Research Keyword: plant pathology

Accessory Chromosome Contributes to Virulence of Banana Infecting Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4

Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 is a devastating fungal disease that destroys banana crops worldwide, particularly the commercially important Cavendish variety. Researchers discovered that this fungus carries a special accessory chromosome that is not essential for basic fungal survival but is critical for its ability to infect and damage banana plants. By removing this chromosome in laboratory studies, scientists found that infected bananas suffered significantly less damage, suggesting that understanding this chromosome could lead to better strategies for protecting banana crops from this destructive disease.

Read More »

The Heterogeneity of Ornamental Plants in Nurseries Increases the Chance of Finding New Hosts for Phytophthora

Ornamental plant nurseries in Mexico are frequently affected by Phytophthora pathogens that cause rotting, wilting, and dieback in flowers and ornamental plants. This study identified seven different Phytophthora species infecting 13 types of ornamental plants in Mexican nurseries, including two species never before reported as hosts for the pathogen anywhere in the world. The diversity of plants grown together in nurseries increases the likelihood that the pathogen will spread to new host plants and escape to home gardens and natural ecosystems.

Read More »

The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus acts as a predator of the olive anthracnose-causing fungi, Colletotrichum nymphaeae, C. godetiae, and C. gloeosporioides

A beneficial yeast called Wickerhamomyces anomalus can kill the fungi that cause olive anthracnose, a disease that damages olive crops and reduces oil quality. Unlike chemical fungicides, this yeast works by physically attacking the fungal hyphae, sticking to them and draining their contents to feed itself. This natural biocontrol approach could provide farmers with a safer, more sustainable way to protect olive trees from disease.

Read More »

New species and records of ascomycetes on cypress in Beijing, China

Researchers in Beijing investigated fungal diseases affecting cypress trees, which are important for landscaping and have medicinal value. They collected samples from diseased and healthy cypress parts and identified 13 different fungal species, including two completely new species and two species previously unknown on cypress trees. The study helps us understand the various fungi living on cypress trees, both harmful pathogens and potentially beneficial endophytic fungi that may have useful medicinal properties.

Read More »

The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus acts as a predator of the olive anthracnose-causing fungi, Colletotrichum nymphaeae, C. godetiae, and C. gloeosporioides

Researchers discovered that a yeast called Wickerhamomyces anomalus can effectively control olive anthracnose, a fungal disease that damages olive crops. The yeast acts like a predator, sticking to the fungal hyphae, wrapping them in a sticky substance, and draining their contents. This finding offers a greener alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting olive trees before harvest.

Read More »

Pomegranate Woody Mycobiota Associated with Wood Decay

Pomegranate growers in Italy are facing a serious disease called wood decay syndrome that kills young trees. Researchers found that multiple fungi, especially Neofusicoccum parvum and several Diaporthe species, working together cause this disease. Cold winter temperatures appear to weaken the trees, making them vulnerable to these fungal infections. Using both traditional lab methods and modern DNA analysis, scientists identified the fungi and confirmed which ones are most dangerous.

Read More »

Biocontrol of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae on Indonesian Local Garlic Plants (Lumbu Hijau) Using a Consortium of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B1 and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Researchers in Indonesia developed a natural way to protect garlic plants from a serious fungal disease using a combination of beneficial bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and fungi (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi). When applied together, these microorganisms reduced disease by 84% while also making the garlic plants grow taller and produce more biomass. This provides farmers with an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Read More »
Scroll to Top