fungicide resistance – Page 2

Saprotrophic Arachnopeziza Species as New Resources to Study the Obligate Biotrophic Lifestyle of Powdery Mildew Fungi

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Scientists have created a new way to study powdery mildew fungus, which causes widespread plant disease but cannot normally be studied in the laboratory. They identified a related fungus species (Arachnopeziza) that can grow in culture and can be genetically modified. By sequencing the DNA of these two Arachnopeziza species and developing methods to alter their genes, researchers have created a practical tool to understand how powdery mildew becomes dependent on its plant host, potentially leading to better disease control strategies.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

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Apple scab is a serious fungal disease that damages apple trees and fruit, causing significant crop losses worldwide. This study examined apple scab fungus in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, surveying 30 different apple populations and testing 302 samples. Using DNA testing and microscopy, researchers confirmed the fungus is present in about 16% of the apple populations studied, with different populations showing distinct genetic patterns based on their geographic location and whether the apples were wild or cultivated.

The Stress of Fungicides Changes the Expression of Clock Protein CmFRQ and the Morphology of Fruiting Bodies of Cordyceps militaris

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Researchers treated a medicinal mushroom (Cordyceps militaris) with antifungal drugs at non-lethal doses and found that this stress affected the mushroom’s internal clock and fruiting body development. Interestingly, while most fungicides caused the fruiting bodies to degenerate, one drug (5-fluorocytosine) surprisingly rejuvenated degenerated strains. The effects persisted even after removing the drugs, suggesting fungicides cause lasting changes to the mushroom’s circadian rhythm.

An Efficient Microwave Synthesis of 3-Acyl-5-bromoindole Derivatives for Controlling Monilinia fructicola and Botrytis cinerea

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Scientists created new chemical compounds based on indole molecules that can effectively kill two harmful fungi that destroy fruit crops. These compounds were made using microwave heating, which is faster and more efficient than traditional methods. Tests showed that some of these new compounds work even better than commercial fungicides at killing these fungi, and they may work by blocking an important energy-producing process in the fungal cells.

Characterization of Setophoma henanensis sp. Nov., causing root rot on peanut

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Researchers in China discovered a new fungus called Setophoma henanensis that causes root rot in peanuts. This fungus was found in peanut fields across Henan Province and can also infect other crops like corn, wheat, and peppers. The good news is that the fungus is sensitive to commonly used fungicides, which can help farmers control the disease.

Unveiling molecular mechanisms of strobilurin resistance in the cacao pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa

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Cacao farmers have struggled to control witches’ broom disease, a fungal infection caused by Moniliophthora perniciosa, because the fungus survives even high doses of strobilurin fungicides. This study reveals how the fungus adapts to the fungicide by switching its metabolism to use alternative energy sources, activating detoxification systems, and using an alternative respiratory pathway. Researchers also discovered that prolonged fungicide exposure can create even more resistant mutants with mutations in genes that control fungal growth and gene expression.

Green Synthesized Copper-Oxide Nanoparticles Exhibit Antifungal Activity Against Botrytis cinerea, the Causal Agent of the Gray Mold Disease

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Scientists developed tiny copper oxide particles using fungi to create a natural fungicide that fights gray mold, a disease that damages grapes and other crops worldwide. These bio-based nanoparticles work better than conventional copper fungicides, offering farmers a more environmentally friendly option. However, the particles showed some toxicity to human cells in laboratory tests, suggesting they need careful handling before field use.

Mycobiome of low maintenance iconic landscape plant boxwood under repeated treatments of contact and systemic fungicides

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This study examined how different fungicide treatments affect the beneficial and harmful fungi living on boxwood plants. Researchers found that repeated applications of chlorothalonil-based fungicides reduced many beneficial fungi while having minimal effect on harmful pathogens, and that fungi became less sensitive to the same fungicide over time. The findings suggest that choosing the right fungicide and application method is important for maintaining plant health and preventing fungicide resistance.

Unveiling molecular mechanisms of strobilurin resistance in the cacao pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa

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This research reveals how a fungus that causes disease in cacao plants survives treatment with strobilurin fungicides, which are commonly used in agriculture. Scientists discovered that the fungus adapts by reorganizing its metabolism to compensate for the drug’s effects, activating detoxification systems, and in some cases, developing genetic mutations that enhance resistance. Understanding these survival mechanisms could help develop better strategies to control this economically important crop disease.

Comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms conferring resistance to phenamacril in the Fusarium species

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Fusarium fungi cause serious diseases in crops like wheat, rice, and vegetables worldwide, leading to significant food losses and contamination with harmful toxins. Phenamacril is a modern fungicide designed to fight these fungi by targeting a specific protein called myosin-5. However, the fungi have developed resistance to this fungicide through genetic changes and other mechanisms, making it less effective over time. Farmers need to use multiple strategies including crop rotation and resistant plant varieties rather than relying only on fungicides to successfully manage these diseases.

Research Keyword: fungicide resistance