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

Summary

Scientists discovered a fungus called Paramyrothecium that produces a natural compound called verrucarin A, which stops sugarcane smut disease by preventing infected fungus cells from mating with each other. In greenhouse experiments, using this compound reduced disease symptoms from 80% infection down to 37%, and it didn’t harm the sugarcane plants. This provides a safe, natural way to control an important crop disease without using chemical pesticides.

Background

Sugarcane smut, caused by Sporisorium scitamineum, is a major global threat causing significant economic losses in sugarcane production. The disease requires sexual mating between haploid spores to produce pathogenic dikaryotic mycelia. China ranks fourth in sugar production with Guangxi contributing 92% of national output, yet sugarcane smut incidence ranges from 10-50% in affected areas.

Objective

To isolate and characterize a fungal strain that inhibits sexual mating of S. scitamineum and identify its active biocontrol compound. The study aimed to develop an eco-friendly biocontrol strategy targeting the mating process as an Achilles’ heel in controlling sugarcane smut disease.

Results

Strain P-6 was identified as Paramyrothecium sp. and produced verrucarin A (Ver-A) as the primary active antifungal compound. Ver-A inhibited S. scitamineum sexual mating at 8 μg/mL MIC by modulating gene expression at loci a and b, without killing haploid spores. Greenhouse experiments showed P-6 fermentation products reduced sugarcane smut incidence from 80% to 37% with no plant toxicity.

Conclusion

Verrucarin A effectively inhibits sexual mating of S. scitamineum by disrupting mating signals without affecting haploid spore viability, making strain P-6 a promising biocontrol agent. The findings provide a robust foundation for developing P-6 as a novel, safe, and eco-friendly biological control strategy against sugarcane smut disease.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40415909, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2426480
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