Peihan Shu (she/her/hers)
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI, USA
Alexander J. Lawrence
University of Wisconsin-Madison
madison, Wisconsin, United States
Yasi Kiani
University of Wisconsin-Madison
madison, Wisconsin, United States
Olivia Knopke-Mooney
University of Wisconsin-Madison
madison, Wisconsin, United States
Evelyn Zadzilka
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Carol Groves
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Damon L. Smith, n/a
Professor
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Aurelie Rakotondrafara
University ofWisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI, USA
The rise of fungicide resistance requires novel strategies for combatting fungal pathogens. Hypovirulent mycoviruses offer a promising potential for developing sustainable bio-fungicides. Using anti-microbial prediction tool and bioassays, we identified the replication-associated protein (REP) of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum hypovirulent-associated DNA virus 1 (SsHADV1) as a natural anti-fungal agent against economically significant fungal plant pathogen: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The expression of REP in plants directly restricts fungal growth and reduces oxalic acid production, an essential factor for fungal pathogenicity. Using engineered Bacillus subtilis as an anti-fungal delivery platform, the secretion of REP effectively reduced S. sclerotiorum growth (P< 0.05) and protected sunflower plants from root rot infection caused by white mold. Additionally, applying REP enhances fungal susceptibility to sublethal fungicide concentrations. This method offers an innovative approach to deliver biomolecules as part of a novel control strategy against fungal pathogens, bypassing the need for transgenic plant creation.