crop disease management – Page 2

Plant Pathogenic Fungi Special Issue: Genetics and Genomics

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This scientific review discusses how modern genetics and genomics tools are helping researchers better understand and manage plant diseases caused by fungi. Seven research studies are presented covering topics like identifying different fungal species, understanding how fungi attack plants, and finding natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. The research emphasizes the importance of monitoring fungal diseases and developing crops that resist infection to protect global food production.

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

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Scientists discovered that a liquid extract from Cinchona bark, which contains quinine, can effectively kill a fungus that damages rice crops. The treatment works by blocking the fungus’s ability to absorb tryptophan (an important amino acid) and damaging its energy-producing mitochondria. When tryptophan was added back to the treatment, the fungus recovered, confirming this is the main way the extract works. This natural, plant-based approach could provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides while reducing the risk of the fungus developing resistance.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

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Apple scab is a serious fungal disease that damages apple trees and fruit, causing significant crop losses worldwide. This study examined apple scab fungus in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, surveying 30 different apple populations and testing 302 samples. Using DNA testing and microscopy, researchers confirmed the fungus is present in about 16% of the apple populations studied, with different populations showing distinct genetic patterns based on their geographic location and whether the apples were wild or cultivated.

Exploring Fungal Communication Mechanisms in the Rhizosphere Microbiome for a Sustainable Green Agriculture

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Fungi in soil communicate with each other and plants through chemical signals, forming protective layers called biofilms that help them cooperate and survive. These fungal communication networks can be either beneficial, helping plants grow and fight diseases, or harmful, causing crop infections and producing toxins. By better understanding how fungi talk to each other, scientists can develop natural ways to improve agriculture and clean up polluted soils without using harmful chemicals.

Fungal inhibitory activity of sesquiterpenoids isolated from Laggera pterodonta

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Researchers isolated six antifungal compounds from a traditional Chinese medicine plant called Laggera pterodonta. One compound called costic acid showed excellent ability to kill common crop-destroying fungi like P. nicotianae and F. oxysporum by damaging their cell membranes. These natural compounds could serve as safer alternatives to synthetic fungicides in agriculture, offering environmental benefits without toxic chemical residues.

Comparative Antagonistic Activities of Endolichenic Fungi Isolated from the Fruticose Lichens Ramalina and Usnea

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Researchers studied fungi living inside lichen plants from the Philippines to see if they could help fight crop diseases. They tested 40 different fungi against three harmful pathogens that destroy important crops. The results showed that these lichen-dwelling fungi were effective at stopping pathogen growth, with fungi from Ramalina lichens performing better than those from Usnea lichens. This discovery suggests a natural, eco-friendly way to protect crops without harsh chemicals.

Application of Nanocomposites-Based Polymers on Managing Fungal Diseases in Crop Production

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Scientists are developing tiny particles made from natural materials like chitosan to protect crops from fungal diseases. These nanoparticles work better than traditional fungicides and can be combined with metals or plant extracts to boost their effectiveness. The new approach is more environmentally friendly and can reduce crop loss caused by fungal infections while maintaining sustainable agricultural practices.

Automatic classification of fungal-fungal interactions using deep learning models

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Researchers developed an artificial intelligence system that automatically analyzes images of fungi growing together to identify which ones can fight off disease-causing fungi. Instead of having humans manually look at thousands of plate images, which is time-consuming and subjective, their computer vision system can classify the outcomes with 95% accuracy. This automation tool could help scientists quickly find beneficial fungi that could replace chemical pesticides in agriculture, supporting the goal of sustainable and more environmentally friendly farming.

Identification and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Fungi Associated with Dry Rot of Potato Tubers

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Researchers identified different Fusarium fungi causing potato dry rot in Russia and tested how they grow at various temperatures and how aggressively they damage potatoes. They found that F. sambucinum is the most dangerous because it can grow and cause rot even during cold storage, unlike other species. This research helps farmers understand which pathogens threaten their crops and how storage conditions affect disease development.

A Method to Inoculate Millet Grain-Colonized Fusarium pseudograminearum on Wheat to Obtain Reproducible Disease Symptoms

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Scientists developed a standardized method to test wheat varieties for resistance to Fusarium crown rot, a serious fungal disease that damages wheat crops. The method uses millet grains colonized with the disease-causing fungus as inoculum, which is more reproducible and efficient than previous approaches. By testing this on wheat seedlings in controlled greenhouse conditions, researchers can quickly identify wheat varieties with natural resistance, which helps plant breeders develop better disease-resistant wheat crops.

Research Keyword: crop disease management