Disease: Southern corn leaf blight

Hydrophobins in Bipolaris maydis do not contribute to colony hydrophobicity, but their heterologous expressions alter colony hydrophobicity in Aspergillus nidulans

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Researchers studied proteins called hydrophobins in a corn fungal pathogen to understand what they do. Surprisingly, even when they removed all four hydrophobin genes from the fungus, it grew normally and remained just as water-repellent as wild-type. However, when these same proteins were placed into a different fungus species that lacks its own hydrophobins, they worked perfectly to restore water repellency. This suggests that hydrophobins have different roles depending on which fungus they’re in.

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Two Subunits of the Rpd3 Histone Deacetylase Complex of Cochliobolus heterostrophus Are Essential for Nitrosative Stress Response and Virulence, and Interact With Stress-Response Regulators ChHog1 and ChCrz1

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Scientists discovered that two proteins called ChPho23 and ChSds3 help a fungus that causes corn disease survive attacks by the plant’s immune system. These proteins work together with other cellular signals to help the fungus protect itself from harmful nitrogen-based compounds. When these proteins are removed, the fungus becomes weaker and less able to infect corn plants, suggesting these proteins could be potential targets for developing new fungicides.

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Xenorhabdus spp.: An Overview of the Useful Facets of Mutualistic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

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Xenorhabdus bacteria are tiny organisms that naturally live inside microscopic worms used for pest control. These bacteria produce powerful substances that can kill harmful insects, fungi, and plant-damaging worms without using toxic chemical pesticides. Scientists are discovering new types of these bacteria and their compounds, which could help create safer products for farming and disease control. This research shows these beneficial microbes could replace harmful chemicals in agriculture.

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ChnagG Plays the Role of 5-Salicylate Hydroxylase in the Gentisic Acid Pathway of Salicylic Acid Metabolism in Cochliobolus heterostrophus

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A common corn fungus called Cochliobolus heterostrophus has evolved a clever strategy to infect maize plants by producing an enzyme that breaks down salicylic acid, a key plant defense hormone. When scientists removed the gene encoding this enzyme, the fungus became less effective at causing disease and plants mounted stronger immune responses. This discovery helps explain how this fungal pathogen overcomes plant defenses and could lead to new ways to protect corn crops.

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