Research Keyword: Phytoalexins

Biocontrol of Fusarium solani: Antifungal Activity of Chitosan and Induction of Defence Enzymes

Chitosan, a natural substance made from shrimp and crab shells, effectively protects tomato plants from a dangerous fungal disease called Fusarium solani root rot. When applied to plants, chitosan directly damages the fungus and simultaneously strengthens the plant’s own defence systems through increased enzyme activity. This makes chitosan a safer, more sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides while also promoting better plant growth.

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New wine in old skins: Scopoletin biosynthesis in cotton

Cotton farmers face significant crop losses from a soil-dwelling fungus called Verticillium dahliae. Scientists discovered that cotton plants can protect themselves by producing a compound called scopoletin, which damages and kills this fungus. By understanding how cotton activates the genes that make scopoletin, researchers may be able to genetically engineer more disease-resistant cotton varieties, providing farmers with a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

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Nature-Inspired Biphenyls and Diphenyl Ethers: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

Scientists created synthetic versions of protective compounds found in brown seaweed that could potentially be used as natural fungicides. They designed and synthesized fifteen different chemical derivatives and tested them against harmful plant fungi that damage crops. While the chemically modified versions showed modest effectiveness at stopping fungal growth, the naturally occurring compounds had little effect, suggesting that chemical alterations play an important role in fighting crop diseases.

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Progress of Antimicrobial Mechanisms of Stilbenoids

Stilbenoids are natural compounds found in plants that can fight harmful bacteria and fungi in multiple ways. Unlike traditional antibiotics that only kill microbes, stilbenoids can also prevent infections by disrupting biofilm formation and weakening pathogen virulence. These compounds show promise in combating drug-resistant infections without promoting further resistance development, making them valuable candidates for new antibiotic medicines.

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The Major Stilbene Compound Accumulated in the Roots of a Resistant Variety of Phoenix dactylifera L. Activates Proteasome for a Path in Anti-Aging Strategy

Researchers found that date palm roots from disease-resistant varieties contain a special compound called 3,3′,4,5,5′-pentahydroxy-trans-stilbene that acts as a natural antioxidant and anti-aging agent. This compound can protect aging skin cells by activating the proteasome, which is like the cell’s recycling system that removes damaged proteins. The findings suggest this natural compound could potentially help slow down skin aging and protect against age-related diseases.

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