Research Keyword: fungal pathogen

Identification and Biological Characteristics of Alternaria gossypina as a Promising Biocontrol Agent for the Control of Mikania micrantha

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Alternaria gossypina can effectively kill an invasive weed called Mikania micrantha that threatens ecosystems worldwide. Through laboratory testing, they identified optimal conditions for growing this fungus and confirmed it can infect and damage the weed’s leaves. This discovery offers a promising natural and environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides for controlling this problematic invasive plant species.

Read More »

Acremonium quercivorum (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes), a New Species from Oak (Quercus spp.) Growing in Algeria

Scientists discovered a new fungal species called Acremonium quercivorum found on declining oak trees in Algeria. This fungus was identified through a combination of microscopic examination and DNA analysis comparing it to related species. The discovery represents the first documented case of this particular Acremonium species associated with oak decline in Algeria and contributes to understanding fungal diversity in oak forest ecosystems.

Read More »

Genome Sequencing of Cladobotryum protrusum Provides Insights into the Evolution and Pathogenic Mechanisms of the Cobweb Disease Pathogen on Cultivated Mushroom

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of Cladobotryum protrusum, a fungus that causes cobweb disease on cultivated mushrooms. This genome contains genes for producing toxins and enzymes that help the fungus attack and digest mushroom cells. Understanding this genetic blueprint could help farmers develop better strategies to control this disease and protect their mushroom crops from significant economic losses.

Read More »

Optimized protocol for culturing and extracting DNA from fungal isolates associated with brown spot needle blight in pine trees

Scientists developed an optimized method for growing brown spot needle blight fungi from infected pine needles and extracting their DNA for research. They tested four different growth media and four DNA extraction techniques to find the best combination. Sabouraud dextrose medium combined with a CTAB-based extraction method containing polyvinylpyrrolidone worked best, producing high-quality DNA suitable for advanced genetic studies. This standardized approach will help researchers better understand this important forest disease.

Read More »

Clinical insights into mixed Candida and bacterial bloodstream infections: a retrospective cohort study

This study found that when both Candida fungus and bacteria are present together in a patient’s bloodstream, the outcome is much more serious than when only Candida is present. Among patients with these mixed infections, over 60% died within 30 days compared to about 52% for those with only Candida. The research shows that giving the right antibiotics early and following proper treatment guidelines can significantly improve survival chances in these severe, life-threatening infections.

Read More »

Putative Transcriptional Regulation of HaWRKY33-AOA251SVV7 Complex-Mediated Sunflower Head Rot by Transcriptomics and Proteomics

This research identifies how sunflowers defend themselves against a devastating fungal disease called head rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Scientists discovered that a protein called HaWRKY33 works together with another protein (AOA251SVV7) to help resistant sunflower varieties fight off the infection. By understanding these molecular interactions and identifying critical regions of the HaWRKY33 protein, researchers can now develop better sunflower varieties that are naturally resistant to this disease, potentially saving farmers significant crop losses.

Read More »

A novel mitovirus associated with the fungal entomopathogen Zoophthora radicans

Researchers used advanced sequencing techniques to study viruses in wild pea aphids and discovered a new virus that infects a fungus that naturally kills aphids. By analyzing genetic material from field-collected aphids, they identified this virus is specifically associated with the fungus Zoophthora radicans. This discovery helps us better understand the hidden microbial world of natural insect populations and could potentially be useful for developing natural pest control methods.

Read More »

Identification and growth-promoting effect of Paecilomyces lilacinus a biocontrol fungi for walnut rot disease

Researchers identified a beneficial fungus called Paecilomyces lilacinus that can fight walnut rot disease, which damages walnut crops especially in China’s Xinjiang region. This fungus is more environmentally friendly than chemical fungicides and actually boosts walnut plant growth, increasing seedling height and root development significantly. The study shows it could replace harmful chemical treatments while improving overall plant health.

Read More »

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

Coffee leaf rust is a major disease threatening coffee production worldwide. Researchers in China identified a naturally occurring fungus called Acremonium persicinum that parasitizes the rust fungus, effectively killing it. This biocontrol agent showed 91% inhibition of rust spore germination and completely prevented rust infection when applied together with the rust, offering a promising chemical-free solution for protecting coffee crops.

Read More »

Draft genome sequence of Neofusicoccum caryigenum associated with pecan leaf dieback

Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus called Neofusicoccum caryigenum that causes pecan leaf dieback, a disease affecting pecan trees in the southeastern United States. The fungus was first identified in 2021 and causes leaves to fall off pecan trees, reducing crop yields. This genetic information will help researchers better understand the disease and develop ways to prevent or control it.

Read More »
Scroll to Top