Effect of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extract on Growth of Fusarium graminearum and the Expression of TRI4 and FG08079 Genes of the Fungus

Abstract

Introduction: Fusarium graminearum produces trichothecenes, such as deoxynivalenol and secondary metabolite butenolide, which cause profound health problems in humans. In this research, the effect of acetone extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa is evaluated on growth of F. graminearum and expression of TRI4 and FG08079 genes, which are involved in deoxynivalenol and butenolide biosynthetic pathways, respectively. Methods: Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined. The expression of TRI4 and FG08079 genes were evaluated by teal-time PCR technique.Results: The MIC and MFC for acetone extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa against F. graminearum were 200 mg/mL and 400 mg/mL, respectively. Expression of TRI4 and FG08079 genes were significantly decreased by the acetone extract of red tea. Conclusion: The results showed that acetone extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa has inhibitory and fungicidal effects on F. graminearum and is effective in reducing the expression of TRI4 and FG08079 genes, which play important roles in deoxynivalenol and butenolide production.