biocontrol – Page 3

The Global Secondary Metabolite Regulator AcLaeA Modulates Aspergillus carbonarius Virulence, Ochratoxin Biosynthesis, and the Mode of Action of Biopesticides and Essential Oils

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Grapes can be infected with a fungus called Aspergillus carbonarius that produces a dangerous toxin called ochratoxin A. Scientists studied a regulatory gene called AcLaeA that controls toxin production in this fungus. By deleting this gene, the fungus became less virulent and produced much less toxin. Natural products like cinnamon and thyme oils, along with commercial biocontrol products, were found to reduce toxin production by suppressing this regulatory gene, offering promising natural alternatives to chemical fungicides.

An implementation framework for evaluating the biocidal potential of essential oils in controlling Fusarium wilt in spinach: from in vitro to in planta

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Researchers tested four common essential oils (thyme, oregano, marjoram, and tea tree) to see if they could stop a dangerous fungal disease in spinach plants. They found that thyme and oregano oils worked best at killing the fungus in laboratory tests and when applied to spinach seeds in the greenhouse, with thyme oil reducing disease by over half without harming the plants.

Control effects and mechanisms of metabolites from Streptomyces ahygroscopicus var. gongzhulingensis strain 769 on sclerotinia rot in sunflowers

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Scientists discovered that a beneficial soil bacterium called Streptomyces can effectively control sunflower rot disease caused by a harmful fungus. When applied to soil or roots, this bacterium reduced disease severity by over 50% and improved plant root health and seed quality. The treatment works by both directly killing the pathogenic fungus and strengthening the plant’s natural defense systems.

A novel partitivirus confers dual contradictory effects to its host fungus: growth attenuation and virulence enhancement

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Researchers discovered a new virus that infects a fungus causing disease in tea plants. Interestingly, this virus has opposing effects: it slows down the fungus’s growth but makes it more damaging to tea leaves. This unusual combination of effects provides new insights into how viruses interact with fungal pathogens and could inform new strategies for managing tea plant diseases.

Dual benefits of Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus strain GIC41 in mitigating Pythium root rot and enhancing plant growth across cultivation systems

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Scientists tested a bacteria strain called Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus (GIC41) to fight a destructive plant disease called Pythium root rot. In both soil and water-based growing systems, this bacteria significantly reduced disease symptoms in spinach and tomato plants while also making the plants grow bigger and stronger. The bacteria works by producing enzymes and possibly triggering the plant’s natural defenses, without directly poisoning the disease-causing pathogen.

Identification of a pathogen causing fruiting body rot of Sanghuangporus vaninii

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Sanghuang, a valuable medicinal mushroom grown in China, was suffering from a disease that damaged fruiting bodies and reduced production. Researchers identified the cause as a green mold fungus called Trichoderma virens. The fungus grows best at 25°C and strongly inhibits the mushroom’s growth. Understanding this pathogen is the first step toward developing better ways to prevent the disease and protect this important medicinal crop.

Draft genome of Conoideocrella luteorostrata ARSEF 14590 (Clavicipitaceae), an entomopathogenic fungus with a wealth of biosynthetic and biocontrol potential

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of a fungus that naturally kills elongate hemlock scale insects, pests that damage Christmas trees. The fungus contains genes for producing cephalosporin, a well-known antibiotic, and other bioactive compounds. This discovery opens new possibilities for using this fungus as a natural pest control method and potentially developing new medicines from its biological compounds.

Functions of the Three Common Fungal Extracellular Membrane (CFEM) Domain-Containing Genes of Arthrobotrys flagrans in the Process of Nematode Trapping

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Researchers studied how a fungus called Arthrobotrys flagrans catches and kills parasitic worms. They found that three genes containing a special protein domain called CFEM control how the fungus produces sticky traps and deadly proteins. By studying mutant fungi with these genes deleted or overexpressed, they discovered that these genes work together and can compensate for each other, helping explain how this fungus could be used as a natural pest control for harmful nematodes.

Microcycle Conidia Production in an Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana: The Role of Chitin Deacetylase in the Conidiation and the Contribution of Nanocoating in Conidial Stability

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Researchers developed a method to dramatically increase the production of fungal spores used for controlling crop-damaging insects like armyworms. By using a special growth medium and coating the spores with nanoscale particles, they created more stable and effective fungal pesticides that work faster and better in the field. This advance could make biological pest control more practical and affordable for farmers.

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Bacterium B5 from Mentha haplocalyx Briq. and Its Biocontrol Mechanisms Against Alternaria alternata-Induced Tobacco Brown Spot

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Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus velezensis in mint plants that can fight tobacco brown spot disease caused by a fungus. This bacterium works by producing natural antifungal compounds and enzymes that damage the fungus, and it helps boost the plant’s own defense systems. In greenhouse tests, this bacterial treatment was as effective as commercial chemical fungicides, offering farmers a safer, more environmentally friendly option for protecting their tobacco crops.

Research Keyword: biocontrol