fungal disease – mycolab.ai

Pest categorisation of Fusarium pseudograminearum

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Fusarium pseudograminearum is a harmful fungus that infects cereal crops like wheat and barley, causing crown rot and head blight diseases that reduce crop yields and contaminate grain with toxic compounds. The fungus is already present in parts of southern Europe but is not widely distributed in the EU. Scientists evaluated whether this pathogen should be classified as a quarantine pest requiring strict import controls to prevent its spread across Europe.

Luobuma Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Alternaria tenuissima in China

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Researchers in China identified a serious fungal disease affecting Luobuma plants (used for tea, medicine, and textiles) caused by the fungus Alternaria tenuissima. The disease caused leaf spots that spread rapidly, with infection rates reaching 95% in some plants. Testing showed that a fungicide called hymexazol was effective at controlling the disease, offering farmers a practical solution for protecting their crops.

First Report of Ganoderma ryvardenii causing Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease on oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Ghana

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Oil palm is a valuable crop, but a fungal disease called basal stem rot (BSR) causes serious damage and economic losses. Researchers in Ghana discovered that a fungus species called Ganoderma ryvardenii is causing BSR disease on oil palms, marking the first time this pathogen has been found in West Africa. The study used modern genetic testing to identify the fungus and proved it causes the disease by infecting oil palm seedlings in controlled conditions.

Cystobacter fuscus HM-E: a novel biocontrol agent against cotton Verticillium wilt

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A naturally occurring bacterium called Cystobacter fuscus shows great promise as a biological control agent against a serious fungal disease that damages cotton plants. When formulated as a solid product and applied to soil, this microorganism was able to prevent disease in over 70% of cotton plants tested in greenhouse experiments. The bacteria work by attacking and breaking down the fungal pathogen while also promoting healthier plant growth, offering farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides infection mimicking ophidiomycosis in ball pythons (Python regius)

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A wild-caught boa snake developed severe skin lesions caused by a fungus called Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides. Within a week, six ball pythons housed nearby developed similar skin infections. Using DNA testing and microscopy, researchers confirmed this was the first documented case of this fungus infecting snakes, demonstrating how quickly fungal infections can spread between animals in shared environments.

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

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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.

Inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum growth in banana by silver nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo assays

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Bananas are threatened by a fungal disease called Fusarium wilt that damages crops worldwide. Scientists tested tiny silver particles called nanoparticles as a treatment for this disease on banana plants. The treatment successfully reduced disease by about 68% when applied to the roots, showing promise as an alternative to traditional fungicides for protecting banana crops.

Clonostachys rosea, a Pathogen of Brown Rot in Gastrodia elata in China

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Researchers in China identified a fungus called Clonostachys rosea as the cause of brown rot disease affecting Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma), an important medicinal orchid plant. The disease causes brown spots on tubers that expand and darken, significantly reducing crop yield and quality. The study involved detailed examination of the fungus under microscopes, genetic analysis, and confirmation that the fungus could cause disease in healthy plants. These findings will help farmers prevent and control this disease through proper soil management and selection of healthy seed tubers.

Decapeptide Inducer Promotes the Conidiation of Phytopathogenic Magnaporthe oryzae via the Mps1 MAPK Signaling Pathway

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Scientists discovered a small peptide molecule (MCIDP) found in protein-based materials that significantly increases spore production in rice blast fungus. This peptide works by activating specific cellular signaling pathways that control fungal reproduction. The research provides insights into how fungal reproduction is regulated and could lead to new strategies for controlling rice blast disease, one of the world’s most destructive crop diseases that causes significant crop losses.

Streptomyces-Based Bioformulation to Control Wilt of Morchella sextelata Caused by Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola

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Researchers discovered two beneficial bacteria called Streptomyces that can protect morel mushrooms from a harmful fungus causing wilt disease. When applied to morel cultivation fields, these bacteria not only prevented disease but also increased mushroom yields by about 30% compared to untreated fields. This natural biocontrol approach offers farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments while boosting their harvests.

Research Keyword: fungal disease