Methods and compositions relating to insect repellents from a novel endophytic fungus
The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor vitigenus , from the liana, Paullinia paullinioides . This fungus produces naphthalene under certain cultural conditions that has chromatographic and mass spectral properties that are identical to authentic naphthalene. In a preferred embodiment, the naphthalene in the gas phase of M. vitigenus is useful in the repellency of unwanted insect pests. The unique biological activity of the novel endophyte suggests a wide range of potential practical applications, particularly in the area of insect repellents, insecticides, antimicrobials, anthelmintics and vermicides.
1. An isolated culture of Muscodor vitigenus , wherein the culture is Muscodor vitigenus 2116 (Accession No. CBS 120164) and is capable of producing a product comprising naphthalene.
2. A composition comprising the isolated culture of claim 1 and at least one carrier.
3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the carrier is an agriculturally acceptable carrier.
4. The composition of claim 3 , wherein said carrier is soil.
5. The culture of claim 1 , wherein the product further comprises 2-methyl naphthalene, 1 -methoxy naphthalene or a combination thereof.
6. A method of repelling an insect from a first composition comprising contacting said first composition with a second composition comprising an isolated culture of M. vitigenus 2116 (Accession No. CBS 120164).
7. A method according to claim 6 wherein said first composition is a plant or a plant part.
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said plant part is selected from the group consisting of seeds, fruits, stems, leaves and roots.
9. A method according to claim 7 or 8 wherein said second composition is soil inoculated with the isolated culture of M. vitigenus 2116 (Accession No. CBS 120164).
10. An isolated culture of Muscodor vitigenus , wherein the culture is Muscodor vitigenus 2116 (Accession No. CBS 120164) and is capable of producing naphthalene at a rate of about 5 ng hr −1 to about 150 ng hr −1 .
11. The culture of claim 10 , wherein the rate is about 5 ng hr −1 to about 12 ng hr −1 .