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Novel secondary metabolite from a new species of Hypoxylon saxatilis sp. nov. for suppressing bacterial wilt in tomato

Summary

Scientists discovered a new type of fungus called Hypoxylon saxatilis that produces a natural compound called tetrahydrofuran. This compound effectively kills the bacteria that cause tomato plants to wilt and die. When used on tomato plants in the greenhouse, this fungal extract reduced disease severity by over 83%, offering a safer, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting crops.

Background

Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt disease in tomatoes, leading to significant yield reduction. Endophytic fungi from medicinal plants represent a promising source for biocontrol agents. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi against R. solanacearum.

Objective

To isolate and identify endophytic fungi from medicinal plants and determine their ability to produce bioactive compounds for controlling R. solanacearum. To evaluate the potential of isolated compounds to protect tomato plants from bacterial wilt infection under greenhouse conditions.

Results

Two Hypoxylon isolates showed antagonistic activity against R. solanacearum. H. saxatilis KKU-KHP 01 was identified as a new fungal species producing tetrahydrofuran, a novel compound not previously reported as a natural secondary metabolite. Under greenhouse conditions, the crude extract reduced wilt disease severity by 83.33%, with SEM showing tetrahydrofuran caused bacterial cell wall damage.

Conclusion

Hypoxylon saxatilis KKU-KHP 01 produces tetrahydrofuran, which exhibits strong antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum by disrupting bacterial cell wall integrity. Tetrahydrofuran shows promise as a biocontrol agent for managing bacterial wilt in tomato cultivation and can be developed as a commercial biocontrol product for sustainable agriculture.
  • Published in:Current Research in Microbial Science,
  • Study Type:Laboratory and Greenhouse Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40746379, DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100445
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