Research Keyword: plant disease

Saprotrophic Arachnopeziza Species as New Resources to Study the Obligate Biotrophic Lifestyle of Powdery Mildew Fungi

Scientists have discovered that two types of fungi called Arachnopeziza species are the closest living relatives to powdery mildew fungi, which cause plant diseases. Unlike powdery mildews, these Arachnopeziza fungi can be easily grown in the lab and genetically modified. By studying these more manageable fungi, researchers can better understand how powdery mildew fungi became obligate parasites that must live on plants, potentially leading to better ways to control this widespread plant disease.

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Phylogenetic diversity of Colletotrichum species (Sordariomycetes, Glomerellales, Glomerellaceae) associated with plant diseases in Thailand

Researchers in Thailand studied a common fungal plant pathogen called Colletotrichum that causes diseases like anthracnose and leaf spots on various plants. They identified eight different species of this fungus and discovered two previously unknown species. The study helps farmers and plant scientists better understand and identify these disease-causing fungi to protect their crops.

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Study on the Effect of Sooty Mould Disease in Tea Plants

Sooty mould disease is a serious fungal infection affecting tea plants, causing a black coating on leaves that reduces photosynthesis and decreases the quality of tea. The study identified the fungus responsible (Cladosporium pseudocladosporioides) and showed that friendly bacteria can help prevent the disease. The research provides insights into how the disease damages plants at the cellular and genetic level, offering potential solutions for protecting tea crops.

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Improved Extraction Methods to Isolate High Molecular Weight DNA From Magnaporthaceae and Other Grass Root Fungi for Long-Read Whole Genome Sequencing

Scientists have developed improved methods to extract high-quality DNA from pathogenic fungi, which is essential for sequencing and understanding how these fungi cause plant diseases. Two different extraction techniques were refined and tested on Magnaporthaceae fungi: one that works with small amounts of fungal material, and another that produces longer DNA strands when more material is available. The key to success is harvesting the fungi before they accumulate dark pigments that interfere with DNA extraction. These protocols will help researchers create better genome maps of disease-causing fungi, leading to improved strategies for crop protection.

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Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China

Researchers discovered 12 new species of fungi growing on medicinal plants in Southwestern China. These fungi were identified using a combination of physical characteristics and genetic analysis. The findings help us understand the fungal communities associated with medicinal plants and may have implications for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicines.

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Antifungal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Fusarium equiseti phytopathogen isolated from tomato plant in Nepal

Researchers in Nepal developed a natural way to fight tomato plant diseases by creating tiny zinc oxide nanoparticles from tea leaves. These nanoparticles successfully stopped the growth of a harmful fungus called Fusarium equiseti that was damaging tomato crops. Unlike chemical fungicides that can harm the environment, this eco-friendly approach damaged the fungus’s cell structures without posing risks to surrounding ecosystems, offering farmers a safer way to protect their crops.

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Identification and biological characterization of pathogen causing sooty blotch of Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC.

Researchers identified two fungi causing sooty blotch, a serious disease affecting Ardisia crispa, an important Chinese medicinal plant. The disease creates black mold on leaves that reduces the plant’s ability to produce energy through photosynthesis. The study found that extracts from specific medicinal plants can effectively inhibit the growth of these harmful fungi, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting these valuable medicinal plants.

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Biological characterization and in vitro fungicide screening of a new pathogen of basal stem rot of Schisandra chinensis in Jilin Province, China

Researchers discovered that a fungus called Ilyonectria robusta is causing a serious disease in Schisandra chinensis plants grown in northern China. This plant is used to make traditional Chinese medicine. The disease causes the base of the plant stems to rot and die. Scientists tested seven different fungicides (medicines that kill fungi) and found that fluazinam was the most effective at stopping this fungus from growing.

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Diversity and pathogenicity of pestalotioid fungi infecting Camellia oleifera in China

Tea oil plants in China’s Sichuan Province are being infected by three types of fungi that cause serious diseases like leaf spots and blighting. Researchers identified a new fungal species and found that two previously known species can also infect tea oil plants. All three fungi were tested for their ability to cause disease, and they successfully infected tea oil plant leaves under laboratory conditions.

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