| Summary: | Microorganisms can be cataloged as a simple but effective chemical bio-factory that can respond quickly to biotic and abiotic environmental changes such as, ecological pressure, contamination, UV radiation, low and high temperatures, among the most importants. Secondary metabolites, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), are generated after or during a stress pressure and their production by terrestrial fungi is widely known. However, the knowledge of VOCs produced by Antartic fungi is scarce. Some researchers have proposed that VOCs are involved in intra- or interspecific communication and/or in chemical defense against other microorganisms. Hence, some of these VOCs can possess a high potential for being used in biotechnological application, for instance for controlling fungal diseases. In Chile, Botrytis cinerea is the main phytopathological disease affecting table-grapes export, causing in some seasons important losses during postharvest. Its control includes the use of synthetic botryticides and SO2 in pre and postharvest stage respectively. VOCs emerge as an alternative to the use of these chemicals. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antifungal activity of Antarctic fungal strains. Samples were collected from Greenwich Island, Barrientos Island, Rada Covadonga, Doumer Island, Deception Island, Robert Island and King George Island. They were taken from each site and placed in sterile whirl-pack sampling bag and cold stored (temperature) until their use. Fungal species from soil were incubated in PDA. Subcultures were made for all the distinct morphological colonies until obtain pure morphotype colonies. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by two-compartmented plate bioassay. GC-MS was carried out for VOCs identification. Preliminary results showed a strong anti-Botrytis effect elicited by one of the strains. Alcohols were the main compounds released from the bioactive Antarctic fungus strain.
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