagonism and defense often include the production of biologically active metabolites by one species that exert effects on potential competitors and (or) predators. Studies carried out in our laboratory and others clearly indicate that such ecological phenomena can serve as valuable leads to the discovery of novel and potentially useful bioactive fungal metabolites. There is evidence that some of these compounds may render advantages to the producing organism, although careful and definitive ecological studies are required to determine this. Nevertheless, the results summarized here demonstrate the broad array of possible benefits that can arise from interdisciplinary studies in this area. This paper focuses primarily on our own investigations of the chemistry involved in fungal antagonism and defense using coprophilous and sclerotial fungi as model systems. These results have potential implications in many areas of study, including fungal ecology, secondary metabolism, chemotaxonomy, organic chemistry, structure determination, antifungal chemotherapy, and insect control. Key words: fungi, antifungal, insecticide, antagonism, chemical defense, secondary metabolites.