A number of endophytic fungi (Gliocladium roseum) have been discovered that produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) whilst growing on agricultural waste substrates, whose chemistry is best defined as hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon-like. These compounds have potential use as both ‘green chemicals’ and fuels.

The hydrocarbon profile of G. roseum contains a number of compounds normally associated with diesel fuel and so the volatiles of this fungus have been dubbed 'myco-diesel'. Extraction of liquid cultures of the fungus revealed the presence of numerous fatty acids and other lipids. All of these findings have implications in energy production and utilization.

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