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Activity and mode of action against fungal phytopathogens of bovine lactoferricin‐derived peptides
Author(s) -
Muñoz A.,
Marcos J.F.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03089.x
Subject(s) - penicillium digitatum , mode of action , biology , antimicrobial , mycelium , microbiology and biotechnology , fungicide , conidium , in vitro , amino acid , biochemistry , antimicrobial peptides , botany
Aim: To evaluate the activity against fungal phytopathogens of two synthetic peptides derived from the protein bovine lactoferricin: the antibacterial active core of six amino acid residues (LfcinB 20−25 ) and an extension of 15 amino acids (LfcinB 17−31 ). Methods and Results: In vitro activity against fungal pathogens was determined and compared with that against model micro‐organisms. Activity was demonstrated against fungi of agronomic relevance. Distinct antimicrobial properties in vitro were found for the two peptides. LfcinB 17−31 had growth inhibitory activity higher than LfcinB 20−25 . However, LfcinB 17−31 was not fungicidal to quiescent conidia of Penicillium digitatum at the concentrations assayed, while LfcinB 20−25 killed conidia more efficiently. Microscopical observations showed that the mycelium of P. digitatum treated with LfcinB 17−31 developed alterations of growth, sporulation and chitin deposition, and permeation of hyphal cells. In experimental inoculations of mandarins, both peptides showed limited protective effect against the disease caused by P. digitatum . Conclusions: LfcinB 20−25 and LfcinB 17−31 peptides were shown to have antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic filamentous fungi, with distinct properties and mode of action. Significance and Impact of the Study: LfcinB 20−25 and LfcinB 17−31 peptides offer novel alternatives to develop resistant plants by molecular breeding.