Elucidating the potential of bioactive of Trichoderma sp.. in combating pathogenesis by Fusarium sp.. by targeting...

Pectin lyase is an industrially important enzyme, predominately used in fruit juice clarification and retting of fibers. It also promotes pathogenesis via the degradation of the pectin. The phytopathogen, Fusarium infects various crops and causes several diseases. Trichoderma sp. is a promising biocontrol agent that is vital in maintaining plant health and disease prevention. In the current study, a computational approach utilizing structure prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and MM-PBSA analysis was used to analyze the potential role of bioactive compounds secreted by Trichoderma sp. in inhibiting the pectin lyase enzyme from Fusarium proliferatum, F. fujikuroi, F. graminearum, F. oxysporum and F. verticillioides. Molecular docking with secondary metabolites revealed that Viridiofungin A secreted by Trichoderma harzianum and Virone secreted by T. virens are bioactive compounds with immense potential to inhibit PNLs of Fusarium species. Further, the rigidity of the structure and stability of the docked complex were confirmed via Molecular dynamic simulations assessed through multiple parameters from the simulation trajectory data. Dual culture assay of T. harzianum and T. virens with F. proliferatum, F. fujikuroi, F. graminearum, F. oxysporum, and F. verticillioides showed variable mycelial inhibition. The research provides insight into the potential of the bioactive compounds secreted by Trichoderma species as an effective agent for the inhibition of pectin lyases produced by phytopathogens, especially Fusarium species. The proposed research can be used to develop bioformulations that function as biopesticides, offering a sustainable replacement for chemical products.