Researchers identified a fungus called Fusarium cugenangense as the cause of root rot disease in Ardisia crenata, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The disease was affecting 25-35% of plants in Chongqing farms and damaging their roots. Scientists tested various pesticides and found that fluazinam chemical spray and zhongshengmycin biological spray were the most effective at stopping the fungus, providing farmers with effective treatment options.