<i>Talaromyces purpureogenus</i> CEF642^N as a Promising Biocontrol Agent for Cotton Disease Control

Endophytic fungi live in healthy plant tissues and organs and are a major source of natural bioactive compounds. In this study, we found that an endophytic fungus, <i>Talaromyces purpureogenus</i> CEF642^N, isolated from the healthy cotton roots, suppressed <i>Verticillium dahliae</i> by up to 53% after 15 days in a confrontation culture. Genome sequencing of CEF642^N and mass spectrometry study of its metabolites were used to identify its primary antagonists. To further elucidate the antagonistic mechanism, transcriptome analysis and ultrastructure observation of the pathogen were performed. The antagonists were shown to act on the mitochondria and cell membranes of the pathogen. In addition, CEF642^N also had mycoparasitic effects on <i>V. dahliae</i>. These results suggest that CEF642^N has the potential to be an important biocontrol agent for efficiently managing Verticillium wilt, a severe disease affecting cotton.