Research Topic: disease management

Integrated use of biochar, Cassia fistula, and Trichoderma for sustainable management of Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea

This study demonstrates that combining rice husk biochar with Cassia fistula plant extract and beneficial Trichoderma fungus effectively controls a destructive soil disease in chickpea crops. The combined treatment reduced disease occurrence by nearly 50% while improving plant growth and soil health. This eco-friendly approach offers farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their chickpea crops.

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Polyphasic characterization and mating type allele distribution of Monilinia laxa in Iranian stone fruit orchards

Brown rot is a serious fungal disease affecting fruit trees like apricots, cherries, and plums. Researchers collected over 400 fungal isolates from Iranian fruit orchards and identified two main species causing the disease, with one species being far more common. By developing new genetic tests, scientists discovered both male and female forms of the fungi exist in equal proportions, suggesting the disease could evolve through sexual reproduction, which has important implications for managing the disease in orchards.

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Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus velezensis RS65 Against Phytophthora infestans: A Sustainable Strategy for Managing Tomato Late Blight

Researchers tested 30 soil bacteria from tomato roots to find natural disease fighters. They discovered that Bacillus velezensis RS65, a beneficial bacterium, effectively prevents tomato late blight by producing enzymes and toxins that kill the fungal pathogen. In greenhouse tests, plants treated with RS65 had half the disease severity compared to untreated plants, suggesting this bacteria could replace chemical fungicides in sustainable tomato farming.

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Elucidation of Twig Canker and Shoot Blight (TCSB) in Peach Caused by Diaporthe amygdali in the North of Italy in Emilia-Romagna

Peach trees in northern Italy are suffering from a disease called twig canker and shoot blight caused by a fungus called Diaporthe amygdali. This research identified and characterized this fungus from affected orchards, studying how it grows at different temperatures to better understand and control the disease. The fungus grows best around 23-24°C and can survive extreme heat above 50°C. These findings will help fruit growers develop better strategies to protect their peach crops.

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Biological and Genomic Insights into Fusarium acuminatum Causing Needle Blight in Pinus tabuliformis

Researchers identified a fungus called Fusarium acuminatum as the cause of needle blight disease affecting Chinese pine trees in northern China. They studied how this fungus grows and sequenced its entire genome to understand how it damages the trees. The findings help explain the disease and provide tools to develop better ways to protect and treat infected pine trees.

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Exploring the Biocontrol Potential of Phanerochaete chrysosporium against Wheat Crown Rot

Scientists discovered that a beneficial fungus called Phanerochaete chrysosporium can effectively control a serious wheat disease caused by another fungus. The beneficial fungus attacks and breaks down the pathogenic fungus while also helping wheat plants grow stronger and resist infection better. This offers farmers a natural, sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their wheat crops.

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Spent casing, Sphagnum moss, grass fibers, and green compost as peat alternatives in casing soils for Agaricus bisporus cultivation

Researchers tested alternative materials to replace peat in the soil layer used for growing button mushrooms. They found that moss and compost could replace up to 75% of peat without reducing mushroom yields, though grass-based materials were less effective. The study shows it is possible to move toward more sustainable mushroom farming while maintaining productivity and controlling plant diseases.

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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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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.

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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, corn, and fruits, causing huge losses in agriculture worldwide. Phenamacril is a new antifungal drug designed specifically to fight these fungi by blocking a protein they need to grow. However, the fungi are developing resistance to this drug through genetic mutations and other biological mechanisms, making it less effective over time. Understanding how this resistance develops helps scientists develop better strategies to maintain the drug’s effectiveness and protect our food supply.

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