Researchers Explore Spermine as Sustainable Alternative to Synthetic Fungicides in Wheat Cultivation

Scientists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences have identified spermine as a potential seed treatment to enhance wheat resilience against biotic stresses, including fungal pathogens from the genus *Fusarium*. This research aims to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides, which face resistance issues and environmental concerns. The study explores the effects of spermine on wheat seed germination, mycelium growth of *Fusarium* seed-borne pathogens, and in vivo *Fusarium* root and crown rot development.

Key Takeaways:

• The researchers discovered that a six-hour seed soak in spermine solutions ranging from 0.5 to 5 mM did not delay germination or seedling growth, but stimulated root weight and length at a concentration of 5 mM.
• In vitro assays demonstrated complete inhibition of *Fusarium culmorum* growth at 5 mM spermine, while a less significant effect was observed on *Fusarium graminearum* and little to no impact on *Fusarium oxysporum*.
• The study found that spermine had a fungistatic effect against *F. culmorum*, retarding mycelium growth. A pot experiment with Bulgarian soft wheat cv. Sadovo-1 showed that seed priming with spermine resulted in a reduced distribution of *F. culmorum* and improved plant performance, as evidenced by higher fresh weight and height of plants pre-treated with spermine.
• The research concluded that spermine seed priming is a novel strategy for managing *Fusarium* root and crown rot in wheat, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing disease severity and improving plant growth.

Statistics:

• 0.5-5 mM: the range of spermine concentrations tested in the study for seed priming.
• 5 mM: the optimal concentration that stimulated root weight and length, and completely inhibited *F. culmorum* growth.
• 6 hours: the duration of seed soak in spermine solutions for optimal priming effects.
• 15 days: the duration of the pot experiment to assess the effects of spermine seed priming on plant growth and *F. culmorum* infection.

Sources:

• Dose-Dependent Effect of the Polyamine Spermine on Wheat Seed Germination, Mycelium Growth of *Fusarium* Seed-Borne Pathogens, and In Vivo *Fusarium* Root and Crown Rot Development. Agriculture, 2025,15(15):1695. (Agriculture - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/agriculture)
• Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., Bldg. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.