International research led by Australia has pinpointed a weapon used by fungi to damage food crops, a finding that could enhance global food security.
A study published by the Australian National University (ANU) revealed that an enzyme known as "NUDIX hydrolase" is utilized by various fungal pathogens to infect plants. Previous studies indicated that fungal diseases result in annual crop losses of 10 to 23 percent for farmers worldwide.
The research team, which included experts from Germany's RWTH Aachen University and Louisiana State University, stated that understanding the enzyme's role in plant infections could lead to the creation of more resilient crops, such as rice, fruits, and vegetables, that are better protected against diseases.
Carl McCombe, who led the study as part of his PhD at ANU, explained that the enzyme manipulates molecular pathways, deceiving plants into believing they have a phosphate deficiency. This triggers a response similar to starvation, allowing the pathogen to bypass the plant's natural immune defenses and cause disease.
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