Effects of vanillic acid on the growth and development of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum

To determine the possible role of vanillic acid in a root exudates, in the development of fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum (FON), the effects of vanillic acid on the growth and development of FON were studied. Vanillic acid was added into the media to culture the FON. Vanillic acid stimulated the FON growth and biomass production, increased the fungal mycotoxin production, increased the proteinase and amylase activity and altered the fungal morphology. However, it inhibited the conidial germination. We concluded that secretion of vanillic acid by roots of plants susceptible to fusarium wilt might facilitate the development of this disease.