Identification, biological characteristics, and screening of control agents against root rot of Ardisia crenata Sims in China
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 9/25/2025
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Summary
Researchers identified a fungus called Fusarium cugenangense as the cause of root rot disease in Ardisia crenata, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The disease was affecting 25-35% of plants in Chongqing farms and damaging their roots. Scientists tested various pesticides and found that fluazinam chemical spray and zhongshengmycin biological spray were the most effective at stopping the fungus, providing farmers with effective treatment options.
Background
Ardisia crenata Sims is a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Root rot disease of unknown etiology was observed in A. crenata Sims plantations in Kaizhou District, Chongqing, China from 2023-2024 with disease prevalence of 25-35%, severely compromising yield and medicinal value.
Objective
This study aimed to identify the causal pathogen of A. crenata Sims root rot, investigate its biological characteristics, and screen effective chemical and biological pesticides for disease management.
Results
The pathogenic fungus was identified as Fusarium cugenangense, a member of the F. oxysporum species complex, marking the first report of this species causing root rot in A. crenata Sims. Among chemical pesticides, 500 g/L fluazinam SC showed the strongest inhibitory effect (EC50: 0.129 μg/mL). Among biological pesticides, 3% zhongshengmycin SL was most effective (EC50: 14.474 μg/mL).
Conclusion
F. cugenangense is the causal agent of A. crenata Sims root rot with a lethal temperature of 59°C. Fluazinam and zhongshengmycin demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects among chemical and biological pesticides respectively, providing a scientific basis for disease diagnosis and management.
- Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
- Study Type:Experimental Study,
- Source: PMID: 41078510, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1618299