Semester of Graduation

Summer 2026

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Crop diseases caused by fungal pathogens account for approximately 10–20% of annual agricultural losses worldwide. Management of these diseases relies heavily on fungicide applications; however, their effectiveness is increasingly limited by the emergence of resistant fungal populations, adverse effects on non-target organisms, and stricter environmental and health regulations. These challenges highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. Plant-derived lipid biosynthetic and metabolic inhibitors represent promising, environmentally friendly substitutes for fungicides that can be used as new tools for disease management. This study aimed to determine their optimal dosages for antifungal activity in vitro, efficacy for disease reduction, and identify their molecular targets. Through in vitro and in planta assays, we identified several plant-derived natural lipid biosynthetic and metabolic inhibitors, including flavonoids and terpenes, that effectively suppressed fungal growth and disease development. These compounds suppressed several important diseases, such as gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea and an emerging strawberry disease caused by Neopestalotiopsis spp. Additionally, a fatty acid demonstrated inhibitory effects against southern blight caused by Agroathelia rolfsii. To elucidate their mode of action, we employed the Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS) assay, which enabled the identification of candidate target proteins that bind to the selected compounds. These proteins are involved in central metabolic pathways and may play key roles in disrupting fungal cellular metabolism. Furthermore, we found the flavonoid and terpene treatments could induce defense priming in plants, enhancing resistance responses against future infection. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the antifungal activity of plant-derived compounds and highlight their potential as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides for sustainable disease management.

Date

7-27-2026

Committee Chair

Huang, Chien Yu

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

Download

Available for download on Wednesday, July 13, 2033

Included in

Agriculture Commons

Share

COinS