Abstract
Purpureocillium lilacinum strain UdeA0106 has shown strong nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita-javanica, attributed both to its fungal structures and to metabolites present in its filtrate. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of metabolites produced during fungal fermentation and to approach their chemical characterization. Four extracts were obtained from liquid fermentations and evaluated in vitro against nematode eggs and juveniles. The dichloromethane and butanol extracts exhibited the highest levels of activity (84.4% and 78.2% for dichloromethane; 76.2% and 92% for butanol, respectively). Morphological alterations observed in the affected nematodes included the formation of intracellular vacuoles, cuticle damage, and immobility. Chemical analysis identified compounds previously reported for this species, such as Acremonidin, Aspergillicin C, Leucinostatins, and Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NAAD) in the butanol fraction, and D-lysine and Cerebroside in the dichloromethane fraction. These findings indicate a diversity of bioactive metabolites with nematicidal potential. The results obtained for strain UdeA0106 highlight its relevance as a source of compounds applicable to the biological control of phytoparasitic nematodes. This study represents an initial step in understanding the biotechnological potential of P. lilacinum UdeA0106 and provides a foundation for developing sustainable agricultural strategies through the use of entomopathogenic fungi and their metabolites.