fungicide resistance

Fusarium spp. in Metalworking Fluid Systems: Companions Forever

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Researchers analyzed over 48,000 metalworking fluid samples from machines worldwide over 10 years and found that fungal contamination is very common, especially on machine surfaces. While companies add chemicals called fungicides to prevent fungal growth, these chemicals have limited effectiveness and fungi often survive or adapt to them. As regulations increasingly restrict these fungicides, the manufacturing industry will need to find new ways to prevent fungal contamination by changing the chemical composition of metalworking fluids themselves.

Genome analysis of Phytophthora cactorum strains associated with crown- and leather-rot in strawberry

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Strawberry farmers face two serious diseases caused by a water-mold pathogen: crown rot that kills the whole plant and leather rot that spoils the fruit. Scientists sequenced the DNA of different disease-causing strains to understand why some strains can infect only fruit while others destroy the entire plant. They found that highly virulent strains have specific genetic changes in genes that help the pathogen escape the plant’s immune system, which could help develop better disease control strategies.

Mitochondrial heterogeneity drives the evolution of fungicide resistance in Phytophthora sojae, with associated fitness trade-offs

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Researchers studied how a plant pathogen called Phytophthora sojae develops resistance to the fungicide ametoctradin. They found that resistance builds up gradually through changes in mitochondrial DNA, where a single mutation accumulates over generations. While this mutation helps the fungus survive the fungicide, it damages its mitochondria and reduces its overall fitness, though the organism can partially compensate through increased expression of a protein called TFAM1.

Context-Dependent Fitness Trade-Offs in Penicillium expansum Isolates Resistant to Multiple Postharvest Fungicides

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This research examines how apples and pears get a fungal disease called blue mold and how the fungus develops resistance to commonly used fungicides. Scientists tested fungus samples that resist different fungicides to see if this resistance makes them weaker. They found that resistant fungus strains do struggle more under stressful laboratory conditions, but remain dangerous during long-term cold storage of fruit, especially when fungicides are present.

Cestrum tomentosum L.f. Extracts against Colletotrichum scovillei by Altering Cell Membrane Permeability and Inducing ROS Accumulation

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Researchers found that extracts from the Cestrum tomentosum plant effectively kill a fungus that causes anthracnose disease in chili peppers. The plant extract works by damaging the fungal cell membranes and causing harmful reactive oxygen species to accumulate inside fungal cells. This natural remedy showed strong protective and therapeutic effects when applied to chili pepper fruits, offering a safer alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides.

In vitro biocontrol potential of plant extract-based formulation against infection structures of Phytophthora infestans along with lower non-target effects

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Researchers tested a plant extract-based treatment against late blight, a serious disease affecting potatoes and tomatoes caused by Phytophthora infestans. The formulated product was highly effective at very low concentrations, stopping the disease at multiple stages of infection. Importantly, it had minimal harmful effects on beneficial microorganisms, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides.

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.

Chilean Aloysia Essential Oils: A Medicinal Plant Resource for Postharvest Disease Control

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Researchers tested essential oils from two Chilean herbs, Aloysia citriodora and Aloysia polystachya, against fungi that cause fruit rot after harvest. They found that oil from Aloysia citriodora, especially a compound called farnesol, effectively killed the disease-causing fungi in laboratory tests. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides that are becoming less effective and harmful to the environment, offering farmers a safer way to protect their fruit during storage and transport.

The dark side of avocados: a review of anthracnose and stem-end rot in postharvest fruit

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Avocados are a valuable global fruit crop, but two fungal diseases—anthracnose and stem-end rot—cause major economic losses by making fruit unmarketable. These fungi infect avocados in the orchard but remain hidden until the fruit ripens, making them difficult to detect and control. Recent advances in detection technology and disease management strategies, including biological controls and natural treatments, offer promising solutions to reduce losses and keep avocados fresh from farm to table.

Nature-Inspired Biphenyls and Diphenyl Ethers: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

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Scientists created synthetic versions of protective compounds found in brown seaweed that could potentially be used as natural fungicides. They designed and synthesized fifteen different chemical derivatives and tested them against harmful plant fungi that damage crops. While the chemically modified versions showed modest effectiveness at stopping fungal growth, the naturally occurring compounds had little effect, suggesting that chemical alterations play an important role in fighting crop diseases.

Research Keyword: fungicide resistance