This invention is a platform for delivering mycoviruses—viruses that infect fungi—directly into fungal cells using engineered bacteria. Due to the absence of a protein shell, mycoviruses require a delivery mechanism to enter fungal cells and suppress host pathogenicity. This method utilizes an intrahyphal bacterium, which enters fungal hyphae leading to lysis of the bacterial cells and the subsequent release of fungal viruses into the fungi, where they selectively infect pathogenic fungi. The platform is broadly applicable to deliver any mycovirus into compatible fungal hosts, with the current embodiment targeting Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinus. Background: There has been growing research to address the problem of crop losses caused by fungal diseases while reducing reliance on synthetic fungicides that drive resistance, leave residues, and harm environmental and human health. Compared with existing approaches, this system provides a solution for fungi that are resistant to chemical pesticides while avoiding the environmental damage associated with broad fungicide application. While some have suggested spreading virus-infected strains of the pathogenic fungus—which risks exacerbating disease if resistance arises—this platform uses a non-pathogenic bacterial carrier to ensure controlled and targeted viral delivery. Applications:
Advantages: