This study investigated the distribution of endophytic fungi obtained from the surface sterilized tissues of leaves, stems and roots of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants in seedling, flowering and fruiting stages in Korea and their antifungal activity. A total of 481 isolates were recovered and were identified using molecular techniques. Based on rDNA ITS gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis, 21 fungal genera were characterized, belonging to 16 Ascomycota and 5 Basidiomycota. Penicillium in seedling stage, Fusarium in flowering stage, Colletotrichum followed by Fusarium, Alternaria and Xylaria in fruiting stage was predominant and Alternaria, Cladosporium and Fusarium were common in all growth stages. Among 481 endophytes 90 phenotypes were evaluated for the antimicrobial activity against three major pathogens (Phytophthora capsici, Colletotrichum acutatum and Fusarium oxysporum) of chili pepper. Among them 16 isolates inhibited the growth of at least one test microorganisms. Three strains showed a broad spectrum antifungal activity and displayed strong inhibition against chili pepper pathogenic fungi.

Grape fruits with blue mold symptoms were collected from house storages in different locations in Korea and were investigated for their association with Penicillium species. A total of 12 isolates of Penicillium were isolated from the collected fruits. Based on morphological and cultural characteristics and β-tublin gene sequence data analysis, they were identified as P. bialowiezense, P. citrinum, P. echinulatum, P. expansum, P. solitum and unidentified Penicillium species. P. solitum was the predominant followed by P. expansum. P. bialowiezense and P. echinulatum were newly recorded in Korea. β-Tubulin gene sequences could be used to distinguish each species of Penicillium and the molecular groups were correlated well with the morphological species. The unidentified species was supposed to be a new species, not previously reported in literature.

Two species, Penicillium adametzioides and Purpureocillium lilacinum, were isolated from decayed grapes (cv. Cheongsoo) in Korea. Each species was initially identified by phylogenetic analysis of a combined dataset of two genes. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin (BT2) genes were used for identification of Penicillium adametzioides, and ITS and partial translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF) genes were used for identification of Purpureocillium lilacinum. Morphologically, they were found to be identical to previous descriptions. The two species presented here have not been previously reported in Korea.

In 2010, fruit rot disease was observed on the 'Cheongsoo' grape cultivar in a store house in Daejeon, Korea. The causal agent was determined to be a species of Pestalotiopsis not previously described in the literature. Pathogenicity tests revealed that the fungus is pathogenic to the fruit of the 'Cheongsoo' grape. This is the first report of fruit rot diseases on 'Cheongsoo' grape caused by Pestalotiopsis sp. in Korea.