Alternaria alternata

Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi from Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. and their antibacterial activity

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Researchers discovered ten types of fungi living inside the medicinal plant Alhagi sparsifolia that were never found before. Two of these fungi produced substances that killed harmful bacteria better than standard antibiotics, especially against E. coli. The researchers identified 26 different compounds in these fungi that are responsible for their antibacterial effects. This research opens new possibilities for developing natural antibacterial medicines from fungal sources.

Classification of polyphenol oxidases shows ancient gene duplication leading to two distinct enzyme types

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Scientists performed a comprehensive study organizing thousands of similar enzymes called polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) found across all living organisms into 12 distinct groups based on their evolutionary relationships. They discovered that a major gene duplication event in ancient times created two main types of these enzymes with different structural features and functions. This new classification system shows that fungal enzymes called o-methoxy phenolases are particularly abundant in certain fungi, likely helping them break down plant materials like lignin.

Halotolerant Endophytic Fungi: Diversity, Host Plants, and Mechanisms in Plant Salt–Alkali Stress Alleviation

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Salty and alkaline soil is destroying farmland worldwide, but special fungi living inside plants can help crops survive these harsh conditions. These fungi work like a team with plants, producing protective substances and helping plants manage salt and reduce damage from stress. Scientists reviewed 150 studies and found these fungi boost crop yields by 15-40%, offering a natural way to farm on degraded land without more chemicals.

Halotolerant Endophytic Fungi: Diversity, Host Plants, and Mechanisms in Plant Salt–Alkali Stress Alleviation

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Over 1 billion hectares of farmland worldwide suffer from salt damage, drastically reducing crop yields. Special fungi called halotolerant endophytic fungi live inside plant tissues and help plants survive salty, alkaline soil conditions without harming them. These fungi work by balancing salt ions in plants, boosting their natural antioxidant defenses, and producing helpful compounds. Research shows they can increase crop yields by 15-40% in salt-affected fields, offering a natural and sustainable solution to one of agriculture’s biggest challenges.

From mold to mycotoxins: an LC–MS/MS method for quantifying airborne mycotoxins in indoor environments

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Mold in water-damaged buildings produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins that can become airborne and be breathed in. This study developed a precise laboratory method to detect and measure 29 different mycotoxins in indoor air samples. Researchers tested the method in three real mold-infested buildings and successfully identified seven different mycotoxins, proving the method works well even when toxin levels are very low. This breakthrough helps determine whether moldy indoor environments pose serious health risks to workers and occupants.

Microfungus Podosphaera fusca and the Fungus-like Organism Peronospora ficariae as Potential Inhalant Allergens in a Mouse Model of Asthma

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This study investigated whether two plant parasites that cause powdery and downy mildew could trigger asthma-like reactions in mice. Researchers found that extracts from these fungi induced immune responses similar to those caused by known allergens like ovalbumin, though somewhat weaker. The results suggest these organisms should be recognized as potential sources of respiratory allergies in humans. This finding may help explain some cases of allergies where the specific cause has been difficult to identify.

Halotolerant Endophytic Fungi: Diversity, Host Plants, and Mechanisms in Plant Salt–Alkali Stress Alleviation

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Over 1.3 billion hectares of farmland worldwide suffer from excess salt and alkalinity, drastically reducing crop yields. Special fungi that live inside plant tissues can help crops survive in these harsh conditions without harming them. These fungi work by helping plants manage salt accumulation, boost their natural defenses, and produce protective compounds. While laboratory tests show promising results with yield increases up to 40%, practical field application remains challenging due to environmental variables.

Composition and Biodiversity of Culturable Endophytic Fungi in the Roots of Alpine Medicinal Plants in Xinjiang, China

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Scientists studied special fungi that live inside the roots of two rare alpine medicinal plants found in China’s high mountains. They discovered that these plants host over 400 different types of fungi, including a special type called dark septate fungi that make up about half of all the fungi found. Different plant species and different mountain locations had different combinations of fungi, suggesting these fungi help the plants survive in the harsh, cold mountain environment.

Identification, characterization, antimicrobial activity and biocontrol potential of four endophytic fungi isolated from Amazonian plants

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Scientists isolated four types of fungi living inside the leaves of medicinal plants from the Amazon region of Bolivia. These fungi produce natural compounds that kill harmful bacteria and fungi that damage potato crops. The findings show promise for developing natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides and antibiotics for agricultural and medical applications.

Endophytic Alternaria alternata Culture-Derived Elicitor Promotes Growth and Antibacterial Activity in Kalanchoe laetivirens

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Researchers cultivated medicinal Kalanchoe plants in controlled laboratory conditions and exposed them to a powdered form of a beneficial fungus (Alternaria alternata). The plants treated with this fungal extract grew larger, developed more roots, and produced greater amounts of antibacterial compounds compared to untreated plants. The treated plants were especially effective at stopping the growth of two common disease-causing bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus). This approach could lead to more efficient production of plant-based medicines.

Fungal Species: Alternaria alternata