Research Keyword: Endophytes

The Biocontrol and Growth-Promoting Potential of Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. in Sustainable Agriculture

This review examines how two types of beneficial fungi, Penicillium and Trichoderma, can improve crop growth and protect plants from diseases without using chemical pesticides. These fungi work by colonizing plant roots, producing natural compounds that boost plant health, and fighting harmful pathogens. They are affordable, safe, and environmentally friendly alternatives for sustainable farming that can increase yields while reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and fungicides.

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A simple protocol for producing axenic seeds of Sorghum bicolor

Researchers developed a simple method to sterilize sorghum seeds by treating them with ethanol and bleach, which removes contaminating microbes while keeping seeds alive and able to grow. This approach is inexpensive, requires no special equipment, and is useful for scientists studying how microbes interact with plants. The method successfully eliminated harmful microbes from 98% of seeds tested while maintaining a reasonable germination rate of 63%.

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Tackling Conifer Needle Cast and Ash Dieback with Host-Derived Microbial Antagonists Exhibiting Plant Growth-Promoting Traits

Researchers discovered native bacteria living in European ash and Scots pine trees that can fight two destructive forest diseases: ash dieback and needle cast. These bacteria not only inhibit pathogen growth but also help trees absorb nutrients better, making them excellent natural candidates for protecting forests without harmful chemicals. The study identified several bacterial species that showed strong disease-fighting ability, with one strain preventing needle cast fungus growth by up to 80%.

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Evaluation of cellulase production by endophytic fungi isolated from young and mature leaves of medicinal plants using maize cob substrate

This research studied beneficial fungi living inside the leaves of medicinal plants (neem and aloe) to see if they could produce cellulase enzymes, which are used in many industries. Scientists isolated 11 different fungi from plant leaves and tested their ability to break down corn cobs (agricultural waste) to produce these useful enzymes. Two fungi species – G. candidum and C. stellimalicola – were found to be the best enzyme producers, suggesting they could be used commercially to make cellulase enzymes in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.

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Four Unrecorded Species of Endophytic Diaporthe (Sordariomycetes) in Korea

Researchers in Korea discovered four new species of endophytic fungi called Diaporthe living inside plant tissues without causing visible disease. Using genetic testing and microscopic examination, they identified D. caryae, D. phoenicicola, D. stewartii, and D. unshiuensis as previously unrecorded in Korea. These fungi can potentially produce compounds with medicinal properties or help manage plant diseases. This discovery helps scientists better understand the hidden fungal diversity in Korean ecosystems.

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Colletotrichum scovillei and Prospective Biocontrol Agents Isolated from Asymptomatic Olive Trees

Researchers discovered that olive trees in Greece naturally harbor several species of fungi, including a newly identified disease-causing fungus called Colletotrichum scovillei. More importantly, they found that other fungi living harmlessly inside the olive tissue can protect the plant by fighting against the harmful fungi. Two of these protective fungi, KORD1f and KORD4f, reduced olive anthracnose disease symptoms by 67-73%, suggesting they could be used as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides for olive disease management.

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Ectophoma salviniae sp. nov., Neottiosporina mihintaleensis sp. nov. and four other endophytes associated with aquatic plants from Sri Lanka and their extracellular enzymatic potential

Scientists in Sri Lanka discovered and identified six species of fungi living inside aquatic plants from freshwater lakes. Two of these were entirely new species never documented before. The researchers found that these fungi produce different enzymes that could break down starches, cellulose, and other complex molecules, which might have useful applications in biotechnology and other industries.

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