Secondary metabolite gene clusters arrangement and conservation within the genome ofStemphylium lycopersicicodes the pathways for the synthesis of specific and non-specific toxins

The aim of this work was to study the gene clusters that code for secondary metabolites within the genome ofStemphylium lycopersiciand evaluate their toxicity in plant tissue since they are probably responsible for the necrotrophic symptoms provoked byS. lycopersicion plants of the Solanaceae family. We analyzed the draft genome sequences using the antiSMASH software to identify potentially toxic molecules that might be produced byS. lycopersici, and studied the activity of secreted compounds on tomato leaflet and pepper leaves. We found more than 30 gene clusters involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites.Stemphylium lycopersicisecreted compounds that provoked necrosis on tomato leaflets as well as on pepper leaves. In conclusion,S. lycopersicihave the potential to produce different secondary metabolites including host-specific and non-host-specific toxins (HST and non-HST) as well as compounds that might confer advantages for their development and survival, under certain environmental conditions. Secondary metabolite gene clusters arrangement and conservation within the genome ofStemphylium lycopersicicodes the pathways for the synthesis of specific and non-specific toxins.

Automated summary

The study showed that Stemphylium lycopersici has the potential to produce various secondary metabolites, including harmful substances and compounds beneficial for its development and survival. These compounds can induce necrosis on tomato leaflets and pepper leaves, indicating their toxic effects on plant tissues.