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Updated: Sep 19, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating Fungal Pathogenicity Mechanisms in Maize
06:12

Author Spotlight: Investigating Fungal Pathogenicity Mechanisms in Maize

Published on: September 15, 2023

1.9K

Biofilm characterisation of the maize rot-causing pathogen, Fusarium verticillioides

Chizné Peremore1,2, Cairin van 't Hof1, Cebo-LeNkosi Nkosi1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa.

Biofouling
|June 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Fusarium verticillioides forms structured biofilms with a dense extracellular matrix, aiding its survival and pathogenicity in maize. Understanding this fungal biofilm is key to developing control strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Microbial Ecology

Background:

  • Fusarium verticillioides is a significant pathogen causing rot in maize.
  • Fungal biofilms contribute to microbial adaptation, survival, and pathogenicity.
  • Understanding biofilm formation is crucial for managing plant diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro biofilm formation of Fusarium verticillioides.
  • To characterize the structural components and properties of the fungal biofilm.
  • To explore the influence of environmental factors on biofilm development.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro cultivation of Fusarium verticillioides.
  • Microscopic analysis of biofilm structure and extracellular matrix (ECM).
  • Physicochemical characterization of exopolysaccharides and eDNA.

Main Results:

  • Fusarium verticillioides forms structured, adherent biofilms with a dense ECM.
  • Exopolysaccharides (4.19 nm hydrodynamic diameter, low viscosity) stabilize biofilms via complexation with eDNA.
  • Biofilm formation is influenced by pH and temperature, enhancing fungal survival.

Conclusions:

  • Fusarium verticillioides exhibits complex biofilm formation crucial for its persistence and pathogenicity.
  • The study provides foundational insights into fungal biofilm structure and stress resistance.
  • Further research using in planta systems is warranted to understand pathogenicity.
Keywords:
BiofilmFusarium verticillioidesextracellular DNAextracellular polymeric substancesvirulence factors

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