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Benzothiazole—An Antifungal Compound Derived from Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum against Mango Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Summary

Scientists discovered that a chemical called benzothiazole found in the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum can effectively kill the fungus that causes mango anthracnose, a major disease affecting mango crops. The research showed that this natural compound completely stops fungal growth at very low concentrations (50 ppm) and prevents spore germination. This discovery offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides that can cause environmental pollution and drug resistance.

Background

Mango anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a devastating disease causing significant yield losses. Continuous fungicide application has led to environmental pollution, health problems, and fungicide resistance. Medicinal mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum contain bioactive compounds with antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

Objective

To identify and characterize antifungal biomolecules from Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies against the mango anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. To develop a natural fungicidal formulation that could suppress plant pathogenic microbes.

Results

The cap portion exhibited maximum mycelial growth inhibition of 70.10% at 1% concentration, superior to the stipe (40.77%). GC-MS analysis identified benzothiazole as the primary antifungal compound with 97% probability. Standard benzothiazole showed 100% mycelial inhibition at 50 ppm and completely arrested conidial germination, with SEM revealing severe mycelial distortion and clumping.

Conclusion

Benzothiazole, isolated from G. lucidum fruiting bodies, demonstrates potent antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides through mechanisms including mycelial inhibition and conidial germination arrest. G. lucidum offers a natural, eco-friendly approach for managing mango anthracnose disease. Future studies should investigate the mechanism of benzothiazole action and its potential for field application.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules28062476, PMID: 36985447
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