plant pathology – Page 2

Luobuma Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Alternaria tenuissima in China

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Researchers in China identified a serious fungal disease affecting Luobuma plants (used for tea, medicine, and textiles) caused by the fungus Alternaria tenuissima. The disease caused leaf spots that spread rapidly, with infection rates reaching 95% in some plants. Testing showed that a fungicide called hymexazol was effective at controlling the disease, offering farmers a practical solution for protecting their crops.

Pest categorisation of Pestalotiopsis microspora

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Pestalotiopsis microspora is a fungus that causes diseases on many cultivated and wild plants including avocado, banana, and kiwi fruit. It has been found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and was recently detected in the Netherlands. The fungus can enter the EU through infected plants, fruits, and contaminated soil from other countries. European scientists have determined it meets criteria to be classified as a quarantine pest requiring special phytosanitary measures to prevent its introduction.

Slime molds (Myxomycetes) causing a “disease” in crop plants and cultivated mushrooms

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Slime molds are not true plant diseases but can harm crops by covering leaves and blocking sunlight and water loss. These organisms prefer wet, organic-rich environments and are particularly problematic in mushroom farming. Farmers can prevent problems by managing moisture, improving ventilation, and removing affected materials, with chemical sprays available as backup options when needed.

In Vitro and Field Effectiveness of the Combination of Four Trichoderma spp. Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Its Impact on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Crop Production

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This study tested whether four types of beneficial fungi (Trichoderma species) could control white mold disease on potato plants in Mexico. Both laboratory tests and field trials showed these fungi were very effective at killing the disease pathogen and stopping mold formation. Potatoes treated with the fungal mixture produced higher yields than those treated with chemical fungicides alone, suggesting this natural approach could replace many chemical pesticides.

Bioprospecting and mechanistic insights of Trichoderma spp. for suppression of Ganoderma-induced basal stem rot in oil palm

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Scientists discovered that a fungus called Trichoderma afroharzianum can effectively fight a serious disease in oil palm trees caused by another fungus, Ganoderma. This beneficial fungus works by producing natural chemicals and enzymes that kill the harmful pathogen and also helps the plants grow better. The research shows this could be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting oil palm plantations, especially as climate changes and farming conditions vary.

An implementation framework for evaluating the biocidal potential of essential oils in controlling Fusarium wilt in spinach: from in vitro to in planta

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Researchers tested four common essential oils (thyme, oregano, marjoram, and tea tree) to see if they could stop a dangerous fungal disease in spinach plants. They found that thyme and oregano oils worked best at killing the fungus in laboratory tests and when applied to spinach seeds in the greenhouse, with thyme oil reducing disease by over half without harming the plants.

Natural expression variation for the Arabidopsis MED20a mediator complex subunit influences quantitative resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists studied how different varieties of a common plant (Arabidopsis) naturally resist a destructive fungal disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. By examining genetic differences among plant varieties and testing a fungus from different sources, they found that a gene called MED20a plays an important role in disease resistance. Plants with specific genetic variations in the MED20a gene’s control region were more resistant to infection.

Saprotrophic Arachnopeziza Species as New Resources to Study the Obligate Biotrophic Lifestyle of Powdery Mildew Fungi

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Scientists studied two species of fungi called Arachnopeziza that are closely related to powdery mildew fungi but can grow independently on simple lab media. By analyzing their complete genomes and developing techniques to genetically modify these fungi, researchers created a new tool for understanding how powdery mildew fungi became dependent on plants. This breakthrough allows scientists to study these harmful plant pathogens more effectively without having to work directly with the difficult-to-cultivate powdery mildew fungi.

Kalmusia variispora (Didymosphaeriaceae, Dothideomycetes) Associated with the Grapevine Trunk Disease Complex in Cyprus

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Kalmusia variispora is a fungus that causes trunk diseases in grapevines, resulting in wood discoloration and plant decline. This study identified the fungus in Cyprus vineyards and demonstrated its ability to infect and damage grapevine wood. The fungus produces enzymes that break down plant cell walls, with stronger enzyme production correlating to more severe disease. Understanding this pathogen is important for developing better disease management strategies in vineyards.

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Bacterium B5 from Mentha haplocalyx Briq. and Its Biocontrol Mechanisms Against Alternaria alternata-Induced Tobacco Brown Spot

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Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus velezensis in mint plants that can fight tobacco brown spot disease caused by a fungus. This bacterium works by producing natural antifungal compounds and enzymes that damage the fungus, and it helps boost the plant’s own defense systems. In greenhouse tests, this bacterial treatment was as effective as commercial chemical fungicides, offering farmers a safer, more environmentally friendly option for protecting their tobacco crops.

Research Topic: plant pathology