fungal pathogen – Page 8

Discovery of a New Starship Transposon Driving the Horizontal Transfer of the ToxA Virulence Gene in Alternaria ventricosa

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Scientists discovered that a disease-causing gene called ToxA, previously found only in three wheat-infecting fungi, is also present in a fourth fungal species called Alternaria ventricosa. This gene travels between fungal species through special jumping DNA elements called Starships. The study reveals how fungi share dangerous genes through a process called horizontal gene transfer, which helps them become better at attacking crops. Understanding this process could help farmers and scientists develop better ways to prevent fungal diseases.

Ex Vivo Host Transcriptomics During Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, and Candida albicans Infection of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From South African Volunteers

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Researchers studied how human immune cells respond to three different fungal infections that commonly affect people with weakened immune systems. By examining gene activity in blood cells exposed to these fungi, they discovered that each fungus triggers different immune responses, with Candida albicans causing a much stronger reaction than the two Cryptococcus species. Only one shared immune pathway was activated by all three fungi, suggesting each infection requires different immune mechanisms to fight off. These findings could help develop new treatments for serious fungal infections.

Didymellaceae species associated with tea plant (Camellia sinensis) in China

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Researchers identified 25 different fungal species from the Didymellaceae family affecting tea plants across China, including 6 previously unknown species. These fungi cause leaf blight disease that damages tea crops. Tests showed that some species are more harmful than others, with Epicoccum anhuiense being the most damaging and Epicoccum puerense the least damaging to tea leaves.

Integrated genome and transcriptome analysis reveals pathogenic mechanisms of Calonectria eucalypti in Eucalyptus leaf blight

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Scientists studied a dangerous fungus called Calonectria eucalypti that kills eucalyptus trees worldwide. They sequenced the fungus’s entire genetic code and tracked which genes it turned on during infection. They found that the fungus uses different strategies at different stages of infection, starting with penetration, then breaking down plant cell walls, and finally stealing nutrients. This research helps us understand how the fungus works and develop better ways to protect eucalyptus plantations.

Mechanism Analysis of Amphotericin B Controlling Postharvest Gray Mold in Table Grapes

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This research shows that amphotericin B, a natural compound produced by bacteria, can effectively prevent gray mold from spoiling table grapes after harvest. The compound works by damaging the mold’s cell membranes and also activates the grapes’ own defense systems. At a treatment level of 200 mg/L, it completely prevented mold growth on grapes over a three-day storage period, offering a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the banana pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense M5

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Researchers have completed the full genetic map of the mitochondria (energy-producing structures) of a fungus that causes a serious disease in banana plants. The study identified all the genes in this mitochondrial genome and discovered special structures called introns within two genes. This genetic information could help scientists develop better ways to detect and identify this harmful banana pathogen.

A Novel Subspecies of Didymella acutilobae Causing Leaf Spot in East Asian Hogweed

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Researchers identified a new fungal disease affecting East Asian hogweed, an edible herb used in traditional medicine. The disease, called leaf spot, was caused by a previously unknown subspecies of fungus named Didymella acutilobae subsp. heraclei. Using genetic analysis and laboratory testing, scientists confirmed this fungus is responsible for infecting hogweed plants in Korean fields. Understanding this pathogen is important for protecting this valuable medicinal plant.

Identification and virulence factors prediction of Didymella segeticola causing leaf spot disease in Asarum heterotropoides in China

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This research identifies a fungal disease causing serious damage to Chinese wild ginger crops in northeastern China. Scientists found that the fungus Didymella segeticola causes leaf spot disease and identified 87 proteins that help the fungus harm the plants. The study provides important information for developing strategies to prevent this disease and protect this valuable medicinal herb crop.

2-Nonanol produced by Bacillus velezensis EM-1: a new biocontrol agent against tobacco brown spot

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Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus velezensis produces a natural compound called 2-nonanol that effectively kills the fungus causing brown spots on tobacco leaves. This compound works by disrupting the fungus’s ability to obtain energy and handle stress. Testing on tobacco leaves showed that 2-nonanol could significantly reduce disease development. This discovery offers a promising environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting tobacco crops.

The Kelch Repeat Protein VdKeR1 Is Essential for Development, Ergosterol Metabolism, and Virulence in Verticillium dahliae

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Verticillium dahliae is a serious fungal disease that kills many important crops like cotton and tomato by clogging their water-conducting vessels. Scientists discovered a protein called VdKeR1 that helps this fungus grow and cause disease by controlling how it makes ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes. When researchers removed this protein, the fungus grew poorly, couldn’t form survival structures, and was much less dangerous to plants.

Research Keyword: fungal pathogen