Fusarium head blight – Page 2

Characterization of Fusarium Diversity and Head Microbiota Associated with Rice Spikelet Rot Disease

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Rice spikelet rot disease is a serious problem affecting rice crops in China. Researchers identified five different Fusarium fungal species causing this disease in the Hangzhou region. The study found that two fungal species work together to cause the disease, and that temperature affects how well the fungi grow. Understanding which fungi are present locally will help farmers develop better strategies to prevent and control this damaging disease.

Automatic classification of fungal-fungal interactions using deep learning models

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Researchers developed a computer artificial intelligence system that can automatically analyze images of fungal interactions to identify strains that could help control harmful crop diseases. Instead of having humans manually examine thousands of fungal culture plates—a slow and subjective process—the AI system can now classify the interactions between beneficial fungi and plant pathogens with 95% accuracy. This breakthrough significantly speeds up the search for natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Citric acid impairs type B trichothecene biosynthesis of Fusarium graminearum but enhances its growth and pigment biosynthesis: transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

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Citric acid, a compound found in plant roots, has an interesting dual effect on a dangerous fungus called Fusarium graminearum that destroys grain crops worldwide. While citric acid helps the fungus grow better, it actually prevents the fungus from producing dangerous toxins called trichothecenes. This finding suggests that citric acid could potentially be used in farming to reduce the harmful toxins that contaminate wheat and corn while maintaining reasonable fungal control.

The Toxin-Producing Ability of Fusarium Proliferatum Strains Isolated from Grain

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Scientists studied a common fungus called Fusarium proliferatum that contaminates grain crops like wheat, oats, and maize. They identified 12 different strains of this fungus and tested how much toxic substances they could produce. All of the strains produced dangerous toxins called fumonisins and other harmful compounds that can make the grain unsafe to eat. The findings show farmers and grain producers need to monitor their crops carefully to prevent this fungal contamination.

Inhibition of RNase to Attenuate Fungal-Manipulated Rhizosphere Microbiome and Diseases

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Fusarium fungi cause major crop diseases by using a protein called Fg12 that kills helpful bacteria in plant roots, making it easier for the fungus to infect crops. Scientists discovered that a compound called GMP blocks Fg12’s harmful activity and restores beneficial bacteria, reducing disease symptoms in soybeans and alfalfa by 47-75%. This discovery offers a new chemical strategy to protect crops from fungal infections by disarming this key fungal weapon.

Automatic classification of fungal-fungal interactions using deep learning models

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Researchers developed an artificial intelligence system that automatically analyzes images of fungi growing together to identify which ones can fight off disease-causing fungi. Instead of having humans manually look at thousands of plate images, which is time-consuming and subjective, their computer vision system can classify the outcomes with 95% accuracy. This automation tool could help scientists quickly find beneficial fungi that could replace chemical pesticides in agriculture, supporting the goal of sustainable and more environmentally friendly farming.

Citric acid impairs type B trichothecene biosynthesis of Fusarium graminearum but enhances its growth and pigment biosynthesis: transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

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Researchers discovered that citric acid, a natural acid found in plant roots and commonly used in agriculture, can reduce the production of dangerous mycotoxins called trichothecenes that contaminate wheat and corn crops. While citric acid surprisingly boosts the fungus’s growth and changes its color, it simultaneously shuts down the genes responsible for producing these toxic compounds. This discovery could help farmers use citric acid more strategically to prevent Fusarium head blight, a devastating crop disease, though care must be taken since it also promotes fungal growth.

Impact of Various Essential Oils on the Development of Pathogens of the Fusarium Genus and on Health and Germination Parameters of Winter Wheat and Maize

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Researchers tested four plant-based essential oils as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides for protecting wheat and maize seeds from harmful Fusarium fungi. Thyme oil proved most effective at preventing fungal infections and seedling disease, performing as well as synthetic fungicides. However, thyme oil at higher doses harmed seed germination and plant growth, suggesting careful dose selection is needed for practical use. The findings indicate essential oils could replace chemical pesticides while maintaining crop safety, though different oils must be tested for various crops.

Antifungal Effect of Cinnamon Bark Extract on the Phytopathogenic Fungus Fusarium sporotrichioides

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This study tested whether cinnamon bark extract could stop the growth of a harmful fungus called Fusarium sporotrichioides that damages crops and produces toxins. Researchers used a water-based cinnamon extract at different concentrations on fungal cultures and found that the highest concentration significantly reduced fungal growth and caused visible damage to fungal structures. The cinnamon extract contains natural compounds with antifungal properties that could potentially be used as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides in agriculture.

Biocontrol of Seedborne Fungi on Small-Grained Cereals Using Bacillus halotolerans Strain B33

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Researchers tested a naturally occurring soil bacterium called Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 to protect cereal seeds from harmful fungi. When seeds infected with fungal pathogens were treated with this bacterium, it successfully eliminated 83-100% of the fungi, depending on the pathogen and crop type. The treatment was as effective as commercial chemical disinfectants but offers a more environmentally friendly alternative for sustainable farming.

Disease: Fusarium head blight