crop protection – Page 4

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

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Researchers synthesized compounds inspired by naturally occurring substances found in brown algae called phlorotannins. These synthetic compounds were tested against fungi that damage rice crops and other plants. Some methylated versions showed promise in slowing fungal growth, suggesting they could potentially be developed into new natural fungicides. However, the compounds were not effective against bacteria, indicating more research is needed.

In Vitro Screening of the Antifungal and Antimycotoxin Effects of a Stilbenoids-Rich Grapevine Cane Extract on Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium expansum

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This study tested a natural extract from grapevine pruning waste to see if it could stop three dangerous fungi that produce harmful toxins in crops. The extract worked well at stopping both fungal growth and toxin production, with effects that lasted even after the extract was removed. These results suggest that grapevine waste could be turned into a natural fungicide to protect crops from contamination.

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

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This review examines how fatty acids and other compounds from algae and cyanobacteria can naturally fight Fusarium fungus, which damages crops like wheat, corn, and tomatoes. Traditional chemical fungicides harm the environment and can make fungi resistant, so scientists are exploring algae-based alternatives that work sustainably. The research shows these algal compounds can damage fungal cell membranes and boost plant defenses against infection. While promising, more work is needed to develop these natural solutions for practical farm use.

Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Trichoderma harzianum and its bio-efficacy on Alternaria brassicae

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Scientists have developed an eco-friendly way to create zinc oxide nanoparticles using a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum. These nanoparticles effectively kill Alternaria brassicae, a fungus that damages mustard crops and can reduce yields by up to 57%. The nanoparticles work better and at lower doses than traditional chemical fungicides, making them a promising sustainable solution for farmers. This represents an important advancement in protecting crops without harming the environment.

Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

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This research discovered that the bacterium Streptomyces scabiei, which causes common scab disease on potatoes and other root crops, produces a variety of natural chemical compounds that can kill harmful fungi and promote plant growth. Scientists identified 36 different volatile chemicals released by this bacterium, including some previously unknown for their antifungal abilities. These findings suggest that despite being a plant pathogen, this bacterium may actually help protect crops from more dangerous diseases, offering potential for developing natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides.

Biology and Application of Chaetomium globosum as a Biocontrol Agent: Current Status and Future Prospects

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Chaetomium globosum is a fungus that can protect crops from various plant diseases by producing toxic compounds and parasitizing harmful pathogens. It also helps plants defend themselves naturally and improves soil health by promoting beneficial microorganisms. This makes it a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for sustainable farming, though more research is needed to optimize its effectiveness in real field conditions.

The serine palmitoyl transferase of plant pathogenic fungi: a promising new target for the development of novel crop protection solutions

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Scientists have discovered a new type of fungicide called pyridazine carboxamides that effectively kill plant-damaging fungi by blocking a key enzyme involved in their cell membrane formation. These compounds work against many common crop diseases like gray mold and leaf spots, though they are less effective against certain wheat pathogens. The research validates this new approach as a promising tool for protecting crops and managing fungicide resistance while maintaining global food security.

Investigating the activity of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum to mitigate Fusarium wilt disease of diverse cultivars of Vicia faba

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Fava beans are damaged by a fungus called Fusarium that causes wilting and crop loss. Scientists tested two beneficial microorganisms—Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis—as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. Trichoderma worked better, reducing disease by over 70% while also boosting plant health and bean production in two different fava bean varieties.

Microbiome Analysis Reveals Biocontrol of Aspergillus and Mycotoxin Mitigation in Maize by the Growth-Promoting Fungal Endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae Ct0861

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Researchers discovered that a beneficial fungal endophyte called Colletotrichum tofieldiae can protect maize crops from contamination by harmful Aspergillus fungi that produce dangerous toxins called aflatoxins. When maize plants were treated with this endophyte either through seed coating or leaf spraying, they grew better and produced higher yields while also experiencing a dramatic 90% reduction in fungal contamination and extremely low aflatoxin levels. The protection mechanism appears to work indirectly by boosting the plant’s own defense systems rather than through direct combat with the pathogenic fungus, offering a sustainable and safe solution for improving crop quality and food safety.

Flood Inoculation of Fusarium eumartii in Tomato Seedlings: Method for Evaluating the Infectivity of Pathogen Spores

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Scientists have developed a simple laboratory method to test how effectively a fungus called Fusarium eumartii infects young tomato plants. The technique involves growing tomato seedlings on special nutrient plates and then exposing them to fungal spores suspended in water, allowing researchers to measure how much damage occurs and how much fungus remains in the plant tissue. This method can be used to quickly test whether different compounds, like chitosan, can prevent fungal infections or help plants defend themselves naturally. The straightforward approach makes it useful for farmers and researchers developing better ways to protect tomato crops from fungal diseases.

Research Keyword: crop protection