Fig.1 An SEM of the endophytic fungus Ec-38. Photo credit: Gary Strobel.

Nodulosporium sp. was obtained from Neea floribunda in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The organism was verified as a Nodulosporium sp. by SEM imaging (Fig.1). Molecular genetics studies showed that the organism was a Hypoxylon sp. by a high homology in the 18S rDNA. Analysis of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of this organism revealed that it is a strong producer of 1,8-cineole along with many other hydrocarbon-like molecules. The organism encodes pathways that produce potential fuel-related molecules.