Ling Zhang, Yu Long, Long-Fei Li, Xiang-Wei Xin, Xiao-Di Chen, Xiang Zhou, Li-Wei Liu, Zhi-Bing Wu, Song Yang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The overreliance on traditional chemical fungicides, combined with the emergence of resistance, poses significant challenges for food safety. Early blight, caused by the fungal pathogen Alternaria solani (A. solani), is among the most significant contributors to pre- and postharvest yield losses in tomato cultivation. To address this challenge, through evaluation of the antifungal activity of 52 commercially available natural products against A. solani, we revealed for the first time that the naturally occurring compound genistein exhibited potent fungicidal activity against A. solani, with an EC50 value of 6.53 μg/mL, surpassing that of chlorothalonil (EC50 = 8.35 μg/mL). In vivo assays demonstrated that genistein exhibited strong protective (48.1 %) and therapeutic (42.5 %) efficacy, effectively safeguarding tomatoes from fungal infection. Mechanistic investigations, including transcriptomic analysis, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence imaging, and measurements of malondialdehyde and ATP levels, collectively indicated that genistein disrupted energy metabolism, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. This oxidative stress cascade triggered both apoptotic-like responses and membrane lipid peroxidation, ultimately inhibiting the growth of A. solani. Interestingly, genistein showed enhanced anti-A. solani activity when used in combination with either chlorothalonil or tebuconazole. Additionally, genistein displayed low phytotoxicity and favorable drug-likeness properties. Taken together, these findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying genistein's antifungal activity against A. solani, underscoring its promise as a natural antifungal agent for enhancing food safety and improving tomato yield and quality. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights for the rational design of flavonoid-based antifungal agents.
期刊介绍:
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology publishes original scientific articles pertaining to the mode of action of plant protection agents such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and similar compounds, including nonlethal pest control agents, biosynthesis of pheromones, hormones, and plant resistance agents. Manuscripts may include a biochemical, physiological, or molecular study for an understanding of comparative toxicology or selective toxicity of both target and nontarget organisms. Particular interest will be given to studies on the molecular biology of pest control, toxicology, and pesticide resistance.
Research Areas Emphasized Include the Biochemistry and Physiology of:
• Comparative toxicity
• Mode of action
• Pathophysiology
• Plant growth regulators
• Resistance
• Other effects of pesticides on both parasites and hosts.