Research Topic: Agricultural Pathology

Identification and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Fungi Associated with Dry Rot of Potato Tubers

Researchers identified different Fusarium fungi causing potato dry rot in Russia and tested how they grow at various temperatures and how aggressively they damage potatoes. They found that F. sambucinum is the most dangerous because it can grow and cause rot even during cold storage, unlike other species. This research helps farmers understand which pathogens threaten their crops and how storage conditions affect disease development.

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Integrated multi-omics identifies plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as key pathways in kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa) resistance to Botryosphaeria Dothidea infection

Kiwifruit can be infected by a fungus called Botryosphaeria dothidea, which causes soft rot and makes the fruit inedible. Researchers used advanced techniques to study what happens inside the fruit when infected, finding that certain plant hormones and chemical pathways become active to fight the infection. They identified two key genes that appear to control how the fruit responds to the fungus, which could help develop better ways to prevent this costly disease.

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Unveiling molecular mechanisms of strobilurin resistance in the cacao pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa

This research reveals how a fungus that causes disease in cacao plants survives treatment with strobilurin fungicides, which are commonly used in agriculture. Scientists discovered that the fungus adapts by reorganizing its metabolism to compensate for the drug’s effects, activating detoxification systems, and in some cases, developing genetic mutations that enhance resistance. Understanding these survival mechanisms could help develop better strategies to control this economically important crop disease.

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

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.

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Colletotrichum scovillei and Prospective Biocontrol Agents Isolated from Asymptomatic Olive Trees

Researchers discovered that olive trees in Greece naturally harbor several species of fungi, including a newly identified disease-causing fungus called Colletotrichum scovillei. More importantly, they found that other fungi living harmlessly inside the olive tissue can protect the plant by fighting against the harmful fungi. Two of these protective fungi, KORD1f and KORD4f, reduced olive anthracnose disease symptoms by 67-73%, suggesting they could be used as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides for olive disease management.

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Comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms conferring resistance to phenamacril in the Fusarium species

Fusarium fungi cause serious diseases in crops like wheat, rice, and vegetables worldwide, leading to significant food losses and contamination with harmful toxins. Phenamacril is a modern fungicide designed to fight these fungi by targeting a specific protein called myosin-5. However, the fungi have developed resistance to this fungicide through genetic changes and other mechanisms, making it less effective over time. Farmers need to use multiple strategies including crop rotation and resistant plant varieties rather than relying only on fungicides to successfully manage these diseases.

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High-Resolution Melting assays development for discrimination of fungal pathogens causing Grapevine Trunk Diseases

Researchers developed quick and affordable DNA tests to identify fungal diseases in grapevines before they show visible symptoms. Using a technique called High-Resolution Melting, the tests can detect ten different disease-causing fungi that damage grape plants. These early detection tools help vineyard owners treat infected plants faster and save money on crop losses.

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Polyherbal nanoformulation: a potent antifungal agent on fungal pathogens of Coffea arabica

Researchers developed an eco-friendly nano-formulation from Triphala to fight fungal diseases that harm coffee plants. The treatment effectively stopped the growth of five different harmful fungi that infect coffee leaves. This green nanotechnology approach offers farmers a safer, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides that can pollute the environment and harm human health.

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Identification of a Novel Pathogen of Peanut Root Rot, Ceratobasidium sp. AG-A, and the Potential of Selected Bacterial Biocontrol Agents

Scientists in China discovered a new fungal disease causing peanut root rot, identified as Ceratobasidium sp. AG-A. They tested three types of beneficial bacteria as natural pest control agents and found they effectively inhibited the disease-causing fungus while promoting peanut plant growth. These findings offer farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managing this newly identified threat to peanut crops.

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