plant disease – Page 2

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

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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.

Antifungal Activity of Sesamol on Pestalotiopsis neglecta: Interfering with Cell Membrane and Energy Metabolism

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Researchers found that sesamol, a natural compound found in sesame oil, effectively kills a harmful fungus that damages pine trees and other plants. The study showed that sesamol damages the fungus’s cell membranes and disrupts its energy production, ultimately killing it. These findings suggest sesamol could be developed as a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops and forests from disease.

Genome assemblies for Pyricularia species and related genera isolated from diverse host plants

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic blueprints of 35 fungal strains belonging to Pyricularia species and related genera, which cause devastating blast diseases in crops like rice and wheat. By analyzing genetic differences between strains that infect different grass species, researchers found that most Pyricularia oryzae strains show strong preferences for specific host plants. These new genome resources will help scientists understand how fungal pathogens evolve and adapt to new plant hosts, potentially improving disease management strategies.

Complete genome sequence of Diaporthe vaccinii Shear, a fungal isolated from blueberry

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus that damages blueberry crops. This fungus, called Diaporthe vaccinii, causes diseases like twig blight and fruit rot that cost farmers significant money. The complete genome sequence provides valuable information for understanding how the fungus causes disease and may help develop better ways to protect blueberry crops.

Genotype-by-genotype interactions reveal transcription patterns underlying resistance responses in Norway spruce to Heterobasidion annosum s.s

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Researchers studied how different spruce trees resist a wood-rotting fungus by examining which genes turn on and off during infection. They found that resistant trees quickly recognize the fungus and strengthen their cell walls, while susceptible trees have delayed responses. Interestingly, different resistant trees sometimes use different defense strategies to achieve similar protection, suggesting multiple genetic pathways can lead to the same outcome.

Pathogen identification and biological fungicides screening for Plumbago auriculata blight in China

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Researchers in China identified a fungal disease affecting Plumbago auriculata (cape leadwort), a popular ornamental plant. The disease was caused by Fusarium ipomoeae, a fungus that causes yellowing and death of plant tissue. Scientists tested seven biological pesticides and found that osthole, a natural compound, was most effective at controlling the fungus and preventing disease.

Identification of Pseudocercospora mori as the causal agent of grey leaf spot disease in mulberry (Morus atropurpurea) from various localities in Guangdong Province, China

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This study identifies the fungus Pseudocercospora mori as the cause of a serious disease affecting mulberry leaves in southern China. Researchers used microscopy, genetic testing, and laboratory experiments to confirm that this pathogen damages mulberry plants and reduces the quality of leaves used in silk production. The study provides practical diagnostic tools to help farmers detect and manage this disease in their mulberry orchards.

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

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Researchers in Mexico discovered that a wood-decay fungus called Trametes hirsuta is infecting avocado trees in the country’s main avocado-growing region, Michoacán. The fungus causes a disease called white rot, which leads to yellowing leaves, tree defoliation, and eventually tree death. This is the first time this fungus has been identified as a disease-causing agent in avocado trees, and the researchers confirmed through laboratory tests that the fungus is indeed responsible for the damage being observed in avocado orchards.

The Novel Disease Vicia unijuga Caused by Colletotrichum tofieldiae in China: Implications for Host Growth, Photosynthesis, and Nutritional Quality

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Scientists in China discovered that a fungus called Colletotrichum tofieldiae causes a disease called anthracnose in perennial vetch (Vicia unijuga), an important forage crop used for animal feed. When plants get infected with this fungus, they become weak, their ability to photosynthesize decreases, and the nutritional quality of the plant drops significantly, reducing its value as animal feed. The fungus can also infect other legume crops like alfalfa and clover, showing it has a broad range of potential host plants.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. palmarum responsible for fusarium wilt of palms

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Scientists sequenced the complete genetic material found in the mitochondria of a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum that causes a disease in palm trees. This fungus, which was collected from a sick Mexican fan palm in Florida, destroys palm fronds and can kill the tree. By mapping out this genetic information, researchers now have a better tool to quickly identify and track this harmful pathogen, which will help protect ornamental palm trees.

Research Keyword: plant disease