Evaluating Oosporein and Its Analogs from the Mycoparasite Aphanocladium album for Managing Rust Diseases

Low molecular weight metabolites produced by the rust mycoparasite, Aphanocladium album, can convert infective urediniospores to non-infective teliospores. The teliospore-inducing factor (TIF) has been isolated, identified and demonstrated in proof-of concept experiments to convert infective urediniospores to non-infective teliospores of the oat rust fungus, Puccinia coronata. During Phase II, we will synthesize the teliospore inducing compound, oosporein and its analogs. The analogs and synthesized compounds of oosporein will be evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions for their ability to convert infective urediniospores to non-infective teliospores.