Big thanks to the team @Rothamsted, collaborators, and funders @BBSRC as part of the Growing Health Institute Strategic Programme.
Feedback welcome!
#preprint #microbiology #secondarymetabolites #genomemining #plantpathology

Our approach links in vitro antifungal activity with genome mining, enabling prioritisation of BGCs based on observed antagonism. This could help uncover novel biosynthetic gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites active against Z. tritici and other pathogens. 🌿🧬

Using genome sequencing + antiSMASH, we identified BGCs from antagonistic Pseudomonas strains, including one encoding the production of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG).
Mutating phlD confirmed its role in antifungal activity. 🔬

💡 We found significant variation in Z. tritici sensitivity to bacterial antagonism —suggesting it could exist as a quantitative trait within natural Z. tritici populations.

We screened a panel of Pseudomonas isolates using a high-throughput in vitro antagonism assay against Z. tritici, enabling both qualitative and quantitative assessments of antifungal activity.