Mode of action of triadimefon in Ustilago avenae

Triadimefon [1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-3,3-dimethyl-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-butanone], 1.5–2.0 μ/ml, inhibited the multiplication of sporidia of Ustilago avenae more strongly than it did the increase of dry weight. The treated sporidia appeared swollen, multicellular, and branched. At concentrations of 1.5–100 μg of triadimefon/ml, the oxidation of glucose was not affected. Increase in dry weight and synthesis of protein, RNA, and DNA were inhibited slightly, whereas cell division was acutely arrested. After an incubation period of 9.5 hr, microscopic studies revealed that daughter cells of the treated sporidia also contained one nucleus. In sporidia treated for 6 hr with triadimefon, both the total lipid content and its composition of fatty acids were not appreciably altered. The treated cells, however, differed from control cells by a higher content of free fatty acids. Triadimefon markedly interfered in sterol biosynthesis in Ustilago avenae. Gas chromatographic (glc) analysis and [¹⁴C]acetate incorporation studies indicated that ergosterol biosynthesis was almost completely inhibited by triadimefon; on the other hand, sterol compounds representing precursors of ergosterol (probably 4,4-dimethyl and C-4-methyl sterols) accumulated in treated sporidia. As the results indicate, the inhibition of conversion of immediate sterol precursors to ergosterol may be regarded as the primary target for the action of triadimefon in Ustilago avenae.