Research Keyword: disease management

Phylogenomic, Morphological, and Phylogenetic Evidence Reveals Five New Species and Two New Host Records of Nectriaceae (Hypocreales) from China

Scientists in China discovered five new species of fungi from the Fusarium and Neocosmospora groups, which can affect plants and, in rare cases, humans. These fungi were found in various environments including plant leaves, insects, and other fungi. The researchers used advanced DNA analysis and genetic sequencing techniques to identify these new species and clarify how they relate to each other evolutionarily.

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Native and Non-Native Soil and Endophytic Trichoderma spp. from Semi-Arid Sisal Fields of Brazil Are Potential Biocontrol Agents for Sisal Bole Rot Disease

Sisal plants in Brazil are being devastated by a fungal disease called bole rot. Scientists discovered that certain beneficial fungi called Trichoderma can effectively fight this disease by producing natural compounds and directly attacking the harmful fungus. These Trichoderma fungi also help the sisal plant defend itself better against infection. The research shows that using these beneficial fungi could help save Brazil’s important sisal fiber industry.

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Optimizing brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) health and yield through bio-organic amendments against Fusarium wilt

Farmers can protect their brinjal (eggplant) crops from a serious fungal disease called Fusarium wilt by adding organic materials like spent mushroom substrate mixed with biochar to their soil. These natural amendments not only reduce disease but also help plants grow better and produce higher yields, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides that can harm the environment and human health.

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Diversity and Distribution of Colletotrichum Species Causing Anthracnose in China

Researchers identified 16 different species of Colletotrichum fungi causing anthracnose (a leaf and branch disease) in plants across five Chinese provinces. They discovered four previously unknown species and clarified the classification of several known species using DNA analysis. The study found that different regions had different predominant fungal species, with walnut being particularly susceptible to specific Colletotrichum species. These findings help understand and manage anthracnose diseases in economically important plants in China.

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Biocontrol of Root-Knot Nematodes via siRNA-Loaded Extracellular Vesicles From a Nematophagous Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora

Scientists developed a new way to control harmful root-knot nematodes that damage crops by using natural containers called extracellular vesicles from a fungus. These vesicles carry small RNA molecules that silence genes essential for nematode survival and reproduction. When tested on tomato plants, this fungal-based treatment reduced nematode damage by about 60% while promoting healthier plant growth, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

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Discovery of a New Starship Transposon Driving the Horizontal Transfer of the ToxA Virulence Gene in Alternaria ventricosa

Scientists discovered that a disease-causing gene called ToxA, previously found only in three wheat-infecting fungi, is also present in a fourth fungal species called Alternaria ventricosa. This gene travels between fungal species through special jumping DNA elements called Starships. The study reveals how fungi share dangerous genes through a process called horizontal gene transfer, which helps them become better at attacking crops. Understanding this process could help farmers and scientists develop better ways to prevent fungal diseases.

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Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus velezensis RS65 Against Phytophthora infestans: A Sustainable Strategy for Managing Tomato Late Blight

Researchers tested 30 soil bacteria from tomato roots to find natural disease fighters. They discovered that Bacillus velezensis RS65, a beneficial bacterium, effectively prevents tomato late blight by producing enzymes and toxins that kill the fungal pathogen. In greenhouse tests, plants treated with RS65 had half the disease severity compared to untreated plants, suggesting this bacteria could replace chemical fungicides in sustainable tomato farming.

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The Structural and Functional Diversities of Bacteria Inhabiting Plant Woody Tissues and Their Interactions with Fungi

Bacteria living in tree wood work together with fungi to break down wood and nutrients, which is important for forest health. Some bacteria can protect trees from harmful fungi by fighting them off, making them useful for controlling plant diseases. Understanding how bacteria and fungi interact in wood can help us grow healthier plants, manage tree diseases better, and improve wood decomposition processes.

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

Chaetomium globosum is a common soil fungus that shows great potential for protecting crops from diseases and pests naturally. This review explains how it works—by producing toxic compounds against harmful fungi, directly attacking pathogens, and boosting plants’ own defense systems. When applied to seeds or soil, it has reduced crop diseases by up to 73% in field tests while also improving soil health and crop yields, making it a promising alternative to chemical fungicides.

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Mycobiome of low maintenance iconic landscape plant boxwood under repeated treatments of contact and systemic fungicides

This study examined how different fungicide treatments affect the beneficial and harmful fungi living on boxwood plants. Researchers found that repeated applications of chlorothalonil-based fungicides reduced many beneficial fungi while having minimal effect on harmful pathogens, and that fungi became less sensitive to the same fungicide over time. The findings suggest that choosing the right fungicide and application method is important for maintaining plant health and preventing fungicide resistance.

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