The counter defence system of antioxidants in Coelomycetous emerging human and plant pathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina against copper toxicity

Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is primarily a phytopathogen but also exhibits potential to cause infection in human being due to its aggressive and robust nature. Adaptation potential in M. phaseolina was assessed after exposing to heavy metal copper through analysing macro- and microscopic as well as physiological attributes. Considerable modifications were observed in morphology with an increase in concentrations (25, 75, and 100 ppm) of copper as compared with control. Total content of protein and activities of the antioxidant enzymes were affected differently at different copper concentrations. The fungal biomass, metal accumulation, metal uptake efficiency, and bioaccumulation factors were decreased due to the increase in copper concentrations. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic assessment showed hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine groups as major metal accumulation sites. It is concluded that Cu-based fungicides can manage this pathogen but excessive application may accumulate in the plant that will transfer along the food chain, reaching ultimately the human body.