fungal pathogen – Page 3

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Stem Gummosis Disease in Rubber Trees and Its Chemical Control Strategies

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Rubber trees in China experienced a serious stem gummosis disease that caused bark cracking and latex leakage in 2023. Scientists identified the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae as the cause through laboratory and molecular tests. They successfully treated the disease using a combination of copper-based fungicides applied to tree trunks and roots, preventing further damage to the trees.

Genome sequencing and analysis of isolates of Cytospora sorbicola and Cytospora plurivora associated with almond and peach canker

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This study provides genetic blueprints for two dangerous fungal pathogens that damage almond and peach orchards by causing canker diseases. Scientists sequenced the complete genomes of these fungi and identified genes responsible for their ability to infect plants, finding that they’ve evolved special abilities to survive in nutrient-poor bark tissue. This genetic information could help farmers develop fruit trees resistant to these infections. The research also clarifies the identity of a newly described fungal species, showing it’s actually the same as a previously known species.

Production of the light-activated elsinochrome phytotoxin in the soybean pathogen Coniothyrium glycines hints at virulence factor

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Researchers discovered that a fungus infecting soybean plants produces red toxins that become dangerous when exposed to light. These toxins generate reactive oxygen species that damage plant cells, causing leaf spots and disease. The study found that disease is worse under light conditions but can still occur in darkness, suggesting multiple attack mechanisms. Understanding this toxin production may help develop better disease management strategies for soybean crops, particularly in Africa where the disease is common.

Antifungal efficacy and mechanisms of Bacillus licheniformis BL06 against Ceratocystis fimbriata

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Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus licheniformis BL06 can effectively prevent sweet potato black rot, a fungal disease that causes major crop losses worldwide. When applied to sweet potatoes, this bacterium reduces disease damage by interfering with the fungus’s ability to grow, form spores, and survive. The study reveals that the bacterium works by disrupting the fungus’s cell structure and energy production, making it a promising natural alternative to chemical fungicides.

Diaporthe foeniculina and D. eres, in addition to D. ampelina, may cause Phomopsis cane and leaf spot disease in grapevine

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Researchers found that three different fungal species, not just one, cause a disease called Phomopsis cane and leaf spot in grapevines grown in Southern Europe. While Diaporthe ampelina remains the primary culprit, two other species (D. eres and D. foeniculina) can also cause the same disease symptoms. Interestingly, these different fungi prefer different temperatures for growth, which means farmers may need to adjust their disease management strategies based on which species is present in their vineyards.

Identification and biological characteristics of Fusarium tobaccum sp. nov., a novel species causing tobacco root rot in Jilin Province, China

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Scientists in China discovered a new type of fungus called Fusarium tobaccum that causes a serious disease in tobacco plants called root rot and wilt. By analyzing the fungus’s genetic material and physical characteristics, they confirmed it was a previously unknown species. The researchers also studied how this fungus grows under different conditions like temperature and soil pH to better understand how it causes disease.

Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China

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Scientists in China discovered three new species of Talaromyces fungi in soil samples using a combination of physical observation and genetic analysis. These fungi are important because they help break down plant material, produce useful enzymes for industry, and create compounds with potential medical value. The research adds to our understanding of fungal diversity and demonstrates how traditional isolation methods remain crucial for discovering new microorganisms and their applications.

The Involvement of Glycerophospholipids in Susceptibility of Maize to Gibberella Root Rot Revealed by Comparative Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Imaging Joint Analysis

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Maize plants can suffer from a serious root disease called Gibberella root rot caused by a fungus. Researchers studied two types of maize—one resistant and one susceptible to this disease—and found that certain fatty compounds called lysophospholipids are more abundant in the susceptible plants. When these compounds build up, they damage plant cells and help the fungus spread. The resistant plants can break down these harmful compounds more effectively. This discovery could help plant breeders create maize varieties that resist this damaging disease.

Different Infection Structures and Point Mutation of Diaporthe citri Showing Resistant against Systemic Fungicides

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Citrus melanose, a serious fungal disease affecting citrus crops, is increasingly difficult to control due to the development of fungicide-resistant fungal strains. This study examined how resistant and susceptible Diaporthe citri strains respond to two common fungicides. The researchers found that resistant strains have genetic mutations that allow them to overcome fungicide treatments, particularly a specific change in the β-tubulin gene. Understanding these resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing better strategies to manage citrus diseases.

First Report of Diaporthe goulteri on Soybean in Germany

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Researchers in Germany discovered a fungal disease called Diaporthe goulteri infecting soybean plants for the first time. This fungus, previously known only from sunflowers in Australia, was isolated from a soybean seed and confirmed through genetic testing. Laboratory experiments showed the fungus can infect soybean stems and cause dark discoloration and tissue damage. This finding is important for soybean farmers as it indicates a new disease threat that may need to be monitored and managed.

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