Research Keyword: fungal infection prevention

Comparative genome analysis of patulin-producing Penicillium paneum OM1 isolated from pears

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a mold called Penicillium paneum that produces a toxic substance called patulin, which contaminates apples and pears. They found all 15 genes responsible for making patulin and discovered the mold has similar genetic patterns to other patulin-producing fungi. This information could help scientists develop better ways to prevent patulin contamination on fruit crops and improve food safety.

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The serine palmitoyl transferase of plant pathogenic fungi: a promising new target for the development of novel crop protection solutions

Scientists have discovered a new type of fungicide called pyridazine carboxamides that effectively kill plant-damaging fungi by blocking a key enzyme involved in their cell membrane formation. These compounds work against many common crop diseases like gray mold and leaf spots, though they are less effective against certain wheat pathogens. The research validates this new approach as a promising tool for protecting crops and managing fungicide resistance while maintaining global food security.

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Vulnerability of Walnut Pruning Wounds to Fungal Trunk Pathogens and Seasonal Conidial Dynamics of Botryosphaeriaceae in the Maule Region, Chile

When walnut trees are pruned, the resulting wounds are exposed to dangerous fungi that can cause branch die-back and significantly reduce crop yield. This research found that freshly cut pruning wounds are most vulnerable to infection, especially from aggressive fungi like Diplodia mutila, but this vulnerability decreases over time. The fungi spread their spores mainly during wet winter months when rainfall and humidity are high, so timing pruning operations to avoid these periods and protecting wounds with fungicides could substantially reduce disease losses in walnut orchards.

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Inhibition Mechanism of Cinnamomum burmannii Leaf Essential Oil Against Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxins

Researchers found that cinnamon leaf essential oil is highly effective at stopping a harmful fungus called Aspergillus flavus from growing and producing dangerous toxins called aflatoxins that contaminate stored foods like peanuts. The essential oil works by damaging the fungus’s cell membranes, disrupting its energy production, and triggering harmful stress responses within the fungal cells. This natural approach offers a safe, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting stored food crops from fungal contamination.

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Superhydrophobic Fatty Acid-Based Spray Coatings with Dual-Mode Antifungal Activity

Scientists developed easy-to-apply spray coatings made from natural fatty acids that repel water and kill fungal infections like gray mold. By combining long-chain fatty acids with shorter fatty acids like those found in food preservatives, the coatings can either passively prevent fungus from sticking to surfaces or actively kill it. These coatings are environmentally friendly, sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides that fungi are becoming resistant to, and could be used to protect everything from building surfaces to stored crops.

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Cell Wall-Mediated Antifungal Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Hedera helix L. Leaves Against Diplodia corticola

Scientists discovered that extract from ivy leaves can effectively kill a fungus called Diplodia corticola that damages cork oak trees. The extract works by damaging the fungus’s protective cell wall rather than interfering with its internal chemistry. This natural alternative to chemical fungicides could help protect cork production worldwide while being safer for human health and the environment.

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