Functional characterization of potential antifungal agents based on molecules derived from diphenylamides on Moniliphthora perniciosa, etiological agent of cacao Witches' Broom Disease

Abstract

Moniliophthora perniciosa is a fungal pathogen and causal agent of Witches' Broom Disease of cocoa (Theobroma cacao), which generates large losses for the cocoa culture. Currently, there is no effective means to control this disease, but the enzyme Alternative Oxidase (AOX) is a promissing target for the development of novel fungicides against M. perniciosa. Here, our aim is to develop a methodology to evaluate the antifungal activity of AOX inhibitors in vitro through growth measurements of M. perniciosa in liquid culture medium.