disease resistance – Page 3

Plant Pathogenic Fungi Special Issue: Genetics and Genomics

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This scientific review discusses how modern genetics and genomics tools are helping researchers better understand and manage plant diseases caused by fungi. Seven research studies are presented covering topics like identifying different fungal species, understanding how fungi attack plants, and finding natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. The research emphasizes the importance of monitoring fungal diseases and developing crops that resist infection to protect global food production.

Bio-stimulants for plant growth promotion and sustainable management of Rhizoctonia Solani causing black scurf of potato tubers

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Researchers tested natural treatments called bio-stimulants to help potato plants fight black scurf disease caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani. They found that combining mycorrhizal fungi with seaweed extract was the most effective at reducing disease and improving potato quality. These natural treatments can enhance plant growth and tuber yield while reducing the need for chemical fungicides, making them valuable for sustainable potato farming.

Vernicia fordii leaf extract inhibited anthracnose growth by downregulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitro and in vivo

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Researchers found that leaves from the tung tree (Vernicia fordii) contain natural compounds that effectively kill a fungus (Colletotrichum fructicola) that damages oil tea plants. The extract works by increasing harmful oxidative stress in fungal cells and turning off genes the fungus needs to survive. This explains why farmers have successfully grown these trees together for centuries to naturally reduce disease.

Revisiting the emerging pathosystem of rice sheath blight: deciphering the Rhizoctonia solani virulence, host range, and rice genotype-based resistance

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Rice plants are affected by a fungal disease called sheath blight caused by a fungus named Rhizoctonia solani. This study found that different strains of this fungus vary in how aggressive they are, with some being much more damaging than others. By testing various rice varieties, researchers identified which ones naturally resist this disease better, and these resistant varieties could be used to breed new rice crops that are less affected by the disease.

In Vitro Mycorrhization for Plant Propagation and Enhanced Resilience to Environmental Stress: A Review

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This review examines how beneficial fungi called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be grown alongside plants in laboratory conditions to improve plant growth and stress tolerance. These fungi form partnerships with plant roots, helping them absorb more nutrients and water while protecting them from diseases and environmental stress. By combining this mycorrhizal inoculation with plant tissue culture techniques, scientists can produce large numbers of healthier, more resilient plants for agriculture.

Fungal Assemblages in Northern Elms—Impacts of Host Identity and Health, Growth Environment, and Presence of Dutch Elm Disease

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This study examined the fungi living in elm tree shoots to understand how different elm species, tree health, and location affect fungal communities. Researchers found that diseased elms had more diverse fungi than healthy ones, and that a fungus called Sphaeropsis ulmicola may be as damaging as the classic Dutch elm disease pathogen. Urban elm trees hosted more different types of fungi than rural ones, suggesting that city conditions influence which fungi can grow on elms.

Bacillus subtilis Strain TCX1 Isolated from Ambrosia artemisiifolia: Enhancing Cucumber Growth and Biocontrol Against Cucumber Fusarium Wilt

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Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus subtilis strain TCX1 that can protect cucumber plants from a devastating fungal disease called Fusarium wilt. This bacterium both kills the fungus directly through special compounds it produces and strengthens the plant’s natural immune system. Additionally, the bacterium helps cucumber plants grow better by producing growth hormones and improving nutrient absorption, making it a promising natural solution for farmers.

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

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Sunflower head rot caused by a fungus is a major problem for farmers worldwide. Scientists studied how sunflower plants defend themselves against this fungus by examining a special protein called HaWRKY33. They found that this protein works with another protein (AOA251SVV7) to help sunflowers resist the disease. By identifying the specific parts of these proteins that are important for fighting off the fungus, researchers have provided tools for developing sunflower varieties that are naturally resistant to this damaging disease.

A rapid and efficient in vivo inoculation method for introducing tree stem canker pathogens onto leaves: suitable for large-scale assessment of resistance in poplar breeding progeny

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Scientists developed a new, faster way to test poplar trees for resistance to stem canker diseases by inoculating fungal pathogens directly onto leaves instead of using whole stem segments. This method is much simpler, cheaper, and produces results in just 5 days compared to weeks for traditional methods. By testing leaves at different positions on trees and under different light conditions, researchers showed this leaf-based method accurately identifies resistant poplar clones for breeding programs.

Whole Genome Sequence of the Commercially Relevant Mushroom Strain Agaricus bisporus var. bisporus ARP23

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Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a wild button mushroom strain (ARP23) that has been successfully bred with commercial mushrooms to create the ‘Heirloom’ variety. This strain is larger and contains more genes than other known button mushroom strains, making it valuable for breeding disease-resistant varieties. The genome sequence reveals that all button mushroom strains share core genes for breaking down plant material in compost, but have diverse collections of optional genes. This genetic resource provides a foundation for developing mushrooms more resistant to diseases and viruses.

Research Keyword: disease resistance