Monocerin and Ziganein: Phytotoxins from Pathogenic Fungus Exserohilum monoceras Inu-1

Two phytotoxic compounds were isolated from a culture of Exserohilum monoceras Inu-1, a fungal pathogen of Barnyard grass. The structure was determined by spectroscopic analyses including 2D NMR experiments. During the isolation procedure, the toxic components were monitored by the assay using Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), a host plant of the pathogen. The compounds inhibited the root growth of the host plant seedlings at a level of 100 ppm. While no substantial inhibition was observed even at 300 ppm in non-host plant seedlings such as lettuce and tomato.