Articles tagged with Plant Diseases
A €6 million EU Horizon project is building Europe's first platform to coordinate a response to devastating agricultural and forest pest invasions. Plant health authorities will be able to model and optimise pest control strategies across the entire agri-value chain.
A new study estimates that corn diseases cost US farmers $13.8 billion from 2020 to 2023, resulting in reduced yields of 2.5 billion bushels. The top disease-causing pathogens were tar spot, Fusarium stalk rot, and plant-parasitic nematodes.
Researchers tracing the journey of Phytophthora infestans, a plant destroyer behind Ireland's Irish Potato Famine, explore its taxonomy and identification from early microscopy to genomic technologies. Advances in science strengthen efforts to monitor and manage destructive plant diseases.
Researchers found that powdery mildew disease caused by different fungi infects strawberries in North America and Europe differently, indicating the pathogens jumped hosts over millions of years. This discovery can aid understanding of plant diseases and their spread.
Researchers discovered that fungal effector proteins evolved from ancient antimicrobial proteins to weaken host immune systems and manipulate the surrounding microbiome. These findings provide new insights into how fungi attack both hosts and beneficial microorganisms, with potential applications in agriculture and medicine.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic locus in the common agricultural weed Elymus repens that provides significant resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, a destructive fungal disease threatening global food security. The novel Fhb.Er-1StL locus has been successfully transferred into wheat, reducing diseased plant spikelets by up to...
Researchers developed a hybrid engine to predict sugar beet disease by combining drone images, weather data, and qPCR-based airborne spore monitoring. The system reduced prediction error by up to 39% and provided accurate forecasts of disease severity.
Researchers analyzed 48 isolates of P. griseola and found a potential symbiotic relationship between the fungus and endophytic bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans, influencing disease severity. The study sheds light on how the pathogen evolves and may point to new strategies for breeding disease-resistant crops.
A team of scientists has developed a technical system for regulating plant disease resistance without obvious fitness costs. They achieved this by identifying and utilizing in-frame AUGs in functional genes, including PI4KIII β1, to specifically regulate resistance gene expression through protein translation reprogramming.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified four Fusarium species causing potato dry rot in the San Luis Valley, including one not previously found in the US. This study will help improve disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as guide cultivar selection and breeding for disease resistance.
A new international study reveals that the ancestors of modern crop viruses likely emerged before the last Ice Age, affecting both wild and cultivated plants. The viruses, spread by leaf-eating beetles, infect various crops and wild species, posing risks to agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
A new study identifies a family of inducible lectin genes, MdAGGs, as critical components of apple immune defense. Targeted, infection-induced expression of MdAGG10 enhances resistance, particularly when combined with chemical elicitation, without compromising plant growth.
Researchers at FABI define a conserved subset of Phytophthora RxLR effectors with short linear motifs embedded within folded WY domain cores. This arrangement preserves domain integrity while enabling potential interactions with host immune components, reframing pathogen strategies and challenging SLiM dogma.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.
Researchers have discovered a genetic region controlling resistance to Fusarium wilt Sub Tropical Race 4 (STR4) in a wild banana subspecies called Calcutta 4. This finding holds promise for developing sustainable and disease-resistant commercial banana varieties.
A new strain of yellow rust pathogen has broken down a key resistance gene, leaving over 50% of the UK's wheat acreage vulnerable. Researchers are racing against time to find new resistance genes and breed them into modern wheat varieties.
Researchers found that Ralstonia's unique exo polysaccharide 1 (EPS-1) film allows the bacteria to spread rapidly through plant xylem vessels, causing rapid wilting. The team used precise measurements of the viscoelastic properties of EPS-1 to understand its role in making Ralstonia a devastating plant killer.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown interplay between wheat's resistance genes and fungal disease factors. The study found that powdery mildew fungus overcomes resistance by modifying recognized effectors, but a new approach could slow down its development by combining targeted resistance genes.
Researchers discovered that beneficial fungi enhance plant resistance to disease by remodelling the plant cell membrane at pathogen infection sites. This transformation coincides with a significant reduction in pathogen colonisation and offers critical new insights into how plants coordinate defences in complex natural environments.
A roundtable meeting in Morocco brought together experts to discuss precision breeding technologies for nutritional security and crop resilience. Precision breeding offers a targeted approach to improve crop genetics, addressing malnutrition and climate change impacts.
A new multiyear study reveals wheat disease losses totaling $2.9 billion in the US and Canada between 2018 and 2021. The top three yield-reducing pathogens were fusarium head blight, stripe rust, and leaf rust.
Researchers have discovered that Phytophthora infestans can quickly acquire and lose resistance to mefenoxam, a common fungicide used to manage the disease. The pathogen uses a defense mechanism known as pleiotropic drug resistance, which activates cellular pumps to eject the fungicide.
The third edition of Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests features significant updates and new content, including expanded focus on entomology and emerging diseases. Hundreds of new images enhance identification and diagnosis, making it a comprehensive guide for plant pathologists, agronomists, and growers.
The book explores lesser-known plant diseases that influenced human events, drawing from scientific insight and compelling narrative. Written for specialists and curious readers, it offers a new lens on plant pathology and environmental history.
The updated fourth edition of the Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria provides simplified identification methods and detailed protocols. The comprehensive volume covers conventional and cutting-edge methods, including molecular, serological, biochemical assays, to accurately identify bacterial plant pathogens.
A study by UKCEH found that ash dieback results in significant greenhouse gas emissions due to soil carbon losses. The research estimated 5.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over five years, equivalent to half the amount removed by broadleaf woodlands annually.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have developed a new way for plants to recognize a wider range of bacterial threats using artificial intelligence. By upgrading their internal immune receptors, plants can now defend against more types of pathogens and reduce the risk of devastating diseases.
Researchers discovered salicylic acid plays a central role in protecting potato roots from Spongospora subterranea, a soilborne pathogen causing powdery scab. The study used a cutting-edge 'hairy root' system to rapidly test root-pathogen interactions, providing vital insights for developing resistant potato varieties.
Researchers identified a key enzyme, TPP1, that helps Fusarium graminearum overcome plant defenses and cause devastating head blight disease. The finding offers new hope for developing genetically engineered disease-resistant grains.
Researchers develop gene pyramiding technique to combine resistance genes for robust protection against mixed begomovirus infections. This approach overcomes limitations of individual resistance genes, providing a promising strategy for sustainable crop protection in regions affected by devastating viral diseases.
The latest focus issue of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions explores the molecular, cellular, and genomic details of cereal crop diseases, highlighting key research on plant-pathogen interactions. Groundbreaking work has advanced the field, offering new insights into disease resistance and management strategies.
Researchers develop mathematical modeling to predict aflatoxin outbreaks in Texas using remote sensing satellites and soil properties. The model has the potential to save farmers billions of dollars in losses by providing early risk prediction and targeted prevention strategies.
A new study predicts that new plant pests and diseases will severely damage UK trees and woodlands by 2050, potentially losing over half of their growth. The research highlights the need for increased tree diversity and resilience to biocontrol measures.
A new study has confirmed that beech leaf disease, already devastating American beech, also affects European beech. Researchers used advanced microscopy to trace the effects of the nematode on European beech, finding similar symptoms and damage as in American beech.
Researchers developed high-resolution risk maps to predict where charcoal rot occurs in soybean fields. The maps use measurable soil characteristics to assess risk across the landscape and identify hotspots for targeted approaches to managing the disease.
A new study from the University of Oxford reveals that a molecule called glycosyrin, produced by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae, mimics galactose to suppress plant immune responses. This finding has potential medicinal applications and highlights the complex strategies used by bacteria to manipulate host plants.
The Phytovirome Focus Issue addresses fundamental and translational aspects of phytovirome science, highlighting the transformative role of high-throughput sequencing technologies. Researchers discovered a remarkable diversity of viruses in plants, with complex communities interacting with hosts in both pathogenic and beneficial ways.
A Chinese Academy of Sciences research team has identified the first mechanism of citrus resistance to citrus greening disease and developed an AI-assisted therapeutic approach. The discovery addresses the challenge of naturally occurring resistant genes in citrus, offering hope for global agricultural sustainability.
A University of Maryland study reveals that young plants face a hidden trade-off between fighting disease and growing, leading to reduced reproductive fitness. Plants with stronger disease resistance as seedlings produce fewer flowers and seeds over their lifetime.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to detect Fusarium wilt in tomato plants by analyzing subtle changes in water use, allowing for early detection before visual symptoms appear. This method provides a quantitative approach to assess disease severity, pathogen virulence, and plant susceptibility.
A new study by Holden Forests & Gardens reveals that American beech trees are experiencing significant mortality and reduced growth due to beech leaf disease, with 30% of trees dying since its emergence in northeast Ohio. The disease has also slowed tree growth, energy loss, and increased mortality in affected plots.
Researchers are analyzing volatile chemicals emitted from grape leaves infected by a fungus called powdery mildew to improve training for vineyard canines. The study aims to identify key odor molecules that trigger the response in dogs, enabling more sensitive and accurate mildew identification.
A new study using CRISPR-Cas9 technology enhances cassava's resistance to diseases and improves drought tolerance. Genome-edited cassava plants show increased starch content, benefiting food security and industrial applications.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new avenue to combat the Cucumber mosaic virus by directing the plant's natural defences. The RNA-based active agents have shown high efficacy in laboratory experiments, protecting 80-100% of treated plants from infection.
Researchers found that individuals with lower acylcarnitine levels declined more slowly and showed fewer cognitive decline symptoms compared to those with high acylcarnitine levels. Healthy lifestyle interventions, such as a plant-based diet and exercise, may help lower bioenergetic age and potentially delay or prevent Alzheimer’s onset.
Researchers discovered that erucamide inhibits Type III Secretion injectisome assembly in Gram-negative bacteria, enhancing plant immunity and reducing disease susceptibility. Exogenous application of erucamide protects crops from bacterial diseases, offering a potential biopesticide for sustainable agriculture.
Professor Uauy brings extensive experience in wheat genetic research and genomics to lead the institute's ambition to deliver Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet. His vision for plant science will ensure global agricultural challenges are addressed through interdisciplinary science.
A recent report by Colorado State University reveals that the state's forests are emitting more carbon than they absorb, primarily due to insect and disease impacts. The study estimated that Colorado's forests stored 1,558 teragrams of carbon between 2010 and 2019.
Sea snails and isopods grazing on eelgrass create wounds that make it susceptible to wasting disease. The study found a significant association between invertebrate grazing and disease prevalence across the Pacific Coast.
Researchers at North Carolina State University suggest that the Irish potato famine pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, originated in the South American Andes Mountains. The study compared genetic material from P. infestans with those of close relative pathogens and found distinct differences between the two.
Researchers have identified the pathogens and diagnostic tests for the two diseases, revolutionizing cassava disease management in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The study, published in peer-reviewed journals, marks a significant milestone in fighting the spread of these devastating diseases.
This review highlights the transformative capabilities of single-cell and spatial genomics, providing critical insights into disease mechanisms and developing innovative therapies. The technologies enable comprehensive cell atlases, tracing the evolution of sequencing methods and incorporating multi-omics approaches, which significantl...
The Compendium of Rose Diseases and Pests, Third Edition, is a comprehensive guide to diagnosing diseases, identifying pests, and expanding expertise in rose health management. Edited by industry experts, the book features over 50 contributing authors and provides practical guidance for students, researchers, educators, and professionals.
A study by North Carolina State University reveals the global spread of powdery mildew fungus in blueberries, with a cost range of $47 million to $530 million annually to the industry. The disease is caused by the Erysiphe vaccinii fungus and has been found on multiple continents since its introduction in 2012.
The Arkansas Clean Plant Center is leading a global effort to remove over 120 'phantom agents' from pathogen regulatory lists. These outdated agents impede access to clean plant materials, hindering crop production and food security. The center's efforts aim to streamline global germplasm exchange using modern molecular techniques.
The partnership will improve crop productivity and resilience through research and extension services. Improved crops will provide Rwandan farmers with resistant varieties to devastating insect pests and diseases.
A new study finds that disease-causing bacteria can infect a wide range of plant species, including non-flowering plants, using a common set of pathogenicity factors. The research suggests that the toxin syringomycin interferes with cell membranes across diverse plant species.
A three-year project investigates the mechanisms through which Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum affects plant and insect immune systems. The findings could lead to long-term solutions that help producers and the environment by identifying proteins blocking plant defenses and developing biocontrol agents.