Dimethyl Sulfoxide Suppresses Fusarium graminearum Pathogenicity by Modulating Key Life Cycle Traits

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely recognized for its versatile solvent properties, and for its role as a cryoprotectant in the preservation of cell and microorganism. Despite its extensive use across various fields, its impact on plant pathogens has received comparatively less attention in existing literature. This study focuses on investigating the effects of DMSO on Fusarium graminearum, a fungal pathogen that affects grains, through both bioinformatic and biological experiments. Our findings demonstrate that, although DMSO induces mycotoxin production in F. graminearum in vitro, it significantly reduces production and maturation of perithecia and pigmentation. Additionally, DMSO supplementation inhibits mycelial growth and conidial germination, potentially contributing to reduced pathogenicity on wheat coleoptiles. These results highlight DMSO's potential influence on plant pathogenic fungi beyond F. graminearum and may provide valuable insights for future research.