Bioprospecting of the genus Pestalotiopsis shows potential for different bioactivity applications, this potential may originate from the close relationship with its host species. In this study, we verified the efficiency of the ITS regions for phylogenetic analysis of Pestalotiopsis species isolated as endophytes associated with basidiomycetes. The strains of endophytic fungi were isolated from the Genus Gustavia, Rollinia, Euterpe, Myrcia, Arrabidaea, and a species of Pinus. All host species produce bioactive compounds. A part of this investigation was to evaluate the degree of proximity between the isolated strains and their hosts, suggesting that greater proximity to the host plant could improve the chance to produce bioactive compounds. The secondary metabolites were tested for larvicidal, cytotoxic and, antifungal activity. This work demonstrates the capacity of the genus Pestalotiopsis to produce substances with larvicidal activity against larvae (L3) of Aedes aegypti. In addition there are other biological activities, showing that the genus is a producer of biologically active substances with potential pharmacological interest.

Keywords: Pestalotiopsis, larvicide, antifungal, endophytic fungus, secondary metabolites