plant diseases – mycolab.ai

Slime molds (Myxomycetes) causing a “disease” in crop plants and cultivated mushrooms

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Slime molds are not true plant diseases but can harm crops by covering leaves and blocking sunlight and water loss. These organisms prefer wet, organic-rich environments and are particularly problematic in mushroom farming. Farmers can prevent problems by managing moisture, improving ventilation, and removing affected materials, with chemical sprays available as backup options when needed.

Advancing automated identification of airborne fungal spores: guidelines for cultivation and reference dataset creation

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Researchers developed standardized procedures to grow fungal spores in laboratories and prepare them for testing with automated detection devices. They tested 17 different fungal species commonly found in the air and created reference datasets to train computer algorithms to identify these spores. Two different detection technologies were evaluated, showing promising accuracies (55-95%) for identifying various fungal spores. This work provides a blueprint for other scientists to create reliable training data for automated air quality monitoring systems that track allergens and disease-causing fungi.

A bibliometric analysis of fungal volatile organic compounds

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Fungi release distinctive smells made up of volatile compounds that help them communicate with plants, bacteria, and other organisms. These fungal smell chemicals have grown from being studied mainly in wine fermentation to being explored for helping crops grow better, fighting plant diseases naturally, and creating food flavors without chemicals. This research shows that understanding how fungi use these smell chemicals could lead to more sustainable farming practices and natural alternatives to harmful pesticides.

The polyphasic approach reveals two new species and two new records of Nigrospora (Apiosporaceae, Amphisphaeriales) associated with Aquilaria sinensis from China

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Researchers discovered two previously unknown fungal species and two new host associations of Nigrospora fungi found in Chinese agarwood trees (Aquilaria sinensis) from Guangxi province. Using both microscopic examination and DNA analysis, they identified and characterized these fungi as endophytes living within the plant tissues. These findings add to our understanding of fungal diversity in agarwood trees and may have applications for improving agarwood production in the traditional medicine and fragrance industries.

Advancing automated identification of airborne fungal spores: guidelines for cultivation and reference dataset creation

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Scientists developed systematic methods to grow and collect fungal spores in controlled conditions, then test them with automated air monitoring devices. Using two different monitoring systems that analyze spore images and fluorescence properties, they trained computer algorithms to recognize different fungal species. This work creates standardized guidelines that will help hospitals, allergy clinics, and agricultural services automatically detect and identify airborne fungal spores, which are important for managing allergies and plant diseases.

Diversity of fungi attached to birds corresponds to the habitat ecologies of their avian dispersal vectors

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Researchers found that birds carry hundreds of different types of fungi on their feathers and feet, with different bird species carrying different fungal communities based on where they live and what they eat. European robins living in deciduous forests and gardens carried different fungi than goldcrests living in conifer forests, suggesting birds pick up fungi from their specific habitats. This study shows that migrating birds may be important for spreading fungi across long distances, potentially including plant diseases and lichens that don’t spread well by wind.

FTIR Characterization and Bioactivity Assessment of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oil: Antioxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, and Antifungal Properties Against Phytopathogens

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Camphor tree essential oil has been studied for its ability to fight fungal diseases that harm crops and its potential health benefits. The research found that this natural oil completely stops the growth of several harmful fungi at high concentrations, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. The oil also showed antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels, suggesting uses in both agriculture and medicine.

Phylogenomic, Morphological, and Phylogenetic Evidence Reveals Five New Species and Two New Host Records of Nectriaceae (Hypocreales) from China

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Scientists in China discovered five new species of fungi from the Fusarium and Neocosmospora groups, which can affect plants and, in rare cases, humans. These fungi were found in various environments including plant leaves, insects, and other fungi. The researchers used advanced DNA analysis and genetic sequencing techniques to identify these new species and clarify how they relate to each other evolutionarily.

FTIR Characterization and Bioactivity Assessment of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oil: Antioxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, and Antifungal Properties Against Phytopathogens

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Camphor tree essential oil shows promise as a natural, eco-friendly fungicide for protecting crops from fungal diseases. The oil demonstrated strong antifungal activity against several common plant pathogens while also possessing antioxidant and potential antidiabetic properties. This makes it a valuable candidate to replace harmful synthetic pesticides in agriculture, offering benefits for both environmental health and sustainable farming practices.

Genomic characterization and fermentation study of the endophyte Stemphylium sp. (Aa22), a producer of bioactive alkyl-resorcinols

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Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a fungus called Stemphylium sp. (strain Aa22) that lives inside wormwood plants without harming them. This fungus produces natural compounds called alkyl-resorcinols that can repel aphids and kill plant-damaging nematodes, making them potentially useful as organic pesticides. The researchers found the genetic instructions for making these compounds and determined that growing the fungus in liquid culture produces more of the useful compounds than growing it on rice, offering a promising path toward developing these natural biopesticides on a larger scale.

Disease: plant diseases