multi-locus sequencing

Diaporthe foeniculina and D. eres, in addition to D. ampelina, may cause Phomopsis cane and leaf spot disease in grapevine

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Researchers found that three different fungal species, not just one, cause a disease called Phomopsis cane and leaf spot in grapevines grown in Southern Europe. While Diaporthe ampelina remains the primary culprit, two other species (D. eres and D. foeniculina) can also cause the same disease symptoms. Interestingly, these different fungi prefer different temperatures for growth, which means farmers may need to adjust their disease management strategies based on which species is present in their vineyards.

Discovery of the first resinicolous fungus in Mycosphaerellales (Dothideomycetes): Resinomelania communis from conifer resins in Poland

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Scientists discovered a new fungus species living on tree resins from conifer trees in Poland. This fungus, named Resinomelania communis, represents the first known fungus in its evolutionary group that specializes in living on sticky tree resins. The discovery was made by identifying 13 fungal strains from four different conifer species using DNA analysis and studying their physical characteristics.

Diagnostic Performance of a PCR-Based Approach for the Diagnosis of Dermatomycosis

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This study evaluated a new testing method combining DNA analysis (PCR) with traditional microscopy and culture to diagnose fungal skin, hair, and nail infections. The PCR method detects the infection quickly and accurately, identifying the specific fungus causing the problem within days rather than weeks. The study of over 4,400 samples found that Trichophyton rubrum was the most common cause of fungal infections, and the combined testing approach was 98.5% accurate while reducing unnecessary lab work.

Didymellaceae species associated with tea plant (Camellia sinensis) in China

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Researchers identified 25 different fungal species from the Didymellaceae family that can infect tea plant leaves in China, including six previously unknown species. By testing how harmful these fungi are to tea plants, they found that some species cause severe damage while others are harmless. These findings help tea farmers understand and manage leaf blight disease that threatens tea crop production.

Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China

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Researchers discovered 12 new species of fungi growing on medicinal plants in Southwestern China. These fungi were identified using a combination of physical characteristics and genetic analysis. The findings help us understand the fungal communities associated with medicinal plants and may have implications for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicines.

Didymellaceae species associated with tea plant (Camellia sinensis) in China

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Researchers identified 25 different fungal species from the Didymellaceae family affecting tea plants across China, including 6 previously unknown species. These fungi cause leaf blight disease that damages tea crops. Tests showed that some species are more harmful than others, with Epicoccum anhuiense being the most damaging and Epicoccum puerense the least damaging to tea leaves.

Morphology and phylogeny reveal two new species of pestalotioid fungi associated with hawthorn in Northeast China

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Researchers discovered two previously unknown fungal species living on hawthorn trees in Northeast China. Through detailed microscopic examination and genetic analysis, they identified these as Sporocadus changchunensis and S. crataegicola. Testing showed these fungi can cause disease spots on hawthorn leaves, suggesting they may pose risks to hawthorn crops. This finding helps expand our understanding of fungal species and their role in plant health.

Multi-locus molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals four new species and a new record of Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) on dipteran hosts in Thailand

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Researchers studying fungi in Thai forests discovered four previously unknown species of Ophiocordyceps that parasitise different types of flies. Using DNA analysis combined with microscopic examination, scientists confirmed these fungi are distinct species, each specialising on particular fly types like houseflies, fruit flies, and robber flies. This research expands our understanding of the remarkable diversity of fungi that naturally control insect populations, which could have implications for biological pest control.

Research Keyword: multi-locus sequencing