crop protection – Page 3

Biocontrol of Cercospora leaf spot in sugar beet by a novel Bacillus velezensis KT27 strain: Enhanced antifungal activity and growth promotion in laboratory and field conditions

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This research demonstrates that a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis KT27 can effectively control a common fungal disease in sugar beet crops. The bacteria fights the disease by producing natural antifungal compounds and can be further enhanced by exposure to inactivated fungal pathogens. Field trials showed the bacterial treatment provided disease protection almost as good as chemical fungicides while also promoting plant growth and increasing sugar beet yield by up to 15%.

Beauveria felina Accelerates Growth When Competing With Other Potential Endophytes

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Scientists studied how Beauveria felina, a fungus used to control crop pests, grows when living alongside other fungi naturally found in plants. They discovered that instead of being inhibited by competitors, B. felina actually grew much faster when other fungi were present. In some cases, an inhibition zone formed between B. felina and one competitor fungus, suggesting they produce chemicals that affect each other’s growth. These findings suggest B. felina could be a good biocontrol agent, but researchers need to study longer-term effects before using it widely on farms.

In vitro biocontrol potential of plant extract-based formulation against infection structures of Phytophthora infestans along with lower non-target effects

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Researchers tested a plant extract-based treatment against late blight, a serious disease affecting potatoes and tomatoes caused by Phytophthora infestans. The formulated product was highly effective at very low concentrations, stopping the disease at multiple stages of infection. Importantly, it had minimal harmful effects on beneficial microorganisms, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides.

Harnessing Walnut-Based Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Approach to Combat the Disease Complex of Meloidogyne arenaria and Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea

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Researchers created tiny particles made from walnut leaves and zinc oxide that can fight harmful plant diseases caused by root-knot nematodes and fungal infections in cowpea plants. When applied to diseased plants, these natural nanoparticles significantly reduced pest populations, improved plant growth and health, and helped plants recover from stress without harming beneficial bacteria in the soil. This green technology offers farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical pesticides.

Editorial: Unraveling pathogen-plant-microbiome interactions in horticultural crops through omics approaches

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This editorial presents a collection of research on how diseases affect valuable crops like tomatoes, tea, and potatoes. Scientists used advanced genetic and molecular techniques to understand how pathogens infect plants and how the beneficial microbes around plant roots can help fight disease. The studies suggest that managing crop diseases sustainably requires understanding the complex interactions between pathogens, plants, and their microbial communities.

Complete genome sequence of Diaporthe vaccinii Shear, a fungal isolated from blueberry

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus that damages blueberry crops. This fungus, called Diaporthe vaccinii, causes diseases like twig blight and fruit rot that cost farmers significant money. The complete genome sequence provides valuable information for understanding how the fungus causes disease and may help develop better ways to protect blueberry crops.

Tracking of Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Taxonomically Different Plant Fungi

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Scientists discovered that a common plant virus (tobacco mosaic virus) can infect and multiply inside certain fungal pathogens that harm crops. When the virus enters these fungi, the fungi activate their natural defense system to fight back. Interestingly, the virus doesn’t make the fungi more or less dangerous to plants. This discovery opens new possibilities for controlling harmful fungi using viruses as biological tools.

Green Synthesized Copper-Oxide Nanoparticles Exhibit Antifungal Activity Against Botrytis cinerea, the Causal Agent of the Gray Mold Disease

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Scientists have developed tiny copper particles using environmentally friendly methods with beneficial fungi to fight gray mold, a devastating disease in vineyards and crops. These green-synthesized nanoparticles were more effective at stopping the fungus than commercial fungicides currently in use. The research shows this approach could be a sustainable alternative that reduces harmful chemicals used in agriculture while protecting crops more effectively.

Nature-Inspired Biphenyls and Diphenyl Ethers: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

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Scientists created synthetic versions of protective compounds found in brown seaweed that could potentially be used as natural fungicides. They designed and synthesized fifteen different chemical derivatives and tested them against harmful plant fungi that damage crops. While the chemically modified versions showed modest effectiveness at stopping fungal growth, the naturally occurring compounds had little effect, suggesting that chemical alterations play an important role in fighting crop diseases.

Twenty-nine new host records of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae) in Taiwan with an updated checklist

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Scientists in Taiwan have updated a comprehensive list of powdery mildew fungi that infect plants, adding 29 new host plant records. They identified 13 different species of these fungi using both traditional microscopy and modern DNA sequencing techniques. This updated list is important for farmers and gardeners to identify and manage powdery mildew diseases on their crops and plants.

Research Keyword: crop protection