In this article, we propose to explore the chemical interaction between Pseudosphinx tetrio L. and Allamanda cathartica L. using different analytical methods, including an innovative electrochemical approach (called electrochemical ecology) and multivariate analysis, and we investigate the potential antimicrobial effects (antibacterial and antifungal activities) of this interaction in order to gain a better understanding of their specific interaction. The analytical study presents a similar chemical profile between the leaves of healthy and herbivorous A. cathartica and the excretions of the caterpillars. The similar analytical profile of the leaves of A. cathartica and the excretions of P. tetrio, and the difference with the caterpillar bodies, suggests a selective excretion of compounds by the caterpillar. The measured antimicrobial activities support the physicochemical tests. The natural products found selectively in the excretions (rather than in the body) could explain the ability of P. tetrio to feed on this toxic Apocynaceae species.

Introduction: Coccoloba uvifera, named also seagrape, establishes symbiotic relationships with many ectomycorrhizal fungi. However, in Cuba, these fungi have been little studied. Objective: To characterize the diversity of sporocarps and ectomycorrhizae of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with C. uvifera in three coastal ecosystems of Eastern Cuba. Methods: Four samplings of sporocarps and ectomycorrhizae were carried out at three-week intervals during the rainy season, from June to September, in 2018 and 2019. Ectomycorrhizae were collected from three mature trees and 30 young individuals per tree. The samples were transferred to the Abiotic Stress Laboratory of the Center for Plant Biotechnology Studies of the University of Granma and the Laboratory of Plant Biology and Physiology of the University of French West Indies for processing and subsequent identification. Results: Five species of ectomycorrhizal fungi were identified from sporocarps collected under C. uvifera in the three sampling sites (Scleroderma bermudense, Russula sp., Cantharellus sp., Inocybe sp., and Amanita sp.). Using internal transcribed spacer sequencing, six taxa of ectomycorrhizal fungi were identified from ectomycorrhizas of mature trees and seedlings (S. bermudense, two Tuber spp., Tomentella sp., Inocybe sp., and Thelephora sp.). Only S. bermudense coincided (similarity 99-100 %) with sporocarps. S. bermudense was the most frequent ectomycorrhizal fungus in the ectomycorrhizas and sporocarps collected. Mature trees and C. uvifera seedlings shared between 75 and 100 % of the ectomycorrhizal fungal communities, being able to form potential common ectomycorrhizal networks. Conclusions: At the three collection sites, sporocarp weakly reflected the belowground ectomycorrhizal fungal community, ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity is quite limited, and S. bermudense was the only ectomycorrhizal fungus that overlapped in sporocarps and ectomycorrhizae.

Fungi of the genus Parengyodontium (Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae) are emerging as promising sources of secondary metabolites with significant biotechnological potential. While traditionally understudied, species such as Parengyodontium album, Parengyodontium torokii and Parengyodontium americanum have been isolated from diverse and sometimes extreme environments—including deep-sea sediments, mangroves, and NASA clean rooms—suggesting remarkable ecological adaptability. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the chemical diversity, biological activities, and potential industrial applications of secondary metabolites produced by fungi belonging to the genus. A wide variety of compounds have been identified, including polyketides (e.g., engyodontiumones, alternaphenol B2), terpenoids (e.g., cytochalasin K), alkaloids, and torrubielline derivatives. These metabolites exhibit cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifouling properties, with promising anticancer and antimicrobial activities. In addition, recent evidence points to the genus’s role in bioremediation, particularly through the degradation of polyethylene by P. album. Despite the advances highlighted here, challenges remain in scaling production, elucidating biosynthetic pathways, and confirming in vivo efficacy. This review underscores the value of integrating chemical, genomic, and metabolomic approaches to fully unlock the biotechnological potential of Parengyodontium species. Additionally, we broaden the perspective by comparing trends in secondary metabolites among Cordycipitaceae, highlighting lifestyle-related chemical compounds that serve as a reference for the Parengyodontium profile.

Fungi of the genus Parengyodontium (Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae) are emerging as promising sources of secondary metabolites with significant biotechnological potential. While traditionally understudied, species such as Parengyodontium album, Parengyodontium torokii and Parengyodontium americanum have been isolated from diverse and sometimes extreme environments—including deep-sea sediments, mangroves, and NASA clean rooms—suggesting remarkable ecological adaptability. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the chemical diversity, biological activities, and potential industrial applications of secondary metabolites produced by fungi belonging this genus. A wide variety of compounds have been identified, including polyketides (e.g., engyodontiumones, alternaphenol B2), terpenoids (e.g., cytochalasin K), alkaloids, and torrubielline derivatives. These metabolites exhibit cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifouling properties, with promising anticancer and antimicrobial activities. In addition, recent evidence points to the genus’s role in bioremediation, particularly through the degradation of polyethylene by P. album. Despite the advances highlighted here, challenges remain in scaling production, elucidating biosynthetic pathways, and confirming in vivo efficacy. This review underscores the value of integrating chemical, genomic, and metabolomic approaches to fully unlock the biotechnological potential of Parengyodontium species. Additionnally, we broaden the perspective by comparing trends in secondary metabolites among Cordycipitaceae, highlighting lifestyle-related chemical compounds that serve as a reference for the Parengyodontium profile.