Research Keyword: nematophagous fungi

Fungal-derived ZnO nanoparticles functionalized with riboflavin and UDP-GlcNAc exhibit potent nematicidal activity against M. incognita

mycolabadmin

Scientists used a nematode-trapping fungus to create tiny zinc oxide particles that are highly toxic to root-knot nematodes, which damage crops worldwide. These nanoparticles are naturally coated with beneficial fungal compounds like riboflavin that enhance their pest-killing ability. The particles killed over 94% of nematodes in laboratory tests, offering a greener alternative to harsh chemical pesticides currently used in farming.

Read More »

Effects of Resinous Compounds from Pine Trees on Spore Germination and Mycelial Growth of a Nematophagous Fungus, Esteya vermicola

mycolabadmin

Researchers tested whether a beneficial fungus called Esteya vermicola could be injected into pine trees to fight pine wilt disease. However, they discovered that natural resinous compounds found in pine trees strongly inhibit the growth of this fungus. The findings suggest that trunk injection of this fungus may not be an effective treatment because the tree’s own defensive compounds prevent the fungus from establishing itself and fighting the harmful nematodes.

Read More »

The Impact of Sugar Beet Seed Pelletization on the Proliferation of Nematophagous Fungi

mycolabadmin

Sugar beet seeds are often coated with protective chemicals to improve planting. This study found that these chemical coatings significantly inhibit the growth of beneficial fungi that naturally attack plant-damaging nematodes. While these fungi can still be applied to fields separately as a biological pest control, they should not be added directly to the seed coating because the chemicals would kill them. Farmers could use a combination approach by applying the fungi to soil separately while using treated seeds.

Read More »

Biocontrol efficacy of Pochonia chlamydosporia against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica in eggplant and its impact on plant growth

mycolabadmin

This study shows that a beneficial fungus called Pochonia chlamydosporia can effectively control harmful root-knot nematodes that damage eggplant crops. When applied to soil, this fungus directly attacks nematode eggs and parasitizes the parasitic juveniles, while also boosting the plant’s natural defense systems. Not only does the fungus reduce nematode populations by over 55%, but it also helps eggplant plants grow better with increased height, weight, and chlorophyll content, providing a promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

Read More »

A carnivorous mushroom paralyzes and kills nematodes via a volatile ketone

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that oyster mushrooms kill parasitic worms using a toxic gas stored in tiny bulb-shaped structures called toxocysts. The toxin is a common chemical called 3-octanone that ruptures the worms’ cell membranes, causing calcium to flood into cells and leading to rapid paralysis and death. This ‘nerve gas in a lollipop’ strategy could inspire new ways to control parasitic worms in agriculture and medicine.

Read More »
Scroll to Top