TAXOL FROM PESTALOTIOPSIS-MICROSPORA, AN ENDOPHYTIC FUNGUS OF TAXUS-WALLACHIANA

Pestalotiopsis microspora was isolated from the inner bark of a small limb of Himalayan yew, Taxus wallachiana, and was shown to produce tax ol in mycelial culture. Taxol was identified by spectroscopic and chro matographic comparisons with authentic taxol. Optimal taxol production occurred after 2-3 weeks in still culture at 23 degrees C. [C-14]Acet ate and [C-14]phenylalanine served as precursors for fungal [C-14]taxo l. These observations on P. microspora are discussed in relation to th e biological importance of taxol production by fungi in general.