disease control – Page 2

Interference with sexual mating of Sporisorium scitamineum by verrucarin A isolated from Paramyrothecium sp

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Scientists discovered a fungus called Paramyrothecium that produces a natural compound called verrucarin A, which stops sugarcane smut disease by preventing infected fungus cells from mating with each other. In greenhouse experiments, using this compound reduced disease symptoms from 80% infection down to 37%, and it didn’t harm the sugarcane plants. This provides a safe, natural way to control an important crop disease without using chemical pesticides.

Postharvest Disease Management of ‘Akizuki’ Pear in China: Identification of Fungal Pathogens and Control Efficacy of Chlorine Dioxide

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‘Akizuki’ pears are a popular fruit in China but often develop rot diseases during storage, causing significant economic losses. Researchers identified four types of fungi responsible for this rot and tested chlorine dioxide gas as a treatment. The study found that chlorine dioxide effectively kills these fungi by damaging their cell membranes and works as well as commercial fungicides, offering a safer alternative for preserving pears without harmful chemical residues.

Integrated transcriptome and metabolome profiling reveals mechanisms underlying the infection of Cytospora mali in “Jin Hong” branches

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This research examined how apple trees defend themselves against a serious fungal disease called Valsa canker caused by Cytospora mali. Scientists used advanced genetic and chemical analysis techniques to identify which genes and protective compounds are activated when apple branches are infected. They found that healthy apple trees fight the infection by strengthening their cell walls, producing special protective enzymes, and accumulating defense chemicals like α-linolenic acid and betaine. These discoveries could help develop better ways to prevent or manage this destructive disease in apple orchards.

Diurnal Release of Airborne Pathogen Spores in Greenhouses via the Synergistic Effects of Relative Humidity and Wind

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In greenhouses, cucumber and vegetable diseases spread explosively due to the combined effects of changing humidity and wind. This research reveals that when humidity drops during the day, fungal spores shrink and detach from diseased leaves through jerking movements. Even gentle wind can carry these detached spores to healthy nearby plants, causing rapid disease spread. By understanding this mechanism, farmers can implement better disease control by managing humidity and ventilation strategically.

Characterization of Setophoma henanensis sp. Nov., causing root rot on peanut

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Researchers in China discovered a new fungus called Setophoma henanensis that causes root rot in peanuts. This fungus was found in peanut fields across Henan Province and can also infect other crops like corn, wheat, and peppers. The good news is that the fungus is sensitive to commonly used fungicides, which can help farmers control the disease.

Inhibition of RNase to Attenuate Fungal-Manipulated Rhizosphere Microbiome and Diseases

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Fusarium fungi cause major crop diseases by using a protein called Fg12 that kills helpful bacteria in plant roots, making it easier for the fungus to infect crops. Scientists discovered that a compound called GMP blocks Fg12’s harmful activity and restores beneficial bacteria, reducing disease symptoms in soybeans and alfalfa by 47-75%. This discovery offers a new chemical strategy to protect crops from fungal infections by disarming this key fungal weapon.

MycoNews 2022: editorial, news, reports, awards, personalia, and book news

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Mycology is experiencing rapid growth in public awareness and scientific recognition. Popular books and films about fungi have dramatically increased interest in the field. The International Mycological Community celebrated major achievements in 2022, with prominent conferences and awards recognizing outstanding research and contributions to understanding fungi’s vital roles in nature and human health.

Assessment of Chemical and Biological Fungicides for the Control of Diplodia mutila Causing Wood Necrosis in Hazelnut

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This study tested different fungicides to control a fungus that causes wood damage and necrosis in hazelnut trees in Chile. Researchers evaluated 30 different products in laboratory tests, pot experiments, and field trials over two growing seasons. The results showed that certain chemical fungicides and beneficial bacteria can effectively reduce damage from this disease, with effectiveness varying based on temperature conditions. These findings provide farmers with practical options for protecting hazelnut orchards from this damaging fungal disease.

A non-classical PUF family protein in oomycetes functions as a pre-rRNA processing regulator and a target for RNAi-based disease control

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Scientists discovered a critical protein called Puf4 in harmful water mold pathogens (oomycetes) that damage crops. When they removed this protein from the pathogens, the organisms grew poorly and couldn’t infect plants effectively. They also developed a new method to deliver therapeutic RNA directly through zoospores (swimming spores) that successfully reduced disease in infected plants, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pesticides.

Identifying Key Pathogens and Effective Control Agents for Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus Root Rot

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Astragalus root, a valued traditional Chinese medicine, suffers from a serious fungal disease caused primarily by two Fusarium species. Researchers tested eight fungicides and nine beneficial bacteria to find the most effective treatments. The chemical fungicide carbendazim and a beneficial bacterium called KRS006 proved most effective, offering promise for developing better disease management strategies that combine both chemical and biological approaches.

Research Keyword: disease control