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The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus acts as a predator of the olive anthracnose-causing fungi, Colletotrichum nymphaeae, C. godetiae, and C. gloeosporioides

Summary

Researchers discovered that a yeast called Wickerhamomyces anomalus can effectively control olive anthracnose, a fungal disease that damages olive crops. The yeast acts like a predator, sticking to the fungal hyphae, wrapping them in a sticky substance, and draining their contents. This finding offers a greener alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting olive trees before harvest.

Background

Olive tree anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum fungi species, causes severe economic losses to olive production. Current control relies on chemical fungicides which promote environmental contamination and fungal resistance. Yeasts have emerged as promising biocontrol agents for fungal infections.

Objective

To identify and characterize the antagonistic mechanisms of yeast strains against three olive anthracnose-causing Colletotrichum species (C. nymphaeae, C. godetiae, and C. gloeosporioides), with focus on Wickerhamomyces anomalus as a potential biocontrol agent.

Results

W. anomalus strains demonstrated the strongest antagonism against all three Colletotrichum species. Antagonism did not depend on volatile compounds, siderophores, or diffusible compounds, but rather on direct cell-to-cell contact involving yeast adhesion to hyphae, extracellular matrix secretion, and hyphal emptying. Yeasts were observed packed inside emptied C. godetiae hyphae, indicating necrotrophic mycoparasitism and predation.

Conclusion

W. anomalus acts as a predator of olive anthracnose-causing fungi through necrotrophic mycoparasitism, supporting its potential application as a living biofungicide and biocontrol agent for preharvest control of olive anthracnose.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Fungal Biology,
  • Study Type:In vitro Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39355316, PMC: PMC11443700
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