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Sustainable Biocontrol of Agave Vascular Wilt Using an Inactivated Mycelial Formulation from the Mangrove Endophyte
Albert D Patiño1, Javier Plasencia1, Sandip Das2
1Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
Abstract:
The genus Fusarium comprises several plant pathogenic species, some of which are etiological agents of vascular wilt in agave plants, inducing systemic necrosis across the roots, caudex (cone), and foliar tissues. Such disease compromises host vigor and biomass productivity, ultimately reducing the organoleptic quality of fermented and distilled derivatives, including mezcal, tequila, and other distillates. Thus, as part of our ongoing bioprospecting efforts in unexplored areas of Mexico, the chemical study of the organic extract from a solid-state fermentation culture of the manglicolous endophyte fungus Talaromyces islandicus M31, isolated in the Punta Sur Ecological Park in Cozumel Island Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, led to the separation of eight anthraquinone derivatives active against the agave pathogens Fusarium incarnatum (CRT-153 and CRT-197), Fusarium proliferatum (CRT-142), and Fusarium oxysporum (CRT-098 and CRT-214). Among the molecules tested, the bisdihydroanthraquinone (-)-luteoskyrin (6) exhibited the strongest growth-inhibitory activity, which was also measured over a two-month span. Through macromolecule leakage assay and scanning electron microscopy, we found that (-)-luteoskyrin (6) disrupted membrane integrity in F. incarnatum. Furthermore, a simple formulation consisting of inactivated T. islandicus M31 mycelium was tested in vivo to control Fusarium infection in agave. The results suggest that (-)-luteoskyrin (6) acts synergistically with other components, resulting in remarkable anti-Fusarium activity and demonstrating its efficacy and advantages for pest management.
Insights
A novel compound, (-)-luteoskyrin, derived from the fungus Talaromyces islandicus, effectively inhibits Fusarium pathogens that cause agave vascular wilt. This discovery offers a promising natural solution for protecting agave crops and preserving the quality of derived spirits.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Mycology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Fusarium species are significant pathogens causing vascular wilt in agave plants.
- This disease negatively impacts plant health, biomass, and the quality of spirits like tequila and mezcal.
- Bioprospecting in unexplored regions of Mexico is crucial for discovering novel biocontrol agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify bioactive compounds from the endophyte fungus Talaromyces islandicus M31.
- To evaluate the antifungal activity of these compounds against key agave Fusarium pathogens.
- To investigate the mechanism of action of the most potent compound and its potential for in vivo application.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state fermentation of Talaromyces islandicus M31 followed by organic extract analysis.
- Chromatographic separation and spectroscopic methods for compound identification.
- In vitro antifungal assays, macromolecule leakage assays, and scanning electron microscopy.
- In vivo testing of a formulation containing inactivated fungal mycelium.
Main Results:
- Eight anthraquinone derivatives were isolated, with (-)-luteoskyrin (6) showing the strongest inhibitory activity against Fusarium incarnatum, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium oxysporum.
- (-)-Luteoskyrin was found to disrupt the membrane integrity of Fusarium incarnatum.
- A formulation of inactivated Talaromyces islandicus M31 mycelium demonstrated efficacy in controlling Fusarium infection in vivo, suggesting synergistic effects.
Conclusions:
- (-)-Luteoskyrin is a potent natural inhibitor of agave Fusarium pathogens.
- The endophyte Talaromyces islandicus M31 is a valuable source of bioactive compounds for agricultural applications.
- This research provides a promising, natural-based strategy for managing Fusarium wilt in agave, safeguarding crop yield and quality.
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