plant pathology – Page 5

Comparative Antagonistic Activities of Endolichenic Fungi Isolated from the Fruticose Lichens Ramalina and Usnea

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Researchers studied fungi living inside lichen plants from the Philippines to see if they could help fight crop diseases. They tested 40 different fungi against three harmful pathogens that destroy important crops. The results showed that these lichen-dwelling fungi were effective at stopping pathogen growth, with fungi from Ramalina lichens performing better than those from Usnea lichens. This discovery suggests a natural, eco-friendly way to protect crops without harsh chemicals.

Diversity and Distribution of Colletotrichum Species Causing Anthracnose in China

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Researchers identified 16 different species of Colletotrichum fungi causing anthracnose (a leaf and branch disease) in plants across five Chinese provinces. They discovered four previously unknown species and clarified the classification of several known species using DNA analysis. The study found that different regions had different predominant fungal species, with walnut being particularly susceptible to specific Colletotrichum species. These findings help understand and manage anthracnose diseases in economically important plants in China.

Biocontrol efficiency and mechanism of novel Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 against banana Fusarium wilt

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A newly discovered bacterium called Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 offers a natural solution to banana Fusarium wilt, a serious disease that destroys banana crops globally. When applied to banana plants, this beneficial bacterium reduced disease occurrence by 59% while also promoting healthier plant growth. The bacterium works by producing antifungal compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus and by enriching the soil with other helpful microorganisms that protect the plant.

A broadly conserved fungal chorismate mutase targets the plant shikimate pathway to regulate salicylic acid production and other secondary metabolites

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Fungal pathogens produce proteins called effectors that help them infect plants. This study discovered that a fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum produces an effector that enters plant cells and travels to chloroplasts. Unlike similar effectors in other fungi, this protein increases the production of salicylic acid, a plant defense hormone, while reducing other protective compounds. This creates conditions favorable for the fungus to establish infection.

Morphology and phylogeny reveal two new species of pestalotioid fungi associated with hawthorn in Northeast China

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Researchers discovered two previously unknown fungal species living on hawthorn trees in Northeast China. Through detailed microscopic examination and genetic analysis, they identified these as Sporocadus changchunensis and S. crataegicola. Testing showed these fungi can cause disease spots on hawthorn leaves, suggesting they may pose risks to hawthorn crops. This finding helps expand our understanding of fungal species and their role in plant health.

Unveiling Species Diversity of Plectosphaerellaceae (Sordariomycetes) Fungi Involved in Rhizome and Root Rots of Ginger in Shandong Province, China

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Researchers in China identified four species of fungi causing serious rot diseases in ginger plants, including two completely new species and one previously unreported in China. These fungi were found in Shandong Province, a major ginger-growing region, and were confirmed to cause the disease through laboratory experiments. The study helps farmers understand and potentially manage these devastating ginger diseases that can destroy up to 100% of crops.

Identification and virulence factors prediction of Didymella segeticola causing leaf spot disease in Asarum heterotropoides in China

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This research identifies a fungal disease causing serious damage to Chinese wild ginger crops in northeastern China. Scientists found that the fungus Didymella segeticola causes leaf spot disease and identified 87 proteins that help the fungus harm the plants. The study provides important information for developing strategies to prevent this disease and protect this valuable medicinal herb crop.

A Method to Inoculate Millet Grain-Colonized Fusarium pseudograminearum on Wheat to Obtain Reproducible Disease Symptoms

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Scientists developed a standardized method to test wheat varieties for resistance to Fusarium crown rot, a serious fungal disease that damages wheat crops. The method uses millet grains colonized with the disease-causing fungus as inoculum, which is more reproducible and efficient than previous approaches. By testing this on wheat seedlings in controlled greenhouse conditions, researchers can quickly identify wheat varieties with natural resistance, which helps plant breeders develop better disease-resistant wheat crops.

A Novel Phaeoacremonium Species Isolated from Galls on the Chinese Magnolia-Vine (Schisandra chinensis) in Korea

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Researchers in Korea discovered a new fungal species living inside galls (abnormal growths) on Chinese magnolia-vine plants. The fungus, named Phaeoacremonium schisandrae, was found inside larvae of gall-midges using genetic testing and microscopy. This discovery brings the total number of known Phaeoacremonium species to 73 and marks the first time this fungus has been found associated with gall-midge insects, expanding our understanding of fungal diversity in Korea.

Whole-genome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum K326-S isolated from tobacco

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Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a fungus that causes disease in tobacco plants. The fungus, Fusarium oxysporum, was isolated from diseased tobacco roots in China. The resulting genetic blueprint contains over 17,000 genes and will help researchers develop better ways to prevent and control this destructive plant disease.

Research Keyword: plant pathology