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Novel secondary metabolite from a new species of Hypoxylon saxatilis sp. nov. for suppressing bacterial wilt in tomato

Summary

Researchers discovered a new fungus species (Hypoxylon saxatilis) living inside medicinal plants that produces a novel compound called tetrahydrofuran. This compound kills the bacterium that causes tomato wilt disease by damaging bacterial cell walls. In greenhouse tests, extract from this fungus reduced wilt disease severity by over 83%, suggesting it could be developed as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting tomato crops.

Background

Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt disease in tomatoes, leading to significant yield reduction. Endophytic fungi from medicinal plants represent a promising alternative for biocontrol due to their ability to produce antimicrobial secondary metabolites without harming host plants.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate endophytic fungi from medicinal plants and evaluate their antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum in tomatoes under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, with structural elucidation of bioactive compounds.

Results

Two Hypoxylon isolates inhibited R. solanacearum growth. H. saxatilis KKU-KHP 01 was identified as a new fungal species producing tetrahydrofuran, a novel secondary metabolite not previously reported from natural sources. The crude extract reduced wilt disease severity by 83.33% under greenhouse conditions, with SEM showing bacterial cell wall damage.

Conclusion

Tetrahydrofuran produced by the endophytic fungus H. saxatilis KKU-KHP 01 effectively controls bacterial wilt in tomatoes through cell wall disruption. This compound shows promise as a commercial biocontrol agent for sustainable management of bacterial wilt disease in tomato cultivation.
  • Published in:Current Research in Microbial Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40746379, DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100445
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