fungal infection control

Decursin, Identified via High-Throughput Chemical Screening, Enhances Plant Disease Resistance via Two Independent Mechanisms

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Researchers identified a natural compound called decursin from angelica plants that helps plants fight off dangerous fungal infections in two ways: it strengthens the plant’s own immune system and directly kills the fungal pathogens. This dual-action approach makes decursin a promising natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting crops like wheat and tomatoes from diseases. The compound shows particular promise because it comes from plants, breaks down easily in the environment, and is more effective than other natural antimicrobial compounds currently used in agriculture.

Application of a Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Zein and Cellulose Nanocrystalline Composite Particles to Preserve Kiwifruit

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Researchers developed a new type of protective coating for kiwifruit that prevents fungal decay and extends shelf life. This coating is made from natural materials (corn protein and cellulose nanoparticles) combined with carvacrol, a natural antimicrobial compound. The coating is stable, effective, and safe for human consumption, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical fungicides for preserving fresh fruits.

Antifungal Activity of Industrial Bacillus Strains against Mycogone perniciosa, the Causative Agent of Wet Bubble Disease in White Button Mushrooms

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Researchers tested two special bacteria strains (Bacillus subtilis B-10 and M-22) to protect white button mushrooms from wet bubble disease, a serious fungal infection that can destroy entire crops. When applied to mushroom growing beds, both bacteria effectively prevented the disease-causing fungus from developing, with success rates between 50-99% depending on application method. This offers mushroom farmers a natural, chemical-free alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting their crops.

Screening microbial inhibitors of Pseudogymnoascus destructans in Northern China

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Scientists in Northern China have found bacteria living on bat skin and in cave soil that can kill the fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome, a disease devastating bat populations worldwide. These bacteria produce various antifungal compounds including volatile organic compounds that diffuse through the air and damage the fungus’s structure. By analyzing the genetic makeup of these bacteria, researchers identified specific genes responsible for producing these antifungal compounds, offering hope for developing biological control treatments that could protect bats and reduce fungal loads in cave environments.

Evaluation of electrolyzed water to control fungal trunk pathogens in grapevine nurseries

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Growers struggle with fungal diseases that infect grapevine nurseries, reducing the quality of planting material. Researchers tested electrolyzed water—a solution made from salt and water using electricity—as a sustainable treatment for infected grapevine cuttings. Laboratory tests showed the treatment effectively killed fungal spores and reduced fungal growth. Field trials at a commercial nursery confirmed that treating cuttings with electrolyzed water reduced certain grapevine diseases without harming plant growth.

Nature-Inspired Biphenyls and Diphenyl Ethers: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

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Researchers synthesized compounds inspired by naturally occurring substances found in brown algae called phlorotannins. These synthetic compounds were tested against fungi that damage rice crops and other plants. Some methylated versions showed promise in slowing fungal growth, suggesting they could potentially be developed into new natural fungicides. However, the compounds were not effective against bacteria, indicating more research is needed.

Structural and functional characterisation and regulatory mechanisms of SWI/SNF and RSC chromatin remodelling complexes in fungi

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This review examines two important protein complexes in fungal cells that help control which genes are turned on and off. These complexes, called SWI/SNF and RSC, use energy from ATP to move and adjust nucleosomes—the structures that package DNA. The researchers analyzed these complexes across different fungal species and found that while they share similar core components, fungi have evolved unique variations that allow them to survive and cause infections in different ways. Understanding how these complexes work could help scientists develop new antifungal drugs.

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

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Scientists discovered a short chain of amino acids called MCIDP that dramatically increases spore production in rice blast fungus. This fungus causes one of the most destructive diseases affecting rice crops worldwide, with losses ranging from 10-50% depending on severity. The researchers found that MCIDP works by activating specific cellular signaling pathways that control the fungus’s reproduction. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling rice blast disease and protecting rice crops from infection.

Application of Nanocomposites-Based Polymers on Managing Fungal Diseases in Crop Production

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Scientists are developing tiny particles made from natural materials like chitosan to protect crops from fungal diseases. These nanoparticles work better than traditional fungicides and can be combined with metals or plant extracts to boost their effectiveness. The new approach is more environmentally friendly and can reduce crop loss caused by fungal infections while maintaining sustainable agricultural practices.

Polyherbal nanoformulation: a potent antifungal agent on fungal pathogens of Coffea arabica

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Researchers developed an eco-friendly nano-formulation from Triphala to fight fungal diseases that harm coffee plants. The treatment effectively stopped the growth of five different harmful fungi that infect coffee leaves. This green nanotechnology approach offers farmers a safer, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides that can pollute the environment and harm human health.

Research Keyword: fungal infection control