Phytotoxins Produced By Fungi Responsible Of Forestal Plant Diseases

Abstract

Toxins produced by phytopathogenic fungi have assumed great importance because of their involvement in several plant diseases. These pathogens have seriously damaged plants of agrarian, forestall and environmental interest. Several studies have been carried out to understand the role of bioactive microbial metabolites in pathogenesis and therefore to use them against specific diseases. This manuscript will describe the chemical and biological characterization of the phytotoxins produced by fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea f.sp. cupressi, the causal agent of canker disease of cypress in the Mediterranean basin, and by fungal species belonging to Diplodia, Biscognauxia and Sphaeropsis genera, which are widely spread in the Sardinian oak forests, and are considered one of the main causes of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) and pine (Pinus radiata) decline with important social and economical implications. Dedicated to my friend Frà Luigi Campoli, Monastero di Santa Chiara, Napoli, Italy.