The Use of Video Time-Lapse Recordings to Study the Effects of Antifungal Compounds on Phytopathogenic Fungi

Abstract

In addition to classical microscopic techniques, video-microscope systems and time-lapse recordings have proved to be important tools for observing the effects of antifungal compounds on fungal structures. Long-term recordings were made using a CCD colour video camera and a JVC VHS time-lapse video cassette recorder type BR-9060E or BR-S925E. Time-lapse recordings have been successfully applied in elucidating the fungicidal mode of action of dimethomorph, a fungicide for the control of downy mildews and Phytophthora diseases. The results of the video time-lapse studies revealed that the fungicidal activity of dimethomorph is related to cell walls or cell wall forming processes. Although the biochemical target of dimethomorph still remains unknown, the metabolic pathways at which the biochemist should look in his search for the target molecule are now more defined. An accompanying video presentation shows important parts of the time-lapse microscope study on the fungicidal effect of dimethomorph on Phytophthora infestans.