Disease: Root rot

Transmission of apple stem grooving virus (Capillovirus mali) to apple from the soil-borne fungus Fusarium solani

Scientists discovered that a common soil fungus called Fusarium solani can catch and spread apple viruses to apple trees through their roots. This fungus naturally harbors the apple stem grooving virus and can pass it to healthy apple plants, causing reduced growth and damage to roots. The virus spreads within the fungus population both horizontally and vertically, suggesting fungi may be a previously unknown source of apple virus infection in orchards.

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Exploring Fungal Communication Mechanisms in the Rhizosphere Microbiome for a Sustainable Green Agriculture

Fungi in soil communicate with each other and plants through chemical signals, forming protective layers called biofilms that help them cooperate and survive. These fungal communication networks can be either beneficial, helping plants grow and fight diseases, or harmful, causing crop infections and producing toxins. By better understanding how fungi talk to each other, scientists can develop natural ways to improve agriculture and clean up polluted soils without using harmful chemicals.

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The green shield: Trichoderma’s role in sustainable agriculture against soil-borne fungal threats

This study examined how a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma can protect crops from harmful soil fungi without using chemical pesticides. Researchers isolated Trichoderma from soil in Kashmir and tested it against 12 different disease-causing fungi. The results showed that Trichoderma effectively stopped the growth of harmful fungi both through direct contact and through compounds it produces. This natural approach could help farmers grow healthier crops while protecting the environment.

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Biological characterization and in vitro fungicide screening of a new pathogen of basal stem rot of Schisandra chinensis in Jilin Province, China

Researchers discovered that a fungus called Ilyonectria robusta is causing a serious disease in Schisandra chinensis plants grown in northern China. This plant is used to make traditional Chinese medicine. The disease causes the base of the plant stems to rot and die. Scientists tested seven different fungicides (medicines that kill fungi) and found that fluazinam was the most effective at stopping this fungus from growing.

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A novel, cheap and easy preparing selective medium for isolation of Pythium species

Researchers have created an inexpensive and easy-to-use growth medium called FANS that effectively isolates disease-causing Pythium fungi from soil and water samples. Unlike expensive laboratory media containing toxic chemicals, FANS uses affordable pharmaceutical antibiotics costing about $11.55 per liter. This new medium successfully prevents contamination from other fungi and bacteria while promoting Pythium growth, making it especially valuable for scientists in developing countries studying plant diseases and pythiosis infections.

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Integrated use of biochar, Cassia fistula, and Trichoderma for sustainable management of Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea

This study demonstrates that combining rice husk biochar with Cassia fistula plant extract and beneficial Trichoderma fungus effectively controls a destructive soil disease in chickpea crops. The combined treatment reduced disease occurrence by nearly 50% while improving plant growth and soil health. This eco-friendly approach offers farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their chickpea crops.

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Integrated use of biochar, Cassia fistula, and Trichoderma for sustainable management of Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea

Researchers tested a natural approach to protect chickpea crops from a harmful soil fungus called Sclerotium rolfsii. They combined three natural substances: charred rice husks (biochar), an extract from the Cassia fistula plant, and a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum. The results showed this combination significantly reduced disease by 45% while also making plants grow stronger and healthier, offering farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

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Unveiling Species Diversity of Plectosphaerellaceae (Sordariomycetes) Fungi Involved in Rhizome and Root Rots of Ginger in Shandong Province, China

Researchers in China identified four species of fungi causing serious rot diseases in ginger plants, including two completely new species and one previously unreported in China. These fungi were found in Shandong Province, a major ginger-growing region, and were confirmed to cause the disease through laboratory experiments. The study helps farmers understand and potentially manage these devastating ginger diseases that can destroy up to 100% of crops.

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Integrated use of biochar, Cassia fistula, and Trichoderma for sustainable management of Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea

This study shows how combining three natural substances—rice husk biochar (a carbon-rich soil additive), Cassia fistula plant extract, and a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum—can effectively protect chickpea crops from a harmful soil disease called collar rot. The combination not only reduced disease occurrence from 64% to 35% but also improved plant growth and strengthened plants’ natural defense mechanisms. This eco-friendly approach offers farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides while improving soil health and crop productivity.

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Biological and Genomic Insights into Fusarium acuminatum Causing Needle Blight in Pinus tabuliformis

Researchers identified a fungus called Fusarium acuminatum as the cause of needle blight disease affecting Chinese pine trees in northern China. They studied how this fungus grows and sequenced its entire genome to understand how it damages the trees. The findings help explain the disease and provide tools to develop better ways to protect and treat infected pine trees.

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