# Antifungal Mechanism of 4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone Against Fusarium solani

## TL;DR

This study identifies a compound from bacteria that effectively fights the plant pathogen Fusarium solani by damaging its cell membrane and mitochondria.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the discovery of RK's antifungal mechanism against F. solani through membrane and mitochondrial disruption.

## Key findings

- RK suppresses Fusarium solani growth effectively.
- RK disrupts cell membranes and mitochondrial function in the fungus.
- RK induces reactive oxygen species accumulation in fungal cells.

## Abstract

Fusarium solani, a widely distributed plant pathogenic fungus, poses a significant threat to various crops due to its complex pathogenic mechanisms and being difficult to control. In this study, LC–TOF–MS analysis identified 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone (RK) as a metabolite detected in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain M1, and a commercially available RK standard was subsequently used to evaluate its antifungal activity against F. solani. Antifungal assays demonstrated that RK effectively suppressed fungal growth. Further physiological and biochemical assays confirmed that RK disrupts the cell membrane and mitochondrial function, leading to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. This study offers new perspectives on the antifungal mechanism of RK and offers theoretical support for the development of innovative agricultural disease management strategies.