Mycotoxins from Beehive Pollen Mycoflora

Abstract

Aims: The present study was aimed to search for metabolites produced by fungal strains with antifungal activity against phytopathogens. Study Design: The pollen of four beehives each from two apiaries from two locations in Argentina (Balcarce and Mar del Plata) was studied. Nine bee pollen samples were randomly collected from each beehive. Place and Duration of Study: Study was undertaken during 2011 on the Organic Chemistry Department and Biodiversity and Experimental Biology Department, School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires. Methodology: All of the 133 isolated strains were tested for antifungal activity. The most bioactive strains, Myrothecium verrucaria, Nigrospora sphaerica and a levuliform mycelia, were selected for the isolation and identification of compounds responsible for the antifungal activity. Results: Seven mycotoxins, roridin A, verrucarrin A, α-β-dehydrocurvularin, phomalactones A, B, C and D, were identified spectroscopically and were the responsible the antifungal activity. Conclusion: Mycotoxins were isolated from beehive pollen mycoflora. This is the first report of the production of these mycotoxins, which are not currently targets for the analysis of pollen or honey products.