Research Keyword: Erysiphaceae

Saprotrophic Arachnopeziza Species as New Resources to Study the Obligate Biotrophic Lifestyle of Powdery Mildew Fungi

mycolabadmin

Scientists studied two species of fungi called Arachnopeziza that are closely related to powdery mildew fungi but can grow independently on simple lab media. By analyzing their complete genomes and developing techniques to genetically modify these fungi, researchers created a new tool for understanding how powdery mildew fungi became dependent on plants. This breakthrough allows scientists to study these harmful plant pathogens more effectively without having to work directly with the difficult-to-cultivate powdery mildew fungi.

Read More »

Hidden treasures of herbaria – even small collections contain a wealth of diversity: the powdery mildews of the North Carolina State Larry F. Grand Mycological Herbarium

mycolabadmin

Scientists examined preserved powdery mildew samples stored in a university herbarium and discovered four previously unknown fungal species using DNA analysis. The study shows that even small museum collections contain valuable hidden biodiversity that cannot be discovered through visual examination alone. This research highlights why it is important to preserve and maintain herbarium collections rather than discard them due to space or funding constraints, as they serve as crucial resources for understanding fungal diversity and disease.

Read More »

Powdery Mildew Caused by Leveillula taurica (Synonym: Phyllactinia taurica): A Global Challenge for Pepper Production

mycolabadmin

Powdery mildew caused by the fungus Leveillula taurica is a major disease affecting pepper crops worldwide, potentially reducing yields by up to 50%. The disease appears as white powder on pepper leaves and can be managed through resistant pepper varieties, proper farming practices, beneficial microbes, and fungicide treatments. Scientists have identified genetic sources of resistance in pepper that could help breeders develop more resistant varieties for sustainable agriculture.

Read More »

Hidden treasures of herbaria – even small collections contain a wealth of diversity: the powdery mildews of the North Carolina State Larry F. Grand Mycological Herbarium

mycolabadmin

This study examined a collection of powdery mildew fungi preserved in a university herbarium and used DNA analysis to identify which specimens had been misidentified over the years. The researchers found that about 83% of the specimens had incorrect identifications and discovered four completely new species that look very similar to known species but are genetically distinct. The findings show that old museum collections are valuable resources for discovering hidden biodiversity and that we should preserve these collections rather than discard them.

Read More »

Saprotrophic Arachnopeziza Species as New Resources to Study the Obligate Biotrophic Lifestyle of Powdery Mildew Fungi

mycolabadmin

Scientists have discovered that two types of fungi called Arachnopeziza species are the closest living relatives to powdery mildew fungi, which cause plant diseases. Unlike powdery mildews, these Arachnopeziza fungi can be easily grown in the lab and genetically modified. By studying these more manageable fungi, researchers can better understand how powdery mildew fungi became obligate parasites that must live on plants, potentially leading to better ways to control this widespread plant disease.

Read More »

New records of powdery mildew fungi on stone fruits from India

mycolabadmin

Researchers in Kashmir have identified three types of powdery mildew fungi that infect peach, plum, and apricot trees. These are new diseases documented in India and Asia for these important fruit crops. Scientists used both traditional microscopy and modern DNA sequencing to identify the fungi, providing farmers with accurate information needed to manage these plant diseases effectively.

Read More »

Twenty-nine new host records of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae) in Taiwan with an updated checklist

mycolabadmin

Researchers updated Taiwan’s list of powdery mildew fungi, which are harmful plant pathogens affecting crops and trees worldwide. By collecting specimens from various locations and analyzing them using genetic sequencing and microscopy, they identified 29 new host-fungus combinations, with six Erysiphaceae species documented in Taiwan for the first time. The updated checklist now includes approximately 109 powdery mildew species known to affect 246 different host plant species across 75 plant families in Taiwan.

Read More »
Scroll to Top