Resistance Screening and Targeted Metabolomics Identify Potential Biomarkers for Resistance in African Eggplant Against Fusarium elaeidis Wilt

Benjamin Azu Okorley ¹, Sabine Ravnskov ², Francis C Brentu ³

⁰Department of Crop Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana-Legon, Accra, Ghana.

Physiologia Plantarum +

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October 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers identified partially resistant African eggplant (AEP) genotypes against Fusarium wilt (Foe). Resistant AEPs and Solanum melongena showed distinct phenylpropanoid and phytohormone changes, unlike susceptible ones, revealing species-specific defense mechanisms.

Area Of Science

Plant Pathology
Plant Biochemistry
Genetics

Background

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium elaeidis (Foe), poses a significant threat to African eggplant (AEP) production.
Developing Foe-resistant AEP genotypes is crucial for crop security.

Purpose Of The Study

To identify AEP genotypes with partial resistance to Foe.
To analyze phenylpropanoid metabolite and phytohormone alterations associated with Foe resistance in AEP and Solanum melongena.

Main Methods

Screening of 50 AEP accessions and one Solanum melongena against two Foe isolates.
Targeted metabolite analysis of resistant and susceptible genotypes at 7, 14, and 21 days post-inoculation.

Main Results

Two wild AEP accessions (V37, V181) and one S. melongena (AUB) exhibited partial resistance.
Resistant genotypes (AUB, V37) displayed unique temporal metabolic reprogramming, including increased hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, methyl jasmonate, coumaric acid, and ferulic acid, and decreased abscisic acid.
Susceptible genotype (V64) showed an early decline in IAA, while both resistant and susceptible genotypes induced salicylic acid, with higher accumulation in resistant V37.

Conclusions

Partial resistance to Foe in AEP and S. melongena involves distinct phenylpropanoid and phytohormone modulation.
Defense responses in resistant genotypes are species-specific and differ from susceptible responses.
Understanding these metabolic shifts provides insights into plant defense mechanisms against Fusarium wilt.

Keywords:

Fusarium wilt eggplant phytohormones resistance secondary metabolite