Research Topic: phytohormones

Innovative fungal bioagents: producing siderophores, IAA, and HCN to support plants under salinity stress and combat microbial plant pathogens

Scientists discovered two beneficial fungi that help wheat plants survive in salty soil and resist diseases. These fungi work by producing growth-promoting substances and natural compounds that fight harmful plant pathogens. When used to treat wheat seeds, these fungi significantly improved plant growth even under high salt stress conditions, offering a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides for farming in salt-affected areas.

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Betulinic Acid Delays Turnip Mosaic Virus Infection by Activating the Phytosulfokine Signalling Pathway in Nicotiana benthamiana

Researchers discovered that betulinic acid, a natural compound found in birch and eucalyptus trees, can slow down turnip mosaic virus infection in plants. The compound works by activating a plant hormone called phytosulfokine through special receptors on plant cells, which strengthens the plant’s natural defence against the virus. This finding suggests betulinic acid could become an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting vegetable crops from viral diseases.

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Leucocalocybe mongolica Fungus Enhances Rice Growth by Reshaping Root Metabolism, and Hormone-Associated Pathways

Researchers discovered that a special fungus called Leucocalocybe mongolica, when added to soil, significantly improves rice plant growth without requiring chemical fertilizers. Plants grown in fungus-treated soil developed more branches (tillers), had longer roots, and contained more chlorophyll, making them greener and healthier. The study revealed that the fungus works by altering soil nutrients and triggering specific genes in rice roots that boost growth-promoting hormones and improve how plants process energy.

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Phytohormones and volatile organic compounds, like geosmin, in the ectomycorrhiza of Tricholoma vaccinum and Norway spruce (Picea abies)

This research examines how a fungus (Tricholoma vaccinum) and spruce tree communicate through chemical signals. The fungus produces unique compounds including geosmin (the earthy smell of soil after rain), limonene (lemon scent), and plant hormones. These chemicals help the fungus and tree establish their beneficial partnership by affecting how the fungus grows and branches around the tree roots. The findings show that these chemical signals are crucial for successful formation of the mycorrhizal relationship.

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Serendipita indica Enhances Drought Tolerance in Phoebe sheareri Seedlings by Improving Photosynthetic Efficiency, Stimulating the Antioxidant Defense System, and Modulating Hormone Synthesis

Scientists discovered that inoculating seedlings of Phoebe sheareri, a valuable Chinese tree species, with a special fungus called Serendipita indica significantly improves their ability to survive drought. The fungus colonizes plant roots and enhances photosynthesis, boosts the plant’s natural antioxidant defenses, and regulates growth hormones. This research suggests a practical and biological approach to improve seedling survival in nurseries and reforestation efforts, particularly in regions affected by drought and climate change.

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A review and case study of Rhododendron moulmainense highlights the feasibility and adaptation of evergreen Rhododendron plants to current environmental challenges

Rhododendron moulmainense is a beautiful alpine flowering plant that has great potential for urban gardens and environmental restoration. While these plants typically struggle when moved from high mountains to lower altitudes due to heat and drought, researchers have discovered that special soil fungi living on their roots can help them survive better in these new environments. By understanding how these plants grow and propagate, scientists can help more people enjoy these colorful flowers while also using them to restore damaged ecosystems.

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Plant–Fungi Mutualism, Alternative Splicing, and Defense Responses: Balancing Symbiosis and Immunity

Fungi and plants form partnerships that help plants grow better and resist stress, with fungi receiving sugars from plants in return for nutrients from the soil. This review explains how a cellular process called alternative splicing acts like a molecular switch that lets plants accept beneficial fungi while keeping the ability to fight off harmful pathogens. Understanding this balance could help farmers grow healthier crops with less chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

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Abscisic Acid Metabolizing Rhodococcus sp. Counteracts Phytopathogenic Effects of Abscisic Acid Producing Botrytis sp. on Sunflower Seedlings

Scientists discovered that a beneficial soil bacterium can protect sunflower plants from a harmful fungus by eating the toxin the fungus produces. The fungus normally weakens plant defenses by producing a chemical called abscisic acid, but the bacterium metabolizes this chemical and prevents it from harming the plant. This approach works without the bacterium directly killing the fungus, offering a new way to protect crops from disease.

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Abscisic Acid Metabolizing Rhodococcus sp. Counteracts Phytopathogenic Effects of Abscisic Acid Producing Botrytis sp. on Sunflower Seedlings

Researchers discovered that a beneficial soil bacterium (Rhodococcus sp.) can protect sunflower plants from a harmful fungus (Botrytis sp.) by breaking down a plant stress hormone (ABA) that the fungus produces to weaken plant defenses. Unlike other protection methods that kill the fungus or boost immune responses, this bacterium works by removing the fungus’s chemical weapon. This discovery suggests new ways to protect crops from diseases.

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