Disease: Sclerotinia stem rot

The Function of Chitinases CmCH1 and CmCH10 in the Interaction of Coniothyrium minitans and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Scientists studied two enzyme genes in a fungus that eats other harmful fungi. When they removed one gene at a time, the fungus still worked fine. But when they removed both genes together, the fungus grew slower and couldn’t attack its target fungus as effectively. This shows that these genes work together as a team to help the fungus do its job as a natural pest control agent.

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The Velvet Complex Is Essential for Sclerotia Formation and Virulence in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Scientists studied a destructive fungus that damages crops by identifying key genes controlling its ability to form protective resting structures called sclerotia and cause disease. Using genetic screening techniques, they discovered that two genes called SsLae1 and SsVel1 work together as master controllers of both the fungus’s survival and its ability to infect plants. These findings could help develop new ways to control the disease by targeting these critical genes.

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Sunlight-sensitive carbon dots for plant immunity priming and pathogen defence

Scientists developed special tiny carbon particles that respond to sunlight by producing molecules that strengthen plant defenses against fungi. When sprayed on plants like tomato and tobacco, these particles trigger the plant’s natural immune system, reducing fungal diseases by 12-44% without harming the plant. At higher concentrations with continuous sunlight, the particles can directly kill fungal pathogens. This eco-friendly approach offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides while maintaining crop yields.

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Inoculum and inoculation techniques: key steps in studying pathogenicity and resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot in oilseed rape

This review examines different methods scientists use to test how oilseed rape plants resist a destructive fungal disease called Sclerotinia stem rot. The researchers compare various ways to infect plants with the fungus, from simple lab techniques using diseased grains to complex field trials that mimic natural infection. The findings help plant breeders identify and develop oilseed rape varieties that can better resist this economically important disease, reducing the need for chemical fungicides.

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The Transcription Factor SsSR Mediates Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Virulence in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Scientists discovered that a specific protein called SsSR acts as a master switch controlling how dangerous a fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum becomes when attacking plants. Unlike other protein switches that make the fungus grow faster, this one specifically controls the fungus’s ability to cause infection by managing the production of ergosterol, a critical component of the fungus’s cell membranes. This discovery could lead to new ways to protect crops like oilseed rape from this devastating disease.

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A GDP-mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase as a potential HIGS target against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Scientists identified a critical fungal protein called SsMPG2 that helps the plant disease-causing fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infect crops and survive. When this protein is silenced using genetic engineering techniques, plants become resistant to the fungus. The research shows this protein is important in many plant-pathogenic fungi, making it a promising target for developing disease-resistant crops through genetic modification.

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