This review article aims at summarizing the research findings on the biolog
ical aspects of ophiobolins, phytotoxins produced by the pathogenic fungi B
ipolaris species, which usually infect rice, maize and sorghum. The topics
covered include the organisms that produce the various ophiobolins, the str
uctural variations of ophiobolins, the biological actions of ophiobolins in
plants, animals and microorganisms, and the mode of action and the possibl
e use of ophiobolin A as a calmodulin antagonist. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science
Inc. All rights reserved.