plant pathology – Page 7

Selection of reliable reference genes in Colletotrichum scovillei during different growth stages, host interactions, and plant extract treatment for qRT-PCR

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This research identifies the best internal control genes to use when measuring gene activity in a fungus that causes pepper disease. Scientists tested eight different reference genes under various conditions like fungal growth and pepper infection, plus when treating the fungus with plant extracts. Different genes worked best for different situations: one gene was best during fungal growth, another during infection, and a third when treated with plant extracts. These findings will help future studies better understand how this disease-causing fungus works and develop better control methods.

Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Trichoderma harzianum and its bio-efficacy on Alternaria brassicae

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Scientists have developed an eco-friendly way to create zinc oxide nanoparticles using a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum. These nanoparticles effectively kill Alternaria brassicae, a fungus that damages mustard crops and can reduce yields by up to 57%. The nanoparticles work better and at lower doses than traditional chemical fungicides, making them a promising sustainable solution for farmers. This represents an important advancement in protecting crops without harming the environment.

First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

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Researchers in Mexico discovered that a wood-decay fungus called Trametes hirsuta is infecting avocado trees in the country’s main avocado-growing region, Michoacán. The fungus causes a disease called white rot, which leads to yellowing leaves, tree defoliation, and eventually tree death. This is the first time this fungus has been identified as a disease-causing agent in avocado trees, and the researchers confirmed through laboratory tests that the fungus is indeed responsible for the damage being observed in avocado orchards.

First Report of Colletotrichum kahawae Causing Anthracnose on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) in China and Biological Characterization of the Pathogen

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Researchers in China discovered that a fungus called Colletotrichum kahawae is causing a serious disease called anthracnose on buckwheat crops in Yunnan Province. This is the first time this particular fungus has been found on buckwheat, though it’s already known for causing disease on coffee plants worldwide. The scientists characterized how this fungus grows best under certain conditions and tested whether it could infect other important crops like corn, wheat, and potatoes, finding it could potentially harm these crops too.

In vitro activity of seven antifungal agents against Fusarium oxysporum and expression of related regulatory genes

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Researchers tested seven different antifungal medications to find the best treatment for a fungal disease that damages corn crops. Epoxiconazole worked best as a single treatment, but combining pyraclostrobin and difenoconazole together was even more effective. These medications work by interfering with the fungus’s ability to survive and infect corn, making them promising options for protecting corn crops.

Identification of antagonistic activity against Fusarium, and liquid fermentation of biocontrol Bacillus isolated from wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) rhizosphere soil

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Researchers isolated a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus subtilis from wolfberry soil that fights a fungal disease called Fusarium root rot. Through careful optimization of growing conditions, they increased the bacteria’s effectiveness at killing the harmful fungus by about 15%. When added to wolfberry seedlings, this bacterium not only prevented fungal disease but also boosted plant growth significantly.

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

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Scientists have created a new way to study powdery mildew fungus, which causes widespread plant disease but cannot normally be studied in the laboratory. They identified a related fungus species (Arachnopeziza) that can grow in culture and can be genetically modified. By sequencing the DNA of these two Arachnopeziza species and developing methods to alter their genes, researchers have created a practical tool to understand how powdery mildew becomes dependent on its plant host, potentially leading to better disease control strategies.

The serine palmitoyl transferase of plant pathogenic fungi: a promising new target for the development of novel crop protection solutions

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Scientists have discovered a new type of fungicide called pyridazine carboxamides that effectively kill plant-damaging fungi by blocking a key enzyme involved in their cell membrane formation. These compounds work against many common crop diseases like gray mold and leaf spots, though they are less effective against certain wheat pathogens. The research validates this new approach as a promising tool for protecting crops and managing fungicide resistance while maintaining global food security.

Fungal-derived ZnO nanoparticles functionalized with riboflavin and UDP-GlcNAc exhibit potent nematicidal activity against M. incognita

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Scientists used a nematode-trapping fungus to create tiny zinc oxide particles that are highly toxic to root-knot nematodes, which damage crops worldwide. These nanoparticles are naturally coated with beneficial fungal compounds like riboflavin that enhance their pest-killing ability. The particles killed over 94% of nematodes in laboratory tests, offering a greener alternative to harsh chemical pesticides currently used in farming.

Co-application of dazomet and azoxystrobin reconstructs soil microbial communities and suppresses the violet root rot of Codonopsis tangshen under a continuous cropping system

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Codonopsis tangshen is an important medicinal plant in China, but it suffers from a serious fungal disease called violet root rot when grown repeatedly in the same soil. Researchers found that treating soil with dazomet fumigant followed by azoxystrobin fungicide completely eliminated this disease while dramatically increasing plant yields. The treatment works by reducing the harmful fungus while promoting growth of beneficial soil microbes that naturally suppress disease.

Research Topic: plant pathology