plant-pathogen interaction

Hydrophobins in Bipolaris maydis do not contribute to colony hydrophobicity, but their heterologous expressions alter colony hydrophobicity in Aspergillus nidulans

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Researchers studied proteins called hydrophobins in a corn fungal pathogen to understand what they do. Surprisingly, even when they removed all four hydrophobin genes from the fungus, it grew normally and remained just as water-repellent as wild-type. However, when these same proteins were placed into a different fungus species that lacks its own hydrophobins, they worked perfectly to restore water repellency. This suggests that hydrophobins have different roles depending on which fungus they’re in.

Rice varietal intercropping mediates resistance to rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) through core root exudates

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Growing different varieties of rice together can help protect susceptible rice plants from blast disease. When resistant and susceptible rice varieties are planted together, the resistant plants release special chemicals from their roots that help the susceptible plants fight off the fungal disease. Scientists identified four key chemicals—azelaic acid, sebacic acid, betaine, and phenyl acetate—that work together to boost the immune system of susceptible rice plants and directly kill the blast fungus.

Antifungal activities of Rosmarinus extracts against Fusarium oxysporum, the pathogenic fungus of Anoectochilus stem rot

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Researchers found that extracts from rosemary plants can effectively fight a fungus that causes stem rot disease in Anoectochilus, a valuable medicinal herb. The rosemary extracts worked both in laboratory tests and when applied to infected plants, reducing disease symptoms and boosting the plant’s natural defense mechanisms. These findings suggest rosemary extracts could be developed as a natural, safer alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides that harm the environment.

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

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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.

The Involvement of Glycerophospholipids in Susceptibility of Maize to Gibberella Root Rot Revealed by Comparative Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Imaging Joint Analysis

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Maize plants can suffer from a serious root disease called Gibberella root rot caused by a fungus. Researchers studied two types of maize—one resistant and one susceptible to this disease—and found that certain fatty compounds called lysophospholipids are more abundant in the susceptible plants. When these compounds build up, they damage plant cells and help the fungus spread. The resistant plants can break down these harmful compounds more effectively. This discovery could help plant breeders create maize varieties that resist this damaging disease.

Flood Inoculation of Fusarium eumartii in Tomato Seedlings: Method for Evaluating the Infectivity of Pathogen Spores

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Scientists have developed a simple laboratory method to test how effectively a fungus called Fusarium eumartii infects young tomato plants. The technique involves growing tomato seedlings on special nutrient plates and then exposing them to fungal spores suspended in water, allowing researchers to measure how much damage occurs and how much fungus remains in the plant tissue. This method can be used to quickly test whether different compounds, like chitosan, can prevent fungal infections or help plants defend themselves naturally. The straightforward approach makes it useful for farmers and researchers developing better ways to protect tomato crops from fungal diseases.

Study on the Effect of Sooty Mould Disease in Tea Plants

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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.

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

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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.

Global Analysis of microRNA-like RNAs Reveals Differential Regulation of Pathogenicity and Development in Fusarium oxysporum HS2 Causing Apple Replant Disease

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Apple replant disease is caused by a fungus that damages apple tree roots and reduces fruit production. Researchers discovered that this fungus uses special regulatory molecules called microRNA-like RNAs to control its growth and disease-causing abilities, especially during the spore stage. These findings could help scientists develop new ways to control the disease using RNA-based treatments.

Saponins, the Unexplored Secondary Metabolites in Plant Defense: Opportunities in Integrated Pest Management

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Plants naturally produce compounds called saponins that protect them from insects, fungi, bacteria, parasitic worms, and viruses. This review explains how saponins work as natural pest managers and discusses how plants rich in saponins, such as licorice and soapbark trees, could be used to develop environmentally friendly crop protection products instead of synthetic pesticides.

Research Keyword: plant-pathogen interaction