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Evaluation of the Effects of Epicoccum nigrum on the Olive Fungal Pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Colletotrichum acutatum by 1H NMR-Based Metabolic Profiling

Summary

Researchers studied how a beneficial fungus called Epicoccum nigrum can fight two harmful fungi that damage olive trees. Using advanced chemical analysis called NMR spectroscopy, they discovered that when the beneficial fungus encounters disease-causing pathogens, it changes its metabolism and produces compounds that stress the harmful fungi. This study suggests that Epicoccum nigrum could be a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting olive crops.

Background

Olive trees face significant threats from fungal diseases including Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae and olive anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum, resulting in substantial economic losses and degraded oil quality. Traditional chemical treatments present environmental risks, prompting interest in sustainable biological control agents. Epicoccum nigrum, an antagonistic fungus producing antimicrobial secondary metabolites, shows promise as a biocontrol agent.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the antagonistic ability of Epicoccum nigrum against V. dahliae and C. acutatum and to elucidate metabolic interactions between these fungi using NMR-based metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis.

Results

E. nigrum inhibited C. acutatum growth by 44.97% and V. dahliae by 38.73%. NMR analysis revealed distinct biochemical responses with metabolic shifts in amino acids, organic acids, and sugars. Key metabolites like glutamine, 4-aminobutyrate, and phenylalanine were identified as involved in stress adaptation and competitive survival.

Conclusion

E. nigrum demonstrated significant antagonistic potential against both olive pathogens, with metabolic profiling revealing stress-response mechanisms. These findings suggest E. nigrum could serve as an effective biological control agent, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments for managing olive fungal diseases.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:In Vitro Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39997423
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