secondary metabolites – Page 15

The green shield: Trichoderma’s role in sustainable agriculture against soil-borne fungal threats

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This study examined how a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma can protect crops from harmful soil fungi without using chemical pesticides. Researchers isolated Trichoderma from soil in Kashmir and tested it against 12 different disease-causing fungi. The results showed that Trichoderma effectively stopped the growth of harmful fungi both through direct contact and through compounds it produces. This natural approach could help farmers grow healthier crops while protecting the environment.

New Tricoderma Species and Six Unrecorded Species of Endolichenic Fungi Isolated from Lichens

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Researchers in South Korea discovered seven species of fungi living inside lichens, including one completely new species to science. By examining the fungi’s physical characteristics and analyzing their genetic material, scientists confirmed the identity of each species. These fungi, particularly those in the Trichoderma genus, show promise for producing useful compounds that could have applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.

Marine-derived Acremonium strain prioritization using untargeted metabolomics approach for the identification of cytotoxic cyclic depsipeptides

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Researchers studied fungi collected from Arctic driftwood to find new cancer-fighting compounds. Using advanced chemical analysis tools, they identified six different fungal strains and found that one strain, Acremonium synnematoferum, produced five unique compounds called depsipeptides. These compounds killed cancer cells in laboratory tests, showing promise as potential cancer treatments. This research highlights how extreme Arctic environments can harbor fungi with powerful medicinal properties.

Interference with sexual mating of Sporisorium scitamineum by verrucarin A isolated from Paramyrothecium sp

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Scientists discovered a fungus from moss that produces a natural compound called verrucarin A, which stops sugarcane smut disease by preventing the sexual mating of its fungal spores. This prevents the disease from developing without harming the sugarcane plants. In greenhouse tests, this natural biocontrol agent reduced disease occurrence by nearly half compared to untreated plants, offering a safe alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting sugarcane crops.

The polyphasic approach reveals two new species and two new records of Nigrospora (Apiosporaceae, Amphisphaeriales) associated with Aquilaria sinensis from China

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Researchers discovered two new types of fungi (Nigrospora guangxiensis and N. pubeiensis) living inside agarwood trees in southern China. These fungi, along with two previously known species, were identified using both microscopic observations and genetic analysis. The findings help us better understand which fungi live in agarwood trees and how they might contribute to producing the valuable aromatic resin known as agarwood, which is highly prized in traditional medicine and perfumery.

Energy Metabolism Enhance Perylenequinone Biosynthesis in Shiraia sp. Slf14 through Promoting Mitochondrial ROS Accumulation

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Scientists studied two similar fungi to understand how one produces more of a beneficial compound called perylenequinones (PQs), which have medical uses against infections and cancer. They discovered that the high-producing strain uses energy more efficiently, which causes tiny structures in the cells called mitochondria to produce reactive molecules (ROS). These reactive molecules trigger the fungus to make more PQs as a protective response. By controlling these processes, researchers can potentially improve the production of this valuable medicine.

Native and Non-Native Soil and Endophytic Trichoderma spp. from Semi-Arid Sisal Fields of Brazil Are Potential Biocontrol Agents for Sisal Bole Rot Disease

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Sisal plants in Brazil are being devastated by a fungal disease called bole rot. Scientists discovered that certain beneficial fungi called Trichoderma can effectively fight this disease by producing natural compounds and directly attacking the harmful fungus. These Trichoderma fungi also help the sisal plant defend itself better against infection. The research shows that using these beneficial fungi could help save Brazil’s important sisal fiber industry.

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.

The Biocontrol and Growth-Promoting Potential of Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. in Sustainable Agriculture

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This review explores how two common fungi, Penicillium and Trichoderma, can help crops grow better and resist diseases naturally. These beneficial fungi live in plant roots and soil, providing nutrients, protecting against harmful pathogens, and helping plants cope with environmental stress. They offer an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making them valuable for sustainable agriculture.

Native Fungi as a Nature-Based Solution to Mitigate Toxic Metal(loid) Accumulation in Rice

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Rice farmers dealing with contaminated soils now have a natural solution: specially selected fungi can be added to the soil to help reduce toxic metal accumulation in rice plants. In a greenhouse study, native fungi reduced arsenic uptake by up to 75% when combined with specific water management practices. This approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional remediation methods while promoting sustainable agriculture in metal-contaminated areas.

Research Keyword: secondary metabolites