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Vernicia fordii leaf extract inhibited anthracnose growth by downregulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitro and in vivo

Summary

Researchers found that leaves from the tung tree (Vernicia fordii) contain natural compounds that effectively kill a fungus (Colletotrichum fructicola) that damages oil tea plants. The extract works by increasing harmful oxidative stress in fungal cells and turning off genes the fungus needs to survive. This explains why farmers have successfully grown these trees together for centuries to naturally reduce disease.

Background

Colletotrichum fructicola causes anthracnose in Camellia oleifera, resulting in up to 50% crop failure. Traditional intercropping of Vernicia fordii with C. oleifera enhances anthracnose resistance, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of V. fordii leaf extract against the fungal pathogen.

Objective

To identify the antimicrobial alkaloid components in V. fordii leaf extract and elucidate the mechanism by which it inhibits C. fructicola growth through ROS regulation and gene expression analysis.

Results

V. fordii leaf extract contained trigonelline, stachydrine, betaine, and O-phosphocholine. At 600 µg/mL, extract inhibited C. fructicola growth by over 80%, increased ROS and MDA levels by 1.75 and 2.05 times respectively, and damaged cellular integrity. Antifungal function depended mainly on downregulation of RAB7 and HAC1 gene expression.

Conclusion

V. fordii leaf extract potently inhibits C. fructicola by penetrating mycelium, elevating ROS and MDA levels, and downregulating key pathogenic genes RAB7 and HAC1. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing novel plant anthracnose inhibitors using V. fordii extracts.
  • Published in:PeerJ,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39056057, DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17607
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