fungal pathogenesis – mycolab.ai

Identification and Characterization of Fusarium incarnatum Causing Leaf Spot and Fruit Rot on Luffa in China

mycolabadmin

In 2022, luffa farmers in China faced a serious fungal disease causing leaves and fruits to rot. Scientists identified the culprit as Fusarium incarnatum fungus. They also discovered that a beneficial soil bacterium called Bacillus velezensis can fight this fungus and help plants grow better, offering farmers a natural alternative to chemical fungicides.

Exploring Trichoderma Species in Industrial Wastewater: Morphological and Molecular Insights from Isolates

mycolabadmin

Researchers isolated and identified four species of Trichoderma fungi from industrial wastewater in Pakistan, including steel mill, tannery, and textile mill effluents. These fungi were characterized using both traditional microscopy and modern DNA sequencing techniques. The study identified three new species records for Pakistan and showed these fungi can help treat industrial pollution while potentially producing useful enzymes.

A super absorbent polymer containing copper to control Plenodomus tracheiphilus the causative agent of mal secco disease of lemon

mycolabadmin

Researchers developed a new gel-like material containing copper that can fight a serious fungal disease affecting lemon trees. Unlike traditional copper sprays that wash away and pollute the environment, this new material slowly releases copper directly into the plant’s water-conducting vessels where the disease-causing fungus lives. The gel absorbed water effectively and released copper ions gradually over time, showing much better results than regular copper solutions when tested on infected lemon branches.

Characterization and Virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) Isolates from Ecologically Distinct Soils Against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

mycolabadmin

This study identified five native fungal strains (Metarhizium anisopliae) from Taiwanese soils that can kill the tobacco caterpillar pest (Spodoptera litura). The most effective strain, PT-01, showed strong ability to infect and kill caterpillar larvae, particularly at early life stages. The research demonstrates that these fungi could be developed into environmentally-friendly pest control alternatives to chemical pesticides, protecting crops while maintaining ecosystem health.

Genome Sequence, Comparative Genome Analysis, and Expression Profiling of the Chitinase GH18 Gene Family in Cordyceps javanica Bd01

mycolabadmin

Scientists sequenced the complete genome of Cordyceps javanica, a fungus used to control pest insects. They discovered that this fungus has an expanded family of 27 chitinase genes (GH18), which are enzymes that help the fungus penetrate insect exoskeletons. These genes show strong evolutionary conservation and stability, making them valuable for developing more effective natural pesticides and understanding how fungal biocontrol agents work.

Two Subunits of the Rpd3 Histone Deacetylase Complex of Cochliobolus heterostrophus Are Essential for Nitrosative Stress Response and Virulence, and Interact With Stress-Response Regulators ChHog1 and ChCrz1

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that two proteins called ChPho23 and ChSds3 help a fungus that causes corn disease survive attacks by the plant’s immune system. These proteins work together with other cellular signals to help the fungus protect itself from harmful nitrogen-based compounds. When these proteins are removed, the fungus becomes weaker and less able to infect corn plants, suggesting these proteins could be potential targets for developing new fungicides.

Rhizoctonia solani Secretes RsCAP3 to Target Nb14–3–3b, Interfering with Hormone-Mediated Resistance in Tobacco

mycolabadmin

A fungal disease that damages tobacco plants produces a protein called RsCAP3 that helps it evade plant immune defenses. This protein hijacks a plant defense regulator, causing the plant to activate the wrong defense pathway while suppressing another crucial defense mechanism. By manipulating these natural plant defenses, the fungus can infect the tobacco more easily, leading to disease.

Natural expression variation for the Arabidopsis MED20a mediator complex subunit influences quantitative resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

mycolabadmin

Scientists studied how different varieties of a common plant (Arabidopsis) naturally resist a destructive fungal disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. By examining genetic differences among plant varieties and testing a fungus from different sources, they found that a gene called MED20a plays an important role in disease resistance. Plants with specific genetic variations in the MED20a gene’s control region were more resistant to infection.

Pathogen identification and biological fungicides screening for Plumbago auriculata blight in China

mycolabadmin

A newly identified fungal disease caused by Fusarium ipomoeae is harming Plumbago auriculata plants in China. Scientists identified the pathogen using genetic analysis and tested seven plant-based treatments. They found that osthole, a natural compound, effectively controls the disease with 88% success rate, offering an environmentally friendly solution for protecting ornamental plants.

Rediscovery of viomellein as an antibacterial compound and identification of its biosynthetic gene cluster in dermatophytes

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that skin-infecting fungi called dermatophytes produce a red pigment called viomellein that kills bacteria. By studying the genes responsible for making viomellein, scientists found that this compound may help dermatophytes establish infections by eliminating competing bacteria on the skin. This discovery could explain how these fungi successfully colonize human skin and may lead to new treatment strategies for stubborn fungal infections.

Research Keyword: fungal pathogenesis