plant pathology – Page 13

Thermotolerance and post-fire growth in Rhizina undulata is associated with the expansion of heat stress-related protein families

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Rhizina undulata is a fungus that infects conifer trees and uniquely relies on the heat from forest fires to wake up and start growing. Scientists sequenced the fungus’s DNA and discovered it has extra copies of genes that help it survive extreme heat, deal with harmful molecules created by heat stress, and digest burned plant material. These genetic adaptations explain how this fungus has evolved to take advantage of fire events for its survival and spread.

Talaromyces pinophilus Strain HD25G2 as a Novel Biocontrol Agent of Fusarium culmorum, the Causal Agent of Root and Crown Rot of Soft Wheat

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A fungus called Talaromyces pinophilus shows promise as a natural pest controller against Fusarium culmorum, which damages wheat crops worldwide. When applied early to wheat seeds, this beneficial fungus produces enzymes that break down the harmful fungus’s cell walls, completely preventing damage and toxin contamination. However, timing is critical—if applied too late, it can paradoxically increase toxin production, suggesting it works best as a preventative treatment before infection occurs.

Study on Pathogenesis of Cytospora pyri in Korla Fragrant Pear Trees (Pyrus sinkiangensis)

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Researchers identified Cytospora pyri as the fungus causing a serious canker disease in Korla fragrant pear trees grown in Xinjiang, China. The fungus cannot directly infect healthy bark but requires wounds to enter trees, then spreads rapidly through tissues using powerful cell-degrading enzymes. Understanding these infection mechanisms can help farmers prevent the disease by protecting trees from injuries and maintaining tree health.

A GDP-mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase as a potential HIGS target against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists identified a critical fungal protein called SsMPG2 that helps the plant disease-causing fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infect crops and survive. When this protein is silenced using genetic engineering techniques, plants become resistant to the fungus. The research shows this protein is important in many plant-pathogenic fungi, making it a promising target for developing disease-resistant crops through genetic modification.

Genome sequencing and analysis of isolates of Cytospora sorbicola and Cytospora plurivora associated with almond and peach canker

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of two fungal species that cause destructive canker diseases in almond and peach trees. These fungi are difficult to control once they infect trees, and developing disease-resistant plant varieties is the best approach to protect orchards. The genetic information from this study will help researchers understand how these fungi cause disease and develop better strategies to breed resistant fruit trees.

The effects of biotic stress on the sexual reproduction process of flowering plants

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When plants get sick from fungal, bacterial, or viral infections or are eaten by insects and parasites, their ability to produce flowers, seeds, and fruits is severely affected. Different pathogens use different tricks to damage reproduction—some speed up flowering to take advantage of the plant quickly, while others slow it down or destroy floral structures directly. Understanding how these pathogens attack plant reproduction helps farmers protect their crops and maintain food production.

Carbon substrates utilization determine antagonistic fungal-fungal interactions among root-associated fungi

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Scientists studied how different fungi in plant roots compete with disease-causing fungi. They found that fungi with different eating habits (carbon substrate preferences) fight off plant pathogens in different ways. Some fungi that eat many types of food produced toxic compounds to kill pathogens, while others competed directly for food. This discovery could help farmers use beneficial fungi to naturally protect crops from diseases.

Whole-genome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum K326-S isolated from tobacco

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Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a fungus that causes disease in tobacco plants. The fungus, Fusarium oxysporum, was isolated from diseased tobacco roots in China. The resulting genetic blueprint contains over 17,000 genes and will help researchers develop better ways to prevent and control this destructive plant disease.

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

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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.

The Heterogeneity of Ornamental Plants in Nurseries Increases the Chance of Finding New Hosts for Phytophthora

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Ornamental plant nurseries in Mexico are frequently affected by Phytophthora pathogens that cause rotting, wilting, and dieback in flowers and ornamental plants. This study identified seven different Phytophthora species infecting 13 types of ornamental plants in Mexican nurseries, including two species never before reported as hosts for the pathogen anywhere in the world. The diversity of plants grown together in nurseries increases the likelihood that the pathogen will spread to new host plants and escape to home gardens and natural ecosystems.

Research Topic: plant pathology