fungal pathogen control

The VlMYB149-VlHIPP30 Regulatory Module Enhances Grapevine Resistance to Botrytis cinerea by Activating the Antioxidant System and Copper Metabolism

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Scientists discovered that two grape proteins working together help grapes resist a common fungal disease called grey mould. When grapes are infected, one protein (VlMYB149) activates a second protein (VlHIPP30) that helps the plant accumulate copper and boost its natural antioxidant defenses. This discovery could help farmers grow disease-resistant grape varieties without relying on chemical fungicides.

Bioinspired nano-architected chitosan-β-glucan nanocomposite as an elicitor for disease management sustainably

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Scientists created tiny engineered particles made from chitosan and β-glucan that act like alarm signals to boost plants’ natural defenses against a destructive soil fungus called Sclerotium rolfsii. These nano-particles are extremely effective at just 220-240 parts per million, far more powerful than conventional fungicides which require 2000 ppm. The particles work by damaging the fungus’s cells directly while also triggering the plant’s immune system, offering farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

A tale for two roles: Root-secreted methyl ferulate inhibits P. nicotianae and enriches the rhizosphere Bacillus against black shank disease in tobacco

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Tobacco plants release a natural chemical called methyl ferulate from their roots that has a powerful two-pronged defense against a devastating soil disease called black shank. First, the methyl ferulate directly kills the fungus by disrupting its energy production. Second, it attracts beneficial bacteria called Bacillus to the soil around the roots, which further fight the disease. Scientists found they could boost this defense by engineering a tobacco gene that produces more methyl ferulate, making plants much more resistant to infection. This discovery offers farmers an affordable, natural way to control soil diseases without synthetic chemicals.

Algae and Cyanobacteria Fatty Acids and Bioactive Metabolites: Natural Antifungal Alternative Against Fusarium sp.

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Fusarium fungi cause serious crop diseases that farmers traditionally treat with chemical fungicides, but these chemicals harm the environment and create resistant fungi. Scientists are finding that algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce natural compounds like fatty acids that can fight these fungi effectively. This research shows promising results for developing natural, environmentally-friendly fungicides that could help farmers protect crops without chemical damage.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part II

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This research tested six common culinary essential oils to see if they could prevent fungi from growing on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified four types of harmful fungi that cause banana rot and tested how well oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, cinnamon, and basil oils could stop them. The results showed that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils were most effective at stopping fungal growth, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that consumers want to avoid.

Screening, Identification, and Fermentation Optimization of the Antagonistic Actinomycete Strain TCS21-117 Against Botrytis cinerea

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Scientists isolated a beneficial bacterium called Streptomyces roietensis from soil that effectively fights gray mold, a serious fungal disease affecting crops worldwide. They identified the strain and optimized growing conditions to maximize production of antifungal compounds, achieving 93% effectiveness against gray mold. This discovery offers a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting agricultural crops, potentially reducing crop losses and environmental pollution.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

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This research tested six common cooking and medicinal herbs to see which could stop the growth of fungi that spoil bananas after harvest. Scientists found that thyme oil was the most effective, followed by cinnamon and oregano, successfully preventing fungal growth at practical concentrations. These natural oils could replace synthetic chemical fungicides that harm the environment, offering a safer way to keep bananas fresh and healthy during storage and transport.

Beauveria felina Accelerates Growth When Competing With Other Potential Endophytes

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Scientists studied how Beauveria felina, a fungus used to control crop pests, performs when competing with other fungi naturally found in plants. Surprisingly, B. felina grew faster when other fungi were present, suggesting it could be a robust biocontrol agent. However, researchers caution that introducing any new organism to plants requires careful study of how it affects the entire fungal community living in the plant.

Differential responses of Cacao pathogens Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Pestalotiopsis sp. to UVB 305 nm and UVC 275 nm

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Scientists studied how UV light can be used to fight fungal diseases that harm cacao plants. They found that UVC light (a type of ultraviolet radiation) is much more effective at killing these fungi than UVB light. Some fungi were very resistant to UV treatment, but the researchers discovered that combining UV light with sound waves (sonication) could overcome this resistance, offering a chemical-free way to protect crops.

Bio-stimulants for plant growth promotion and sustainable management of Rhizoctonia Solani causing black scurf of potato tubers

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Researchers tested natural treatments called bio-stimulants to help potato plants fight black scurf disease caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani. They found that combining mycorrhizal fungi with seaweed extract was the most effective at reducing disease and improving potato quality. These natural treatments can enhance plant growth and tuber yield while reducing the need for chemical fungicides, making them valuable for sustainable potato farming.

Research Keyword: fungal pathogen control