Abstract
Aspergillus niger is a dangerous pathogen for many plants. It is a major cause of the destruction, rotting and decomposition of plant tissues. Toxicity caused by A. niger can be inhibited by mutation decreasing the destructive effect on plants. An 18S rDNA molecular tool was used to identify A. niger strains. Sodium azide (NaN3) is a chemical mutagen that disturbs fungal enzymatic activity and causes microbial production of cellulose-degrading enzymes, decreasing mycotoxin production. Different concentrations of sodium azide were used to treat A. niger (30, 40 and 50 µM). The study was designed on two levels: the first level concerned the mutant A. niger’s mode of action: the higher the mutagen concentration, the lower the growth diameter and spore counts. The mutant A. niger’s total proteins and flavonoids were reduced when compared to control. RAPD-PCR showed genetic variation in the genetic content of mutant fungi compared to control resulting in a polymorphism percentage of 78.56%. The second level included the effect of these mutants on two plants (onion and maize). The greater the increase in mutant concentration, the greater the increase in the plants’ morphological and physiological behavior. In conclusion, mutation reduced fungal activity and strengthened plant resistance.
Highlights
Aspergillus niger is used in industrial fermentation for production in several industrial fields, including the food industry
Different sodium azide mutagen concentrations were prepared to affect the bioactivity of Aspergillus niger
The molecular identification results obtained from 18S rDNA and sequencing showed that the tested fungus was Aspergillus niger (Figure 2)
Summary
Aspergillus niger is used in industrial fermentation for production in several industrial fields, including the food industry. A. niger is a serious plant pathogen and produces many mycotoxins (e.g., ochratoxins and aflatoxins) that contaminant foodstuffs (e.g., groundnut, maize, onion, etc.). Fungal pathogenicity is related to the mechanism of mycotoxin effect; it allows the fungus to invade the tissue environment and boosts the host’s defense lytic activity. Proteinases, lipases, and phospholipases are among the hydrolytic enzymes produced by fungi in culture conditions. These enzymes have a role in fungal pathogenesis and harm the host cells. Tissue invasion, and nutrient delivery in a confined environment are all aided by these enzymes [7]
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