Researchers Uncover Key Gene Regulating Growth and Development of **Fusarium acuminatum** in Alfalfa

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Beijing Forestry University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the biology of the pathogenic fungus *Fusarium acuminatum*, which causes root rot in alfalfa (*Medicago sativa*). The study, published in the journal *Agriculture*, reveals that the *POLQ* gene plays a crucial role in regulating the growth and development of the fungus, and its virulence on alfalfa. This discovery could lead to the development of new strategies for limiting *F. acuminatum* infections in alfalfa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The *POLQ* gene is essential for the growth and development of *F. acuminatum*, indicating that DNA repair may play a critical role in the pathogenicity of the fungus.
  • Deletion of the *POLQ* gene resulted in significant phenotypic changes in the fungus, including brown-yellow pigmentation, slowed mycelial growth, and changes in macroconidia size and shape.
  • The virulence of the *POLQ*-deleted mutants was greatly reduced, inducing only mild symptoms in alfalfa, and FITC-WGA staining showed impaired spore germination and hyphal growth.
  • The study highlights the importance of DNA repair in the pathogenicity of *F. acuminatum* and suggests that the *POLQ* gene could be a promising target for developing new strategies to limit infections in alfalfa.
  • The research was funded by Science And Technology Innovation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the results have significant implications for the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

Statistics:

  • The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Yuqing Jing from Beijing Forestry University, with additional authors Jian Yang, Renyi Ma, Bo Lan, Siyang Li, Qian Zhang, Fang K. Du, Qianqian Guo, and Kangquan Yin.
  • The research was published in the journal *Agriculture*, which is published by MDPI AG and is available online at https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15111128.
  • The study is the result of a collaborative effort involving researchers from Beijing Forestry University and funding from Science And Technology Innovation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Beijing Forestry University Researchers Provide New Data on Agriculture (DNA Polymerase Theta Regulates the Growth and Development of *Fusarium acuminatum* and Its Virulence on Alfalfa). Biotech Business Week. June 23, 2025; p 100.
  • Yuqing Jing et al. DNA Polymerase Theta Regulates the Growth and Development of *Fusarium acuminatum* and Its Virulence on Alfalfa. Agriculture, 2025, 15(11):1128.