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Differential responses of Cacao pathogens Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Pestalotiopsis sp. to UVB 305 nm and UVC 275 nm

Summary

Scientists studied how UV light can be used to fight fungal diseases that harm cacao plants. They found that UVC light (a type of ultraviolet radiation) is much more effective at killing these fungi than UVB light. Some fungi were very resistant to UV treatment, but the researchers discovered that combining UV light with sound waves (sonication) could overcome this resistance, offering a chemical-free way to protect crops.

Background

Fungal diseases pose a significant threat to global food security, particularly in cacao crops. Current control methods relying on chemical fungicides face challenges due to evolving resistance and environmental concerns. UV radiation, particularly UVC, has emerged as a promising non-chemical alternative for controlling fungal pathogens.

Objective

This study investigated the differential responses of two cacao-infecting fungi (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Pestalotiopsis sp.) to UVB (305 nm) and UVC (275 nm) radiation. The research aimed to develop efficient and targeted UV-based control strategies by understanding pathogen-specific resistance mechanisms.

Results

UVC proved significantly more potent than UVB, with 4-min UVC exposure achieving similar inactivation as 30-min UVB exposure. Pestalotiopsis sp. maintained 89% survival after 30-min UVC, while Colletotrichum isolates were nearly completely inactivated. Synergistic treatment combining sonication with UVC successfully overcame Pestalotiopsis resistance.

Conclusion

This study provides a mechanistic basis for optimizing UV-based pathogen control by linking non-invasively measured physiological states to UV resistance. The findings demonstrate that UV resistance is isolate-specific and can be overcome through targeted strategies, enabling the development of more effective sustainable disease management approaches.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41102294, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-20277-2
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