plant pathology – mycolab.ai

A super absorbent polymer containing copper to control Plenodomus tracheiphilus the causative agent of mal secco disease of lemon

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Researchers developed a new gel-like material containing copper that can fight a serious fungal disease affecting lemon trees. Unlike traditional copper sprays that wash away and pollute the environment, this new material slowly releases copper directly into the plant’s water-conducting vessels where the disease-causing fungus lives. The gel absorbed water effectively and released copper ions gradually over time, showing much better results than regular copper solutions when tested on infected lemon branches.

Nanomaterials for Plant Disease Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review

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Scientists are developing tiny particles called nanomaterials to fight plant diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and worms. These nanoparticles can detect infections quickly and treat diseases more effectively than traditional pesticides, while reducing harmful environmental impacts. The technology shows promise for safer, more sustainable farming that could help feed a growing global population.

Valorization of Quercus suber L. Bark as a Source of Phytochemicals with Antimicrobial Activity against Apple Tree Diseases

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This research shows that waste cork from bottle stopper production contains natural compounds with strong antimicrobial properties. When combined with chitosan oligomers, these cork extracts effectively inhibit fungal and bacterial pathogens that damage apple trees. The natural antimicrobial activity was even more potent than some commercial synthetic fungicides, suggesting cork waste could provide an environmentally sustainable alternative for protecting fruit crops.

Efficacy of Trichoderma longibrachiatum SC5 Fermentation Filtrate in Inhibiting the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Growth and Development in Sunflower

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Scientists studied a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma longibrachiatum that can fight a harmful mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) which damages sunflower crops. They discovered that liquid containing products from this beneficial fungus can significantly stop the harmful mold from growing, prevent it from forming protective survival structures called sclerotia, and reduce its ability to infect plants. When tested on sunflower leaves, this fungal liquid was highly effective at both preventing disease before infection and stopping disease after infection had started.

Rhizoctonia solani causes okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedling damping-off in South China with biological characterization and fungicide sensitivity profiling

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Researchers identified Rhizoctonia solani as the fungus causing a serious disease in okra seedlings in southern China that was destroying about 35% of crops. The fungus dies when exposed to high temperatures (45-48°C) and grows best at about 28°C. Among seven tested antifungal treatments, a combination of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole was most effective at controlling the pathogen, providing farmers with practical strategies for managing this crop disease.

Identification of Avocado Fruit Disease Caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum and Colletotrichum fructicola in China

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Researchers in China identified two fungal pathogens responsible for major avocado fruit diseases: Diaporthe phaseolorum causes fruit rot while Colletotrichum fructicola causes anthracnose. These diseases affect approximately 22% and 15% of avocado fruits respectively in Yunnan Province. This first-time identification of these pathogens on avocado provides growers with crucial information to implement targeted disease prevention strategies and protect their crops.

Benzothiazole—An Antifungal Compound Derived from Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum against Mango Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

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Scientists discovered that a chemical called benzothiazole found in the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum can effectively kill the fungus that causes mango anthracnose, a major disease affecting mango crops. The research showed that this natural compound completely stops fungal growth at very low concentrations (50 ppm) and prevents spore germination. This discovery offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides that can cause environmental pollution and drug resistance.

Pest categorisation of Fusarium pseudograminearum

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Fusarium pseudograminearum is a harmful fungus that infects cereal crops like wheat and barley, causing crown rot and head blight diseases that reduce crop yields and contaminate grain with toxic compounds. The fungus is already present in parts of southern Europe but is not widely distributed in the EU. Scientists evaluated whether this pathogen should be classified as a quarantine pest requiring strict import controls to prevent its spread across Europe.

Biocontrol effects of Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus subtilis against strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora

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Researchers isolated three beneficial bacteria (two Bacillus velezensis strains and one Bacillus subtilis strain) that effectively fight strawberry root rot disease. These bacteria work by both directly killing the disease-causing fungus and boosting the strawberry plant’s natural immune system. The bacteria can live inside the strawberry plant and soil, providing long-lasting protection. This offers farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their strawberry crops.

Chitosan-mediated copper nanohybrid attenuates the virulence of a necrotrophic fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina

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Researchers developed tiny copper particles coated with chitosan (a natural compound from shellfish) that effectively kill a destructive fungus called Macrophomina phaseolina, which damages hundreds of plant species worldwide. When used at the right concentration, these nanoparticles completely stopped the fungus from growing while causing minimal damage to plants. This innovation offers a promising natural alternative to traditional chemical fungicides for protecting crops while being more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Research Topic: plant pathology