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The Antimicrobial Peptide Thanatin Reduces Fungal Infections in Arabidopsis
Author(s) -
Koch Aline,
Khalifa Walaa,
Langen Gregor,
Vilcinskas Andreas,
Kogel KarlHeinz,
Imani Jafargholi
Publication year - 2012
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 - 10.1111/j.1439-0434.2012.01946.x
Subject(s) - biology , botrytis cinerea , arabidopsis thaliana , botany , fusarium , microbiology and biotechnology , mycelium , colonization , arabidopsis , mutant , biochemistry , gene
We explored the antifungal activity of thanatin, a 21 amino acid synthetic peptide from the hemipteran spined soldier bug Podisus maculiventris , against the mycotoxin‐producing plant pathogenic ascomycete Fusarium graminearum . In vitro germination assays showed complete inhibition of macroconidia germination and mycelia growth by >10 μ m thanatin. Moreover, detached leaves of thanatin‐expressing Arabidopsis thaliana plants displayed enhanced resistance towards colonization with F. graminearum . Consistent with this, the plants showed also enhanced resistance of detached leaves to colonization with Botrytis cinerea . The results demonstrate a potential of thanatin for use in plant protection.