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Pokkah boeng disease (PBD), a fungal disease of sugarcane, is caused by multiple species of Fusarium. To identify the pathogens causing PBD in Yunnan Province, China, we collected 87 leaf samples with typical PBD symptoms from the sugarcane-growing areas of Puer, Honghe, and Lincang, from which eight strains (FS1–FS8) were isolated and purified. The identities of the eight isolates were determined based on a combination of morphological observations and molecular analyses, using which we identified five Fusarium species as the causal agents of PBD in Yunnan, namely, F. incarnatum, F. andiyazi, F. sacchari, F. proliferatum, and F. verticillioides. Among these, F. incarnatum is a newly recorded species in Yunnan. Pathogenicity tests revealed that all five Fusarium species can infect sugarcane and cause PBD symptoms, with the severity of pathogenicity, ranked from strong to weak, being ordered as follows: F. proliferatum > F. andiyazi > F. incarnatum > F. verticillioides > F. sacchari. In this study, we identified the species and established the pathogenicity of the causal agents of PBD in Yunnan Province. Our findings will provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating a new approach to control wilt diseases using Jania ethyl acetate extract. In the current investigation, the potential impacts of Jania sp. ethyl acetate extract (JE) on Tomato Fusarium oxysporum wilt (FOW) have been studied. The in vitro antifungal potential of JE against F. oxysporum (FO) was examined. GC–MS investigation of the JE revealed that, the compounds possessing fungicidal action were Phenol,2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-,acetate, Eugenol, Caryophyllene oxide, Isoespintanol, Cadinene, Caryophylla-4(12),8(13)-dien-5à-ol and Copaen. Jania sp. ethyl acetate extract exhibited strong antifungal potential against FO, achieving a 20 mmzone of inhibition. In the experiment, two different methods were applied: soil irrigation (SI) and foliar application (FS) of JE. The results showed that both treatments reduced disease index present DIP by 20.83% and 33.33% respectively. The findings indicated that during FOW, proline, phenolics, and the antioxidant enzymes activity increased, while growth and photosynthetic pigments decreased. The morphological features, photosynthetic pigments, total phenol content, and antioxidant enzyme activity of infected plants improved when JE was applied through soil or foliar methods. It is interesting to note that the application of JE had a substantially less negative effect on the isozymes peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in tomato plants, compared to FOW. These reactions differed depending on whether JE was applied foliarly or via the soil. Finally, the use of Jania sp. could be utilized commercially as an ecologically acceptable method to protect tomato plants against FOW.

Plant resistance mechanisms to pathogens can lead to a lowered efficacy of insect microbial biocontrol agents, but the influence of plant variety has been little-studied. Leaves and stalks from twelve maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds with different plant pathogen resistance were evaluated for their influence on the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. against European corn borers (Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)). For leaf assays with first instar caterpillars, mortality on day 2 ranged from an inbred-dependent high of 76.1% to a low of 10.0% for European corn borers in leaf assays. For stalk assays with third instar caterpillars, mortality on day 4 ranged from an inbred dependent high of 83.0% and 75.0% to a low of 0.0% and 8.3% for fall armyworms and European corn borers, respectively. Lesion size ratings due to Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe) applied to tissues were often significantly correlated with the mortality levels of B. bassiana-treated caterpillars that fed on leaves and stalks. This study suggests that the influence of plant varieties on the efficacy of insect microbial pathogens can vary depending on the insect species involved and the plant tissue, and this is worth considering when new plant varieties and biocontrol strains are being developed whenever practical.

Important pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium species are mostly associated with the wilting of tomato plant leaves and constitute a serious limiting factor for tomato production. Therefore, this study aimed to screen tomato varieties commonly cultivated in Nigeria to determine their host resistance status to Fusarium oxysporum. The treatments included Trichoderma asperellum, T. harzianum, and Mancozeb fungicide. Data recorded included the incidence and severity of the pathogen, plant height, leaf number, and fruit yield of the tomato plants. Tomato plants grown with Trichoderma sp. exhibited better performance in terms of average fruit yield count of 6.5 for T. asperellum and 6.7 for T. harzianum compared to the average yield of 1.7 fruit count for Mancozeb fungicide. The lowest disease incidence was recorded in the variety 3 (NGB00737) with a 5.81% incidence in the Mancozeb-treated plants. Conversely, T. asperellum-treated plants in variety 3 (NGB00737) had the highest disease incidence of 46.49%. For variety 4 (NGB00695), plants treated with Mancozeb had the least disease with a severity rating of 1. Similarly, variety 5 (NGB00725) plants treated with T. asperellum showed the least disease severity rating of 1. All other treated plants showed higher severity values of 4. The Trichoderma species also improved the fruit yield and some agronomic parameters of the tomato plants compared to the chemical control. Agro-business enthusiasts, commercial growers and local farmers are therefore encouraged to further exploit the potential of Trichoderma species as means of control for fungus-based diseases in tomato plants such as those caused by Fusarium.

Introduction: Soil-borne pathogens cause considerable crop losses and food insecurity in smallholder systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Soil and crop testing is critical for estimating pathogen inoculum levels and potential for disease development, understanding pathogen interactions with soil nutrient and water limitations, as well as for developing informed soil health and disease management decisions. However, formal laboratory analyses and diagnostic services for pathogens are often out of reach for smallholder farmers due to the high cost of testing and a lack of local laboratories. Methods: To address this challenge, we assessed the performance of a suite of simplified soil bioassays to screen for plant parasitic nematodes (e.g., Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus) and other key soil-borne pathogens (Pythium and Fusarium). We sampled soils from on-farm trials in western Kenya examining the impact of distinct nutrient inputs (organic vs. synthetic) on bean production. Key soil health parameters and common soil-borne pathogens were evaluated using both simple bioassays and formal laboratory methods across eleven farms, each with three nutrient input treatments (66 samples in total). Results and Discussion: The soil bioassays, which involved counting galls on lettuce roots and lesions on soybean were well correlated with the abundance of gall forming (Meloidogyne) and root lesion nematodes (e.g., Pratylenchus) recovered in standard laboratory-based extractions. Effectiveness of a Fusarium bioassay, involving the counting of lesions on buried bean stems, was verified via sequencing and a pathogenicity test of cultured Fusariumstrains. Finally, a Pythium soil bioassay using selective media clearly distinguished pathogen infestation of soils and infected seeds. When examining management impact on nematode communities, soils amended with manure had fewer plant parasites and considerably more bacterivore and fungivore nematodes compared to soils amended with synthetic N and P. Similarly, Pythium presence was 35% lower in soils amended with manure, while the Fusarium assays indicated 23% higher Fusarium infection in plots with amended manure. Our findings suggest that relatively simple bioassays can be used to help farmers assess soil-borne pathogens in a timely manner, with minimal costs, thus enabling them to make informed decisions on soil health and pathogen management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMycotoxin contamination of food and feed is a major global concern. Chronic or acute dietary exposure to contaminated food and feed can negatively affect both human and animal health. Contamination occurs through plant infection by toxigenic fungi, primarily Aspergillus and Fusarium spp., either before or after harvest. Despite the application of various management strategies, controlling these pathogens remains a major challenge primarily because of their ability to adapt to environmental changes and selection pressures. Understanding the genetic structure of plant pathogen populations is pivotal for gaining new insights into their biology and epidemiology, as well as for understanding the mechanisms behind their adaptability. Such deeper understanding is crucial for developing effective and preemptive management strategies tailored to the evolving nature of pathogenic populations. This review focuses on the population-level variations within the two most economically significant toxigenic fungal genera according to space, host, and pathogenicity. Outcomes in terms of migration patterns, gene flow within populations, mating abilities, and the potential for host jumps are examined. We also discuss effective yet often underutilized applications of population genetics and genomics to address practical challenges in the epidemiology and disease control of toxigenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane smut, caused by the fungus Sporisorium scitamineum (Sydow), significantly affects sugarcane crops worldwide. Infected plants develop whip-like structures known as sori. Significant variations in these whip lengths are commonly observed, but the physiological and molecular differences causing these morphological differences remain poorly documented. To address this, we employed conventional microbe isolation, metagenomic, and metabolomic techniques to investigate smut-infected sugarcane stems and whips of varying lengths. Metagenomics analysis revealed a diverse fungal community in the sugarcane whips, with Sporisorium and Fusarium genera notably present (>1%) in long whips. Isolation techniques confirmed these findings. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography analysis (UHPLC-MS/MS) showed high levels of gibberellin hormones (GA3, GA1, GA4, GA8, and GA7) in long whips, with GA4 and GA7 found exclusively in long whips and stems. Among the prominent genera present within long whips, Fusarium was solely positively correlated with these gibberellin (GA) hormones, with the exception of GA8, which was positively correlated with Sporisorium. KEGG enrichment analysis linked these hormones to pathways like diterpenoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction. These findings suggest that Fusarium may influence GA production leading to whip elongation. Our study reveals fungal dynamics and gibberellin responses in sugarcane smut whips. Future research will explore the related molecular gibberellin synthesis mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to managing diseases, focusing on combining various strategies to reduce pathogen populations effectively and in an environmentally conscious way. We investigated the effects of IPM on beneficial microbial populations and its relationship with pathogen populations in both direct-seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted rice (TR) systems. This study demonstrates that IPM practices have significantly higher populations of beneficial microbes, such as Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens, and lower level of the pathogen Fusarium verticillioides compared to non-IPM (farmer practices). The average mean population of T. harzianum was 6.38 x 10³ CFU/g in IPM compared to 3.22 x 10³ CFU/g in non-IPM during 2019 in TR at Bambawad. P. fluorescens mean population in 2019 was significantly higher in IPM (4.67 x 10³ CFU/g) than in non-IPM (3.82 x 10³ CFU/g) at the Karnal location in DSR. The F. verticillioides populations were significantly lower in IPM fields (9.46 x 10³ CFU/g) compared to non-IPM fields (11.48 x 10³ CFU/g) during 2017 at Haridwar in TR. Over three years, a significant increase in the populations of beneficial microbes in IPM plots was observed in all three locations of both TR and DSR, highlighting the sustainable impact of IPM practices. Disease dynamics analysis revealed that IPM effectively managed key diseases in both DSR and TR systems, with significant correlations between microbial density and disease severity. A significant positive correlation was recorded between F. verticillioides population and bakanae incidence at all three locations. Sheath blight incidence was negatively correlated with P. fluorescens population in both TR and DSR. In DSR, bacterial blight and brown spot diseases are reduced with the increased population of T. harzianum. Bioagents T. harzianum and P. fluorescens reduced disease incidence, underscoring the role of beneficial microbes in disease suppression and their importance for sustainable production using IPM practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating a new approach to control wilt diseases using Jania ethyl acetate extract. In the current investigation, the potential impacts of Jania sp. ethyl acetate extract (JE) on Tomato Fusarium oxysporum wilt (FOW) have been studied. The in vitro antifungal potential of JE against F. oxysporum (FO) was examined. GC–MS investigation of the JE revealed that, the compounds possessing fungicidal action were Phenol,2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-,acetate, Eugenol, Caryophyllene oxide, Isoespintanol, Cadinene, Caryophylla-4(12),8(13)-dien-5à-ol and Copaen. Jania sp. ethyl acetate extract exhibited strong antifungal potential against FO, achieving a 20 mmzone of inhibition. In the experiment, two different methods were applied: soil irrigation (SI) and foliar application (FS) of JE. The results showed that both treatments reduced disease index present DIP by 20.83% and 33.33% respectively. The findings indicated that during FOW, proline, phenolics, and the antioxidant enzymes activity increased, while growth and photosynthetic pigments decreased. The morphological features, photosynthetic pigments, total phenol content, and antioxidant enzyme activity of infected plants improved when JE was applied through soil or foliar methods. It is interesting to note that the application of JE had a substantially less negative effect on the isozymes peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in tomato plants, compared to FOW. These reactions differed depending on whether JE was applied foliarly or via the soil. Finally, the use of Jania sp. could be utilized commercially as an ecologically acceptable method to protect tomato plants against FOW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (FocTR4), is an important disease for banana production. Presence and prevalence of FocTR4 in banana plantations on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye were assessed during 2018 to 2020 in a total of 117 banana plantations in open fields and protected plastic greenhouses. Rhizome, pseudostem, and root samples were taken from plants showing typical symptoms associated to the disease and from suspected affected plants. Fungi were isolated from the plant internal tissues, and Fusarium oxysporum-like colo- nies were sub-cultured for further analyses. Phylogenetic analyses of 36 isolates showed that they belonged to four different Fusarium species: F. musae, F. oxysporum, F. sac- chari, and F. solani. Eight representative F. oxysporum isolates were identified as Foc- TR4 by specific PCR and qPCR tests. Pathogenicity tests were carried out on tissue- cultured ‘Cavendish’ type banana seedlings (‘Grand Naine’) for 36 Fusarium isolates, and their virulence was assessed based on the internal necrosis observed in the rhi- zomes. Approx. 40 to 65 d after inoculations, FocTR4, F. oxysporum, and F. sacchari isolates caused severe to mild necroses in the seedling rhizomes. This is the first report of F. sacchari associated with root and collar rot of bananas in Türkiye. This study showed that Fusarium wilt caused by FocTR4 is present, but at low incidence (6.8%) in Turkish banana plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicylic acid (SA), a vital endogenous hormone, plays a crucial role in plant growth and the response to abiotic and biotic stress. Isochorismate synthase (ICS) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) are critical rate-limiting enzymes for SA synthesis. Fusarium head blight (FHB) seriously threatens the safety of wheat production, but increasing the content of SA can enhance FHB resistance. However, the pathway of SA synthesis and regulation in wheat remains unknown. In this study, three wheat ICS (TaICSA, TaICSB, and TaICSD) were identified, and their functions were validated in vitro for isomerizing chorismate to isochorismate. The mutation of one or two homoeoalleles of TaICSA, TaICSB, and TaICSD in the wheat variety 'Cadenza' reduced SA levels under ultraviolet treatment and Fusarium graminearum infection, further enhancing sensitivity to FHB. Overexpression of TaICSA can significantly enhance SA levels and resistance to FHB. To further study SA synthesis pathways in wheat and avoid interference with pathogenicity related genes, the leaves of wild-type Cadenza and different TaICS mutant lines were subjected to ultraviolet treatment for transcriptomic analysis. The results showed that 37 PALs might be involved in endogenous SA synthesis, and 82 WRKY and MYB family transcription factors may regulate the expression of ICS and PAL. These results were further confirmed by RT-PCR. In conclusion, this study expands our knowledge of SA biosynthesis and identifies TaICSA, as well as several additional candidate genes that encode transcription factors for regulating endogenous SA levels, as part of an efficient strategy for enhancing FHB resistance in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) phytohormone pathways are important regulators of stress tolerance. Knowledge regarding the diversity, phylogeny and functionality of wheat genes involved in JA and SA response is limited.Using Arabidopsis, rice and wheat genomic and wheat disease transcriptomic data, we deduced the size, phylogenetic diversity and pathogen‐responsiveness of seven hormone‐responsive gene families, and thus selected 14 candidates as potential hormone responsive gene markers. Gene‐specific expression studies assessed the impact of exogenous JA and SA on their transcriptional activation in leaves of two distinct wheat cultivars. RNAseq data were interrogated to assess their disease responsiveness and tissue‐specific expression.This study elucidated the number, phylogeny and pathogen‐responsiveness of wheat genes from seven families, including 12 TaAOS, 6 TaJAMyb, 256 TaWRKY group III, 85 TaPR1, 205 TaPR2, 76 TaPR3 and 124 TaPR5. This included the first description of the wheat AOS, JAMyb, PR2, PR3 and PR5 gene families. Gene expression studies delineated TaAOS1‐5B and TaJAMyb‐4A as JA‐responsive in leaves, but not significantly responsive to SA treatment, while TaWRKY45‐B was a SA‐ but not a JA‐responsive marker. Other candidate genes were either unresponsive or non‐specific to SA or JA.Our findings highlight that all seven gene families are greatly expanded in wheat as compared to other plants (up to 7.6‐fold expansion), and demonstrate disparity in the response to biotic stress between some homoeologous and paralogous sequences within these families. The SA‐ and JA‐responsive marker genes identified herein will prove useful tools to monitor these signalling pathways in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium stalk rot (FSR), caused by the Fusarium species complex, is an economic threat to maize cultivation all over the world. We investigated the population structure and genetic diversity of Fusarium species obtained from five major maize-growing regions in India. The Tef-1α locus was used for phylogenetic analysis of geographically distinct isolates of Fusarium verticillioides, F. andiyazi, F. proliferatum, F. nygamai, and F. acutatum causing FSR. A phylogenetic tree showed monophyletic, polyphyletic, and paraphyletic groupings reflecting the complex evolutionary history and genetic diversity within the genus. Monophyletic groupings depicting strong bootstrap support were shown to have a single common ancestor and genetic coherence with limited genetic divergence among sequences. Polyphyletic groupings also presented significant genetic differentiation within the F. verticillioides sequences from diverse ecological niches. Nucleotide diversity of moderate level 0.02471 reflected genetic variations within populations that were attributed to factors such as mutation, genetic drift, or varying selection pressures. The Fst value of 0.98205 is particularly indicative of high genetic differentiation, implying that most of the genetic variance is due to differences between populations rather than within them. F. verticillioides, with 57 sequences, showed low genetic diversity with three segregating sites and a low haplotype diversity of 0.19486, suggesting the founder effect, where a reduced population expands from a limited genetic pool. The total data estimates across all populations for haplotype analysis showed 72 sequences, 44 segregating sites, and 9 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.48513. The evolutionary dynamics showed genetic differentiations among Fusarium species causing FSR. AMOVA indicated high within-population variations, depicting a substantial genetic diversity within individual populations. The results offer a comprehensive framework for discussing the implications of genetic diversity in pathogen management and the evolutionary dynamics of the Fusarium species causing FSR in maize in the Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pineapple Fruitlet Core Rot (FCR) is a fungal disease characterized by a multi-pathogen pathosystem. Recently, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium oxysporum, and Talaromyces stollii joined the set of FCR pathogens until then exclusively attributed to Fusarium ananatum. The particularity of FCR relies on the presence of healthy and diseased fruitlets within the same infructescence. The mycobiomes associated with these two types of tissues suggested that disease occurrence might be triggered by or linked to an ecological chemical communication-promoting pathogen(s) development within the fungal community. Interactions between the four recently identified pathogens were deciphered by in vitro pairwise co-culture bioassays. Both fungal growth and mycotoxin production patterns were monitored for 10 days. Results evidenced that Talaromyces stollii was the main fungal antagonist of Fusarium species, reducing by 22% the growth of Fusarium proliferatum. A collapse of beauvericin content was observed when FCR pathogens were cross-challenged while fumonisin concentrations were increased by up to 7-fold. Antagonism between Fusarium species and Talaromyces stollii was supported by the diffusion of a red pigmentation and droplets of red exudate at the mycelium surface. This study revealed that secondary metabolites could shape the fungal pathogenic community of a pineapple fruitlet and contribute to virulence promoting FCR establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize, one of the most important cereal crops in Bangladesh, is severely contaminated by fumonisin, a carcinogenic secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium including Fusarium proliferatum. Biocontrol with Bacillus strains is an effective approach to controlling this F. proliferatum as Bacillus has proven antagonistic properties against this fungus. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine how native Bacillus strains can reduce fumonisin in maize cultivated in Bangladesh, where BDISO76MR (Bacillus subtilis) strains showed the highest efficacy both in vitro in detached cob and in planta under field conditions. The BDISO76MR strain could reduce the fumonisin concentration in detached cob at 98.52% over untreated control, by inhibiting the conidia germination and spore formation of F. proliferatum at 61.56% and 77.01%, respectively in vitro. On the other hand, seed treatment with formulated BDISO76MR showed higher efficacy with a reduction of 97.27% fumonisin contamination compared to the in planta cob inoculation (95.45%) over untreated control. This implies that Bacillus-based formulation might be a potential approach in mitigating fumonisin contamination in maize to ensure safe food and feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soilborne fungal pathogens that cause root rot, wilting and dying are the most important problems in pistachio production. The purpose of this study was to examine, isolate, and diagnose the pathogens from diseased pistachio trees in orchards and nurseries located in southeastern Turkey. Fungi isolated from the pistachio trees were identified by morphology and the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α). Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium brachygibbosum, Fusarium chlamydosporum and Macrophomina phaseolina were the most important fungi causing root rot, wilting and decline of pistachio trees. Pathogenicity studies showed that all of the fungi identified can colonize and damage the vascular tissues of a sapling and cause substantial lesions and vascular discolourations. This study provides the first evidence of wilting due to the root and crown rot in pistachio trees in Siirt province of Turkey caused by some Fusarium species, especially F. solani, F. oxysporum, F. chlamydosporum, F. brachygibbosum and M. phaseolina. Finally, the research enabled the identification of some fungal pathogens that are seriously harming pistachio trees in southeastern Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia stands prominently among Asia's key cocoa‐producing countries. In the cocoa season of 2022–2023, Malaysia demonstrated its contribution to the industry, with an estimated production of around 364,000 tonnes of cacao bean grindings. Nonetheless, fungal diseases pose undeniable challenges to the cocoa sector. Extensive sampling conducted between September 2018 and March 2019 across multiple states in Malaysia revealed concerning symptoms of leaf blight and stem canker affecting Theobroma cacao plants. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize fungal species associated with leaf blight and stem canker of T. cacao in Malaysia through morphological, molecular and pathogenicity analyses. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses using multiple DNA regions (rDNA internal transcribed spacer [ITS], TEF1 and TUB2) were performed and identified 40 fungal isolates found in this study as Diaporthe tulliensis (17 isolates), Fusarium solani (seven isolates), Fusarium proliferatum (six isolates) and Neopestalotiopsis clavispora (10 isolates). Pathogenicity tests with mycelial plugs and wound treatments showed that D. tulliensis and N. clavispora were responsible for causing leaf blight whereas D. tulliensis, F. solani and F. proliferatum caused stem canker of T. cacao. The present study provides insights into disease aetiology and symptomatology that may be useful in planning effective disease management for the host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium crown rot (FCR), mainly caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, is a serious fungal disease that affects wheat yield. To determine the inhibitory activity of metconazole to F. pseudograminearum in Henan province, the toxicity of metconazole against three randomly selected isolates (JY2208, HB2201, and XC2116) at different developmental stages was determined from 219 isolates tested. The combined toxicity of metconazole with prochloraz, phenamacril, fluazinam, and fludioxonil against isolate JY2208 was determined according to the mass ratio of 5 : 1, 3 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 3, 1 : 5. The indoor control efficacy of metconazole against FCR was determined by the wheat coleoptile inoculation method. The results showed that the average EC50 values of mycelium growth, sporulation quantity, spore germination, and germ tube elongation of three isolates were (0.0397 ± 0.0035) μg/mL, (0.9549 ± 0.1152) μg/mL, (0.6114 ± 0.0393) μg/mL, and (0.0235 ± 0.0015) μg/mL, respectively. The EC50 values of metconazole, inhibiting mycelium growth of 219 isolates of F. pseudograminearum, ranged from 0.0207 to 0.0839 μg/mL, with an average value of (0.0406 ± 0.0114) μg/mL. The sensitivity frequency distribution was a continuous single-peak curve, which could serve as the baseline sensitivity of F. pseudograminearum to metconazole in Henan Province. The synergy ratios (SR) of metconazole combined with prochloraz, phenamacril, fluazinam, and fludioxonil ranged from 0.51 to 2.32. Different combinations and ratios of the mixture demonstrated either additive inhibition or synergistic inhibition efficacy. These results indicated that metconazole can be used in combination with prochloraz, phenamacril, fluazinam, and fludioxonil. Metconazole and fluazinam, with a mass ratio of 5 : 1, exhibited the strongest synergistic inhibition effect, achieving the maximum synergy ratio, with an SR of 2.32. Under laboratory conditions, the combination of 8% metconazole suspension and 50% fluazinam suspension, with the active ingredient of mass ratio of 5 : 1, achieved 100% control efficacy at the concentration of 80 μg/mL. These results could provide a basis for controlling the Fusarium crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the microbial isolation, identification and optimization of tyrosinase enzyme from Fusarium species. The experiments discuss the microscopic observation of tyrosinase producing fungi and the optimization of culture conditions for the production of tyrosinase, optimization of potential of hydrogen (pH), optimization of temperature and optimization of inoculum size.

The article investigates the fungal associates of medicinal plant Azadirachta indica A. Juss growing in district Una, Himachal Pradesh, India. The study identifies species of fungi from rhizosphere of Azadirachta indica, Arbascular Mycorrhizal Fungi belonging to the genera of Acaulospora, Gigaspora and Glomus, as well as the presence of endophytic fungi species belonging to the Fusarium, Gliocladium and Trichoderma genera.

In the present study, seven fungal isolates from effluent treatment plants were screened for the production of prebiotic fructooligosaccharide synthesizing enzymes with the highest activity of fructofuranosidase (17.52 U/mL) and fructosyl transferase (18.92 U/mL) in strain HKF-74. Mining of genome sequence of strain revealed the annotation of genes providing multiple carbohydrate metabolizing capacities, such as amylases (AMY1), beta-galactosidase (BGAL), beta-xylosidase (Xyl), β-fructofuranosidase (ScrB), fructosyltransferase (FTF), and maltose hydrolases (malH). The annotated genes were further supported by β-galactosidase (15.90 U/mL), xylanase (17.91 U/mL), and α-amylase (14.05 U/mL) activities for synthesis of galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccarides, and maltooligosaccharides, respectively. In addition to genes encoding prebiotic synthesizing enzymes, four biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) including Type I polyketide synthase (PKS), non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), NRPS-like, and terpene were also predicted in strain HKF-74. This was significant considering their potential role in pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications as well as in virulence. Accurate taxonomic assignment of strain HKF-74 by in silico genomic comparison indicated its closest identity to type strains Fusarium verticillioides NRRL 20984, and 7600. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) of strain HKF-74 with these strains was 92.5% which was close to the species threshold cut-off value (95–96%) while the DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) value was 83–84% which was greater than both, species delineating (79–80%), and also sub-species delineating (70%) boundaries. Our findings provide a foundation for further research into the use of Fusarium strains and their prebiotic synthesizing enzymes for the development of novel prebiotic supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber is one of the top ten vegetables globally and is widely cultivated worldwide. However, Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cucumerinum, is one of the most serious soil-borne diseases in cucumber cultivation, causing significant economic losses. Biological control has great potential in the prevention of cucumber wilt disease, but the mechanism involved still needs further research. In this study, biocontrol isolate Bacillus subtilis 1JN2, which was isolated in our previous work, was evaluated in field conditions against Fusarium wilt, and the rhizosphere fungal diversity was analyzed. The results indicated that the biocontrol efficacy of B. subtilis 1JN2 reached 58.5% compared with the blank control, and the population density of F. oxysporum in the rhizosphere decreased from 495 copies/g of soil before inoculation to 20 copies/g 14 days after treatment. High-throughput sequencing demonstrated that after an inoculation of 1JN2, the populations that decreased significantly include the genera of Olpidium and Pseudallescheria, from more than 20% to less than 8%. And the most increased population belonged to the family Chaetomiaceae, from 6.82% to 18.77%, 12.39%, 44.41%, and 19.41% at the four sample time points after treatment. In addition, soil-related enzyme activities, including catalase, soil dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and polyphenol oxidase, were analyzed before and after treatment with 1JN2. The results indicated that all the enzyme activities showed an upward trend following inoculation. These findings demonstrate the potential of using B. subtilis 1JN2 as a biocontrol agent for controlling Fusarium wilt in cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2012, growers of coriander, Coriandrum sativum L., in Israel have been suffering from summer wilting that can result in entire fields collapsing. The current study aimed to determine the cause of the phenomenon and find a genetic solution to the problem. The disease was reproduced in a growth chamber using naturally-infested soil from a commercial field. Wilt became apparent within two weeks, and after ten weeks, all plants died compared to plants in sterilized soil from the same source. Fusarium oxysporum was isolated from infected plants, and Koch's postulates were completed. Sequence analysis of the Elongation Factor (EF1α) encoding gene of the pathogen had a 99.54% match to F. oxysporum f. sp. coriandrii. Several coriander varieties were screened for resistance or tolerance to the disease. In four independent experiments, only the cultivar 'Smadi' showed high tolerance, while other genotypes were susceptible. In a trial in a naturally infested field, the cultivar 'Smadi' outperformed the commercial cultivar 'Blair'. 'Smadi' provides a cropping solution to many Israeli farmers, yet this winter cultivar bolts early in the summer. There is a further need to characterize the tolerance mechanism and inheritance for informed breeding of late-bolting Fusarium-resistant coriander. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fusarium euwallaceae, vectored by the paninvasive polyphagous shot hole borer beetle (Euwallacea fornicatus), is an emerging threat to trees globally. Proven pathogenic to cultivated deciduous fruits in South Africa, it recently has been isolated from cultivated European (Olea europaea subsp. europaea) and native African (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) olive. This potentially threatens both commercial production and native species conservation. However, pathogenicity to these trees is unknown. Three isolates were used in pathogenicity trials of F. euwallaceae towards cultivated European and African olives. Fusarium euwallaceae caused significantly longer lesions than the controls in vascular tissues of inoculated European olive trees, whereas no difference was observed for African olive. We therefore report for the first time that F. euwallaceae is pathogenic to cultivated European olive but not to African olive. As this fungus occludes affected xylem tissues, and thus water flow, olive fruit and oil production might be hampered during droughts, which are predicted to increase in severity and frequency in the main region olives are planted in in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium foot and root rot is one of the most important soilborne diseases of cereals, specifically on durum wheat which is the main cultivated species in the Mediterranean regions. This work aimed to evaluate the response of durum wheat and bread wheat to this disease under different climatic conditions. The disease parameters, grain yield loss as well as thousand kernel weight (TKW), heading date and height of plant were evaluated on 29 durum and bread wheat genotypes during two years. Overall, durum wheat grain yield was strongly and negatively correlated with disease parameters, heading date, and positively with plant height and TKW compared to bread wheat. In the drier year, the 24 durum wheat genotypes were more susceptible to the disease than the five bread wheat varieties while some of them showed less disease during the wetter year. Bread wheat maintained the same behavior in both years vs. durum wheat. Grain yield loss was higher on durum wheat compared to bread wheat. It was the same in both years (56 and 51%) for durum wheat and was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the drier (24%) compared to the wetter year (44%) for bread wheat. This work confirmed the susceptibility of Tunisian durum wheat to the disease compared to bread wheat and calls attention to the potential vulnerability of this important Mediterranean food crop under a hotter, drier climate. More research is needed to investigate adaptation to drought and plant defense mechanisms and to breed for resistance to this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wheat and barley, Fusarium head blight is mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, and its control is based on the agricultural practices of not leaving crop residues in the field, growing phytopathogenic fungi-resistant varieties, biological control, and chemical treatment, including using fungicides. Here, we investigated the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activities of Massoia essential oil (MEO) and C10 Massoia lactone (C10) on Fusarium graminearum KACC 41047. Because DMSO, which was used as a solvent in this study, exhibited antifungal activity at 5% in a fungal growth medium, it was used in the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic experiments at 0.05%. Three assays were used to investigate the antifungal activities of MEO and C10, which exhibited potent antifungal activity in the agar dilution assay, with complete fungal growth inhibition at 100 mg/L. At 5–50 mg/L, MEO and C10 suppressed deoxynivalenol and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol production by >50% by downregulating the Tri10 gene, which expresses trichodiene synthase. MEO and C10 might be potent antifungal agents for F. graminearum control with less toxicological concerns because they are GRAS chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium fujikuroi, the causal agent of rice bakanae disease (RBD), contains five succinate dehydrogenase (Sdh) subunits: FfSdhA, FfSdhB, FfSdhC1, FfSdhC2, and FfSdhD. However, the role of these subunits in regulating sensitivity to succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) is largely unknown. Here, we conducted targeted gene disruption and phenotypic assays for all Sdh subunits and found that the deletion mutants of FfSdhA, FfSdhB, and FfSdhD exhibited severe defects in hyphal growth, conidiation, virulence, and sensitivity to CaCl2 and oxidative stresses. To a lesser extent, the mycelial growth rate and conidial production of ΔFfSdhC1 were also decreased as compared to those of the wild-type strain JS16. In addition, fungicide sensitivity assays showed that deletion of FfSdhA, B, C1, or D led to decreased sensitivity to all SDHIs tested. Unexpectedly, we were unable to obtain a FfSdhC1 + C2 double mutant and further found significant up-regulation of FfSdhC2 in ∆FfSdhC1, indicating that FfSdhC1 and -C2 might be essential for fungal growth although the FfSdhC2 deletion mutant was indistinguishable from the wild-type strain. These findings provide useful information for enhancing our understanding of the biological functions of the Sdh subunits in pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Rot disease caused by Fusarium poses a formidable threat to the growth of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), resulting in substantial damage to both yield and quality. It is paramount to delve into the root causes of rot disease in saffron to optimize both yield and quality. Existing preventive and treatment modalities have exerted deleterious effects on corms and the natural environment. Consequently, the quest for efficacious and eco-friendly methods such as biological control agents has become an urgent imperative. Methods: The disparate distribution of microbial communities between rhizospheric microorganisms and saffron serves as the foundational exploration for uncovering the underlying causes of rot disease. Samples from various saffron organs and rhizosphere soil were gathered, and the sequencing data from the microbial communities were interpreted using 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing methods. This facilitated an in-depth examination of the composition and changes of microorganisms in both healthy and diseased saffron plants. Results: The findings indicated rot disease reduced the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in saffron, and the fungal co-occurrence networks were less stable and their communities were more sensitive to rot disease than the bacterial community. Fusarium was the predominant genus in diseased samples, accounting for 99.19% and 89.77% of the communities in diseased leaves and corms. With corms and leaves displaying heightened susceptibility to infection compared to other plant organs. Some of the beneficial bacterial taxa enriched in the diseased plants were also identified in networks, they showed an antagonistic relationship with Fusarium, suggesting a potential for these bacteria to be used in biologically based control strategies against rot disease. These insights could prove invaluable for the development of biocontrol agents aimed at combating this plant ailment. Conclusion: These findings significantly advance our understanding of saffron-microbiome interactions and could provide fundamental and important data for improving saffron yield and quality in the process of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new integracides, dedimethyl integracide B (1) and integracide K (2), were isolated from rice cultures of Fusarium armeniacum M-3, an endophyte isolated from Digitaria ciliaris, together with the known terpenoids, integracide B (3) and 2-deoxy-integracide B (4). Assignment of the signals in the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of 1 and 2 was achieved using DEPT, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY spectra. Compound 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsengs, widely acknowledged for their health-promoting properties, are predominantly grown for their roots, necessitating an extended cultivation period of a minimum of 4 to 6 years for maturation. The prolonged growth duration in a specific location makes ginseng plants susceptible to soil-borne ailments, such as root rot, leading to significant detrimental effects. Focusing on the crucial role of the plant microbial community in maintaining ginseng health, the study reveals that repeated and continuous cultivation leads to the collapse of the initial disease-suppressive rhizosphere community, resulting in severe root rot. The dominance of Pseudomonadaceae in the rhizosphere subsequently reinstates disease suppression, aligning with suppressive soil generation phenomena. The research investigates the applicability of identified patterns to field conditions and demonstrates that rhizosphere samples from the field closely resemble conditions observed in pot-based NH4Cl treatment experiments. These findings emphasize the critical role of the rhizosphere microbial community in ginseng health maintenance during extended cultivation, offering insights into disease prevention strategies. The study also suggests the potential of pot-based experiments in simulating field conditions and informs future approaches for sustainable ginseng cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants in various republics of the world face many dangers, including diseases that threaten crop productivity. The development and increase of novel species of infectious pathogens have made plant growth threatened. Fusarium wilt is one of the fiercest diseases affecting vegetables, which causes a great loss in the quality and quantity of pepper plants all over the world. In this study, stimulation of physiological immune responses in pepper plant using ecofriendly inducers (Aspergillus alabamensis, Aspergillus oryzae, and Aspergillus tubingensis) against Fusarium wilt had been studied. Endophytic fungi were assayed for their capability to synthesize hydrocyanic acid, phosphate solubilization, siderophores, and indole acetic acid synthesis, and the antifungal potential of ecofriendly inducers against F. oxysporum was also examined. A notable antifungal potential antifusarial with a supreme activity of A. tubingensis was found. More ultrastructure by TEM of Fusarium showed that sharp changes occurred in the cell wall, mycelium, and conidia as a result of treatment with A. tubingensis, A. oryzae, and A. alabamensis. The results demonstrated the high severity of F. oxysporum on pepper seedlings. Infected seedlings showed a high reduction in all vegetative parameters, photosynthesis, entire protein, and total carbohydrate. In the current study, the potential of endophytic fungi through foliar and soil application was applied to the Fusarium-infected pepper plants under pot conditions. Disease index, vegetative growth, photosynthetic pigments, osmolyte content, stress markers, and antioxidant isozymes were assessed. The achieved result indicates that tested endophytes through two modes (foliar and soil) lowered PDI and produced high protection, with the most protection influence represented by A. tubingensis (through the soil) by 83.33%. It was concluded that use of A. tubingensis, A. alabamensis, and A. oryzae could be commercially used as eco-friendly agents for the defense of pepper seedlings against Fusarium wilt disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we studied the direct and indirect plant protection effects of an Artemisia absinthium essential oil (AEO) on tomato seedlings against Fusarium oxysporum sp. oxysporum radicis lycopersici (Fol). AEO exhibited a toxic effect in vitro against Fol. Additionally, tomato seedlings germinated from seeds pretreated with AEO and grown hydroponically were protected against Fol. Plant disease symptoms, including, water and fresh weight loss, tissue necrosis, and chlorosis were less pronounced in AEO-treated seedlings. AEO also contributed to plant defenses by increasing callose deposition and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on seed surfaces without affecting seed germination or plant development. The essential oil seed coating also primed a durable tomato seedling defense against the fungus at later stages of plant development. RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis performed on seedlings after 12 days showed that the AEO treatment on seeds induced transcriptomic and metabolic changes. The metabolomic analysis showed an induction of vanillic acid, coumarin, lycopene, oleamide, and an unknown metabolite of m/z 529 in the presence of Fol. The StNRPD2 gene, the second largest component of RNA polymerases IV and V directly involved in de novo cytosine methylation by RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), was highly induced in the presence of AEO. The host methionine cycle (MTC) controlling trans-methylation reactions, was also altered by AEO through the high induction of S-adenosyl methionine transferases (SAMts). Our results suggest that AEO treatment could induce de novo epigenetic changes in tomato, modulating the speed and extent of its immune response to Fol. The EO-seed coating could be a new strategy to prime durable tomato resistance, compatible with other environmentally friendly biopesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic fungicides are the most effective protection against plant pathogens, but, their uncontrolled and long-term use can lead to many harmful effects: environmental degradation, human health problems and pathogen resistance. The biological compounds contained in essential oils have no harmful effects on humans or the environment and can therefore be an alternative to synthetic fungicides. Essential oils are products of plant metabolism and often show antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial and insecticidal effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of essential oils from peppermint, basil and sage essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation, on Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. The experiment was carried out on potato dextrose agar. After inoculation of the agar with fungal mycelia, paper discs impregnated with 10 µl of oils were placed on the agar surface. In the control, the impregnation was carried out with distilled water. The inhibition zones were measured after 3, 6 and 9 days. The results showed that peppermint oil had the highest antimicrobial potential compared with other oils. Sage essential oil showed the lowest antifungal suppression. A negligible zone of inhibition was observed in the control. A statistically significant influence betwwen the oils and the incubation period was found in this study. Our results confirm the potential use of peppermint essential oil for the suppression of Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electronic device based on the detection of volatile substances was developed in response to the need to distinguish between fungal infestations in food and was applied to wheat grains. The most common pathogens belong to the fungi of the genus Fusarium: F. avenaceum, F. langsethiae, F. poae, and F. sporotrichioides. The electronic nose prototype is a low-cost device based on commercially available TGS series sensors from Figaro Corp. Two types of gas sensors that respond to the perturbation are used to collect signals useful for discriminating between the samples under study. First, an electronic nose detects the transient response of the sensors to a change in operating conditions from clean air to the presence of the gas being measured. A simple gas chamber was used to create a sudden change in gas composition near the sensors. An inexpensive pneumatic system consisting of a pump and a carbon filter was used to supply the system with clean air. It was also used to clean the sensors between measurement cycles. The second function of the electronic nose is to detect the response of the sensor to temperature disturbances of the sensor heater in the presence of the gas to be measured. It has been shown that features extracted from the transient response of the sensor to perturbations by modulating the temperature of the sensor heater resulted in better classification performance than when the machine learning model was built from features extracted from the response of the sensor in the gas adsorption phase. By combining features from both phases of the sensor response, a further improvement in classification performance was achieved. The E-nose enabled the differentiation of F. poae from the other fungal species tested with excellent performance. The overall classification rate using the Support Vector Machine model reached 70 per cent between the four fungal categories tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosurfactants are a class of amphipathic molecules that various microorganisms can produce. Biosurfactants are used as biopesticides and biocontrol agents because they have antimicrobial activity, especially as antifungal agents in several species of fungal pathogens such as Ganoderma boninense and Fusarium sp. that attack crops. This study aims to detect the biosurfactant activity of Bacillus sp. and its potential as an antifungal agent against the fungi Ganoderma boninense and Fusarium sp. Biosurfactants were produced in mineral salt medium (MSM) by harvesting cell-free supernatants. Screening of biosurfactant-producing isolates was carried out using an oil-spreading assay, a hemolysis assay, and an emulsification index. The antifungal activity of the isolates was then tested using the agar diffusion method. The LP04 isolate was closely related to Bacillus thuringiensis with a 99% similarity level. It has the potential to have biosurfactant activity, which is characterized by a positive result on the oil spreading assay test and has an emulsification index of 48.33±2.87%. The cell-free supernatants of the bacterial isolate were able to inhibit the growth of Ganoderma boninense and Fusarium sp. with growth inhibition rates of 51.11% and 56.92%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gamma irradiation's efficacy for inducing beneficial genomic changes. • Transcriptome data revealed 351 upregulated DEGs in Fusarium tolerant Himgiri-17.5. • R -genes were expressed in Himgiri-17.5 contributing to Fusarium wilt resistance. • Mapped 14 indels linked to R -genes could be implicated for marker assisted selection. • Identified transcription factors suggest role in defense gene expression regulation. Zingiber officinale Rosc. is a significant perennial herbaceous plant referred as 'universal medicine' in Ayurveda , due to its wide range of medicinal properties. It is vegetatively propagated via rhizomes, rendering it vulnerable to numerous pathogens found in soil, amongst which Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi has emerged as a major fungal pathogen accountable for rhizome & soft rot, and Fusarium yellows, leading to substantial loss. To overcome this problem, Fusarium wilt tolerant ginger 'Himgiri-17.5′ was developed employing in vitro induction of mutations and selection technique. Its transcriptome analysis in comparison with traditionally propagated 'Himgiri' was performed aimed to identify crucial defense-related genes and the role they play in plant-pathogen interaction. Illumina paired-end sequencing resulted in 57,939 annotated transcripts, amongst which 3745 were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 351 up-regulated. Fifty three DEGs, exclusively related to disease resistance (R) proteins spanning diverse domains, including transmembrane, kinases, nucleotide-binding site, leucine-rich repeats, coiled-coil, and Toll/Interleukin-1 receptors were identified in Himgiri-17.5. Functional annotation revealed the involvement of DEGs in positive regulation of transcription and response to pathogenic stimuli, emphasizing their role in plant defense mechanism. Fourteen indels associated with R -genes were also mapped on various chromosomes, representing invaluable genetic markers to identify genomic regions affiliated to disease resistance to serve as potential targets for genetic modification and marker-assisted selection. In addition, the analysis identified 165 up-regulated transcription factors, including v-Myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) and ethylene responsive factor (ERF) families, indicates their possible part in governing gene expression during defense mechanism. This research contributes in understanding the key genetic aspects including R -genes, indels, and transcription factors associated with pathogen recognition, signal transduction, and defense responses crucial for Fusarium wilt tolerance and holds the foundation for future studies to enhance disease resistance through biotechnological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early decades of British settlement at Sydney Cove in 1788, the struggling colonials tried their hand at growing edible bananas but invariably failed. However, they grew extremely well in the Moreton Bay colony (Brisbane) and over time banana growing became an important agricultural industry there, particularly after the introduction of the Cavendish variety. All was progressing well until a new disease appeared in plantations around Brisbane in the early 1870s. The medical practitioner and naturalist Joseph Bancroft investigated the problem and concluded that a fungus was implicated as the causal agent. In the early 1900s, following serious outbreaks of a disease with similar symptoms in Caribbean countries (where it was called Panama Disease), the American bacteriologist Erwin Frink Smith studied the same disease in Cuba, and named the pathogen Fusarium cubense. Another American scientist, Elmer Walker Brandes, conclusively proved that Fusarium cubense (now called Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense) was the cause of the banana disease. Bancroft's discovery of the disease now called Fusarium Wilt not only predates other reports of the disease in the Caribbean but also represents the first scientific investigation of a plant disease in Australia. Within the first forty years of English colonisation of Australia, the climate of Queensland proved to be the ideal place for the commercial production of bananas. It was in the south-eastern corner of the state that a new disease of banana (now called Fusarium Wilt) was identified by a Brisbane physician, Dr. Joseph Bancroft, in the early 1870s. The disease was given the name 'Panama disease', despite the fact that it was not discovered in Panama until twenty years later. Photograph by Andre Drenth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyses the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with cutaneous fusarium through a systematic review of cases reported in literature. A total of 39 cases were included, of which 53% were men, 30% were women, and in 17% the sex was not specified. The age ranged from 5 to 85 years. Most cases were reported in Brazil, followed by Japan and United States of America. The most common agent was Fusarium solani, in 37.5% of the patients. Most of the affected individuals had acute myeloid leukaemia and some of the predisposing factors, which included induction chemotherapy, febrile neutropenia, and bone marrow transplantation. The clinical topography of the lesions was located in 27.5% and disseminated in 72.5%, with the most observed clinical feature outstanding the presence of papules and nodules with central necrosis in 47% of the cases. Longer survival was demonstrated in those treated with more than three antifungals. It is concluded that cutaneous fusarium is a complex and challenging clinical entity, infection in patients with leukaemias underscores the need for thorough care to decrease morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Fusarium species are known as endophytes and/or phytopathogens of higher plants and have a worldwide distribution. Recently, information discovered with molecular tools has been also published about the presence of these fungi in the microbiome of truffle fruiting bodies. In the present work, we isolated and identified three Fusarium strains from truffle fruiting bodies. All isolates were assigned to the same species, F. commune, and the strains were deposited in the All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms under accession numbers VKM F-5020, VKM F-5021, and VKM F-5022. To check the possible effects of the isolated strains on the plants, the isolates were used to infect sterile seedlings of Sarepta mustard (Brassica juncea L.). This model infection led to a moderate suppression of the photosynthetic apparatus activity and plant growth. Here, we present characteristics of the F. commune isolates: description of the conidial morphology, pigmentation, and composition of the mycelium fatty acids. Overall, this is the first description of the Fusarium cultures isolated from truffle fruiting bodies. Possible symbiosis of the F. commune strains with truffles and their involvement in the cooperative fatty acid production are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi, including filamentous fungi and yeasts, are major contributors to global food losses and waste due to their ability to colonize a very large diversity of food raw materials and processed foods throughout the food chain. In addition, numerous fungal species are mycotoxin producers and can also be responsible for opportunistic infections. In recent years, MALDI-TOF MS has emerged as a valuable, rapid and reliable asset for fungal identification in order to ensure food safety and quality. In this context, this study aimed at expanding the VITEK® MS database with food-relevant fungal species and evaluate its performance, with a specific emphasis on species differentiation within species complexes. To this end, a total of 380 yeast and mold strains belonging to 51 genera and 133 species were added into the spectral database including species from five species complexes corresponding to Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium dimerum, Mucor circinelloides complexes and Aspergillus series nigri. Database performances were evaluated by cross-validation and external validation using 78 fungal isolates with 96.55% and 90.48% correct identification, respectively. This study also showed the capacity of MALDI-TOF MS to differentiate closely related species within species complexes and further demonstrated the potential of this technique for the routine identification of fungi in an industrial context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium species are agriculturally important fungi with a broad host range and can be found as endophytic, pathogenic, or opportunistic parasites in many crop plants. This study aimed to identify Fusarium species in bare-rooted, dormant plants in Turkish grapevine nurseries using molecular identification methods and assess their pathogenicity. Asymptomatic dormant plants were sampled from grapevine nurseries (43) in different regions of the country, and fungi were isolated from plant roots and internal basal tissues. The Fusarium strains were identified by performing gene sequencing (TEF1-α, RPB2) and phylogenetic analyses. Pathogenicity tests were carried out by inoculating mycelial agar pieces of strains onto the stem or conidial suspensions into the rhizosphere of vines (1103 Paulsen rootstock). Laboratory tests revealed that Fusarium species were highly prevalent in Turkish grapevine nurseries (41 out of 43). Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses unraveled that 12 Fusarium species (F. annulatum, F. brachygibbosum, F. clavum, F. curvatum, F. falciforme, F. fredkrugeri, F. glycines, F. nanum, F. nematophilum, F. nirenbergiae, F. solani, and Fusarium spp.) existed in the ready-to-sale plants. Some of these species (F. annulatum, F. curvatum and F. nirenbergiae) consistently caused wood necrosis of seedling stems, rotting of the basal zone and roots, and reduced root biomass. Although the other nine species also caused some root rot and root reduction, their virulence was not as severe as the pathogenic ones, and they were considered opportunistic parasites or endophytic species. This study suggests that Fusarium species might play an important role in root-basal rot, wood canker symptoms, and young vine decline in Turkish grapevine nurseries and that these species need to be considered for healthy seedling production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most common fungicides, Thiophanate-methyl (TM), has been extensively used to prevent fusarium wilt disease. Understanding the kinetic behavior of the TM-fungicide in the greenhouse soil was aimed at the current research. The findings demonstrated that TMfungicide goes through the pseudo-first-order model (PFO), which results in a rate constant K= 0.421 minutes-1. As a result, TM-fungicide needs 16.46 minutes-1 to degrade 50% of the initial concentration. The power function for TM-fungicide ranged from -1.826 to 0.0360 minutes-1, and the distribution coefficient was 6.5 mL g-1. Regarding the adsorption of Langmuir and Freundlich, TM-fungicide is more fitting to the Freundlich with the aF = 25.73 and the bF = 0.078 compared to the Langmuir model. The TM-fungicide starts to release to the soil after 4-5 hours, achieving extensive, effective control of the soil pests, Moreover, TM-fungicide is highly mobile in the soil based on the current conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐harvest diseases cause significant economic losses in the carrot production chain. In this study, storage losses and fungal pathogens causing them were analysed in the carrot yield from 52 different field plots in four areas in Finland in 3 years (2016–2018). Over 30,000 carrots were sampled and analysed at three time points during cold storage at 0–1°C. In March, after 5–6 months' storage, the average loss due to diseases was 20%–21% every year. Decay of the root tip was the most common disease symptom, followed by pits on the side and black rot in the crown, detected in 69.2%, 15.0% and 9.0% of the symptomatic samples, respectively. Both intensive carrot cultivation practice and early timing of harvest increased storage losses. Pathogens in 3057 symptomatic carrot tissue samples were isolated by culturing, and fungal species were identified. The most common fungal species detected were Mycocentrospora acerina, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium spp., especially F. avenaceum. However, the frequency of different pathogens varied between the different years and time points during storage. Species‐specific PCR tests revealed that M. acerina and F. avenaceum were present in many early time‐point samples where they could not yet be detected by the culturing method. In Finland, this study on carrot post‐harvest diseases is the first large‐scale survey in which the fungal pathogens were isolated and identified by laboratory tests. In comparison with the previous studies, Fusarium spp. were detected more frequently in this study, while grey mould and Sclerotinia rot were less frequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the selection pressures acting on plant pathogen populations, especially those applied by quantitative forms of resistance. Fusarium graminearum causes Fusarium head blight in wheat, producing significant yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Quantitative host resistance is the best method to control Fusarium head blight. However, there needs to be more understanding of how disease resistance affects the evolution of plant pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine if the presence or absence of wheat resistance influenced the fitness components and genomic regions of F. graminearum. Thirty-one isolates from highly susceptible and 25 isolates from moderately resistant wheat lines were used. Isolate aggressiveness was measured by the area under the disease progress curve, visually damaged kernels, and deoxynivalenol contamination. The in vitro growth rate and spore production were also measured. Two whole-genome scans for selection were conducted with 333,297 singlenucleotide polymorphisms. One scan looked for signatures of selection in the entire sample, and the other scan was for divergent selection between the isolates from moderately resistant wheal and highly susceptible wheat. The subsample of isolates from highly susceptible wheat was primarily aggressive. Several regions of the F. graminearum genome with signatures for selection were identified. The moderately resistant wheat varieties used in this study did not select more aggressive isolates, suggesting that quantitative resistance is a durable method to control Fusarium head blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium root rot is usually classified as an extremely destructive soilborne disease. From 2020 to 2021, Fusarium root rot was observed in production areas and seriously affected the yield and quality of Scutellaria baicalensis in Shanxi Province, China. Based on morphological characteristics and combined analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA and translation elongation factor 1 -alpha sequences. 68 Fusarium isolates obtained in this work were identified as E oxysporum (52.94%), F. acuminatum (20.59%), F. solani (16.17%). F. proliferatum (5.88%), F. incarnation (2.94%), and F. brachygibbosum (1.47%). In the pathogenicity tests, all Fusarium isolates could infect S. baicalensis roots, presenting different pathogenic ability. Among these isolates, F. oxysporum was found to have the highest virulence on S. baicalensis roots, followed by F. acuminatum, F. solani, F. proliferatum. F. brachygibbosum, and F. incarnation. According to fungicide sensitivity tests, Fusarium isolates were more sensitive to fludioxonil and difenoconazole, followed by carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, and hymexazol. In brief, this is the first report of Fusarium species (F. oxysporum, F. acuminatum, F. solani, F. proliferatum, F. incamarum, and F. brachygibbosum) as causal agents of root rot of S', baicalensis in Shanxi Province, China. The fungicide sensitivity results will be helpful for formulating management strategies of baicalensis root rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly incited by Fusarium graminearum, has caused great losses in grain yield and quality of wheat globally. Fhb7, major gene from 7E chromosome of Thinopyrum ponticum, confers broad resistance to multiple Fusarium species in wheat and has recently been cloned and identified as encoding a glutathione S-transferase (GST). CRISPRHowever, some recent reports raised doubt about whether GSTis the causal gene of Fhb7. To resolve the discrepancy and validate the gene function of GST in wheat, we phenotyped Flib7 near-isogenic lines (Jimai22-Fhb7 versus Jimai22) and GSToverexpressed lines for FHB resistance. Jimai22-Fhb7 showed significantly higher FHB resistance with a lower percentage of symptomatic spikelets, Fusaritun-damaged kernels, and deoxynivalenol content than susceptible Jimai22 in three experiments. All the positive GST transgenic lines driven by either the maize ubiquitin promoter or its native promoter with high gene expression in the wheat cultivar 'Fielder' showed high FHB resistance. Only one inaize ubiquitin promoter-driven transgenic line showed low GST expression and similar susceptibility to Fielder, suggesting that high GST expression confers Fhb7 resistance to FHB. Knockout of GST in the Jimai22-Fhb7 line using CRISPRHowever, Cas9-based gene editing showed significantly higher FHB susceptibility compared with the nonedited control plants. Therefore, we confirmed GST as the causal gene of Fhb7 for FHB resistance. Considering its major effect on FHB resistance, pyramiding Fhb7 with other quantitative trait loci has a great potential to create highly FHB -resistant wheat cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aimed to screen the effect of single inoculations as well as paired fungal inoculations and to provide evidence for the synergistic effects of paired isolates having high impact on growth and development of barley plant. Topics include identification and characterization of fungal isolates, colony morphology and microscopic examination, and molecular identification of potential fungal isolates.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major threat to global wheat production. Recent reviews of wheat FHB focused on pathology or comprehensive prevention and lacked a summary of advanced detection techniques. Unlike traditional detection and management methods, wheat FHB detection based on various imaging technologies has the obvious advantages of a high degree of automation and efficiency. With the rapid development of computer vision and deep learning technology, the number of related research has grown explosively in recent years. This review begins with an overview of wheat FHB epidemic mechanisms and changes in the characteristics of infected wheat. On this basis, the imaging scales are divided into microscopic, medium, submacroscopic, and macroscopic scales. Then, we outline the recent relevant articles, algorithms, and methodologies about wheat FHB from disease detection to qualitative analysis and summarize the potential difficulties in the practicalization of the corresponding technology. This paper could provide researchers with more targeted technical support and breakthrough directions. Additionally, this paper provides an overview of the ideal application mode of the FHB detection technologies based on multi-scale imaging and then examines the development trend of the all-scale detection system, which paved the way for the fusion of non-destructive detection technologies of wheat FHB based on multi-scale imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The malting industry faces a dilemma in which barley, initially containing low deoxynivalenol levels, occasionally exhibits an unexpected increase in deoxynivalenol levels during malting. In the current study, we investigated mycotoxin accumulation and hyphal localization in single kernels from Fusarium head blight infected barley and malt samples which showed an aberrant behavior of deoxynivalenol increases during malting. While deoxynivalenol levels in these bulk barley samples already ranged from <0.20 to 1.27 µg/g, they further increased on average by approximately 500% after malting, along with Fusarium growth. In addition, deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside and 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol levels increased from <0.20 µg/g to the mean levels of 2.47 µg/g and 1.03 µg/g in the bulk malt, respectively. In the investigation of single kernels, results showed that only 7% of barley single kernels (n = 385) had deoxynivalenol >1.00 μg/g, with the maximum level of 35.97 μg/g. However, 31% of malt single kernels contained deoxynivalenol >1.00 μg/g and up to 255.43 μg/g. Deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside and 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol were found in 40% of malt single kernels. Fungal hyphae were observed in the aleurone layer and embryo of barley kernels with deoxynivalenol >10.00 μg/g, in addition to the husk and vascular bundles of kernels with deoxynivalenol <1.00 μg/g. Hyphae spread largely in these tissues following malting, and even into the endosperm and pericarp cavities of extremely high deoxynivalenol kernels (i.e., >100.00 μg/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]