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The Universitat Jaume I and GEA Biotechnology develop an antifungal aqueous suspension to prevent fungal infections in crops and fruit during the pre- and post-harvest stages

A new antifungal aqueous suspension has been developed by Universitat Jaume I and GEA Biotechnology to prevent fungal infections in crops and fruit. The formulation, based on biodegradable chitosan microcapsules, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides.

New peer-reviewed EWG study finds eating some produce hikes pesticide levels in people

A new study by Environmental Working Group found that consuming certain fruits and vegetables can increase pesticide levels in people's bodies. The study suggests that everyday food choices can drive significant pesticide exposure and highlights the need for safer food systems.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2025

The costs of fungicide resistance

A mathematical model was developed to calculate the economic and environmental costs of fungicide resistance in agriculture. The study found that yields can increase or decrease depending on the context, and that expensive fungicides can actually reduce costs.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJul 16, 2025

U.S. preschoolers exposed to broad range of potentially harmful chemicals

A national study found children aged 2-4 years in the US are exposed to a wide range of hazardous chemicals, including phthalates and pesticides, which can interfere with hormone development and immune function. The research emphasizes the need for expanded biomonitoring and stronger regulations to protect children from harmful exposures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2025

No data, no risk? How the monitoring of chemicals in the environment shapes the perception of risks

A recent study published in Science found that only a small fraction of potentially environmentally relevant chemicals are monitored. The researchers analyzed large datasets to assess the environmental risks of highly toxic chemicals, highlighting the limitations of current chemical monitoring.

Cannabis extract could treat fungal diseases

Researchers at Macquarie University have discovered that cannabis-derived compounds Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidivarin (CBDV) are effective against a range of fungal pathogens, including Cryptococcus neoformans and dermatophytes. The findings open the door to possible new treatments for these fungal infections.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Grains of truth: New focus issue explores how pathogens and pests of cereal crops undermine global food security

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.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMay 7, 2025

Comprehensive global study shows pesticides are major contributor to biodiversity crisis

A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2025

Honey bees in demand: New contract strategies to support pollination services

A new study explores clauses in pollination contracts that could make them more appealing to beekeepers, including pesticide protection and cover crop options. Beekeepers valued these features, particularly those protecting against pesticide exposure, with discounts ranging from $6 to $8 per colony.

Honeybees: Combinations of pesticides can be dangerous

Research found that combining neonicotinoids with fungicides significantly increased mortality of bee larvae, while also affecting adult honeybee survival rates and lifespan. The study suggests that solitary wild bees may be more vulnerable to pesticide effects due to their smaller colony size.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered

Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Keanu Reeves - the molecule

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered keanumycins in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, effective against plant fungal diseases like grey mould rot and human-pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. The natural product could be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

More than the sum of its parts

Researchers found that simultaneously acting global change factors decrease grassland plant community diversity, regardless of individual factor quality. This effect is linked to increased biomass production due to the influence of highly influential factors like eutrophication.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2022

How do mushrooms become magic?

Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.

Study examines current state regulations, public health risks of growing medicinal and recreational marijuana market

A new study urges regulators to take a closer look at the health and safety risks of the growing medicinal and recreational cannabis market. The research team found that many pesticides in cannabis cultivation were highly unlikely to be used, but still detected, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2022

Illinois researchers find exotic sources of resistance to tar spot in corn

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.

Agricultural fungicides may be driving antimicrobial resistance

Research from the University of Georgia reveals that compounds used to fight fungal diseases in plants are causing resistance to antifungal medications used to treat people. The study found 12 strains of Aspergillus fumigatus resistant to both agricultural and clinical azole fungicides, suggesting a link between environmental and human...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·DateFeb 8, 2022

New inoculation method can protect soybeans against devastating leaf blight

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.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

Using environmental modifications, fungicides, and resistant varieties to fight basil downy mildew

To combat basil downy mildew, researchers recommend using resistant basil varieties, as well as environmental modifications like keeping leaves dry and dehumidifying the air. Fungicides are also effective in controlling the disease, but their use must be alternated to prevent resistance development.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

No to the re-approval of glyphosate – Large aerial dispersal confirmed

A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.

SourceBündnis für eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft e. V.·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Soybean study designs and implements a more effective and less toxic bio-fungicide

Researchers have successfully used double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules as a bio-fungicide to suppress the production of a toxin in soybean plants. The study found that dsRNAs produced in bacterial cells can effectively manage fungal diseases, reducing the need for toxic chemicals and potentially mitigating fungicide resistance.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021