Chestnut flower extract as a natural inhibitor of Fusarium graminearum: antifungal activity and mechanisms
BACKGROUND
Plant pathogenic fungi are a major contributor to reductions in crop yield and quality, posing significant challenges to global food security. The extensive application of chemical fungicides has led to the development of resistance in pathogenic fungi and the accumulation of harmful residues, which threaten environmental sustainability and human health. Plant-derived fungicides, with low toxicity and broad-spectrum activity, offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.
RESULTS
This study evaluated the antifungal activity of chestnut flower extract (CFE) against Fusarium graminearum (FG) and investigated its underlying mechanisms through cellular and transcriptomic analyses. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) identified phenolic acids and flavonoids as the primary active constituents of CFE. CFE inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination with median effective concentration (EC50) values of 2.51 and 0.39 mg mL−1, respectively. It disrupted biofilm integrity and membrane permeability by reducing ergosterol content, increasing extracellular conductivity, and affecting malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Protein and nucleic acid leakage were observed. Additionally, CFE inhibited energy metabolism by reducing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and suppressing the activities of key respiratory enzymes, including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed that CFE affected multiple biological processes in FG, including cell structure, protein synthesis, ion transport and mitochondrial function.
期刊介绍:
Pest Management Science is the international journal of research and development in crop protection and pest control. Since its launch in 1970, the journal has become the premier forum for papers on the discovery, application, and impact on the environment of products and strategies designed for pest management.
Published for SCI by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.