Research Keyword: mycotoxin

Genome annotation of Aspergillus melleus strain CBS 546.65

Scientists have created a detailed functional map of the Aspergillus melleus fungal genome, identifying over 12,000 genes and 102 biosynthetic gene clusters. This fungus is valuable because it produces compounds with insecticidal, nematicidal, and antibiotic properties, as well as proteases used in health supplements. The annotation provides a roadmap for understanding how this fungus makes these useful compounds and could help optimize its industrial applications.

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Inhibitive effect of Urginea epigea methanolic extract and silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles on Aspergillus and aflatoxin production

Scientists tested a plant called Urginea epigea and special tiny particles made of silver and zinc to stop a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus flavus from growing and producing aflatoxins, which are harmful poisons found in food. When used at the right concentration, the plant extract completely stopped the fungus from growing. The treatment worked by turning off the fungus’s ability to make the poison by reducing the activity of specific genes. This natural approach could offer a safer alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting our food supply.

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Morphological, Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Characterization of Fungal Species Associated with Papaya Rot in Cameroon

Papaya rot is a major problem for farmers in Cameroon, causing significant losses in this important tropical fruit crop. Researchers identified three fungi responsible for this rot: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium equiseti, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. These fungi produce enzymes that break down papaya tissue and also produce toxins harmful to consumers. Understanding how these fungi grow and what conditions favor their development can help farmers develop better strategies to prevent rot and reduce post-harvest losses.

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The palmitoyl-CoA ligase Fum16 is part of a Fusarium verticillioides fumonisin subcluster involved in self-protection

This research reveals how corn fungi protect themselves from their own toxic products by employing specialized defense enzymes. Scientists discovered that five genes work together in a protective cluster, with some enzymes strengthening the fungal cell’s natural defenses while others actively break down the toxin. This discovery helps explain how dangerous fungi survive and could lead to better strategies for preventing mycotoxin contamination in crops and developing disease-resistant plants.

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Exploring Fungal Communication Mechanisms in the Rhizosphere Microbiome for a Sustainable Green Agriculture

Fungi in soil communicate with each other and plants through chemical signals, forming protective layers called biofilms that help them cooperate and survive. These fungal communication networks can be either beneficial, helping plants grow and fight diseases, or harmful, causing crop infections and producing toxins. By better understanding how fungi talk to each other, scientists can develop natural ways to improve agriculture and clean up polluted soils without using harmful chemicals.

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Antifungal Effect of Cinnamon Bark Extract on the Phytopathogenic Fungus Fusarium sporotrichioides

This study tested whether cinnamon bark extract could stop the growth of a harmful fungus called Fusarium sporotrichioides that damages crops and produces toxins. Researchers used a water-based cinnamon extract at different concentrations on fungal cultures and found that the highest concentration significantly reduced fungal growth and caused visible damage to fungal structures. The cinnamon extract contains natural compounds with antifungal properties that could potentially be used as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides in agriculture.

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Identification of an antifungal lipopeptide from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 inhibiting the growth of Fusarium graminearum using preparative chromatography and 2D-NMR

Scientists discovered a beneficial soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that produces a natural antifungal compound called fengycin, which effectively kills dangerous mold (Fusarium graminearum) that contaminates animal feed. This bacterium can be used as a biological control agent to prevent fungal growth and reduce harmful mycotoxins in livestock feed, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides. The study shows the bacterium’s compounds damage fungal cell membranes and generate harmful stress molecules that kill the fungus.

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