A termite fungistatic compound, mellein, inhibits entomopathogenic fungi but not egg-mimicking termite ball fungi

摘要: Social insects form colonies with close relatives and face a high degree of risk herd infection by the same pathogen. To prevent intrusion pathogens parasites, social have developed strong antimicrobial defenses. Although termites been considered to produce variety compounds microbial infections, only few identified in termites. Here, we show that new fungistatic component mellein is subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, mellein, an isocoumarin compound broad activity, from hexane extracts soldiers workers. In addition, antifungal test demonstrated has inhibitory effect on growth entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae Beauveria bassiana), while no such termite-egg-mimicking fungus ‘termite ball’ (Fibularhizoctonia sp.) its related species (Athelia rolfsii). These results suggest R. use confront pathogenic resistance against mellein. This study contributes our better understanding diverse anti-pathogenic defense