crop protection – Page 6

Citric acid impairs type B trichothecene biosynthesis of Fusarium graminearum but enhances its growth and pigment biosynthesis: transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

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Researchers discovered that citric acid, a natural acid found in plant roots and commonly used in agriculture, can reduce the production of dangerous mycotoxins called trichothecenes that contaminate wheat and corn crops. While citric acid surprisingly boosts the fungus’s growth and changes its color, it simultaneously shuts down the genes responsible for producing these toxic compounds. This discovery could help farmers use citric acid more strategically to prevent Fusarium head blight, a devastating crop disease, though care must be taken since it also promotes fungal growth.

Saponins, the Unexplored Secondary Metabolites in Plant Defense: Opportunities in Integrated Pest Management

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Plants naturally produce compounds called saponins that protect them from insects, fungi, bacteria, parasitic worms, and viruses. This review explains how saponins work as natural pest managers and discusses how plants rich in saponins, such as licorice and soapbark trees, could be used to develop environmentally friendly crop protection products instead of synthetic pesticides.

Impact of Various Essential Oils on the Development of Pathogens of the Fusarium Genus and on Health and Germination Parameters of Winter Wheat and Maize

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Researchers tested four plant-based essential oils as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides for protecting wheat and maize seeds from harmful Fusarium fungi. Thyme oil proved most effective at preventing fungal infections and seedling disease, performing as well as synthetic fungicides. However, thyme oil at higher doses harmed seed germination and plant growth, suggesting careful dose selection is needed for practical use. The findings indicate essential oils could replace chemical pesticides while maintaining crop safety, though different oils must be tested for various crops.

Exploring the Biocontrol Potential of Phanerochaete chrysosporium against Wheat Crown Rot

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Scientists discovered that a beneficial fungus called Phanerochaete chrysosporium can effectively control a serious wheat disease caused by another fungus. The beneficial fungus attacks and breaks down the pathogenic fungus while also helping wheat plants grow stronger and resist infection better. This offers farmers a natural, sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their wheat crops.

Antifungal Activity of Genistein Against Phytopathogenic Fungi Valsa mali Through ROS-Mediated Lipid Peroxidation

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Scientists discovered that genistein, a natural compound found in soybeans and other legumes, can effectively kill the fungus that causes apple tree canker disease. The compound works by creating harmful reactive oxygen species that damage the fungus’s cell membranes and disrupt its normal cellular functions. This research suggests genistein could be developed as a safe, natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting apple crops.

Antifungal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Fusarium equiseti phytopathogen isolated from tomato plant in Nepal

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Researchers in Nepal isolated a fungus called Fusarium equiseti that damages tomato plants and created tiny zinc oxide particles from tea leaves to fight it. These nanoparticles successfully stopped the fungus from growing, reducing its growth by up to 85%. This discovery offers farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides that harm the environment and create resistant fungi.

Talaromyces pinophilus Strain HD25G2 as a Novel Biocontrol Agent of Fusarium culmorum, the Causal Agent of Root and Crown Rot of Soft Wheat

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A fungus called Talaromyces pinophilus shows promise as a natural pest controller against Fusarium culmorum, which damages wheat crops worldwide. When applied early to wheat seeds, this beneficial fungus produces enzymes that break down the harmful fungus’s cell walls, completely preventing damage and toxin contamination. However, timing is critical—if applied too late, it can paradoxically increase toxin production, suggesting it works best as a preventative treatment before infection occurs.

One-Pot Synthesis of Chiral Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors and Antifungal Activity Studies

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Scientists developed a new method to create potent antifungal medications that can protect crops from destructive fungal diseases. By carefully controlling the molecular structure (chirality) of the compounds, they created drugs that are significantly more effective and potentially less toxic than existing treatments. Testing showed that the new compound called (S)-5f works 76 times better against gray mold fungus than its mirror-image counterpart, similar to how your left and right hands have the same shape but can’t be superimposed.

Putative Transcriptional Regulation of HaWRKY33-AOA251SVV7 Complex-Mediated Sunflower Head Rot by Transcriptomics and Proteomics

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This research identifies how sunflowers defend themselves against a devastating fungal disease called head rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Scientists discovered that a protein called HaWRKY33 works together with another protein (AOA251SVV7) to help resistant sunflower varieties fight off the infection. By understanding these molecular interactions and identifying critical regions of the HaWRKY33 protein, researchers can now develop better sunflower varieties that are naturally resistant to this disease, potentially saving farmers significant crop losses.

Identification and growth-promoting effect of Paecilomyces lilacinus a biocontrol fungi for walnut rot disease

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Researchers identified a beneficial fungus called Paecilomyces lilacinus that can fight walnut rot disease, which damages walnut crops especially in China’s Xinjiang region. This fungus is more environmentally friendly than chemical fungicides and actually boosts walnut plant growth, increasing seedling height and root development significantly. The study shows it could replace harmful chemical treatments while improving overall plant health.

Research Keyword: crop protection