DNA Polymerase Theta Regulates the Growth and Development of Fusarium acuminatum and Its Virulence on Alfalfa

Yuqing Jing, Jian Yang, Renyi Ma, Bo Lan, Siyang Li, Qian Zhang, Fang K. Du (), Qianqian Guo () and Kangquan Yin
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Yuqing Jing: School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Jian Yang: School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Renyi Ma: Yunnan Key Laboratory of Biodiversity of Gaoligong Mountain, Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland, Kunming 650204, China
Bo Lan: School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Siyang Li: School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Qian Zhang: Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730050, China
Fang K. Du: School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Qianqian Guo: School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Kangquan Yin: School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-14

Abstract: Fusarium acuminatum is a major pathogenic fungus causing root rot in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ). DNA polymerase theta is known to play a crucial role in repairing DNA double-strand breaks. However, its biological function in F. acuminatum remains unknown. In this study, the POLQ gene was deleted by homologous recombination using Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation. Compared to the wild type (with the POLQ gene), the mutants (without the POLQ gene) showed significant phenotypic changes: they produced brown-yellow pigments instead of pink, slowed mycelial growth, and exhibited changes in macroconidia size and shape. The virulence of the mutants was greatly reduced, inducing only mild symptoms in alfalfa. In addition, FITC-WGA staining showed impaired spore germination and hyphal growth. These results suggest that POLQ is a key gene regulating growth and development of F. acuminatum , indicating that DNA repair may play an essential role in the pathogenicity of the pathogen in alfalfa. The POLQ gene could thus be a promising target for limiting F. acuminatum infections in alfalfa.

Keywords: Fusarium biology; DNA repair; Medicago sativa; root rot; mutant; pathogenicity; POLQ gene (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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