Screening of ethylene-producing root-infecting fungi in Egyptian soil

Of 86 fungal species isolated from diseased roots in Egypt, 25 produced ethylene concentration varying from 0.4 to over 380 ppm. Methionine and ethionine were the most effective substrates on C₂H₄ formation, but glucose was also required for maximal C₂H₄ production. However, sucrose and starch promote C₂H₄ formation by Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium ultimum, while acetate and succinate promote ethylene biosynthesis by Penicillium cyclopium.