fungal pathology – mycolab.ai

First Report of Colletotrichum kahawae Causing Anthracnose on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) in China and Biological Characterization of the Pathogen

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Researchers in China identified a fungus called Colletotrichum kahawae causing a serious disease called anthracnose in buckwheat crops for the first time. The fungus also has the potential to infect other important crops like wheat, oats, potatoes, and corn. Scientists determined the ideal conditions for this fungus to grow and tested its ability to infect different plants. This discovery will help farmers develop better strategies to prevent and manage this disease in buckwheat and other crops.

Autophagy and the Mitochondrial Lon1 Protease Are Necessary for Botrytis cinerea Heat Adaptation

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Scientists studied how a fungus that causes gray mold disease adapts to heat stress by examining two key cellular processes: autophagy (cellular cleanup) and a mitochondrial protease called Lon1. They found that both processes work together to help the fungus survive high temperatures by removing damaged cellular components and maintaining healthy mitochondria. When either process was disrupted, the fungus became much more vulnerable to heat and could not survive as well.

Unveiling mycoviral diversity in Ophiocordyceps sinensis through transcriptome analyses

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Chinese cordyceps (a valuable fungus used in traditional medicine) contains multiple viruses that researchers discovered through genetic analysis. Scientists found 13 different viruses living together in the cordyceps, with 9 being newly discovered. These viruses may affect how the fungus grows and develops, which could have implications for cultivating cordyceps artificially and understanding its unique biology.

Two new Periconia species (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) in China

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Scientists discovered two new fungal species belonging to the genus Periconia in China. These fungi were collected from freshwater streams and corn plants in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. Using genetic analysis and microscopy, researchers confirmed these as previously unknown species and named them Periconia guangxiense and Periconia xishuangbannaensis. This discovery adds to our understanding of fungal diversity in China and shows that many fungal species remain yet to be discovered.

The contribution of tropical long-term studies to mycology

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Scientists have long known less about fungi in tropical regions compared to temperate areas. This paper highlights how studying the same fungal communities over many years in tropical locations like Guyana reveals important discoveries about fungal diversity, including new species and unique ecological relationships. The authors show that public scientific databases contain far fewer fungal records from tropical regions than non-tropical ones, suggesting we may be missing crucial information about fungal biodiversity and how to protect it.

Improved Extraction Methods to Isolate High Molecular Weight DNA From Magnaporthaceae and Other Grass Root Fungi for Long-Read Whole Genome Sequencing

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Scientists have developed improved methods to extract high-quality DNA from pathogenic fungi, which is essential for sequencing and understanding how these fungi cause plant diseases. Two different extraction techniques were refined and tested on Magnaporthaceae fungi: one that works with small amounts of fungal material, and another that produces longer DNA strands when more material is available. The key to success is harvesting the fungi before they accumulate dark pigments that interfere with DNA extraction. These protocols will help researchers create better genome maps of disease-causing fungi, leading to improved strategies for crop protection.

Four new species of Trichoderma (Hypocreaceae, Hypocreales) discovered in the staple food bamboo of pandas

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Scientists discovered four new types of Trichoderma fungi living in bamboo forests where giant pandas eat. These fungi are commonly found in nature and can help plants grow stronger or break down dead plant material. By studying the DNA of these fungi, researchers confirmed they are distinct new species and learned more about the fungal ecosystem that supports giant pandas’ primary food source.

Polyphasic characterization and mating type allele distribution of Monilinia laxa in Iranian stone fruit orchards

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Brown rot is a serious fungal disease affecting fruit trees like apricots, cherries, and plums. Researchers collected over 400 fungal isolates from Iranian fruit orchards and identified two main species causing the disease, with one species being far more common. By developing new genetic tests, scientists discovered both male and female forms of the fungi exist in equal proportions, suggesting the disease could evolve through sexual reproduction, which has important implications for managing the disease in orchards.

Research Keyword: fungal pathology