Molecular basis of the antimicrobial activity of the floral defensin, NaD1, for the plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum.

丝状真菌是导致世界范围内毁灭性作物损失和食物腐败的许多主要植物病害的原因。目前，对许多这些疾病没有抗性品种或适当的化学防治。植物防御素NaD 1可以阻止许多病原体的生长，包括枯萎病真菌尖孢镰刀菌和灰葡萄孢，并已被证明可以保护转基因棉花免受温室和田间试验中的真菌感染。NaD 1在作物真菌病害的持久、广谱防治中具有潜在的应用价值。这将为澳大利亚带来环境和经济效益。

Filamentous fungi are responsible for many major plant diseases that result in devastating crop losses and food spoilage world wide. Currently there are no resistant cultivars or adequate chemical controls for many of these diseases. The plant defensin, NaD1, stops the growth of many pathogens, including the recalcitrant fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea, and has been shown to protect transgenic cotton against fungal infection in glasshouse and field trials. NaD1 has potential application for durable, broad spectrum fungal disease control in crops. This will lead to both environmental and economic benefits to Australia.