The anti-acetylcholinesterase, insecticidal and antifungal activities of the entophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. isolated from Ricinus communis L. against Locusta migratoria L. and Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr.

This study was conducted to evaluate anti-acetylcholinesterase and insecticidal and antifungal activities of the endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp, isolated from Ricinus communis L. leaves, against Locusta migratoria L. and Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr.. To evaluate the insecticidal and antifungal activities, different concentrations of the fungal extract were applied against L. migratoria (0.2, 0.3, 0.4 g/l) and against B. cinerea (1, 2, 3 g/l). It was found that the mortality of the targeted insects was positively proportional to fungal extract concentration and time after exposure (24, 48, 72 hours). The concentration 0.4 g/l appeared to be the most effective after 72 hours with mortality rate of 56.52%. Regarding antifungal activity, the concentration 3 g/l was the most effective against B. cinerea after 7 days, with an inhibition rate of 92.06% (excellent antifungal activity). Moreover, it was found that at 4 ug/ml the fungal extract had a maximum inhibitory capacity of Ache of 80% for acetylcholenesterase. Preliminary phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. In addition the colony of this endophytic fungus produced chitinases and proteases, which explained its important antifungal and insecticidal activities.