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Lauric Acid Exhibits Antifungal Activity Against Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Author(s) -
Walters D. R.,
Walker R. L.,
Walker K. C.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of phytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0434
pISSN - 0931-1785
DOI - 10.1046/j.1439-0434.2003.00713.x
Subject(s) - pythium ultimum , lauric acid , rhizoctonia solani , biology , mycelium , blumeria graminis , botany , inoculation , agar , microbiology and biotechnology , fatty acid , food science , horticulture , bacteria , biochemistry , plant disease resistance , gene , genetics
This study aimed at examining the effects of the saturated fatty acid lauric acid on mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum and on infection of barley seedlings with Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei . Mycelial growth of R. solani and P. ultimum in agar culture was significantly reduced by lauric acid at concentrations of 100 μ m and above, while no fungal growth occurred in liquid culture at concentrations above 50 μ m . Application of lauric acid at concentrations ranging from 250 to 1000 μ m to barley leaves before or after inoculation with B. graminis f. sp. hordei led to significant reductions in infection. This study provides the first report of the activity of lauric acid against plant pathogenic fungi and indicates the need for investigation of its mechanism of action.