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Interference with sexual mating of Sporisorium scitamineum by verrucarin A isolated from Paramyrothecium sp

Summary

Scientists discovered that a naturally occurring fungus called Paramyrothecium sp. produces a compound called verrucarin A that prevents sugarcane smut disease. This compound works by stopping the mating process between fungal spores, preventing the disease from developing without harming the sugarcane plant. Greenhouse experiments showed that using this natural compound reduced disease occurrence from 80% to just 37%, offering a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting sugarcane crops.

Background

Sugarcane smut, caused by Sporisorium scitamineum, is a destructive global disease affecting sugarcane production and causing significant economic losses. The pathogenic process involves sexual mating between haploid spores to produce diploid mycelia that initiate infection. Current control strategies using resistant varieties and chemical methods are limited by physiological diversity and environmental concerns.

Objective

To identify and characterize a biocontrol strain and its active compounds that can interfere with sexual mating of S. scitamineum without killing haploid spores, and to evaluate its efficacy in controlling sugarcane smut disease.

Results

Verrucarin A (Ver-A) was identified as the active antifungal compound with an MIC of 8 μg/mL against S. scitamineum. Ver-A inhibited sexual mating by modulating expression of genes at loci a and b without directly affecting haploid spore growth. Greenhouse pot experiments demonstrated that P-6 fermentation products reduced sugarcane smut incidence from 80% to 37% with no toxicity to host plants.

Conclusion

Verrucarin A from Paramyrothecium sp. strain P-6 effectively inhibits the sexual mating process of S. scitamineum by disrupting mating signals between MAT-1 and MAT-2 spores. These findings establish P-6 as a promising novel biocontrol agent for sustainable management of sugarcane smut disease.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory and Greenhouse Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40415909, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2426480
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