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Argovin, a novel natural product secreted by the fungus Meira argovae , is antagonistic to mites
Author(s) -
Paz Zahi,
Bilkis Itzhak,
Gerson Uri,
Kerem Zohar,
Sztejnberg Abraham
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
entomologia experimentalis et applicata
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1570-7458
pISSN - 0013-8703
DOI - 10.1111/j.1570-7458.2011.01155.x
Subject(s) - biology , acari , fungus , mite , metabolite , rust (programming language) , population , botany , microbiology and biotechnology , chromatography , biochemistry , chemistry , demography , sociology , computer science , programming language
A metabolite of the fungus Meira argovae Boekhout, Scorzetti, Gerson & Sztejnberg (Exobasidiomycetidae) was assayed as an antagonist of mites. Separation of extracted fungal metabolites by reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), with subsequent testing of the obtained fractions, allowed us to isolate a single mite‐antagonistic fraction (also active against a bacterium) that primarily includes one major component. This active compound (herein termed ‘argovin’) was identified by analyzing its spectral characteristics as 4,5‐dihydroxyindan‐1‐one, which has previously only been described as a product of chemical reactions. The growth rate of the fungus was higher at a neutral pH than at an acidic one. Meira argovae adjusts the pH of its media to values optimal for its colony growth and toxic secretions. RPLC‐cleaned argovin at 0.2 mg ml −1 killed 100% of a population of the citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead) (Acari: Eriophyidae). This trait may be used to control citrus rust mites in the field, as well as for toxin production for industrial and pharmaceutical uses.