Fungal disease control

Synergistic curative effects of Trichoderma hamatum and Rumex dentatus against Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of tomato leaf spot disease

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This research discovered that combining a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma hamatum with an extract from Rumex dentatus plant effectively controls tomato leaf spot disease. When used together, these natural treatments reduced disease by over 88% and even outperformed commercial fungicides. The combined treatment also boosted plant health by increasing growth and natural defense mechanisms, offering farmers an affordable and environmentally safe alternative to chemical pesticides.

Carvacrol Encapsulation in Chitosan–Carboxymethylcellulose–Alginate Nanocarriers for Postharvest Tomato Protection

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Researchers created tiny nanocarriers made from natural biopolymers that can deliver carvacrol, a natural antimicrobial compound from oregano and thyme, to protect tomatoes from fungal rot after harvest. These nano-sized delivery systems were more effective than the unencapsulated carvacrol at fighting three common postharvest fungal pathogens. The treatment is safe and could offer a sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides for keeping harvested tomatoes fresh longer.

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

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Morel mushrooms are delicious and nutritious but are threatened by a fungal disease that can destroy up to 80% of crops. Scientists discovered that two beneficial bacteria species (Streptomyces) from morel soil produce compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus. When applied to morel fields, these beneficial bacteria not only prevented the disease but also increased mushroom yields by about 30% compared to untreated crops, offering a natural and sustainable solution for morel farmers.

Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Co-Culture of Burkholderia vietnamiensis B418 with Trichoderma harzianum T11-W Exhibits Improved Antagonistic Activities against Fungal Phytopathogens

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Scientists studied how two beneficial microorganisms (a bacterium and a fungus) work together to produce compounds that kill plant-damaging fungi. When grown together, they produced more protective compounds than when grown separately, showing promise as a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops and stored fruits from fungal diseases.

Chemical profile and bioactivity of essential oils from five Turkish thyme species against white mold fungal disease agent Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Researchers tested essential oils from five different thyme species grown in Turkey against a common plant fungus that causes white mold disease. They found that oils rich in carvacrol, particularly from Thymbra spicata and Satureja cilicica, were very effective at stopping fungal growth. These natural oils could be used as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides in farming.

Diurnal Release of Airborne Pathogen Spores in Greenhouses via the Synergistic Effects of Relative Humidity and Wind

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When humidity drops during the day in greenhouses, fungal spores shrink and disconnect from the fungus, releasing into the air. Even light winds can carry these spores to nearby plants, causing rapid disease spread. Understanding this process helps growers control ventilation and humidity to prevent cucumber and other vegetable diseases in greenhouses.

Xenorhabdus spp.: An Overview of the Useful Facets of Mutualistic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

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Xenorhabdus bacteria are tiny organisms that naturally live inside microscopic worms used for pest control. These bacteria produce powerful substances that can kill harmful insects, fungi, and plant-damaging worms without using toxic chemical pesticides. Scientists are discovering new types of these bacteria and their compounds, which could help create safer products for farming and disease control. This research shows these beneficial microbes could replace harmful chemicals in agriculture.

Identification and potential of the hyperparasite Acremonium persicinum as biocontrol agent against coffee leaf rust

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Coffee leaf rust is a major disease that destroys coffee crops and costs the global coffee industry billions of dollars annually. Researchers in China discovered that a fungus called Acremonium persicinum naturally parasitizes the rust-causing fungus and can prevent coffee leaves from being infected. When this beneficial fungus was applied to infected coffee leaves, it completely stopped the rust fungus from growing and spreading. This discovery offers farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting their coffee crops.

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

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Researchers isolated two beneficial bacteria strains (Streptomyces) from soil around morel mushrooms that can effectively fight a fungal disease causing morel wilting. These bacteria produce natural compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus while also promoting healthier mushroom growth. When used in field tests, these bacterial treatments reduced disease and increased morel yield by nearly 30% compared to untreated crops, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Bacillus subtilis ED24 Controls Fusarium culmorum in Wheat Through Bioactive Metabolite Secretion and Modulation of Rhizosphere Microbiome

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A beneficial bacteria called Bacillus subtilis ED24 was found to effectively protect wheat plants from a destructive fungal disease called Fusarium culmorum. When applied to wheat seeds, this bacteria improved seed germination and plant growth better than a commercial chemical fungicide, while also promoting helpful microorganisms in the soil around the plant roots. The bacteria works by producing special chemical compounds that kill the harmful fungus and by enriching the soil microbiome with beneficial organisms.

Research Keyword: Fungal disease control