gray mold – mycolab.ai

Decursin, Identified via High-Throughput Chemical Screening, Enhances Plant Disease Resistance via Two Independent Mechanisms

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Researchers identified a natural compound called decursin from angelica plants that helps plants fight off dangerous fungal infections in two ways: it strengthens the plant’s own immune system and directly kills the fungal pathogens. This dual-action approach makes decursin a promising natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting crops like wheat and tomatoes from diseases. The compound shows particular promise because it comes from plants, breaks down easily in the environment, and is more effective than other natural antimicrobial compounds currently used in agriculture.

Trichoderma and its role in biological control of plant fungal and nematode disease

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Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that can protect crops from diseases and pests while promoting healthier plant growth, without harmful chemical pesticides. It works through multiple strategies: competing with harmful fungi for nutrients, producing natural toxins that kill pathogens, directly parasitizing disease-causing organisms, and strengthening the plant’s own immune system. This eco-friendly approach reduces chemical pollution while improving crop quality and yields, making it an ideal solution for sustainable farming.

Post-Harvest Quality Changes and Molecular Responses of Epidermal Wax in ‘Munage’ Grapes with Botrytis cinerea Infection

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‘Munage’ grapes from Xinjiang are susceptible to a fungus called Botrytis cinerea that causes gray mold during storage. The fungus dissolves the protective waxy coating on the grape surface, leading to faster deterioration. The study identified specific genes and proteins that control wax production, which could help scientists develop better storage methods and disease prevention strategies to keep grapes fresher longer.

Microbial-mediated induced resistance: interactive effects for improving crop health

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This research explores how beneficial microbes like Trichoderma fungi and Bacillus bacteria can help plants naturally defend themselves against diseases. These microbes trigger the plant’s built-in immune system through chemical signals and molecular processes similar to how our immune system responds to threats. The approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting crops, though effectiveness varies depending on environmental conditions.

A review and case study of Rhododendron moulmainense highlights the feasibility and adaptation of evergreen Rhododendron plants to current environmental challenges

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This study examines Rhododendron moulmainense, a beautiful alpine flowering plant being adapted for urban gardens. Researchers discovered that special soil fungi living in the plant’s roots help it survive stress like drought and heat. The study details multiple ways to grow new plants through cuttings, tissue culture, and seeds, with success rates over 90%. Understanding this plant’s adaptation mechanisms provides strategies for introducing more alpine rhododendrons to lower-altitude cities while improving their resilience to climate challenges.

Discovery of novel targets for important human and plant fungal pathogens via an automated computational pipeline HitList

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Researchers created a computer program called HitList that searches fungal DNA to find new targets for antifungal medications. The program identified 16 promising protein targets that could be attacked by new antifungal drugs, including 8 completely new targets never before considered. This discovery could help develop new antifungal treatments to fight drug-resistant fungal infections in both humans and crops.

Trichoderma: The Current Status of Its Application in Agriculture for the Biocontrol of Fungal Phytopathogens and Stimulation of Plant Growth

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Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that grows naturally in soil and can protect crops from harmful fungal diseases while promoting plant growth. It works through multiple mechanisms including directly attacking pathogenic fungi, competing for nutrients, and boosting the plant’s own defense systems. With over 77 commercial products already available, Trichoderma offers a promising sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting major world crops.

Chilean Aloysia Essential Oils: A Medicinal Plant Resource for Postharvest Disease Control

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Researchers tested essential oils from two Chilean herbs, Aloysia citriodora and Aloysia polystachya, against fungi that cause fruit rot after harvest. They found that oil from Aloysia citriodora, especially a compound called farnesol, effectively killed the disease-causing fungi in laboratory tests. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides that are becoming less effective and harmful to the environment, offering farmers a safer way to protect their fruit during storage and transport.

Non-wounding contact-based Inoculation of fruits with fungal pathogens in postharvest

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Researchers developed a new laboratory method to test how fungal molds spread between fruits during storage without damaging the fruit surface. Using oranges, tomatoes, and apples infected with common storage molds, they showed that disease can successfully spread through simple contact between fruits. The method achieved infection rates of 80% or higher and even detected infections before visible mold appeared using special imaging technology.

Nature-Inspired Biphenyls and Diphenyl Ethers: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

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Scientists created synthetic versions of protective compounds found in brown seaweed that could potentially be used as natural fungicides. They designed and synthesized fifteen different chemical derivatives and tested them against harmful plant fungi that damage crops. While the chemically modified versions showed modest effectiveness at stopping fungal growth, the naturally occurring compounds had little effect, suggesting that chemical alterations play an important role in fighting crop diseases.

Disease: gray mold