Disease: wheat diseases

Discovery of a New Starship Transposon Driving the Horizontal Transfer of the ToxA Virulence Gene in Alternaria ventricosa

Scientists discovered that a disease-causing gene called ToxA, previously found only in three wheat-infecting fungi, is also present in a fourth fungal species called Alternaria ventricosa. This gene travels between fungal species through special jumping DNA elements called Starships. The study reveals how fungi share dangerous genes through a process called horizontal gene transfer, which helps them become better at attacking crops. Understanding this process could help farmers and scientists develop better ways to prevent fungal diseases.

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Cytophysiological manifestations of wheat’s defense reactions against stem rust induced by the biofungicide Novochizol

Scientists studied how a new plant-based product called Novochizol helps wheat plants defend themselves against stem rust, a destructive fungal disease. When wheat seedlings were treated with Novochizol before being exposed to the rust fungus, the plants showed strong defensive reactions including increased production of protective hydrogen peroxide and phenolic compounds. The treatment significantly reduced the number and size of rust pustules (infection spots) on susceptible wheat plants, effectively converting them to a more resistant state without harming the plants.

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