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Fungus Fights Wheat's Toughest Disease
9 Oct
Summary
- Naturally occurring fungus suppresses destructive STB wheat disease.
- STB resistance to chemicals is growing, posing a food security threat.
- Fungus Chaetomium globosum significantly reduces STB lesions and spores.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring fungus within wheat seeds that could offer vital protection against Septoria tritici blotch (STB), a major global wheat disease. This fungus, known as Chaetomium globosum, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to suppress STB, which is increasingly resistant to chemical fungicides and poses a significant threat to food security.
The study revealed that Chaetomium globosum can reduce STB lesions on wheat leaves by 74% and inhibit the production of disease-spreading spores by 82%. This finding is particularly significant for Northern Europe, including the UK, Germany, France, and Denmark, which are heavily impacted by STB due to favorable climate conditions.
Scientists are exploring multiple ways this beneficial fungus operates. It appears to prime the plant's natural defenses, secrete antifungal compounds that directly attack the STB pathogen, and may even promote plant growth by producing beneficial substances like ammonia and auxin. Further research is ongoing to isolate the specific antifungal compounds and genetic pathways involved.
Future applications could involve coating seeds with the fungus before planting or developing a spray-on treatment. This natural solution presents a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides, addressing environmental concerns and the rising costs associated with crop protection. Field trials will be crucial to determine its widespread viability for farmers.
