Research Keyword: pathogenicity assessment

A human-relevant alternative infection model for mucormycosis using the silkworm Bombyx mori

Researchers developed a silkworm-based model to study mucormycosis, a deadly fungal infection. The model reproduces the same disease patterns and risk factors seen in humans, including effects of steroids and iron levels. Importantly, it successfully predicted how well antifungal drugs work against the infection, offering a faster and more ethical alternative to mammal testing for developing new treatments.

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

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.

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Identification and biological characteristics of Fusarium tobaccum sp. nov., a novel species causing tobacco root rot in Jilin Province, China

Scientists in China discovered a new type of fungus called Fusarium tobaccum that causes a serious disease in tobacco plants called root rot and wilt. By analyzing the fungus’s genetic material and physical characteristics, they confirmed it was a previously unknown species. The researchers also studied how this fungus grows under different conditions like temperature and soil pH to better understand how it causes disease.

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Inoculum and inoculation techniques: key steps in studying pathogenicity and resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot in oilseed rape

This review examines different methods scientists use to test how oilseed rape plants resist a destructive fungal disease called Sclerotinia stem rot. The researchers compare various ways to infect plants with the fungus, from simple lab techniques using diseased grains to complex field trials that mimic natural infection. The findings help plant breeders identify and develop oilseed rape varieties that can better resist this economically important disease, reducing the need for chemical fungicides.

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Study of the Herbicidal Potential and Infestation Mechanism of Fusarium oxysporum JZ-5 on Six Broadleaved Weeds

Scientists isolated a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum from diseased weeds and tested whether it could help farmers control unwanted plants naturally. The fungus showed strong promise against several common weeds, especially henbit deadnettle, while remaining safe for important crops like barley, wheat, and potatoes. Electron microscope observations revealed that the fungus invades weeds through tiny pores on leaves and spreads across the leaf surface. This discovery offers farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical herbicides for sustainable agriculture.

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Flood Inoculation of Fusarium eumartii in Tomato Seedlings: Method for Evaluating the Infectivity of Pathogen Spores

Scientists have developed a simple laboratory method to test how effectively a fungus called Fusarium eumartii infects young tomato plants. The technique involves growing tomato seedlings on special nutrient plates and then exposing them to fungal spores suspended in water, allowing researchers to measure how much damage occurs and how much fungus remains in the plant tissue. This method can be used to quickly test whether different compounds, like chitosan, can prevent fungal infections or help plants defend themselves naturally. The straightforward approach makes it useful for farmers and researchers developing better ways to protect tomato crops from fungal diseases.

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A rapid and efficient in vivo inoculation method for introducing tree stem canker pathogens onto leaves: suitable for large-scale assessment of resistance in poplar breeding progeny

Scientists developed a new, faster way to test poplar trees for resistance to stem canker diseases by inoculating fungal pathogens directly onto leaves instead of using whole stem segments. This method is much simpler, cheaper, and produces results in just 5 days compared to weeks for traditional methods. By testing leaves at different positions on trees and under different light conditions, researchers showed this leaf-based method accurately identifies resistant poplar clones for breeding programs.

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A Method to Inoculate Millet Grain-Colonized Fusarium pseudograminearum on Wheat to Obtain Reproducible Disease Symptoms

Researchers developed a reliable laboratory method to test wheat varieties for their ability to resist a serious fungal disease called crown rot caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum. Using millet grains colonized with the fungus as an inoculum, they can now consistently and quickly identify which wheat varieties are naturally resistant to the disease. This standardized method helps plant breeders efficiently select resistant wheat cultivars, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

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

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.

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