Antifungal Activity of Chaetoviridin A from Chaetomium globosum CEF-082 Metabolites Against Verticillium dahliae in Cotton

Cotton Verticillium wilt (CVW) is a severe soilborne disease caused by the pathogen Verticillium dahliae, and it has a great impact on cotton production. Previous studies found that the biocontrol agent Chaetomium globosum CEF-082 and its metabolic filtrate could reduce the incidence of CVW; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The metabolic crude extract of CEF-082 increased the sensitivity of V. dahliae to stress, degraded the cell wall of V. dahliae, and increased the emergence and plant height of cotton. Through separation and purification of the metabolic crude extract of CEF-082, chaetoviridin A was identified and found to be highly active against V. dahliae. The compound caused cell necrosis and mycelial deformation, increased the production of reactive oxygen species and nitrous oxide, and inhibited the germination of microsclerotia of V. dahliae, enhancing the cotton plant defense response. In addition, CEF-082 also colonized cotton plants.

Automated summary

The biocontrol agent CEF-082 and its metabolic products can reduce the incidence of Cotton Verticillium wilt and enhance the sensitivity of Verticillium dahliae to stress. The active compound chaetoviridin A is highly effective against V. dahliae and enhances the defense response of cotton plants.