The Effects of Griseofulvin on Certain Phytopathogenic Fungi

In vitro and in vivo investigations have been carried out intothe reaction of actively growing hyphae of Botrytis spp. onencountering an environment containing griseofulvin. In vitro, the reactions noted were slowing of the growth rate,stimulation to branching, abnormal appearance of hyphal protoplasm,and loss of rigidity of the hyphal membrane in the region ofthe tip. The antibiotic is not translocated within the mycelium. In vivo, Botrytis tulipae was incapable of penetrating cellmembranes in the stem of tulips watered with griseofulvin. Theantibiotic was shown to delay or to prohibit the penetrationof onion epithelium by B. allii, depending on concentration.The characteristic curling and stunting of hyphae caused bygriseofulvin have both been observed to occur in plant cells.