Persistence of the antifungal capacity of a fraction of Jacquinia macrocarpa plant against Fusarium verticillioides after continuous exposure

This study aimed to determine the ability of Fusarium verticillioides in developing mechanisms to counteract the antifungal effect of a fraction from Jacquinia macrocarpa plant extract (JmAF), as well as the morphological and physiological changes that occur during its exposure. The fungus was exposed to JmAF during consecutive periods. A culture sample was taken weekly to determine radial growth, spore germination and size, and fungal β-1,3-glucanase activity. The results showed that, in the beginning, the radial growth decreased by 85.8%, and spore germination was delayed. As the exposure continued, the fungus showed a recovery, to some extent, in its original characteristics. However, the radial growth of the fungus continued to be inhibited (42.9%) throughout the experiment (7 weeks). The β-1,3-glucanase activity also was inhibited by 36.4% during the first week of exposure to JmAF. However, the activity was recovered after 7 weeks of exposure.