Novel Lead Compound Discovery from Aspergillus fumigatus 1T-2against Meloidogyne incognita Based on a Chemical Ecology Study

:to replace biohazardous nematicides, there is an ever-increasing need to identify natural product-based agents tocontain root-knot nematodes (RKNs) in agriculture. In this chemical ecology study, an antagonistic fungusAspergillus fumigatus1T-2, which could cause the formation of withering of the gut and vacuole-like structures in the nematode body, was isolated based onthe gradually increased antagonistic interactions between the soil fungi and RKNs. Based on these typical morphologicalcharacteristics, a potent nematode-antagonistic compound 2-furoic acid, which had a simple structure, was successfully identifiedfrom 1T-2 fermentation broth by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). 2-Furoic acid showed effective mortalityactivityin vitro, of which the LC50value toMegalaima incognitaat 24 h was 37.75 mu g/mL. 2-Furoic acid had similar mortality activityto the positive control fosthiazate at 30 mu g/mL. Continuous 2-furoic acid exposure had obvious negative influences on bothnematode vitality and egg hatchability. Notably, significant variations were observed in nematodes and eggs with 2-furoic acidtreatment, which might be induced by novel nematocidal mechanisms. Furthermore, the 1T-2 fermentation broth and 2-furoic acidhad significant control efficacy onM. incognitaunder the greenhouse test-tube assay. Overall, thesefindings provide valuable insightsinto the use of 2-furoic acid with biocontrol potential as a preferable lead structure for the development of innovative nematicides

Automated summary

In this study, an antagonistic fungus with the ability to inhibit root-knot nematodes (RKNs) was isolated, and a compound called 2-furoic acid was identified as a potential nematode-antagonistic agent. 2-furoic acid exhibited effective mortality activity against RKNs and had negative effects on nematode vitality and egg hatchability. In greenhouse tests, the fungus fermentation broth and 2-furoic acid showed significant control efficacy against RKNs.