AfSwi6 Regulates the Stress Response, Chlamydospore Production, and Pathogenicity in the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys flagrans

Nematode-trapping (NT) fungi are a major resource for controlling parasitic nematodes. <i>Arthrobotrys flagrans</i>, as a typical NT fungus, can capture nematodes by producing three-dimensional nets. The APSES transcription factor <i>Swi6</i> plays a vital role in fungal growth and the pathogenicity of pathogens. In this study, we characterized <i>AfSwi6</i> via gene disruption using the homologous recombinant method and transcriptome sequencing. Knockout of the <i>AfSwi6</i> gene caused defects in mycelial growth, trap formation and pathogenicity, chlamydospore production, and stress response. Moreover, the transcriptome data indicated that <i>AfSwi6</i> was related to DNA repair, stress response, and plasma membrane fusion. The result showed that <i>AfSwi6</i> has a significant effect on trap development and chlamydospore production in <i>A. flagrans</i>.