Characterization of Mutant Aspergillus niger and the Impact on Certain Plants

Eman Tawfik, Mohammed Alqurashi, Salman Aloufi, Amal Alyamani, Lina Baz and Eman Fayad
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Eman Tawfik: Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
Mohammed Alqurashi: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Taif University, Al-Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia
Salman Aloufi: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Taif University, Al-Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia
Amal Alyamani: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Taif University, Al-Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia
Lina Baz: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science—King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Eman Fayad: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Taif University, Al-Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: Aspergillus niger is a dangerous pathogen for many plants. It is a major cause of the destruction, rotting and decomposition of plant tissues. Toxicity caused by A. niger can be inhibited by mutation decreasing the destructive effect on plants. An 18S rDNA molecular tool was used to identify A. niger strains. Sodium azide (NaN 3 ) is a chemical mutagen that disturbs fungal enzymatic activity and causes microbial production of cellulose-degrading enzymes, decreasing mycotoxin production. Different concentrations of sodium azide were used to treat A. niger (30, 40 and 50 µM). The study was designed on two levels: the first level concerned the mutant A. niger’s mode of action: the higher the mutagen concentration, the lower the growth diameter and spore counts. The mutant A. niger’s total proteins and flavonoids were reduced when compared to control. RAPD-PCR showed genetic variation in the genetic content of mutant fungi compared to control resulting in a polymorphism percentage of 78.56%. The second level included the effect of these mutants on two plants (onion and maize). The greater the increase in mutant concentration, the greater the increase in the plants’ morphological and physiological behavior. In conclusion, mutation reduced fungal activity and strengthened plant resistance.

Keywords: Aspergillus niger; Allium cepa L.; Zea mays L.; mutation; sodium azide; genotoxicity; RAPD-PCR; proteins; 18S rDNA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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