Disease: Gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea

Autophagy and the Mitochondrial Lon1 Protease Are Necessary for Botrytis cinerea Heat Adaptation

Scientists studied how a fungus that causes gray mold disease adapts to heat stress by examining two key cellular processes: autophagy (cellular cleanup) and a mitochondrial protease called Lon1. They found that both processes work together to help the fungus survive high temperatures by removing damaged cellular components and maintaining healthy mitochondria. When either process was disrupted, the fungus became much more vulnerable to heat and could not survive as well.

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Genetic and Genomic Analysis Identifies bcltf1 as the Transcription Factor Coding Gene Mutated in Field Isolate Bc116, Deficient in Light Responses, Differentiation and Pathogenicity in Botrytis cinerea

Scientists identified the genetic mutation responsible for unusual traits in a fungal strain (Bc116) that causes grape disease. The mutation in the bcltf1 gene prevents the fungus from infecting plants when exposed to light, while making it produce excessive spores and form smaller seed structures. By restoring the normal gene in laboratory experiments, researchers confirmed that this single gene controls multiple important fungal behaviors related to light sensing and disease-causing ability.

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Superhydrophobic Fatty Acid-Based Spray Coatings with Dual-Mode Antifungal Activity

Researchers developed special water-repellent coatings made from natural fatty acids that can prevent fungal infections. These coatings work in two ways: they physically prevent fungi from sticking to surfaces through their bumpy structure, and they chemically kill fungi that do land on them. The coatings can be easily sprayed on like paint and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional antifungal treatments that are becoming less effective.

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