Production of a Recombinant Cutinase from Fusarium solani and Estimate of Its Ability to Enhance the Glyphosate Effect

A P. verruculosum strain producing Fusarium solani extracellular cutinase CUT with a high level of expression (more than 40%) was obtained by cloning the cutB gene in the recipient strain. The homogeneous CUT protein with high pNPB enzymatic activity (1070 U/mg) was purified by chromatographic methods. The homogeneous cutinase had a temperature optimum at 55°C and a pH optimum at 8. CUT retained more than 80% activity for 30 min at 50°C. About 50% activity was retained for 3 min at 60°C, and the enzyme completely lost activity in 1 min at 70°C. CUT EP had no significant phytotoxic effect, but its enzymatic activity facilitated the penetration of herbicide into plant tissues, which was expressed in a greater proportion of treated leaves with signs of glyphosate injuries. Joint application of CUT EP and herbicide resulted in a synergistic effect and allowed reducing the herbicide dosage five times, while the effectiveness of the latter decreased only two times. The selection of more effective combinations of CUT EP with glyphosate to reduce its doses without losing the exterminating effect will reduce the medical and environmental risks of using this herbicide.