Choline- and acetylcholine-induced changes in the morphology of Fusarium graminearum: evidence for the involvement of the choline transport system and acetylcholinesterase.

The response of Fusarium graminearum to choline, acetylcholine and a number of related analogues was investigated and their ability to induce a morphological response quantified. A number of mutants resistant to the alkylating agent nitrogen mustard (nim strains) were generated and found to have lost the ability to transport choline. These mutants were found to be insensitive to choline and acetylcholine but not to betaine, ethanolamine and other analogues.