Antifungal Activity of Sesamol on Pestalotiopsis neglecta: Interfering with Cell Membrane and Energy Metabolism
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 7/15/2024
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Summary
Researchers found that sesamol, a natural compound found in sesame oil, effectively kills a harmful fungus that damages pine trees and other plants. The study showed that sesamol damages the fungus’s cell membranes and disrupts its energy production, ultimately killing it. These findings suggest sesamol could be developed as a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops and forests from disease.
Background
Pestalotiopsis neglecta causes black spot needle blight in pine trees and other economically important crops. Current disease control relies heavily on chemical fungicides. There is increasing interest in exploring plant-derived natural compounds as alternative antifungal agents.
Objective
To investigate the inhibitory effect of sesamol on Pestalotiopsis neglecta and elucidate the underlying antifungal mechanisms through analysis of cell morphology changes, membrane integrity, and energy metabolism alterations.
Results
Sesamol completely inhibited P. neglecta growth at 600 μg/mL with EC50 of 142 μg/mL. Treatment caused cell membrane breakage and organelle lysis. Ergosterol and total lipid content decreased significantly, with marked increases in cellular leakage and conductivity. ATP levels and key TCA cycle enzyme activities were substantially reduced, and polygalacturonase and endoglucanase activities were inhibited by approximately 70%.
Conclusion
Sesamol demonstrates strong antifungal activity against P. neglecta through multiple mechanisms including disruption of cell membrane integrity and permeability, interference with energy metabolism, and reduction of virulence factors. These findings support sesamol’s potential development as a plant-derived fungicide for agricultural disease management.
- Published in:Journal of Fungi,
- Study Type:Experimental Study,
- Source: PMID: 39057373, DOI: 10.3390/jof10070488