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Exploring the Biocontrol Potential of Phanerochaete chrysosporium against Wheat Crown Rot

Summary

Scientists discovered that a beneficial fungus called Phanerochaete chrysosporium can effectively control a serious wheat disease caused by another fungus. The beneficial fungus attacks and breaks down the pathogenic fungus while also helping wheat plants grow stronger and resist infection better. This offers farmers a natural, sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their wheat crops.

Background

Wheat crown rot, predominantly caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, is a significant soil-borne disease affecting global wheat production with serious yield and quality implications. White-rot fungi like Phanerochaete chrysosporium have shown potential as biocontrol agents through multiple mechanisms including mycoparasitism and production of antifungal compounds.

Objective

To investigate the biocontrol potential of P. chrysosporium against F. pseudograminearum and elucidate the mechanisms of mycoparasitic action through transcriptome analysis and pot experiments.

Results

P. chrysosporium inhibited F. pseudograminearum growth by 47% through mycelial attachment and penetration, with upregulation of cell-wall-degrading enzymes, iron-binding genes, and mycotoxin synthesis genes at 84 hours. Pot experiments showed P. chrysosporium reduced disease incidence by 20.18%, severity by 18.38%, and enhanced wheat antioxidant enzyme activity and defense gene expression.

Conclusion

P. chrysosporium demonstrates significant biocontrol efficacy against wheat crown rot through multiple mechanisms including mycoparasitism, enzyme production, and plant defense activation, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides for managing F. pseudograminearum in wheat.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof10090641
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