plant pathology – Page 3

Exo-metabolome profiling of soybean endophytes: a road map of antagonism against Fusarium oxysporum

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Scientists discovered that certain beneficial bacteria living inside soybean roots can protect the plant from a harmful fungus that causes root rot and reduces crop yield. By analyzing the chemical compounds these bacteria produce, researchers identified specific antifungal substances that kill or inhibit the pathogenic fungus. These findings suggest that instead of using harmful chemical fungicides, farmers could use these beneficial bacteria as a natural, environmentally-friendly way to protect soybean crops and improve agricultural sustainability.

Transmission of apple stem grooving virus (Capillovirus mali) to apple from the soil-borne fungus Fusarium solani

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Researchers discovered that a common soil fungus called Fusarium solani can carry and transmit apple viruses to healthy apple trees through their roots. This fungus spreads the virus both to other fungal colonies and to apple plants, explaining how viruses naturally spread in apple orchards. This finding has important implications for protecting apple orchards and managing orchard soil health.

Controlled inoculation provides insight into western redcedar resistance to multiple root- and butt-rot pathogens

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Scientists tested western redcedar trees with eight different wood-decaying fungi to understand which ones cause disease and how resistant the trees are. They used two methods to infect young trees in a greenhouse and tracked disease development over 18 months. They discovered that while some fungi caused visible damage, others caused hidden infections that still harmed tree growth even without obvious symptoms. These findings can help tree breeders develop redcedar varieties that better resist these diseases.

Draft genome sequence of Neofusicoccum caryigenum associated with pecan leaf dieback

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Scientists have sequenced the genetic blueprint of a fungus causing pecan leaf dieback disease, an emerging problem in southeastern U.S. pecan orchards. The fungus, called Neofusicoccum caryigenum, causes pecan trees to lose their leaves and produce fewer nuts. This first-ever genetic map of the pathogen will help researchers understand how it works and develop better ways to manage the disease.

Twenty-nine new host records of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae) in Taiwan with an updated checklist

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Scientists in Taiwan have updated a comprehensive list of powdery mildew fungi that infect plants, adding 29 new host plant records. They identified 13 different species of these fungi using both traditional microscopy and modern DNA sequencing techniques. This updated list is important for farmers and gardeners to identify and manage powdery mildew diseases on their crops and plants.

Identification and potential of the hyperparasite Acremonium persicinum as biocontrol agent against coffee leaf rust

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Coffee leaf rust is a major disease that destroys coffee crops and costs the global coffee industry billions of dollars annually. Researchers in China discovered that a fungus called Acremonium persicinum naturally parasitizes the rust-causing fungus and can prevent coffee leaves from being infected. When this beneficial fungus was applied to infected coffee leaves, it completely stopped the rust fungus from growing and spreading. This discovery offers farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting their coffee crops.

Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

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This research discovered that the bacterium Streptomyces scabiei, which causes common scab disease on potatoes and other root crops, produces a variety of natural chemical compounds that can kill harmful fungi and promote plant growth. Scientists identified 36 different volatile chemicals released by this bacterium, including some previously unknown for their antifungal abilities. These findings suggest that despite being a plant pathogen, this bacterium may actually help protect crops from more dangerous diseases, offering potential for developing natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides.

Identification of antagonistic activity against Fusarium, and liquid fermentation of biocontrol Bacillus isolated from wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) rhizosphere soil

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Researchers isolated a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus subtilis from wolfberry soil that fights a fungal disease called Fusarium root rot. Through careful optimization of growing conditions, they increased the bacteria’s effectiveness at killing the harmful fungus by about 15%. When added to wolfberry seedlings, this bacterium not only prevented fungal disease but also boosted plant growth significantly.

PcLRR-RK3, an LRR receptor kinase is required for growth and in-planta infection processes in Phytophthora capsici

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Researchers studied a specific protein called PcLRR-RK3 that helps Phytophthora capsici, a disease-causing organism, infect plants. By reducing the amount of this protein, they found that the pathogen became much weaker, could not grow as well, and could not successfully infect plants. This protein sits on the surface of the pathogen’s cells and acts like a communication tool that the organism needs to develop and cause disease.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

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Apple scab is a serious fungal disease that damages apple trees and fruit, causing significant crop losses worldwide. This study examined apple scab fungus in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, surveying 30 different apple populations and testing 302 samples. Using DNA testing and microscopy, researchers confirmed the fungus is present in about 16% of the apple populations studied, with different populations showing distinct genetic patterns based on their geographic location and whether the apples were wild or cultivated.

Research Keyword: plant pathology