molecular identification

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

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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.

Identification of Avocado Fruit Disease Caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum and Colletotrichum fructicola in China

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Researchers in China identified two fungal pathogens responsible for major avocado fruit diseases: Diaporthe phaseolorum causes fruit rot while Colletotrichum fructicola causes anthracnose. These diseases affect approximately 22% and 15% of avocado fruits respectively in Yunnan Province. This first-time identification of these pathogens on avocado provides growers with crucial information to implement targeted disease prevention strategies and protect their crops.

Penicillium and Talaromyces diversity in cystic fibrosis patient sample and the description of a new species, Penicillium subluteum sp. nov.

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Researchers studied fungal infections in Dutch cystic fibrosis patients and discovered a surprising variety of Penicillium and Talaromyces species living in their lungs. They identified 75 different fungal species total, including a previously unknown species named Penicillium subluteum. The study emphasizes that these fungi should no longer be dismissed as harmless contaminants, as they may play important roles in lung disease and need to be accurately identified for proper patient management.

First molecular confirmation of Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing grapevine trunk disease in southern Egypt

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Researchers in Egypt identified a fungus called Lasiodiplodia theobromae as the cause of a serious disease affecting grapevines in the southern region. Using both microscopic examination and genetic analysis, they confirmed the fungus causes dark streaking in grape vine trunks, leading to branch death and decline. When they tested the fungus on grape tissues in the laboratory, it successfully infected all tested samples, showing it is a highly virulent pathogen. The findings suggest farmers need to use disease-resistant grape varieties and implement management strategies to prevent losses.

Patulin Biodegradation by Rhodosporidiobolus ruineniae and Meyerozyma guilliermondii Isolated From Fruits

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Patulin is a dangerous toxin produced by molds that grow on apples and peaches, posing serious health risks to consumers. Researchers isolated two yeast species from fruits that can effectively break down patulin into a less toxic compound called (E)-ascladiol. The yeasts work by using enzymes inside their cells to degrade the toxin, and this biological approach could be used to safely remove patulin from contaminated fruits and fruit products.

First Report of Ganoderma ryvardenii causing Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease on oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Ghana

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Oil palm is a valuable crop, but a fungal disease called basal stem rot (BSR) causes serious damage and economic losses. Researchers in Ghana discovered that a fungus species called Ganoderma ryvardenii is causing BSR disease on oil palms, marking the first time this pathogen has been found in West Africa. The study used modern genetic testing to identify the fungus and proved it causes the disease by infecting oil palm seedlings in controlled conditions.

Mushroom-Based Supplements in Italy: Let’s Open Pandora’s Box

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Researchers tested 19 mushroom supplement products sold in Italy and found serious quality problems. Many supplements didn’t actually contain the mushroom species listed on their labels. Some products also contained toxic substances or inconsistent amounts of beneficial compounds. The study highlights the need for better regulation and manufacturing standards to ensure these popular health products are safe and effective.

The Rising Threat of Mucormycosis: Oman’s Experience Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that became much more common in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients had diabetes and nearly half had COVID-19, with very high death rates. The infection primarily affects the sinuses and brain, and requires aggressive treatment with surgery and antifungal medications. This study shows doctors need better tools to detect and treat this dangerous infection, especially during health crises.

Descriptions of 19 Unrecorded Species Belonging to Sordariomycetes in Korea

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Scientists in Korea discovered and documented 19 species of fungi that were previously unrecorded in the country. These fungi were found in soil and freshwater environments across Korea. Using microscopy and DNA analysis, the researchers confirmed the identity of each species and provided detailed descriptions and illustrations. This discovery helps us better understand the fungal diversity present in Korean ecosystems.

What Do We Know About Cryptococcus spp. in Portugal? One Health Systematic Review in a Comprehensive 13-Year Retrospective Study (2013–2025)

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This study examines cryptococcosis, a fungal infection that affects both animals and humans, across Portugal from 2013-2025. Researchers found that about 4.5% of animal samples tested positive for Cryptococcus species, with infections most common in dogs and cats. The infections peaked during summer months and were most prevalent in central Portugal, with different fungal species affecting different animal types. The research emphasizes the importance of coordinated monitoring across animals, humans, and the environment to better understand and control this disease.

Research Keyword: molecular identification