Antifungal activity – mycolab.ai

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

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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.

A super absorbent polymer containing copper to control Plenodomus tracheiphilus the causative agent of mal secco disease of lemon

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Researchers developed a new gel-like material containing copper that can fight a serious fungal disease affecting lemon trees. Unlike traditional copper sprays that wash away and pollute the environment, this new material slowly releases copper directly into the plant’s water-conducting vessels where the disease-causing fungus lives. The gel absorbed water effectively and released copper ions gradually over time, showing much better results than regular copper solutions when tested on infected lemon branches.

Luobuma Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Alternaria tenuissima in China

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Researchers in China identified a serious fungal disease affecting Luobuma plants (used for tea, medicine, and textiles) caused by the fungus Alternaria tenuissima. The disease caused leaf spots that spread rapidly, with infection rates reaching 95% in some plants. Testing showed that a fungicide called hymexazol was effective at controlling the disease, offering farmers a practical solution for protecting their crops.

Synergistic curative effects of Trichoderma hamatum and Rumex dentatus against Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of tomato leaf spot disease

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This research discovered that combining a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma hamatum with an extract from Rumex dentatus plant effectively controls tomato leaf spot disease. When used together, these natural treatments reduced disease by over 88% and even outperformed commercial fungicides. The combined treatment also boosted plant health by increasing growth and natural defense mechanisms, offering farmers an affordable and environmentally safe alternative to chemical pesticides.

Cystobacter fuscus HM-E: a novel biocontrol agent against cotton Verticillium wilt

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A naturally occurring bacterium called Cystobacter fuscus shows great promise as a biological control agent against a serious fungal disease that damages cotton plants. When formulated as a solid product and applied to soil, this microorganism was able to prevent disease in over 70% of cotton plants tested in greenhouse experiments. The bacteria work by attacking and breaking down the fungal pathogen while also promoting healthier plant growth, offering farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Carbon and Nitrogen Sources Influence Parasitic Responsiveness in Trichoderma atroviride NI-1

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Scientists studied a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma atroviride that kills crop-damaging pathogens. They discovered that the type and quality of nutrients available directly affects how aggressive this fungus becomes. When provided with better nutrients like glucose and ammonia, the fungus produces more powerful enzymes to attack and destroy its prey. Remarkably, this fungus can even tell the difference between different types of pathogens and adjusts its attack strategy accordingly, making it a promising candidate for environmentally-friendly crop protection.

Neem Essential Oil as an Antifungal Agent against Phyllosticta citricarpa

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Citrus fruits are susceptible to a serious fungal disease called black spot that prevents them from being exported to certain countries. This study tested neem oil, a natural plant extract, as a replacement for chemical fungicides currently used to clean citrus fruits. The researchers found that neem oil was just as effective as the standard copper-based treatments at killing the fungus and preventing the disease, and it worked by breaking down the fungus cell membranes. This natural alternative could help farmers and fruit companies maintain food safety while using more eco-friendly solutions.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part II

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This research tested six common culinary essential oils to see if they could prevent fungi from growing on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified four types of harmful fungi that cause banana rot and tested how well oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, cinnamon, and basil oils could stop them. The results showed that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils were most effective at stopping fungal growth, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that consumers want to avoid.

Biocontrol of citrus fungal pathogens by lipopeptides produced by Bacillus velezensis TZ01

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Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus velezensis that can protect citrus fruits from harmful fungi. This bacterium produces natural compounds called lipopeptides that kill disease-causing fungi without the need for chemical fungicides. The lipopeptides are stable and effective across different environmental conditions, making them promising for use in citrus farming as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pesticides.

In vitro antifungal activity of plant extracts against fungal pathogens of onion (Allium cepa L.) and red pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in selected districts of Western Hararghe, Ethiopia

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Onion and pepper farmers in Ethiopia lose significant crops to fungal diseases, and chemical fungicides are expensive and harmful. This study tested plant extracts from garlic, neem, and African wintersweet against disease-causing fungi. Acokanthera schimperi (African wintersweet) was most effective at stopping fungal growth, offering farmers an affordable, natural, and environmentally safe alternative to chemical fungicides.

Research Keyword: Antifungal activity