plant pathogens – mycolab.ai

Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

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Researchers discovered that Streptomyces scabiei, a bacterium known for causing common scab disease on potatoes and other root vegetables, produces various airborne chemicals with surprising benefits. Using advanced laboratory techniques, scientists identified 36 different volatile compounds from this bacterium, many of which can kill harmful fungi and potentially help plants grow better. While traditionally viewed as purely harmful, these findings suggest the bacterium may actually serve a more complex role in soil, sometimes protecting crops from more dangerous diseases.

Four Unrecorded Species of Endophytic Diaporthe (Sordariomycetes) in Korea

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Researchers in Korea discovered four types of fungi living inside plants without causing harm, called endophytic fungi. These fungi belong to a genus called Diaporthe and were identified using DNA analysis and microscopic examination. The study helps us understand the hidden diversity of fungi living in Korean plants and could lead to discovering new medicines or ways to control plant diseases.

Eleven new species of Trichoderma (Hypocreaceae, Hypocreales) from China

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Scientists discovered 11 new species of Trichoderma fungi in China that were isolated from soil and grass plants. These fungi are important because they can produce useful compounds, help control plant diseases, and promote plant growth. The researchers used genetic analysis and microscopy to identify and describe these new species, expanding our knowledge of fungal diversity in China.

Two new Periconia species (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) in China

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Scientists discovered two new fungal species belonging to the genus Periconia in China. These fungi were collected from freshwater streams and corn plants in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. Using genetic analysis and microscopy, researchers confirmed these as previously unknown species and named them Periconia guangxiense and Periconia xishuangbannaensis. This discovery adds to our understanding of fungal diversity in China and shows that many fungal species remain yet to be discovered.

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

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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.

Diversity of fungi attached to birds corresponds to the habitat ecologies of their avian dispersal vectors

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Researchers found that birds carry hundreds of different types of fungi on their feathers and feet, with different bird species carrying different fungal communities based on where they live and what they eat. European robins living in deciduous forests and gardens carried different fungi than goldcrests living in conifer forests, suggesting birds pick up fungi from their specific habitats. This study shows that migrating birds may be important for spreading fungi across long distances, potentially including plant diseases and lichens that don’t spread well by wind.

Genomic Insights into Vaccinium spp. Endophytes B. halotolerans and B. velezensis and Their Antimicrobial Potential

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Scientists discovered that wild berries like blueberries, cranberries, and lingonberries contain beneficial bacteria that can fight harmful fungi and bacteria. These bacteria produce natural antimicrobial compounds similar to how antibiotics work, making them promising candidates for protecting crops without chemical pesticides. The bacteria also help plants absorb nutrients and cope with stress, offering multiple benefits for sustainable agriculture.

Four Unrecorded Species of Endophytic Diaporthe (Sordariomycetes) in Korea

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Researchers in Korea discovered four previously unknown species of Diaporthe fungi living inside plant tissues without causing visible damage. These fungi were identified using genetic analysis and compared to known species from around the world. The findings show that Korea has more fungal diversity than previously documented and suggest these fungi could potentially be used to develop new medicines or help control plant diseases.

In vitro and In silico investigation deciphering novel antifungal activity of endophyte Bacillus velezensis CBMB205 against Fusarium oxysporum

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Researchers isolated a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis from medicinal plants that can fight against a dangerous fungus causing banana wilt disease. Through laboratory and computer studies, they identified two natural compounds produced by this bacteria that stop the fungus from growing by damaging its cell walls. This discovery offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting banana crops worldwide.

Strain and contact-dependent metabolomic reprogramming reveals distinct interaction strategies between Laccaria bicolor and Trichoderma

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Scientists studied how two types of fungi interact when grown together in the laboratory. They found that different strains of Trichoderma fungi and beneficial mushroom fungi (Laccaria) communicate and compete using chemical signals that vary depending on how close they are to each other. When fungi are far apart, they use airborne chemicals, but when they touch directly, they change their chemical production dramatically. These findings could help improve the use of Trichoderma as biological pest control agents in agriculture.

Research Keyword: plant pathogens