MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

In vitro activity of seven antifungal agents against Fusarium oxysporum and expression of related regulatory genes

Summary

Researchers tested seven different antifungal medications to find the best treatment for a fungal disease that damages corn crops. Epoxiconazole worked best as a single treatment, but combining pyraclostrobin and difenoconazole together was even more effective. These medications work by interfering with the fungus’s ability to survive and infect corn, making them promising options for protecting corn crops.

Background

Fusarium oxysporum is a major pathogenic fungus causing maize ear rot, a globally significant fungal disease affecting maize yield and quality with food safety hazards. The fungus produces fungal toxins and has multiple strains with varying pathogenicity. Chemical control remains the most widely applied measure for managing this disease.

Objective

To screen highly effective pesticides against F. oxysporum, reduce misunderstandings about pesticide application, improve disease control levels, and enhance economic efficiency. The study aimed to identify the best single and compound fungicides and analyze their effects on key regulatory genes in F. oxysporum.

Results

All seven fungicides inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination, with epoxiconazole showing the strongest effect (EC50: 0.047 μg/mL for mycelium, 0.088 μg/mL for spores). The combination of pyraclostrobin and difenoconazole at 7:3 ratio showed the best synergistic effect with EC50 of 0.094 μg/mL and SR of 2.650. Both treatments downregulated ChsV, FUBT, and POD while upregulating SOD.

Conclusion

Epoxiconazole is the most effective single fungicide against F. oxysporum, while the pyraclostrobin and difenoconazole combination (7:3) provides superior control through synergistic effects. These fungicides reduce pathogenicity by downregulating virulence genes and inducing oxidative stress, offering a sustainable strategy to control maize ear rot while minimizing pesticide use.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:In vitro experimental study,
  • Source: PMID: 40299900, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322206
Scroll to Top