Research Keyword: phytopathology

Integrated transcriptome and metabolome profiling reveals mechanisms underlying the infection of Cytospora mali in “Jin Hong” branches

This research examined how apple trees defend themselves against a serious fungal disease called Valsa canker caused by Cytospora mali. Scientists used advanced genetic and chemical analysis techniques to identify which genes and protective compounds are activated when apple branches are infected. They found that healthy apple trees fight the infection by strengthening their cell walls, producing special protective enzymes, and accumulating defense chemicals like α-linolenic acid and betaine. These discoveries could help develop better ways to prevent or manage this destructive disease in apple orchards.

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Botryosphaeriaceae Species Causing Stem Blight and Dieback of Blueberries in Serbia

Researchers in Serbia studied fungal diseases affecting blueberry plants and identified four different disease-causing fungi. They found that Lasiodiplodia iraniensis, a fungus previously unknown on blueberries worldwide, is now infecting Serbian blueberry orchards. The study shows that the ‘Duke’ blueberry variety is more susceptible to infection than other varieties, and that the disease likely spreads through infected planting materials used to establish new orchards.

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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 faster and easier way to test whether poplar trees are resistant to diseases caused by stem canker fungi. Instead of using time-consuming traditional methods that require large stem pieces, the new method uses poplar leaves for testing. The leaf method produces results in 5 days, uses abundant leaf materials, and the results match those from traditional stem testing methods.

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Integrated use of biochar, Cassia fistula, and Trichoderma for sustainable management of Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea

This study demonstrates that combining rice husk biochar with Cassia fistula plant extract and beneficial Trichoderma fungus effectively controls a destructive soil disease in chickpea crops. The combined treatment reduced disease occurrence by nearly 50% while improving plant growth and soil health. This eco-friendly approach offers farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their chickpea crops.

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Genetic and Genomic Analysis Identifies bcltf1 as the Transcription Factor Coding Gene Mutated in Field Isolate Bc116, Deficient in Light Responses, Differentiation and Pathogenicity in Botrytis cinerea

Scientists discovered that a particular gray mold fungus collected from vineyards loses its ability to cause disease when exposed to light. They found this is due to a mutation in a single gene called bcltf1, which acts as a light-sensing control switch. When they restored this gene, the fungus regained its disease-causing ability. This discovery helps explain how fungal pathogens sense light and use it to decide when and how to infect plants.

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Twenty-nine new host records of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae) in Taiwan with an updated checklist

Researchers updated Taiwan’s list of powdery mildew fungi, which are harmful plant pathogens affecting crops and trees worldwide. By collecting specimens from various locations and analyzing them using genetic sequencing and microscopy, they identified 29 new host-fungus combinations, with six Erysiphaceae species documented in Taiwan for the first time. The updated checklist now includes approximately 109 powdery mildew species known to affect 246 different host plant species across 75 plant families in Taiwan.

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First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

Scientists in Mexico discovered a wood-rotting fungus called Trametes hirsuta infecting avocado trees for the first time. The fungus causes white rot disease that damages tree wood and can kill trees within 3-5 years. Researchers found the fungus on 60% of avocado trees in Michoacán orchards and confirmed its destructive effects through laboratory tests. Treatment options include pruning infected areas and applying antifungal chemicals or biological control agents.

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