TKT and infection: As a cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and transketolase [36,37], reduced TPP likely results in the following: (1) Starvation of appressorial acetyl-CoA: This limits lipid biosynthesis required for turgor pressure generation [38], with an analogous mechanism whereby tricyclazole inhibits melanin-linked turgor in Exserohilum turcicum, significantly reducing the infection efficiency of its host [28]; (2) impairment of the pentose phosphate pathway flux: During cuticular invasion, diminished NADPH oxidase activity compromises penetration peg efficiency through the cuticle [39].