fungal disease – Page 2

Fungal evolution: diversity, taxonomy and phylogeny of the Fungi

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Fungi are found everywhere on Earth and play critical roles in breaking down organic matter, supporting plant growth, and providing food and medicines. Scientists have recently reorganized how fungi are classified into nine major groups using genetic analysis, which has helped clarify evolutionary relationships that were previously unclear. This comprehensive review explains what distinguishes each fungal group, how they are related to each other evolutionarily, and why fungi deserve more attention in biology education given their importance to human life and global ecosystems.

Genotype-by-genotype interactions reveal transcription patterns underlying resistance responses in Norway spruce to Heterobasidion annosum s.s

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This study examined how different types of Norway spruce trees respond to infection by a fungus that causes root rot. Researchers found that the spruce tree’s genetics are more important than the fungus’s virulence in determining disease severity. Resistant tree clones activate specific defense genes early in infection, particularly genes related to pathogen recognition, while susceptible trees mount a delayed and broader response. Understanding these genetic differences could help with breeding more resistant trees for forests.

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

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Morels are valuable mushrooms threatened by fungal wilt disease in China. Researchers isolated two beneficial bacteria (Streptomyces) from morel soil that naturally fight the fungal disease. When applied to morel fields, these bacteria reduced disease and increased mushroom yield by 30% compared to untreated fields. This represents a natural, eco-friendly solution to protect morel crops and boost production without chemical fungicides.

Pyrenophora Species Associated with Barley and Wheat in Japan

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Scientists in Japan discovered that wheat and barley plants showing yellow spot disease were infected by a different fungus than previously thought. Using genetic testing, they found that isolates labeled as Pyrenophora tritici-repentis were actually Pyrenophora trichostoma. This discovery is important because it means scientists need to update their understanding of which fungi cause this crop disease in Japan and worldwide.

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

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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.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

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Apple scab is a serious fungal disease that damages apple trees and fruit, causing significant crop losses worldwide. This study examined apple scab fungus in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, surveying 30 different apple populations and testing 302 samples. Using DNA testing and microscopy, researchers confirmed the fungus is present in about 16% of the apple populations studied, with different populations showing distinct genetic patterns based on their geographic location and whether the apples were wild or cultivated.

Volatile Metabolome and Transcriptomic Analysis of Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 During Competitive Interaction with Sclerotium rolfsii Reveals New Biocontrol Insights

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Researchers found that a bacterium called K. cowanii produces special gases (volatile organic compounds) that kill fungal plant diseases like those caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. When grown together with this fungus, the bacterium produces these toxic gases which inhibit fungal growth by up to 80%. The study identified specific genes the bacteria activate to produce these antifungal compounds, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

Genome resource of Phlyctema vagabunda strain 19EL15, a pathogen of post-harvest bull’s eye rot of apple

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Scientists sequenced the complete genetic blueprint of a fungus called Phlyctema vagabunda that causes serious damage to apples and pears after harvest, particularly creating brown spots called bull’s eye rot. The fungus is found across Europe and North America and costs farmers significant money in crop losses. This genetic information will help researchers better understand how the fungus works and develop better ways to prevent or manage the disease.

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

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In greenhouses, cucumber and vegetable diseases spread explosively due to the combined effects of changing humidity and wind. This research reveals that when humidity drops during the day, fungal spores shrink and detach from diseased leaves through jerking movements. Even gentle wind can carry these detached spores to healthy nearby plants, causing rapid disease spread. By understanding this mechanism, farmers can implement better disease control by managing humidity and ventilation strategically.

Gene transfer between fungal species triggers repeated coffee wilt disease outbreaks

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A new study found that coffee wilt disease, which has caused major crop losses in Africa, has repeatedly emerged due to genes jumping between different fungal species. These genes travel via special mobile DNA elements called Starships, which act like genetic vehicles carrying pathogenic genes from one fungus to another. When Fusarium fungi exchanged genes this way, they became better at infecting different varieties of coffee plants. Understanding how these genes move is crucial for protecting coffee crops from future disease outbreaks.

Research Keyword: fungal disease