Abstract
Representatives of some fifteen fungal species were analysed for acyclic polyols (PLs) using gas-liquid chromatography (glc). While Phytophthora infestans and Plasmopara viticola did not synthesize any PLs, all other fungi studied, among which are Neocallimastix patriciarum and Piromonas communis , contained at least one PL. Except these two, the other fungi analysed — mostly phytopathogenic Deuteromycotina and Ascomycotina — accumulated mannitol as the major PL; in some of them, arabitol and erythritol were also present. Material from phytopathogenic associations (infected leaves) exhibited the same PL composition as the axenically-grown fungus. These results provide additional support for the hypothesis raised earlier of an extremely conservative nature of the PL-type of a fungus (in the present context: no PLs in Oomycetes; mannitol in Ascomycotina and Deuteromycotina). Accounting for the known constancy of mannitol formation in fungi under various environmental conditions, its likely physiological essentiality as well as its general absence in higher plants, the synthesis of mannitol suggests itself as a target for the design of antifungals in agriculture.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
