Hypogin‐derived N‐cinnamoylated peptide as a promising green fungicide against peanut southern blight caused by
S
clerotium rolfsii
Guangyao Li, Lin Zhou, Qiya Wang, Yayu Ren, Yaru Song, Xuewei Mao, Meizi Wang Abstract
BACKGROUND
Peanut southern blight, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii , severely reduces yield and quality. The overuse of chemical fungicides accelerates resistance development and raises environmental concerns, highlighting the necessity for eco‐friendly alternatives. Hypogin is an endogenous peanut peptide with broad‐spectrum antifungal activity. This study aims to identify the active centers of hypogin and evaluate the antifungal activity and preliminary mechanisms of its derived peptides.
RESULTS
Seven hypogin‐derived peptides (series I) and two cinnamic acid conjugates (series II) were synthesized. Among these, II‐1 (cinnamic‐KSPY‐NH 2 ) demonstrated the highest in vitro activity against S . rolfsii, with a half‐maximal effective concentration value of 257.93 mg/L. In vivo studies revealed that II‐1 provided superior curative efficacy (66.47%) against peanut southern blight, surpassing the commercial fungicide polyoxin (57.33%), and also promoted root growth in peanuts. Both I‐7 and II‐1 exhibited low cytotoxicity toward human LO2 liver cells, with inhibition rates of 5.05% and 17.44%, respectively, at a concentration of 400 mg/L. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicated that I‐7 specifically targets the Vps34 signaling pathway in S . rolfsii .
Conclusion
Hypogin‐derived peptide II‐1 exhibits significant antifungal activity and low toxicity, making it a promising candidate for a green fungicide in the management of peanut southern blight. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.