Research Keyword: mycoparasitism

Fruiting Body Heterogeneity, Dimorphism and Haustorium-like Structure of Naematelia aurantialba (Jin Er Mushroom)

Jin Er mushroom, a popular health food in Asia, is actually made up of two different types of fungi growing together. This study discovered that Jin Er can change its form depending on temperature and nutrients, switching between yeast-like and filament-like structures. The research also found special hook-like structures that may help the two fungi interact with each other, which could help improve how Jin Er mushrooms are grown commercially.

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Trichoderma and its role in biological control of plant fungal and nematode disease

Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that can protect crops from diseases and pests while promoting healthier plant growth, without harmful chemical pesticides. It works through multiple strategies: competing with harmful fungi for nutrients, producing natural toxins that kill pathogens, directly parasitizing disease-causing organisms, and strengthening the plant’s own immune system. This eco-friendly approach reduces chemical pollution while improving crop quality and yields, making it an ideal solution for sustainable farming.

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Efficacy of Trichoderma longibrachiatum SC5 Fermentation Filtrate in Inhibiting the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Growth and Development in Sunflower

Scientists studied a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma longibrachiatum that can fight a harmful mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) which damages sunflower crops. They discovered that liquid containing products from this beneficial fungus can significantly stop the harmful mold from growing, prevent it from forming protective survival structures called sclerotia, and reduce its ability to infect plants. When tested on sunflower leaves, this fungal liquid was highly effective at both preventing disease before infection and stopping disease after infection had started.

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Biocontrol of Cheese Spoilage Moulds Using Native Yeasts

This research explores using naturally occurring yeasts found in cheese to prevent mould spoilage, offering a chemical-free alternative to current preservatives. Scientists tested 84 yeast strains and identified the most promising ones that can inhibit growth of three common spoilage moulds through different mechanisms like enzyme production and nutrient competition. Two yeast strains, Geotrichum candidum GC663 and Pichia jadinii PJ433, showed particularly strong potential for protecting cheese quality and extending shelf life when tested in actual cheese.

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In Vitro and Field Effectiveness of the Combination of Four Trichoderma spp. Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Its Impact on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Crop Production

This study tested whether four types of beneficial fungi (Trichoderma species) could control white mold disease on potato plants in Mexico. Both laboratory tests and field trials showed these fungi were very effective at killing the disease pathogen and stopping mold formation. Potatoes treated with the fungal mixture produced higher yields than those treated with chemical fungicides alone, suggesting this natural approach could replace many chemical pesticides.

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Bioprospecting and mechanistic insights of Trichoderma spp. for suppression of Ganoderma-induced basal stem rot in oil palm

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Trichoderma afroharzianum can effectively fight a serious disease in oil palm trees caused by another fungus, Ganoderma. This beneficial fungus works by producing natural chemicals and enzymes that kill the harmful pathogen and also helps the plants grow better. The research shows this could be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting oil palm plantations, especially as climate changes and farming conditions vary.

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Identification and potential of the hyperparasite Acremonium persicinum as biocontrol agent against coffee leaf rust

Coffee farmers face major losses from rust disease, and traditional fungicide treatments have become less effective over time. Scientists in China discovered a microscopic fungus called Acremonium persicinum that naturally attacks and kills coffee rust pathogens. Laboratory tests showed this beneficial fungus could eliminate over 90% of rust spores and completely prevent rust infection on coffee leaves, offering a natural and environmentally-friendly solution for protecting coffee crops.

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Multi-locus phylogenetic network analysis of Ampelomyces mycoparasites isolated from diverse powdery mildews in Australia and the generation of two de novo genome assemblies

Scientists discovered and studied 20 new species of a beneficial fungus called Ampelomyces that naturally attacks powdery mildew, a common plant disease found in Australia. They created detailed genetic maps of two of these fungal strains to better understand how they work as biological control agents. This research could help develop better natural ways to protect crops like grapes and vegetables from powdery mildew without using chemical pesticides.

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Carbon and Nitrogen Sources Influence Parasitic Responsiveness in Trichoderma atroviride NI-1

Scientists studied a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma atroviride that kills crop-damaging pathogens. They discovered that the type and quality of nutrients available directly affects how aggressive this fungus becomes. When provided with better nutrients like glucose and ammonia, the fungus produces more powerful enzymes to attack and destroy its prey. Remarkably, this fungus can even tell the difference between different types of pathogens and adjusts its attack strategy accordingly, making it a promising candidate for environmentally-friendly crop protection.

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Solid-state NMR spectroscopy reveals unique properties of Trichoderma harzianum cell wall components

Scientists used advanced spectroscopy techniques to examine the cell wall structure of Trichoderma harzianum, a beneficial fungus used to protect crops from harmful fungi. They discovered that this fungus has a uniquely organized cell wall composed of tough chitin layers inside and flexible sugar polymers outside. This special arrangement helps protect the fungus from dissolving itself with its own powerful enzymes while allowing it to attack pest fungi effectively.

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