plant pathology – mycolab.ai

Identification and Characterization of Fusarium incarnatum Causing Leaf Spot and Fruit Rot on Luffa in China

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In 2022, luffa farmers in China faced a serious fungal disease causing leaves and fruits to rot. Scientists identified the culprit as Fusarium incarnatum fungus. They also discovered that a beneficial soil bacterium called Bacillus velezensis can fight this fungus and help plants grow better, offering farmers a natural alternative to chemical fungicides.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Mechanisms of Stripe Rust Response in Wheat Cultivar Anmai1350

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Researchers studied how a wheat variety called Anmai1350 defends itself against a fungal disease called stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis. By analyzing gene activity at different time points after infection, they discovered that the wheat plant’s immune system activates multiple defense strategies, including producing toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species and defensive compounds called phytoalexins that prevent the fungus from spreading. This research helps scientists understand how to breed wheat varieties that can naturally resist this damaging disease and maintain crop yields.

Roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plant growth and disease management for sustainable agriculture

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial fungi that live in plant roots and form a mutually beneficial relationship with plants. These fungi help plants absorb more nutrients and water from the soil, strengthen their natural defenses against diseases and pests, and work together with other helpful soil bacteria to create disease-suppressive soil. This makes AMF a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Regulation of Oomycete Autophagy, Lipid Droplet Accumulation and Pathogenesis by Three Rab GTPases

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This research investigates three protein molecules called Rab GTPases that control important cellular processes in a disease-causing organism called Peronophythora litchii, which damages litchi fruit crops. Scientists used modern gene-editing technology to remove these proteins and discovered they regulate how the pathogen grows, reproduces through spores, handles stress, and causes disease. The findings suggest these Rab proteins could be targeted to develop new strategies for controlling litchi downy blight and related plant diseases.

Rhizoctonia solani causes okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedling damping-off in South China with biological characterization and fungicide sensitivity profiling

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Researchers identified Rhizoctonia solani as the fungus causing a serious disease in okra seedlings in southern China that was destroying about 35% of crops. The fungus dies when exposed to high temperatures (45-48°C) and grows best at about 28°C. Among seven tested antifungal treatments, a combination of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole was most effective at controlling the pathogen, providing farmers with practical strategies for managing this crop disease.

Pest categorisation of Fusarium pseudograminearum

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Fusarium pseudograminearum is a harmful fungus that infects cereal crops like wheat and barley, causing crown rot and head blight diseases that reduce crop yields and contaminate grain with toxic compounds. The fungus is already present in parts of southern Europe but is not widely distributed in the EU. Scientists evaluated whether this pathogen should be classified as a quarantine pest requiring strict import controls to prevent its spread across Europe.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using fermentation extracts from a mangrove soil bacterium: morphological characterization, and antifungal activities against rice blast fungus

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Researchers developed tiny silver particles made from bacteria found in mangrove soil that effectively kill the fungus causing rice blast disease. These nanoparticles work better than current chemical fungicides and are much safer for the environment and aquatic life. The particles stop the fungus from growing and spreading in rice plants, offering farmers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides.

FoCup, a secreted protein, is essential for virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum on cucumber

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Researchers identified a key protein called FoCup that helps a fungal pathogen infect cucumber plants and cause devastating wilt disease. By deleting this protein from the fungus, scientists significantly reduced its ability to cause disease and produce spores needed for spreading. This discovery could help develop new ways to protect cucumber crops by targeting this critical virulence factor.

Characterization of Two Potential Biocontrol Bacillus Strains Against Maize Stalk Rot

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Scientists discovered two beneficial bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus siamensis, that can protect maize plants from a serious fungal disease called stalk rot. These bacteria work in two ways: they directly kill the fungus and they promote healthy plant growth. By analyzing the bacteria’s genetic makeup, researchers found that they produce multiple natural antibiotic compounds that explain their powerful disease-fighting abilities. This research suggests these bacteria could be used as a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

Complete genome sequence analysis of Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen causing leaf spot disease of Panax notoginseng

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Boeremia exigua, a fungus that causes leaf spot disease on Panax notoginseng (a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant). The study identified important genes related to how the fungus degrades plant cell walls, produces toxins, and causes disease. This genetic information will help researchers better understand how the pathogen works and develop more effective ways to protect the plants from infection.

Research Keyword: plant pathology