phylogenetic analysis – Page 24

Exploring fungal pathogens to control the plant invasive Rubus niveus on Galapagos Island San Cristobal

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Hill raspberry is a highly invasive plant that has taken over approximately 30,000 hectares of the Galapagos Islands, threatening native plant species. Traditional control methods like manual removal and herbicide spraying are expensive and ineffective. Researchers identified five species of fungal pathogens that naturally occur on infected Hill raspberry plants and can cause disease on healthy plants, offering promise as biological control agents to suppress this invasive species.

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Dothideomycetes fungi associated with Dracaena plants

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Researchers studied fungi living on Dracaena plants in Thailand, which are tough plants that grow well in dry, rocky areas. They found eleven different types of fungi, including three completely new species never described before. By examining the fungi under microscopes and analyzing their DNA, they discovered that these drought-tolerant plants support a rich variety of fungal life that hadn’t been well documented previously.

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

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Coffee plants are severely damaged by a fungal disease called coffee leaf rust that destroys leaves and can reduce harvests by over 70%. Scientists in China discovered a beneficial fungus called Acremonium persicinum that acts as a natural enemy to the rust-causing fungus, essentially eating and destroying it. Laboratory tests showed this beneficial fungus prevented rust infection in 91% of cases and completely stopped the disease from spreading when applied to infected coffee leaves. This natural biological control offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting coffee crops.

Isolation and characterization of a new Leptobacillium species promoting tomato plant growth

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Researchers discovered a new beneficial fungus called Leptobacillium that lives inside tomato plant roots without causing harm. When tomato seeds were treated with this fungus, the plants grew better, had more chlorophyll in their leaves, and produced tastier fruits with higher levels of lycopene, a beneficial compound in tomatoes. This discovery suggests the fungus could be used to improve tomato crop production naturally, reducing the need for chemical inputs and helping plants cope with heat stress.

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

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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.

Two new species of Entoloma subg. Cyanula sect. Asprella (Entolomataceae, Agaricales) from subtropical regions of China

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Scientists have identified two new mushroom species in China belonging to the genus Entoloma. These small blue and magenta mushrooms, named E. qingluan and E. zilin, were discovered in subtropical forests of Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. Using microscopic examination and genetic analysis, the researchers confirmed these were previously unknown species and provided detailed descriptions for scientific identification and classification.

Diversity of Lignicolous Freshwater Fungi from Yuanjiang River in Yunnan (China), with the Description of Four New Species

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Scientists studied freshwater fungi living on decaying wood in the Yuanjiang River in southwestern China. They collected samples and used both microscopy and genetic analysis to identify nine fungal species, four of which were previously unknown to science. This research helps us understand the diversity of fungi in freshwater ecosystems and their role in breaking down wood materials in nature.

Overview of the Genus Pseudocercospora on Vitaceous Plants in Korea with Introduction of Pseudocercospora neovitis sp. nov.

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Researchers in Korea identified and characterized three fungal species that cause leaf spot diseases on grape plants and related vines. They discovered a new fungal species called Pseudocercospora neovitis on wild grapes (Vitis flexuosa) and found that a common grape leaf spot fungus (Ps. vitis) also infects the commercial grape variety Campbell Early in Korea. These findings help understand the diversity of fungal pathogens affecting grape production and related plants.

Complete genome sequence analysis of Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen causing leaf spot disease of Panax notoginseng

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus called Boeremia exigua that causes leaf spot disease on Panax notoginseng, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The fungus has a toolkit of genes that help it break down plant cell walls and infect the plant. By understanding the fungus’s genetic makeup, researchers hope to develop better ways to prevent or control this disease and protect P. notoginseng crops.

Ophiostoma babimostense and Sporothrix europaea (Ascomycota, Ophiostomatales), two new ophiostomatalean species, associated with ambrosia and bark beetles in Norway and Poland

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Scientists discovered two new species of fungi that live in association with beetles in European forests. These fungi, Ophiostoma babimostense and Sporothrix europaea, were found in infested wood and pine shoots in Norway and Poland. The fungi were identified using microscopic examination and DNA analysis, revealing they belong to distinct groups within their respective fungal families. This discovery adds to our understanding of forest fungal diversity and beetle-fungus relationships.

Research Keyword: phylogenetic analysis