Research Keyword: agricultural pathogen

Cinchona-based liquid formulation exhibits antifungal activity through Tryptophan starvation and disruption of mitochondrial respiration in Rhizoctonia Solani

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Researchers found that an extract from Cinchona bark, containing the compound quinine, effectively kills rice-damaging fungus Rhizoctonia solani through two mechanisms: starving the fungus of the amino acid tryptophan and disrupting its energy-producing mitochondria. This natural plant-based treatment could serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides, reducing crop losses from fungal diseases while avoiding the environmental damage and resistance problems associated with chemical pesticides.

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Interference with sexual mating of Sporisorium scitamineum by verrucarin A isolated from Paramyrothecium sp

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Scientists discovered that a naturally occurring fungus called Paramyrothecium sp. produces a compound called verrucarin A that prevents sugarcane smut disease. This compound works by stopping the mating process between fungal spores, preventing the disease from developing without harming the sugarcane plant. Greenhouse experiments showed that using this natural compound reduced disease occurrence from 80% to just 37%, offering a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting sugarcane crops.

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Accessory Chromosome Contributes to Virulence of Banana Infecting Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4

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Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 is a devastating fungal disease that destroys banana crops worldwide, particularly the commercially important Cavendish variety. Researchers discovered that this fungus carries a special accessory chromosome that is not essential for basic fungal survival but is critical for its ability to infect and damage banana plants. By removing this chromosome in laboratory studies, scientists found that infected bananas suffered significantly less damage, suggesting that understanding this chromosome could lead to better strategies for protecting banana crops from this destructive disease.

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