Toxicity of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Alcohols Towards Cladosporium resinae

Long-chain saturated fatty acids (C(13) to C(18)) and fatty alcohols (C(12) to C(18)) were well utilized by three different soil isolates of Cladosporium resinae as the sole carbon and energy sources in static liquid cultures. Shorter-chain compounds, down to C(5), did not support growth and were in fact toxic towards the fungus growing on glucose. Rapid and considerable potassium efflux, protein leakage, and inhibition of endogenous respiration were observed in the presence of the shorter fatty acids and alcohols. Possible mechanisms and significance of the toxicity are discussed.