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 have developed ExPOSE, a method that allows for the visualization of plant cells with greater resolution, enabling studies on protein and RNA location, and cellular response. The technique uses protoplasts to overcome cell wall challenges, paving the way for a powerful new toolkit in plant biology.
A study by researchers at the University of Kentucky has found that plant immune responses and human neurological health share common biochemical pathways. This discovery highlights the importance of plant-based diets for essential vitamins and amino acids, and suggests a link between disruptions in amino acid metabolism and human health.
Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.
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.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $210,000 grant to support ongoing integrated pest management programs across the state. The grant will focus on agronomic and specialty crops, pest control in houses and schools, and improving pollinator health.
Researchers at Shinshu University have discovered a key role for the HSR201 protein in salicylic acid production, a vital hormone for plant defense. The study found that HSR201 localizes to peroxisomes and uses a unique targeting signal to produce salicylic acid, which is essential for plant immunity.
Researchers have identified 31 effector genes from the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata, which causes devastating black rot in sweetpotatoes. This breakthrough provides a new approach to developing disease-resistant crops using effector-assisted breeding.
The Phytopathology Research Forum successfully concluded its spring edition, showcasing cutting-edge developments in plant disease research and molecular breeding technology. Experts discussed the importance of adopting provenance security measures to ensure agricultural product integrity.
Researchers at UC Davis identified a promising new fungicide, ebselen, that targets the autophagy pathway to prevent fungal infections in crops. The chemical has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in humans and is more effective than currently available fungicides.
A breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology has identified the fungus genus Ceratobasidium as the culprit behind cassava witches' broom disease. This discovery will help plant pathologists in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries protect their crops, supporting millions of smallholder farmers who rely on cassava.
Plant scientists have discovered a sophisticated RNA defense system that plants use to attack gray mold cells, sending mRNA molecules that disrupt fungal cellular processes. This innovative approach could lead to the development of eco-friendly fungicides with minimal environmental impact and no harm to humans or animals.
A team of scientists led by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has been awarded a $3.57 million grant to develop spinach cultivars resistant to fungal pathogens. The project aims to expedite breeding for disease resistance, reducing fungicide use and supporting sustainable spinach production.
A recent study has provided significant genomic insight into tar spot of corn, a destructive disease causing $1.2 billion in yield loss. The researchers identified over 100 novel effectors that play a crucial role during infection, warranting further investigation.
A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.
Researchers have identified an essential stage in the takeover of rice cells by a fungus, which could accelerate treatment or prevention of rice blast disease. The discovery involves a modification in tRNA molecules that aid in protein construction, and its absence leads to reduced virulence.
Researchers have discovered a gene, B5, in Egyptian cotton that confers powerful resistance to bacterial blight. The gene enables strong resistance to the disease under Oklahoma field conditions and accumulates high amounts of defense chemicals.
The American Phytopathological Society published a special issue on key discoveries in plant pathology, highlighting groundbreaking findings over the past 50 years. These discoveries have significantly impacted plant health, food security, and food safety worldwide.
A North Carolina State University study shows that yam seeds wrapped in a biodegradable paper made from banana fibers and cardboard grow larger and more abundantly than those without the paper. The 'wrap-and-plant' method also reduces post-harvest loss by minimizing nematode pest effects.
A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that treating cabbage leaves with multiple amino acids can prevent disease caused by Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis, a bacterium that causes blight in brassica crops. The amino acids trigger stomatal closure, reducing bacterial entry and disease symptoms.
A recent study by Zhenzhen Zhao and colleagues found that Arabidopsis plants lacking Acyl Carrier Protein 1 (ACP1) are more resistant to bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. ACP1 is essential for maintaining hormone homeostasis, which affects plant stress responses.
Researchers inculcated an avirulent Fusarium strain into Cavendish bananas, enhancing their resistance to Panama disease. This innovative approach may provide a sustainable solution for combating the devastating impact of Tropical Race 4 on global banana crops.
New research finds that plants with shorter-lived flowers produce more fruits due to reduced microbial growth. Microbes on flowers can negatively impact plant yields.
A team of researchers has identified a single nucleotide mutation that confers resistance to cassava mosaic disease, which causes significant yield losses worldwide. This discovery has implications for improving cassava yields and sustaining farmer income, and could also shed light on disease-resistance in other major crops.
Scientists at UC Riverside demonstrate CRISPR technology can make permanent physical changes in the insect, passed down to three or more generations. The technology may hold promise for controlling the sharpshooter and preventing Pierce's Disease.
A collection of policy briefs presents guidelines and possible solutions for managing invasive alien pests and pathogens in Europe. The briefs focus on topics such as biological control, classical biological control, and prevention of invasive species.
Illinois researchers identified two tropical corn germplasm lines showing promising levels of tar spot resistance, regardless of location. The study developed a new method for scoring tar spot incidence and severity, which will aid breeding programs. The findings suggest resistant hybrids are key to managing the disease long-term.
Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.
A comprehensive diagnostic guide for Volutella blight has been published by the American Phytopathological Society. The guide provides a detailed review of the three fungal pathogens causing Volutella blight and compares its diagnostic traits with other boxwood fungal diseases.
Researchers used new technology to study Grapevine Pinot gris virus propagation in a specific vineyard in France. The study found that over 75% of tested plants became infected between 2014 and 2015, with only a marginal number of grapevines testing positive during the remaining five years.
A new inoculation method can identify resistance against one of the CLB pathogens, allowing breeders to select candidates for genetic material against the disease. This method uses detached leaflets for inoculation and offers an advantage in small experimental designs, enabling screening of soybean genetic materials.
Researchers have identified genes associated with spinach's resistance to downy mildew and its levels of oxalates. The findings could help breeders produce disease-resistant varieties with more consumer appeal, improving spinach's market prospects.
Researchers found that seed microorganisms have more staying power than soil microorganisms when colonizing plants. The study suggests that modifying the seed microbiome could lead to more sustainable agriculture and increased crop yields and quality.
A freely available protist culture collection supports a deeper understanding of the plant microbiome, with key findings indicating that beneficial microorganisms feed on bacteria and fungi.
Plant pathologists have developed a set of Nursery Phytophthora Best Management Practices to eradicate the harmful organisms from nursery stock. Through testing and accreditation programs, nurseries that comply with the guidelines have shown no detectable Phytophthora infection in their stock, enabling habitat restoration plantings.
Researchers discovered a novel type of bivalent chromatin that enables plants to quickly produce defense compounds like camalexin in response to pathogens. This understanding could inform strategies to improve crop yields and combat global hunger.
Salt stress alters legume responses to symbiotic rhizobacteria by modulating gene expression. Several genes with well-characterized functions in nodulation are highly induced under salt stress, making the plant hypersensitive to bacterial signals.
A study compared four common DNA extraction methods and found that each method produced slightly different results due to varying 'how' factors. Researchers can now make informed decisions about their methods to optimize results.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that coating soybean plant leaves with cellulose nanofiber offers resistance to infection by Asian soybean rust pathogen, changing leaf surface from water repellent to water absorbent and suppressing disease-causing gene expression.
A recent study has identified a nematode attractant in flax seeds, which can be used to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture methods. The attractant, consisting of cell wall polysaccharides, is found to contain L-galactose sidechains that are critical for nematode attraction.
Researchers can leverage innovative technologies to analyze complex interactions within the plant root microbiome. By combining mesocosms with in-situ sensors and imaging tools, scientists can replicate experiments on spatial and temporal scales.
Plant pathologists at Auburn University conducted a field trial to assess the economic damage of reniform nematodes on cotton yields. The study found that cotton yields were 50% lower in fields infested with the nematode compared to clean fields.
Researchers have identified two new truffle species on roots of pecan trees in Florida orchards, which may lead to increased crop profit. The newly found species, Tuber brennemanii and Tuber floridanum, are edible but lack appealing odors, making them less desirable for consumption.
Researchers at Kansas State University have designed a soybean variety that protects against nematode parasites, which are the No. 1 soybean disease in the nation. The new variety could potentially save the soybean industry millions of dollars per year by controlling nematodes and their reproduction cycles.
John Leslie, K-State professor, receives International Professorship for Latin America from the American Society for Microbiology. He will present his Fusarium Laboratory Workshop and offer a scientific writing workshop in Argentina.
John Leslie, K-State's plant pathology head, received the Fellowship honor from the American Phytopathological Society. He will also join Seoul National University as an adjunct professor, continuing collaborative research and educational opportunities.
The APS Foundation presented several monetary awards to recognize excellence in teaching, research, and international service. H. David Shew received the Lucy Hastings de Gutiérrez Award for Excellence in Teaching, while Andrew F. Bent won the Noel T. Keen Award for Research Excellence in Molecular Plant Pathology.
The American Phytopathological Society recognized outstanding contributions to plant pathology with its 2009 awards. The APS Fellow class of 2009 includes prominent researchers and educators from around the world. Notable winners include Anne E. Dorrance, Charles Mellinger, H. David Shew, and Richard A. Sikora.
Dr. Brian Shaw will receive the 2009 Alexopoulos Prize for his outstanding contributions to plant pathology research, as recognized by the Mycological Society of America. Shaw has authored 17 research papers in 12 years and is jointly appointed with Texas AgriLife Research.
Dr. Herman Scholthof, a renowned plant pathology expert, has been awarded the 2009 American Phytopathological Society Fellowship for his distinguished contributions to the field. He is recognized for his notable work in plant pathology and microbiology at Texas A&M University.
Researchers at Penn State are using genetically modified mushrooms to produce vaccines and other biological drugs in record time. They aim to demonstrate the ability to produce three million doses of a drug within 12 weeks.
Pam Henderson received the APS Plant Pathology Journalism Award for her nine-article series on Asian Soybean Rust, which raised public awareness of the disease. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing knowledge and understanding of plant pathology.
Dr. Gonsalves' research discovery led to the development of enhanced papaya varieties resistant to ringspot virus, now widely planted and valued at over $14 million annually. His work has significantly impacted Hawaii's papaya production, saving the industry from devastating losses.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that stress can increase the amount of hypericin in St. John's Wort, a popular herbal remedy for depression. The study found that plants under attack from insects produce more hypericin, which may contribute to its effectiveness.
Researchers at Cornell University and the USDA have found that stressed St. John's wort plants produce more of the active compound hypericin, which is a key ingredient in depression remedies. The finding suggests that the plant's chemical arsenal increases when it faces stress from predators like insects.