Research Keyword: fungal pathogen

Fusarium suttonianum Identified as the Causal Agent of Root Rot in Plukenetia volubilis in Peru

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Scientists in Peru discovered that a fungus called Fusarium suttonianum is causing root rot disease in sacha inchi plants, an important crop known for its omega-3 rich seeds. Using both traditional microscopy and modern DNA testing, researchers confirmed this fungus as the culprit and demonstrated it can cause the same disease symptoms in healthy plants. This discovery is important for farmers because it provides the first scientific identification of this disease threat in Peru, enabling the development of better disease prevention and control strategies.

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Gene transfer between fungal species triggers repeated coffee wilt disease outbreaks

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A new study reveals that coffee wilt disease, which has destroyed coffee crops across Africa, emerges repeatedly because of gene-swapping between different fungal species. Scientists discovered that large chunks of DNA called ‘Starships’ act like genetic delivery vehicles, transferring disease-causing genes from one fungus to another. This genetic exchange allows the pathogen to adapt and infect different coffee plant species, causing successive outbreaks. Understanding this mechanism could help protect global coffee production in the future.

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Whole-genome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum K326-S isolated from tobacco

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic blueprint of a fungus that causes root rot in tobacco plants. This fungus, Fusarium oxysporum K326-S, damages tobacco crops by causing roots to brown and wilt. The detailed genome map they created contains over 17,000 genes and will help farmers and researchers develop better strategies to prevent and control this destructive disease in the future.

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Microbe-induced gene silencing of fungal gene confers efficient resistance against Fusarium graminearum in maize

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Scientists developed a new method called microbe-induced gene silencing (MIGS) to protect maize crops from a destructive fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which causes stalk rot. They engineered a beneficial fungus (Trichoderma harzianum) to produce small RNA molecules that target and disable a critical gene in the pathogenic fungus, weakening its ability to infect plants. When maize seedlings were grown with this engineered beneficial fungus, they showed significantly better growth and reduced fungal infection compared to untreated plants. This approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and does not require genetically modifying the crop itself.

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Impact of Oxalic Acid Consumption and pH on the In Vitro Biological Control of Oxalogenic Phytopathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists studied how bacteria that eat oxalic acid can control a destructive plant fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fungus produces oxalic acid to damage crops, but when special bacteria consume this acid, they change the soil pH to become more alkaline, which the fungus cannot tolerate. This research shows that pH changes are just as important as removing the acid itself for controlling this pathogenic fungus in agriculture.

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