Abstract
Fungicides are commonly used to manage plant pathogens. However, little is known about their effects on the non-target fungal communities that inhabit inside and outside the plant. These fungicides may have adverse effects on beneficial microbial communities with possible consequences for plant health and productivity. Hence, a metagenomic approach, based on the ITS2 region of fungal rDNA, was used to study the impact of foliar application of two fungicides (propineb and iprodione + carbendazim) on non-target tomato leaf fungal communities, in the context of early blight disease management. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the richness and diversity of tomato leaf fungal populations were adversely affected by the chemical treatments tested. Among the two fungicides, propineb (contact fungicide) imparted less non-targeted microorganisms than iprodione + carbendazim (systemic fungicide). In addition, all samples showed association of pathogenic genera Cladosporium, Corynespora, Pseudocercospora along with early blight pathogen Alternaria on tomato leaves that otherwise were undetected. Metagenomic studies also revealed a new mode of action for fungicides and bioagents besides their direct effect that is shifting the microbial community structure so that it provides greater resistance against the pathogen.
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Acknowledgements
The authors thank Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, India for providing the infrastructure and technical facilities.
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V. Sumbula and P. Sainamole Kurian conceived of or designed study. V. Sumbula performed research. V. Sumbula, D. Girija, and K. Anita Cherian analyzed data. V. Sumbula and P. Sainamole Kurian wrote the paper. As corresponding author, I confirm that the manuscript has been read and approved for submission by all the named authors.
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Sumbula, V., Kurian, P.S., Girija, D. et al. Impact of foliar application of fungicides on tomato leaf fungal community structure revealed by metagenomic analysis. Folia Microbiol 67, 103–108 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-021-00920-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-021-00920-x