The peroxins BcPex8, BcPex10, and BcPex12 are required for the development and pathogenicity of .

Peroxisomes have been proved playing roles in infection of several plant pathogens. Although the contribution of a portion of peroxins in pathogenicity was demonstrated, most of them are undocumented in fungi, especially, . The homologs of Pex8, Pex10, and Pex12 in were functionally characterized in this work using gene disruption strategies. Compared with the wild-type strain (WT), the Δ, Δ, and Δ mutants exhibited significant reduction in melanin production, fatty acid utilization, and decreased tolerance to high osmotic pressure and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mycelial growth and conidiation of were significantly inhibited in Δ, Δ, and Δ strains. The mycelial growth rates of Δ, Δ, and Δ were reduced by 32, 35, and 34%, respectively, compared with WT and ectopic transformant (ET), and the conidiation was reduced by approximately 89, 27, and 88%, respectively. The conidial germination, germ tube elongation, and the formation of initiate infection structures (IFSs) were also reduced by the deletion of the genes. The pathogenicity was tested on the leaves of tobacco and strawberry, and fruits of tomato. On the leaves of tobacco and strawberry, the Δ, Δ, and Δ mutants could not induce necrotic lesions, and the lesions on tomato fruits infected with the mutants were significantly reduced than those of the wide type. The results indicated that , , and are indispensable for the development and pathogenicity of . .