crop disease management

Efficacy of Trichoderma longibrachiatum SC5 Fermentation Filtrate in Inhibiting the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Growth and Development in Sunflower

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Scientists studied a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma longibrachiatum that can fight a harmful mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) which damages sunflower crops. They discovered that liquid containing products from this beneficial fungus can significantly stop the harmful mold from growing, prevent it from forming protective survival structures called sclerotia, and reduce its ability to infect plants. When tested on sunflower leaves, this fungal liquid was highly effective at both preventing disease before infection and stopping disease after infection had started.

Applications of Natural Polymers in the Grapevine Industry: Plant Protection and Value-Added Utilization of Waste

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Grapevines face significant challenges from drought, extreme temperatures, and fungal diseases. Natural polymers like chitosan, alginate, and cellulose can create protective coatings on grapes that help them retain water, resist pests, and stay healthy. Additionally, waste from grape processing can be recycled into valuable compounds and encapsulated in these polymers for use as plant strengtheners or in food and pharmaceuticals, creating a more sustainable wine industry.

Evaluation of Streptomyces sporoverrucosus B-1662 for biological control of red pepper anthracnose and apple bitter rot diseases in Korea

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This research evaluated a naturally occurring bacterium called Streptomyces sporoverrucosus B-1662 as a biological alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling fungal diseases on red peppers and apples. Laboratory and field tests demonstrated that this bacterium can reduce disease symptoms by over 90%, making it a promising option for organic farmers seeking to protect their crops without synthetic chemicals. The study identified the specific compound responsible for the bacterium’s effectiveness and provided detailed information about its genetic makeup.

First Report of Ganoderma ryvardenii causing Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease on oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Ghana

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Oil palm is a valuable crop, but a fungal disease called basal stem rot (BSR) causes serious damage and economic losses. Researchers in Ghana discovered that a fungus species called Ganoderma ryvardenii is causing BSR disease on oil palms, marking the first time this pathogen has been found in West Africa. The study used modern genetic testing to identify the fungus and proved it causes the disease by infecting oil palm seedlings in controlled conditions.

Geographic variation in fungal diversity associated with leaf spot symptoms of Coffea arabica in Yunnan, China

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Researchers studied the different types of fungi found on coffee plant leaves in two regions of Yunnan, China. They discovered that the mountainous areas of Pu’er had more harmful fungi causing leaf spot disease, while the tropical lowlands of Xishuangbanna had more beneficial fungi that could naturally control pests. This information helps coffee farmers choose better disease management strategies based on their location’s unique environmental conditions.

Providing a toolbox for genomic engineering of Trichoderma aggressivum

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Scientists have created a set of tools to genetically engineer Trichoderma aggressivum, a fungus that causes green mold disease in cultivated mushrooms but can also be used beneficially. The study provides step-by-step methods for transforming this fungus using both traditional plasmid methods and modern CRISPR gene-editing technology. These tools will help researchers understand how the fungus works and potentially harness its beneficial properties for agriculture.

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.

Algae and Cyanobacteria Fatty Acids and Bioactive Metabolites: Natural Antifungal Alternative Against Fusarium sp.

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Fusarium fungi cause serious crop diseases that farmers traditionally treat with chemical fungicides, but these chemicals harm the environment and create resistant fungi. Scientists are finding that algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce natural compounds like fatty acids that can fight these fungi effectively. This research shows promising results for developing natural, environmentally-friendly fungicides that could help farmers protect crops without chemical damage.

Antifungal Activity of Industrial Bacillus Strains against Mycogone perniciosa, the Causative Agent of Wet Bubble Disease in White Button Mushrooms

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Researchers tested two special bacteria strains (Bacillus subtilis B-10 and M-22) to protect white button mushrooms from wet bubble disease, a serious fungal infection that can destroy entire crops. When applied to mushroom growing beds, both bacteria effectively prevented the disease-causing fungus from developing, with success rates between 50-99% depending on application method. This offers mushroom farmers a natural, chemical-free alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting their crops.

Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

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Researchers discovered that Streptomyces scabiei, a bacterium known for causing common scab disease on potatoes and other root vegetables, produces various airborne chemicals with surprising benefits. Using advanced laboratory techniques, scientists identified 36 different volatile compounds from this bacterium, many of which can kill harmful fungi and potentially help plants grow better. While traditionally viewed as purely harmful, these findings suggest the bacterium may actually serve a more complex role in soil, sometimes protecting crops from more dangerous diseases.

Research Keyword: crop disease management