Research Keyword: Antagonism

Trichoderma and its role in biological control of plant fungal and nematode disease

Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that can protect crops from diseases and pests while promoting healthier plant growth, without harmful chemical pesticides. It works through multiple strategies: competing with harmful fungi for nutrients, producing natural toxins that kill pathogens, directly parasitizing disease-causing organisms, and strengthening the plant’s own immune system. This eco-friendly approach reduces chemical pollution while improving crop quality and yields, making it an ideal solution for sustainable farming.

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In Vitro and Field Effectiveness of the Combination of Four Trichoderma spp. Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Its Impact on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Crop Production

This study tested whether four types of beneficial fungi (Trichoderma species) could control white mold disease on potato plants in Mexico. Both laboratory tests and field trials showed these fungi were very effective at killing the disease pathogen and stopping mold formation. Potatoes treated with the fungal mixture produced higher yields than those treated with chemical fungicides alone, suggesting this natural approach could replace many chemical pesticides.

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Emerging paradigms for target discovery of traditional medicines: A genome-wide pan-GPCR perspective

Traditional medicines from plants, animals, and fungi contain chemical compounds that can interact with specific proteins in our cells called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors control many important body functions and are targeted by about one-third of all FDA-approved medications. This review explains how scientists are discovering new therapeutic compounds from traditional medicines by systematically screening them against the complete library of human GPCRs, using advanced techniques to identify which compounds bind to which receptors. Famous examples include morphine from poppies for pain relief and compounds from ginseng that help regulate blood sugar.

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Bacterial–Fungal Interactions: Mutualism, Antagonism, and Competition

Bacteria and fungi in animal bodies interact in three main ways: they help each other (mutualism), fight each other (antagonism), or compete for resources. These interactions happen in the gut, rumen, and skin of animals. Understanding how to balance these relationships can help create better probiotics and natural alternatives to antibiotics for treating infections and improving animal health.

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Is Ischnoderma benzoinum a competitor or contributor to Heterobasidion annosum decomposition of pine and spruce wood? A comparison to Phlebiopsis gigantea

This research examined how three wood-decomposing fungi interact when competing for the same wood resources. Scientists tested whether Ischnoderma benzoinum helps or hinders the harmful root rot fungus Heterobasidion annosum in pine and spruce forests. They found that the outcome depends on which fungus isolates are involved and which tree species is affected, with some combinations showing strong competition while others showed cooperative decomposition.

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Study of the Antagonism of Biocontrol Strains Against the Blue-Stain Fungus of Rubberwood

Rubberwood commonly develops blue staining from fungi, which reduces its value. Scientists isolated two beneficial fungi from rubberwood that can prevent this staining by competing with the harmful fungus. Testing showed that one beneficial fungus, Trichoderma reesei, works better than the other and could be used as a natural treatment to protect rubberwood from blue staining without damaging the wood.

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Effect of Pseudomonas protegens EMM-1 Against Rhizopus oryzae in Interactions with Mexican Autochthonous Red Maize

Mexican red maize, an important traditional crop, is threatened by a fungus called Rhizopus oryzae that causes root damage and wilting. Researchers found that a beneficial bacterium, Pseudomonas protegens EMM-1, can effectively stop this fungal infection and help maize plants grow better. Tests showed the bacterium reduced fungal growth by over 80% and improved plant root development when grown together with the fungus.

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Modulation of Growth and Mycotoxigenic Potential of Pineapple Fruitlet Core Rot Pathogens during In Vitro Interactions

Pineapple Fruitlet Core Rot is a disease caused by multiple fungi that live together inside pineapple fruit. This study showed that different fungi compete with each other in ways that change how much toxin they produce. One fungus, Talaromyces stollii, was particularly good at limiting the growth of Fusarium species. Understanding how these fungi interact could help prevent disease and keep pineapples safer to eat.

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