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Surveillance for genetic variation of microbial pathogens, both within and among species, plays an important role in informing research, diagnostic, prevention, and treatment activities for disease control. However, large-scale systematic screening for novel genotypes remains challenging in part due to technological limitations. Towards addressing this challenge, we present an advancement in universal microbial high resolution melting (HRM) analysis that is capable of accomplishing both known genotype identification and novel genotype detection. Specifically, this novel surveillance functionality is achieved through time-series modeling of sequence-defined HRM curves, which is uniquely enabled by the large-scale melt curve datasets generated using our high-throughput digital HRM platform. Taking the detection of bacterial genotypes as a model application, we demonstrate that our algorithms accomplish an overall classification accuracy over 99.7% and perform novelty detection with a sensitivity of 0.96, specificity of 0.96 and Youden index of 0.92. Since HRM-based DNA profiling is an inexpensive and rapid technique, our results add support for the feasibility of its use in surveillance applications.

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), a member of the genus Salvia within the Lamiaceae family, holds significant economic and medicinal value. Regrettably, the emergence of a novel leaf anthracnose in 2020 has significantly impacted its cultivation, leading to decreased yield and compromised quality. This newly identified pathogen was meticulously isolated from affected leaves, employing meticulous single conidia isolation techniques. Subsequent confirmation of pathogenicity was achieved through strict adherence of Koch's postulates. To ensure precise identification, morphological characteristics were supplemented with tandem sequence analysis targeting the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (TUB), and histone (His3) regions. Combining molecular biology techniques with morphological observation and Koch's postulates, the pathogen was conclusively identified as Colletotrichum karstii. Further investigations focused on understanding the environmental factors influencing the mycelial growth and sporulation of the pathogen. The optimum temperature for the growth of C.karstii is 25°C, the suitable light conditions are 12h light/12h dark or 24h dark, and the suitable pH is 5 to 9. Utilizing BIOLOG phenotypic analysis technique, the metabolic utilization of carbon and nitrogen sources by the pathogen was assessed across different temperatures (20°C, 25°C, and 30°C). Results indicated the highest utilization rates at 25°C, particularly for arbutin and L-tryptophan. Lastly, the efficacy of 15 chemical fungicides and six botanical fungiticide against C. karstii was evaluated in vitro, revealing fluazinam as the most potent inhibitor against mycelial growth with EC50 of 0.0725 mg/mL for mycelium and 0.0378 mg/mL for spore germination, respectively. The 1 % osthole emulsion in water was found to have the strongest inhibitory effect on the growth of mycelium, with an EC50 value of 4.8984 µg/mL. Spore germination was most strongly inhibited by the 80 % ethylicin EC, which had an EC50 value of 0.5541 µg/mL. This study represents the first documentation of C. karstii as a causative agent of anthrax in Danshen, underscoring the significance of these findings for agricultural management and disease control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections (nLRTIs), including hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), remain significant challenges due to high mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Implementing accurate and timely diagnostic strategies is pivotal for guiding optimized antimicrobial therapy and addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Areas Covered: This review examines emerging microbiological diagnostic methods for nLRTIs. Although widely utilized, traditional culture-based techniques are hindered by prolonged processing times, limiting their clinical utility in timely decision-making. Advanced molecular tools, such as real-time PCR and multiplex PCR, allow rapid pathogen identification but are constrained by predefined panels. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) provides comprehensive pathogen detection and resistance profiling yet faces cost, complexity, and interpretation challenges. Non-invasive methods, including exhaled breath analysis using electronic nose (e-nose) technology, gene expression profiling, and biomarker detection, hold promise for rapid and bedside diagnostics but require further validation to establish clinical applicability. Expert Opinion: Integrating molecular, metagenomic, biomarker-associated, and traditional diagnostics is essential for overcoming limitations. Continued technological refinements and cost reductions will enable broader clinical implementation. These innovations promise to enhance diagnostic accuracy, facilitate targeted therapy, and improve patient outcomes while contributing to global efforts to mitigate antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionized phytopathology by overcoming many limitations of traditional diagnostic methods, as it permits precise pathogen monitoring, identification, and control, with ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions serving as reliable markers for fungal classification. In this study, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used, targeting the ITS1 and ITS2 regions to explore fungal diversity and pathogen presence in winter wheat grain samples and identifying 183 OTU sequences across 115 taxa. The ITS1 analysis yielded 249,743 reads, with Fusarium sp. (61%) as the dominant pathogenic taxon, followed by Sporobolomyces sp. (14%), Cladosporium sp. (3%), and other yeast-like or saprotrophic fungi, such as Cryptoccocus spp., F. wieringae, and B. alba. Sequencing of ITS1 also permitted the detection of F. acuminatum and the quarantine-regulated pathogens T. caries and T. triticoides. The ITS2 analysis produced 179,675 reads, with F. culmorum (47%) as the most abundant taxon, confirming significant grain contamination with this pathogen. Other frequently detected taxa included yeast-like fungi such as C. tephrensis (21%) and V. victoriae (13%), along with saprotrophic species like S. roseus and Davidella sp. ITS2 provided better resolution for the identification of Fusarium species by the detection of more pathogenic taxa associated with cereal diseases, including F. culmorum, as well as F. cerealis, F. poae, and F. tricinctum. The analysis revealed a diverse fungal community, including other pathogens such as A. porri, B. cinerea, and C. herbarum, as well as various non-pathogenic and saprotrophic fungal taxa. These findings underscore the complementary utility of ITS1 and ITS2 in profiling fungal diversity and detecting critical pathogens using HTS, highlighting the potential of these DNA regions for monitoring and managing cereal crop health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To identify the pathogen of anthracnose in avocado and screen the suitable fungicides, fruit samples of Hass avocado suspected anthracnose disease from Danzhou city, Hainan province were sampled. And the pathogen was isolated and identified. The pathogenicity of strain was confirmed according to Koch's postulate. And the sensitivity of pathogenic strain to 9 fungicides were evaluated in vitro using mycelium radial growth assay. The results showed that the 4 pathogenic strains were identified as Colletotrichum siamense according to the morphological and phylogenetic analyses of multi-locus sequences. All of 4 strains showed virulence and high pathogenicity to avocado fruits. Among 9 fungicides, prochloraz was the most effective with the mean effective inhibitory medium concentration (EC50) values of 0.11 mg⋅L-1, and azoxystrobin, difenoconazole, pyrazoxystrobin, penthiopyrad and carbendazim followed with mean EC50 values ranged from 2.09 to 4.29 mg⋅L-1. So these 6 above-mentioned fungicides exhibited strong inhibitory activities against the mycelial growth of C. siamense, which could be used as candidate agents for the control of avocado anthracnose. Above results should help in developing strategies for the management and control of anthracnose in avocado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the taxonomy of the pathogen causing a new bacterial leaf spot disease on fig (Ficus carica) in Fuzhou in 2020, diseased fig leaves were collected as test materials. The bacterial strains were isolated from the diseased leaves by streak plate method, and then the pathogenicity of the strains was determined by tobacco allergic reaction, spray inoculated fig leaves and Koch's rule. The pathogen was identified based on morphological characteristics, physiological and biochemical determination, and phylogenetic tree analysis using partial sequences of 16S rDNA, gyrB and rpoD. The results showed that 10 bacterial strains were isolated and purified from the diseased leaves, healthy fig leaves demonstrated similar symptoms as the specimen collected from fields, and the identical morphological bacterial strains were re-isolated from diseased fig leaves. Thus, all of the bacterial strains were identified as the causal pathogens of bacterial leaf spot disease by Koch's rule. The colony morphology was light yellow, round, and flat on the NA medium after 2 d of culture, and the gram staining reaction was negative. The bacterial strains could produce green water-soluble fluorescent on KB medium. The sequencing analysis based on 16S rDNA, gyrB and rpoD showed that the test strains were clustered with Pseudomonas cichorii; and the results of physiological and biochemical characteristics, Biolog phenotypes instrument, and specific primers were similar to the P. cichorii strain 5707, therefore the 10 isolated bacterial strains were identified as P. cichorii. It was the first report that P. cichorii could naturally cause the leaf spot disease in F. carica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Endophthalmitis is a serious infectious eye disease that causes permanent vision loss. This study developed a method for rapid identification and drug resistance analysis of pathogens in vitreous humor. After short-term rapid culture, 30 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were enriched and purified from the vitreous humor using Fc-MBL@Fe3O4, and then identified by MALDI-TOF MS. The bacterial solution was adjusted to 106 CFU/mL and mixed with CAMHB containing cefoxitin (4 µg/mL) at the same volume. After culture, it was enriched by Fc-MBL@Fe3O4 and identified by MALDI-TOF MS. MRSA was judged according to whether the bacteria could successfully be identified. The enrichment efficiency of Fc-MBL@Fe3O4 for S. aureus in CAMHB was 88.1%. The detection rate of S. aureus reached 100% after 8 h of vitreous humor culture. The best test performance was achieved with Fc-MBL@Fe3O4 enrichment after a 3 h incubation. At this time point, 96.7% validity, 100% sensitivity, and 100% specificity were achieved. Thus, the identification and drug resistance analysis of S. aureus (51–110 CFU) in vitreous humor was completed within 11 h. This study provides a new method for rapid clinical diagnosis of endophthalmitis and precise treatment with antibiotics.

Abstract Background Blood cultures are essential for diagnosing bloodstream infections, but current phenotypic tests for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) provide limited information. Oxford Nanopore Technologies introduces nanopore sequencing with adaptive sampling, capable of real-time host genome depletion, yet its application directly from blood cultures remains unexplored. This study aimed to identify pathogens and predict AMR using nanopore sequencing. Methods In this cross-sectional genomic study, 458 positive blood cultures from bloodstream infection patients in central Taiwan were analyzed. Parallel experiments involved routine microbiologic tests and nanopore sequencing with a 15-h run. A bioinformatic pipeline was proposed to analyze the real-time sequencing reads. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of species identification and AMR prediction. Results The pipeline identified 76 species, with 88 Escherichia coli, 74 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 43 Staphylococcus aureus, and 9 Candida samples. Novel species were also discovered. Notably, precise species identification was achieved not only for monomicrobial infections but also for polymicrobial infections, which was detected in 23 samples and further confirmed by full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Using a modified ResFinder database, AMR predictions showed a categorical agreement rate exceeding 90% (3799/4195) for monomicrobial infections, with minimal very major errors observed for K. pneumoniae (2/186, 1.1%) and S. aureus (1/90, 1.1%). Conclusions Nanopore sequencing with adaptive sampling can directly analyze positive blood cultures, facilitating pathogen detection, AMR prediction, and outbreak investigation. Integrating nanopore sequencing into clinical practices signifies a revolutionary advancement in managing bloodstream infections, offering an effective antimicrobial stewardship strategy, and improving patient outcomes.

Endophthalmitis is a serious infectious eye disease that causes permanent vision loss. This study developed a method for rapid identification and drug resistance analysis of pathogens in vitreous humor. After short-term rapid culture, 30 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were enriched and purified from the vitreous humor using Fc-MBL@Fe3O4, and then identified by MALDI-TOF MS. The bacterial solution was adjusted to 106 CFU/mL and mixed with CAMHB containing cefoxitin (4 µg/mL) at the same volume. After culture, it was enriched by Fc-MBL@Fe3O4 and identified by MALDI-TOF MS. MRSA was judged according to whether the bacteria could successfully be identified. The enrichment efficiency of Fc-MBL@Fe3O4 for S. aureus in CAMHB was 88.1%. The detection rate of S. aureus reached 100% after 8 h of vitreous humor culture. The best test performance was achieved with Fc-MBL@Fe3O4 enrichment after a 3 h incubation. At this time point, 96.7% validity, 100% sensitivity, and 100% specificity were achieved. Thus, the identification and drug resistance analysis of S. aureus (51–110 CFU) in vitreous humor was completed within 11 h. This study provides a new method for rapid clinical diagnosis of endophthalmitis and precise treatment with antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Dalian Ocean University is the property of Journal of Dalian Ocean University Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Blood cultures are essential for diagnosing bloodstream infections, but current phenotypic tests for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) provide limited information. Oxford Nanopore Technologies introduces nanopore sequencing with adaptive sampling, capable of real-time host genome depletion, yet its application directly from blood cultures remains unexplored. This study aimed to identify pathogens and predict AMR using nanopore sequencing. Methods: In this cross-sectional genomic study, 458 positive blood cultures from bloodstream infection patients in central Taiwan were analyzed. Parallel experiments involved routine microbiologic tests and nanopore sequencing with a 15-h run. A bioinformatic pipeline was proposed to analyze the real-time sequencing reads. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of species identification and AMR prediction. Results: The pipeline identified 76 species, with 88 Escherichia coli, 74 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 43 Staphylococcus aureus, and 9 Candida samples. Novel species were also discovered. Notably, precise species identification was achieved not only for monomicrobial infections but also for polymicrobial infections, which was detected in 23 samples and further confirmed by full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Using a modified ResFinder database, AMR predictions showed a categorical agreement rate exceeding 90% (3799/4195) for monomicrobial infections, with minimal very major errors observed for K. pneumoniae (2/186, 1.1%) and S. aureus (1/90, 1.1%). Conclusions: Nanopore sequencing with adaptive sampling can directly analyze positive blood cultures, facilitating pathogen detection, AMR prediction, and outbreak investigation. Integrating nanopore sequencing into clinical practices signifies a revolutionary advancement in managing bloodstream infections, offering an effective antimicrobial stewardship strategy, and improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey conducted in autumn 2022 and spring 2023, extensive leaf spots were observed on Aristolochia grandiflora plants in the Botanical Garden "Angelo Rambelli" (Viterbo). To preserve the botanical garden collection and avoid disease spread, morphological and molecular identification of the causal agent were carried out. The results revealed three distinct Colletotrichum species belonging to the Colletotrichum boninense and Colletotrichum orchidearum species complexes, which have never been reported together within the same host and, for two of them, never in Italy. These findings may contribute to further extend the state of the art on leaf anthracnose, as well as provide new insights and molecular data for further phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023, a severe outbreak led to a 70% mortality rate among Cyclamen persicum plants in Holambra, São Paulo, prompting an investigation to identify the causal agent. Symptomatic plants were sampled, and the fungus, designated CMAA 1919, was isolated and identified through morphological analysis. Pathogenicity was verified via Koch's postulates, with inoculated plants replicating wilt symptoms. To support genomic characterization of the pathogen, whole-genome sequencing was conducted using the Illumina platform. Genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced, and processed, resulting in a 48.9 Mb genome with 200x coverage and 97.5% completeness. Phylogenetic analysis positioned CMAA 1919 within a Fusarium cluster, confirming its closest relation to Fusarium oxysporum strain Fo47 (99.07% genomic similarity) and other pathogenic strains. This study presents the first genomic and morphological description of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cyclaminis (CMAA 1919), the causative agent of Fusarium wilt in cyclamen in Brazil. Significance: This work presents the first sequencing of a representative isolate of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cyclaminis (Focy), one of the most damaging pathogens for cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum L.). The availability of the complete genome of Focy enhances our understanding of its biology, ecology, and pathogenicity, thereby facilitating the development of sustainable strategies for disease management and crop protection. Despite the previously reported occurrence of this pathogen based only on symptoms and pathogenicity tests on 1970s, the sequenced strain CMAA 1919 provides the first genomic and morphological description of this pathogen, which causes the Fusarium wilt on cyclamen in Brazil. This information provides a valuable safeguard for cyclamen cultivation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this crop in the Brazilian ornamental plant market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Piscirickettsia salmonis, the causative agent of Piscirickettsiosis, poses a significant threat to the Chilean aquaculture industry, resulting in substantial economic losses annually. The pathogen, first identified as specie in 1992, this pathogen was divided into two genogroups: LF-89 and EM-90, associated with different phenotypic mortality and pathogenicity. Traditional genotyping methods, such as multiplex PCR, are effective but limited by their cost, equipment requirements, and the need for specialized expertise. Methods: This study validates Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) as a rapid and specific alternative for diagnosing P. salmonis infections. We developed the first qPCR and LAMP assay targeting the species-conserved tonB receptor gene (tonB-r, WP_016210144.1) for the specific species-level identification of P. salmonis. Additionally, we designed two genotyping LAMP assays to differentiate between the LF-89 and EM-90 genogroups, utilizing the unique coding sequences Nitronate monooxygenase (WP_144420689.1) for LF-89 and Acid phosphatase (WP_016210154.1) for EM-90. Results: The LAMP assays demonstrated sensitivity and specificity comparable to real-time PCR, with additional benefits including rapid results, lower costs, and simplified operation, making them particularly suitable for field use. Specificity was confirmed by testing against other salmonid pathogens, such as Renibacterium salmoninarum, Vibrio ordalii, Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Tenacibaculum maritimum, and Aeromonas salmonicida, with no cross-reactivity observed. Discussion: The visual detection method and precise differentiation between genogroups underscore LAMP's potential as a robust diagnostic tool for aquaculture. This advancement in the specie detection (qPCR and LAMP) and genotyping of P. salmonis represents a significant step forward in disease management within the aquaculture industry. The implementation of LAMP promises enhanced disease surveillance, early detection, and improved management strategies, ultimately benefiting the salmonid aquaculture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant global problem affecting muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is fruit rot caused by phytopathogenic fungi, which results in unsaleable products and substantial financial losses. In 2022 and 2023, fruit rot on muskmelon was found during the postharvest storage period in Phayao Province of northern Thailand. The aim of the current study was to isolate the species of fungi causing the fruit rot lesions. Out of the rot lesions on muskmelons, nine fungal isolates were received. All isolates of fungi were identified through a combination of morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. Based on their morphological traits, all isolated fungal isolate was assigned to the genus Fusarium. All the fungal isolates were determined to belong to the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex through multi-gene phylogenetic analysis employing the calmodulin (cam), RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-a) genes. These isolates were identified as F. compactum (SDBR-CMU483), F. jinanense (SDBR-CMU484, SDBR-CMU485, and SDBR-CMU486), F. mianyangense (SDBR-CMU487 and SDBR-CMU488), and F. sulawesiense (SDBR-CMU489, SDBR-CMU490, and SDBR-CMU491). Moreover, pathogenicity tests were subsequently carried out, and the results indicated that all fungal isolates caused symptoms of fruit rot on inoculated muskmelon fruits. Notably, this result was consistent with the symptoms observed throughout the postharvest storage period. In the fungicide screening test, all fungal isolates showed sensitivity to copper oxychloride. However, all isolates showed insensitivity to benalaxyl-M + mancozeb, carbendazim, mancozeb, and metalaxy. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to identify F. compactum, F. jinanense, and F. mianyangense as new causative agents of muskmelon fruit rot in Thailand and other regions globally. This is also the first report of postharvest fruit rot on muskmelons caused by F. sulawesiense in Thailand. Furthermore, the fungicide screening results indicate that fungicide resistance can be beneficial in developing potential management strategies against postharvest fruit rot disease of muskmelon caused by these four pathogenic Fusarium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive infection characterized by severe tissue necrosis and systemic toxicity. Identifying the causative pathogens through accurate microbiological diagnosis is critical for initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy. This study compares the bacterial profiles obtained from tissue biopsy culture and pus culture in NF to determine the superior diagnostic method. Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted involving 80 patients diagnosed with NF. Simultaneous tissue biopsy and pus cultures were obtained from each patient for microbiological analysis. Pathogen identification and antibiotic sensitivity patterns were recorded and analyzed. The study employed a minimum sample size of 80, calculated based on previous studies. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 to determine the agreement between the two methods. Results: Tissue biopsy culture showed higher microbial growth (95%) compared to pus culture (90%). The most commonly identified pathogens were Klebsiella species and Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA). A 93.75% agreement was observed between the two methods, but tissue biopsy detected more anaerobic organisms. Antibiotic sensitivity revealed high efficacy of Ciprofloxacin, Piperacillin-Tazobactam, and Meropenem against the isolated pathogens. Conclusion: Tissue biopsy culture is a more reliable diagnostic method for detecting the causative pathogens in NF, especially anaerobic organisms, and should be preferred over pus culture for guiding targeted antibiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ICU patients are at high risk for severe infections due to invasive procedures, immunocompromised conditions, and prolonged hospital stays. Identifying pathogens, tracing infection sources, and understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns are essential for effective infection control and treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over one year at the Department of Microbiology, Mallareddy Medical College for women. Patients aged over 15 with confirmed or suspected sepsis were included, excluding those with prior antibiotic use or no clinical suspicion of sepsis. Blood samples were collected aseptically, cultured on diverse media, and pathogen identification employed morphological and biochemical assays. Results: A significant prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was noted among ICU pathogens, particularly in nosocomial bloodstream infections. Major pathogens identified included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with resistance trends highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies. Additionally, fungal infections were isolated and analyzed. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of stringent infection control, appropriate antimicrobial use, and regular resistance monitoring in ICUs. Findings provide insight into effective management strategies and reinforce the need for ongoing pathogen surveillance and targeted therapies to improve ICU patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify the pathogenic bacteria causing walnut rot disease, the pathogenic bacteria were identified through tissue isolation and pathogenicity tie-back, and the species identification was completed based on morphological characteristics combined with molecular biology. Furthermore, the effects of three types of immune-inducers spray as well as five types of biologicals and two types of adjuvants scraping were compared on walnut rot. Fifteen strains were isolated from 14 diseased branch samples, of which 14 strains were identified morphologically and molecularly as Cytospora chrysosperma, and one strain was Cryptosphaeria pullmanensis. Therefore, the main causal agent of walnut rot disease in Hetian County was C. chrysosperma. Among the three kinds of immune-inducing antagonists, 0.5% chitosan AS 200× and amino-oligosaccharide AS 500x showed better- inducing effects of 51.43% and 45.47%, respectively. Among the biological agents, the control effects of 100 billion CFU/g Bacillus amyloliquefaciens WP 700x + 99% SK Enspray 99 EC 200× and 3% Zhongshengmycin AS 500x + 99% SK Enspray 99 EC 200× were better, 92.31% and 84.61%, respectively. This study clarified the pathogen of walnut rot disease in Hetian County and provided a reference for the biological control of walnut rot disease in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew poses a substantial threat to Chinese herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora) cultivation, yet efficient identification methods for the pathogen are currently lacking, hampering early disease control. This study successfully identified Erysiphe paeoniae as the causative agent of powdery mildew in P. lactiflora in Beijing, leveraging morphological characteristics and rDNA ITS region sequencing. Furthermore, a high specificity and sensitivity specific PCR detection primers targeting E. paeoniae were developed based on ITS region sequences. Notably, these primers effectively circumvent contamination by host plant or other fungal DNA, enabling the detection of E. paeoniae DNA at concentrations as low as 1 × 10−15 ng/μL. This technological advancement provides a valuable tool for the early and rapid detection of E. paeoniae. Moreover, host range of E. paeoniae strain in our study was tested by inoculation combined with specific primers we developed. The isolated strain BJ20210618 can infect four species of Paeonia plants, including P. lactiflora, P. anomala, P. obovata, and P. veitchii. Among them, P. veitchii is a new host of E. paeoniae, reported for the first time in this study. Strikingly, this strain exhibited no infectivity towards Chinese tree peony (P. suffruticosa), diverging from prior reports suggesting E. paeoniae infects Chinese tree peony. We speculate that there may be different physiological races in E. paeoniae. We aligned the E. paeoniae strain BJ20210618 isolated from P. lactiflora in Beijing, China, E. paeoniae strain YN20220506 isolated from P. suffruticosa in Yunnan, China, along with the ITS sequences of 15 E. paeoniae strains and 13 closely related powdery mildews available on NCBI, and constructed a phylogenetic tree. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences further supports these observations, distinguishing E. paeoniae from both P. lactiflora and P. suffruticosa into discrete clusters, highlighting the presence of distinct strains of E. paeoniae with different host specificities. This study not only enhances our understanding of the pathogen's behavior and specificity but also provides invaluable tools and insights for effective disease management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ficus hirta Vahl is an important medicinal and edible plant in southern China. Typical green wilting on leaves and brown necrotic spots on the stems were observed since mid-June 2022 in an F. hirta plantation in Danzhou, Hainan (China). The disease rapidly developed, causing stem withering and plant death. The disease incidence varied from 45 to 85% prevalence, and the average disease index was 47 in the period of outbreak during June to December. Relevant hypothetical fungi were isolated from naturally infected wilt tissues, and their pathogens were preliminarily confirmed to be Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae through hypothetical fungal culturing, morphological characteristic observations, and pathogenicity testing on F. hirta plants. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on partial ITS, translation elongation factor (TEF1-α), and the β-tubulin gene (TUB2) further confirmed the identity of the pathogen as L. pseudotheobromae. Further research on the biological characteristics of L. pseudotheobromae showed that the optimal temperature for the growth of L. pseudotheobromae was PDA medium, with a temperature of 30 °C and pH of 6. Peptone and fructose were the optimal nitrogen and carbon sources for it. In vitro efficacy testing showed that among eleven fungicides, fluazinam and prochloraz had the highest mycelial growth inhibition, with an EC50 of 0.0477 µg/mL and 0.0996 µg/mL, respectively. And the two fungicides showed significant control on the stem wilt of F. hirta in a pot. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the pathogen identification and biological characteristics of L. pseudotheobromae infecting the stem wilt of F. hirta in China. Our results provide important information for developing effective management measures and controlling this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Monitoring deep wounds is challenging but necessary for high‐quality medical treatment. Current methodologies for deep wound monitoring are typically limited to indirect clinical symptoms or costly non‐real‐time imaging diagnosis. Herein, a smart system is proposed that enables in situ monitoring of deep wounds’ status through a semi‐implantable device composed of 2 seamlessly connected functional components: 1) the well‐designed, microchannel‐structured sampling needles that efficiently and conveniently collect samples from deep wound anatomical locations, and 2) the multiplex biochemical testing compartment that facilitates the immediate and persistent detection of multiple biochemical indicators based on a color image processing software accessible to a conventional smartphone. With the 3 representative preclinical deep wound models, the study demonstrates the device's potential to monitor wound infection, inflammation, healing progress, and reduce inflammation when applied to deep skin injury, surgical implantation, and postoperative intestinal leakage. The device's capability to rapidly and accurately identify pathogenic bacteria is also demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, potentially facilitating precise intervention in infected wounds. Coupled with the device's favorable biocompatibility and cost‐effectiveness, this intelligent system emerges as a promising tool for safe and effective management of complicated deep wounds.

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), a member of the genus Salvia within the Lamiaceae family, holds significant economic and medicinal value. Regrettably, the emergence of a novel leaf anthracnose in 2020 has significantly impacted its cultivation, leading to decreased yield and compromised quality. This newly identified pathogen was meticulously isolated from affected leaves, employing meticulous single conidia isolation techniques. Subsequent confirmation of pathogenicity was achieved through strict adherence of Koch’s postulates. To ensure precise identification, morphological characteristics were supplemented with tandem sequence analysis targeting the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (TUB), and histone (His3) regions. Combining molecular biology techniques with morphological observation and Koch’s postulates, the pathogen was conclusively identified as Colletotrichum karstii. Further investigations focused on understanding the environmental factors influencing the mycelial growth and sporulation of the pathogen. The optimum temperature for the growth of C.karstii is 25°C, the suitable light conditions are 12h light/12h dark or 24h dark, and the suitable pH is 5 to 9. Utilizing BIOLOG phenotypic analysis technique, the metabolic utilization of carbon and nitrogen sources by the pathogen was assessed across different temperatures (20°C, 25°C, and 30°C). Results indicated the highest utilization rates at 25°C, particularly for arbutin and L-tryptophan. Lastly, the efficacy of 15 chemical fungicides and six botanical fungiticide against C. karstii was evaluated in vitro, revealing fluazinam as the most potent inhibitor against mycelial growth with EC50 of 0.0725 mg/mL for mycelium and 0.0378 mg/mL for spore germination, respectively. The 1 % osthole emulsion in water was found to have the strongest inhibitory effect on the growth of mycelium, with an EC50 value of 4.8984 µg/mL. Spore germination was most strongly inhibited by the 80 % ethylicin EC, which had an EC50 value of 0.5541 µg/mL. This study represents the first documentation of C. karstii as a causative agent of anthrax in Danshen, underscoring the significance of these findings for agricultural management and disease control strategies.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important solanaceous vegetable and economic crop in the world. It is a very popular and nutrient rich vegetable, and it can be grown round the year in China. In September 2023, a suspected bacterial disease of the eggplant was found in the Greenhouse Eggplant Seedling Production Base in Tieling, Liaoning Province, China. The disease symptom was water-soaked tawny or light brown spots on eggplant seedling leaves, that gradually became black. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the infected leaf spots. Based on the phenotypic characteristics, bacteriological characteristics, physiological and biochemical tests and molecular biological identification, the bacteria isolates obtained in this study were identified as Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Pathogenicity of these isolates was confirmed on ground tomato and pepper seedlings by artificial inoculation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of X. euvesicatoria causing bacterial spot of eggplant in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chestnut internal rot is the main disease of chestnut during postharvest storage, which causes rot and mildew of chestnut kernel and brings huge economic losses to production. In order to clarify the pathogenic bacteria and its biological characteristics, the strain ZHZF21 was obtained by tissue isolation method. The strain was identified by morphological characteristics and ITS, TUB2 and CAL multi-gene sequence analysis. The pathogenicity of strain ZHZF21 was determined by mycelial inoculation method, and its biological characteristics were studied. The results showed that the colony of strain ZHZF21 was dark green ring concentric circles, with sexual and asexual reproduction stages. This strain was clustered with Colletotrichum fructicola numbered NDSTY31 in GenBank based on multi-gene sequences. Combined with colony morphological characteristics and molecular tree, strain ZHZF21 was preliminarily identified as Colletotrichum fructicola. The brown lesions after inoculation of strain ZHZF21 were consistent with the natural symptoms. The strain ZHZF21 could grow at 5~35 °C, the optimum temperature was 25 °C, the lethal temperature was 45~50 °C, and the optimum pH was 6. Under the condition of full darkness, strain ZHZF21 grew fastest, the utilization rates of arabinose and yeast were the highest, the utilization rate of lactose was the lowest, and urea could hardly be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum Ker-Gawl.) is a widely used ornamental plant, which has dense branches and leaves, and fast spreading and evergreen habit. In October 2022, leaf spot symptoms were observed in a hedge of sweet viburnum in Yuanshi Garden, Ningbo, China. Fungi were isolated from symptomatic leaves, and were identified using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of partial sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), actin (act), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), and were evaluated in pathogenicity tests. The causal agent of sweet viburnum leaf spot was identified to be Phyllosticta capitalensis. Effects of seven fungicides on P. capitalensis were assessed in vitro. Fungicide EC50s (mg L-1) against P. capitalensis were: 270.77 for 75% chlorothalonil (WP); 0.02 for 250 g L-1 azoxystrobin SC; 0.27 for 10% difenconazole WDG; 0.02 for 75% trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole WDG, 9.03 for 35% fluopyram + tebuconazole SC, 5.90 for 500 g L-1 fluazinam SC, and 89.11 for 10% prothioconazole SC. Among these, azoxystrobin SC and trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole WDG could be used for control of viburnum leaf spot. This is the first report of P. capitalensis causing leaf spot of sweet viburnum, and this study provides guidance for chemical management sweet viburnum leaf spot, and on other host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria poses a significant challenge to modern medicine. In response, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms have emerged as powerful tools for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review aims to explore the role of AI/ML in AMR management, with a focus on identifying pathogens, understanding resistance patterns, predicting treatment outcomes, and discovering new antibiotic agents. Recent advancements in AI/ML have enabled the efficient analysis of large datasets, facilitating the reliable prediction of AMR trends and treatment responses with minimal human intervention. ML algorithms can analyze genomic data to identify genetic markers associated with antibiotic resistance, enabling the development of targeted treatment strategies. Additionally, AI/ML techniques show promise in optimizing drug administration and developing alternatives to traditional antibiotics. By analyzing patient data and clinical outcomes, these technologies can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing infections, evaluating their severity, and selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapies. While integration of AI/ML in clinical settings is still in its infancy, advancements in data quality and algorithm development suggest that widespread clinical adoption is forthcoming. In conclusion, AI/ML holds significant promise for improving AMR management and treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sisal is an important tropical cash crop in southern China. Unfortunately, it is threatened by various diseases. In 2022, a new disease tentatively named marginal leaf blight disease (MLBD) was first observed in sisal fields across Guangxi and Guangdong provinces, with an incidence rate ranging from 13% to 30%. In this work, to isolate and identify the pathogens causing MLBD, sisal leaves exhibiting the typical MLBD symptoms were collected, and nine strains were obtained. Pathogenicity tests, morphological observations, and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that two strains, namely 22GX1-3 and 22GD1-4, identified as Phaeosphaeriopsis obtusispora, were the causative pathogens of MLBD. Further investigations into the biological characteristics of P. obtusispora showed that its mycelia exhibited optimal growth on PDA medium, with the most favourable temperature and pH being 25 °C and 7.0, respectively. The mycelia could grow in temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 32 °C but ceased at 35 °C. Lactose and yeast extract powder were also identified as the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Additionally, the effectiveness of various control agents was assessed on a single strain, 22GX1-3. Among the twelve fungicides tested, difenoconazole was proven the most effective, with an EC50 value of 0.5045 µg/mL. To our knowledge, this is the first report for sisal MLBD caused by P. obtusispora. Our results provide crucial pieces of information for the development of effective management strategies to control sisal MLBD caused by P. obtusispora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first report of parasite and fungal disease separated from domestically reared Atlantic salmon in Korea; the characteristics of the pathogens were identified, and histopathological analysis was conducted. Fungal and parasitic diseases were detected in Atlantic salmon and were isolated as Saprolegnia parasitica and Neoparamoeba perurans based on morphological and genetic analysis. External symptoms observed in Atlantic salmon infected with S. parasitica include fin ulcers and hemorrhage, abdominal hemorrhage, and necrosis of the gills and gill covers. The histopathological analysis results showed necrosis, hemorrhaging, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the abdominal muscles, while only inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the gill covers. The clinical symptoms observed in Atlantic salmon infected with N. perurans included excessive mucus secretion in the gills, a dense amoebic presence on the gill filaments, respiratory distress, and opening of the mouth and gill covers after death. Through histopathological analysis, we observed lesions in epithelial cells, characterized by the proliferation of epithelial cells and the fusion of secondary lamellae. Numerous lamellae were observed to be attached or fused with each other. To ensure the successful establishment of the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry in Korea, it is essential to swiftly quarantine infected fish based on the morphological characteristics of S. parasitica and N. perurans revealed in this study, along with the external symptoms of Atlantic salmon infected with these pathogens. Developing disease control strategies based on the findings of this research is imperative.

In order to identify the pathogen that caused rust of Bletilla striata in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and to screen resistance resources for B. striata, the rust pathogen was isolated from infected leaves of B. striata and identified using morphology and molecular methods. At the same time, the resistance of 23 B. striata from different regions was evaluated by artificial inoculation of pathogen. The results were as follows: (1) The urediopores of strain X2 isolated from diseased leaves in B. striata were golden yellow, oval, (21.43-30.95) μm × (13.10-19.05) μm. The teleutospores were golden yellow, obovate or clavate, (17.25-30) μm × (5.5-6.65) μm. (2) The length of ITS sequence of strain X2(OQ826009) was 689 bp, which were compared with other ITS sequences in the GenBank, and the similarity reached 95.86% compared with Coleosporium sp. (KY783686.1). But the phylogenetic tree showed that the sequence was clustered together with two sequences of Coleosporium bletiae (MN108161.1, OP363680.1). The strain X2 was identified as Coleosporium bletiae by combining morphology and molecular methods. (3) After 14 days of artificial inoculation with strain X2, the disease index of 23 Bletilla striata ranged from 0 to 70.7. And the resistance of strain X2 from 23 B. striata were divided into six different levels according to the disease index. Among them, one immune materials was identified for the disease index was 0. Four highly resistant materials were identified for the disease index was 1.7-4.7. Six disease-resistant materials were identified for the disease index was 5.6-9.4. Five medium-resistant materials were identified for the disease index was 12.7-18.3. Five susceptible materials were identified for the disease index was 32.0-49.1 and two highly susceptible materials were identified for the disease index was 62.2-70.7. In conclusion, five materials (one immune material and four highly resistant materials) of B. striata from different places (Honghe City in Yunnan Province, Gongcheng County and Baise City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Zunyi City in Guizhou Province and Yichang City in Hubei Province, respectively) can be promoted directly or applied as parent materials for creating excellent germplasm to resist the rust in B. striata for they express immune or highly resistance. This study provides the basis for further research on pathogenesis and control of rust in B. striata.

Abstract Dental calculus is a microbial biofilm that contains biomolecules from oral commensals and pathogens, including those potentially related to cause of death (CoD). To assess the utility of calculus as a diagnostically informative substrate, in conjunction with paleopathological analysis, calculus samples from 39 individuals in the Smithsonian Institution’s Robert J. Terry Collection with CoDs of either syphilis or tuberculosis were assessed via shotgun metagenomic sequencing for the presence of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA. Paleopathological analysis revealed that frequencies of skeletal lesions associated with these diseases were partially inconsistent with diagnostic criteria. Although recovery of T. p. pallidum DNA from individuals with a syphilis CoD was elusive, MTBC DNA was identified in at least one individual with a tuberculosis CoD. The authenticity of MTBC DNA was confirmed using targeted quantitative PCR assays, MTBC genome enrichment, and in silico bioinformatic analyses; however, the lineage of the MTBC strain present could not be determined. Overall, our study highlights the utility of dental calculus for molecular detection of tuberculosis in the archaeological record and underscores the effect of museum preparation techniques and extensive handling on pathogen DNA preservation in skeletal collections.

Abstract Surveillance for genetic variation of microbial pathogens, both within and among species, plays an important role in informing research, diagnostic, prevention, and treatment activities for disease control. However, large-scale systematic screening for novel genotypes remains challenging in part due to technological limitations. Towards addressing this challenge, we present an advancement in universal microbial high resolution melting (HRM) analysis that is capable of accomplishing both known genotype identification and novel genotype detection. Specifically, this novel surveillance functionality is achieved through time-series modeling of sequence-defined HRM curves, which is uniquely enabled by the large-scale melt curve datasets generated using our high-throughput digital HRM platform. Taking the detection of bacterial genotypes as a model application, we demonstrate that our algorithms accomplish an overall classification accuracy over 99.7% and perform novelty detection with a sensitivity of 0.96, specificity of 0.96 and Youden index of 0.92. Since HRM-based DNA profiling is an inexpensive and rapid technique, our results add support for the feasibility of its use in surveillance applications.

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionized phytopathology by overcoming many limitations of traditional diagnostic methods, as it permits precise pathogen monitoring, identification, and control, with ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions serving as reliable markers for fungal classification. In this study, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used, targeting the ITS1 and ITS2 regions to explore fungal diversity and pathogen presence in winter wheat grain samples and identifying 183 OTU sequences across 115 taxa. The ITS1 analysis yielded 249,743 reads, with Fusarium sp. (61%) as the dominant pathogenic taxon, followed by Sporobolomyces sp. (14%), Cladosporium sp. (3%), and other yeast-like or saprotrophic fungi, such as Cryptoccocus spp., F. wieringae, and B. alba. Sequencing of ITS1 also permitted the detection of F. acuminatum and the quarantine-regulated pathogens T. caries and T. triticoides. The ITS2 analysis produced 179,675 reads, with F. culmorum (47%) as the most abundant taxon, confirming significant grain contamination with this pathogen. Other frequently detected taxa included yeast-like fungi such as C. tephrensis (21%) and V. victoriae (13%), along with saprotrophic species like S. roseus and Davidella sp. ITS2 provided better resolution for the identification of Fusarium species by the detection of more pathogenic taxa associated with cereal diseases, including F. culmorum, as well as F. cerealis, F. poae, and F. tricinctum. The analysis revealed a diverse fungal community, including other pathogens such as A. porri, B. cinerea, and C. herbarum, as well as various non-pathogenic and saprotrophic fungal taxa. These findings underscore the complementary utility of ITS1 and ITS2 in profiling fungal diversity and detecting critical pathogens using HTS, highlighting the potential of these DNA regions for monitoring and managing cereal crop health.

Fruit rot is one of the most important diseases affecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). This disease has been associated with substantial economic losses. In May 2022, fruit rot on watermelons was found during the post-harvest storage phase in local markets located in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The causal fungi were isolated from lesions and identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae based on morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis of combined sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA, β-tubulin (tub), RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) genes. Subsequently, pathogenicity tests were conducted and the results showed that the isolated fungi caused symptoms of fruit rot in inoculated fruit specimens. This result was consistent with symptoms that were observed in local markets. This is the first report of post-harvest fruit rot on watermelons caused by L. theobromae in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first report of parasite and fungal disease separated from domestically reared Atlantic salmon in Korea; the characteristics of the pathogens were identified, and histopathological analysis was conducted. Fungal and parasitic diseases were detected in Atlantic salmon and were isolated as Saprolegnia parasitica and Neoparamoeba perurans based on morphological and genetic analysis. External symptoms observed in Atlantic salmon infected with S. parasitica include fin ulcers and hemorrhage, abdominal hemorrhage, and necrosis of the gills and gill covers. The histopathological analysis results showed necrosis, hemorrhaging, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the abdominal muscles, while only inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the gill covers. The clinical symptoms observed in Atlantic salmon infected with N. perurans included excessive mucus secretion in the gills, a dense amoebic presence on the gill filaments, respiratory distress, and opening of the mouth and gill covers after death. Through histopathological analysis, we observed lesions in epithelial cells, characterized by the proliferation of epithelial cells and the fusion of secondary lamellae. Numerous lamellae were observed to be attached or fused with each other. To ensure the successful establishment of the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry in Korea, it is essential to swiftly quarantine infected fish based on the morphological characteristics of S. parasitica and N. perurans revealed in this study, along with the external symptoms of Atlantic salmon infected with these pathogens. Developing disease control strategies based on the findings of this research is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Guihaia is the property of Guihaia Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The greater yam (Dioscorea alata), a widely cultivated and nutritious food crop, suffers from widespread yield reduction due to anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Latent infection often occurs before anthracnose phenotypes can be detected, making early prevention difficult and causing significant harm to agricultural production. Through comparative genomic analysis of 60 genomes of 38 species from the Colletotrichum genus, this study identified 17 orthologous gene groups (orthogroups) that were shared by all investigated C. gloeosporioides strains but absent from all other Colletotrichum species. Four of the 17 C. gloeosporioides-specific orthogroups were used as molecular markers for PCR primer designation and C. gloeosporioides detection. All of them can specifically detect C. gloeosporioides out of microbes within and beyond the Colletotrichum genus with different sensitivities. To establish a rapid, portable, and operable anthracnose diagnostic method suitable for field use, specific recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) primer probe combinations were designed, and a lateral flow (LF)-RPA detection kit for C. gloeosporioides was developed, with the sensitivity reaching the picogram (pg) level. In conclusion, this study identified C. gloeosporioides-specific molecular markers and developed an efficient method for C. gloeosporioides detection, which can be applied to the prevention and control of yam anthracnose as well as anthracnose caused by C. gloeosporioides in other crops. The strategy adopted by this study also serves as a reference for the identification of molecular markers and diagnosis of other plant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In July 2022, root rot was observed in several goji (Lycium barbarum) orchards located in Qinghai Province, China. Approximately 40% of the goji plants were affected in the orchards. Morphology of fungi isolated from affected plant, phylogenetic analyses, using internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF), and trichothecene (Tri5) sequences, as well as pathogenicity assays, were conducted to characterize and identify the causing agent of goji root rot. Isolate GQGF1-3 caused typical symptoms of L. barbarum root rot. Fungal colony characteristics and conidium morphology, combined with ITS, TEF, and Tri5 sequences showed that isolate GQGF1-3 was Fusarium sambucinum. This is the first report of F. sambucinum causing root rot of goji. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternaria leaf blight has recently been described as an emerging fungal disease of apple trees which is causing the significant damage in the apple-growing areas of Tianshui and Jingning, Gansu, China. In the present study, the pathogen species involved in apple leaf blight and its biological characteristics were identified, and the inhibitory activity of different botanical fungicides against the pathogen was evaluated in vitro. Four strains were isolated from the symptomatic areas of necrotic apple leaves, and initially healthy leaves showed similar symptoms to those observed in orchards after inoculation with the ABL2 isolate. The ABL2 isolate was identified as Alternaria tenuissima based on the morphological characteristics of its colonies, conidiophores, and conidia, and this was also confirmed by multi-gene sequence (ITS, OPA10-2, Alta-1, and endoPG) analysis and phylogenic analysis. The optimum temperature, pH, carbon source, and nitrogen source for the growth of A. tenuissima mycelia were 28 °C, 6–7, soluble starch, and soy flour, respectively. In addition, the botanical fungicide eugenol exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth and conidia germination of A. tenuissima, and the median effective concentration (EC50) values were 0.826 and 0.755 μg/mL, respectively. The protective and curative efficacy of eugenol were 86.85% and 76.94% after inoculation in detached apple leaves at a concentration of 4 μg/mL. Our research provides new insights into the control of apple leaf blight disease by applying botanical fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The pathogen of potato early blight in Huize county, Qujing city was identified, and the antifungal activity of different plant extracts and capillin on pathogenic bacteria was explored, which would provide scientific basis for the biological control of potato early blight. (Method) The pathogens were isolated and purified by tissue separation and identified by a combination of morphological and molecu lar biology. The antifungal activity of extracts was screened by mycelium growth rate method. The antifungal virulence of capillin and its influence on the morphology, dry mass, reduced sugar and total protein content were determined. [Result] The pathogenic bacteria isolated and purified from potato diseased leaves in Huize county, Qujing city were identified as Alternaria alternata. Among the 12 plant extracts (1 mg/mL), the extracts of Salvia tiliifolia and Eupatorium adenophora showed potent antifungal effect on A. alternata, with inhibition rates of 55. 19% and 40.76%, respectively. The antifungal effect of capillin was enhanced with the increase of concentration, and the EC was between 16.418 and 46.576 µg/mL.. The treatment of A. alternata with capillin resulted in the minor distortion of mycelia morphology, the reduction of dry weight, reducing sugar and total protein content. [Conclusion] The pathogenic bacteria of potato early blight in Huize county. Qujing city is A. alternata. The extracts of S. tiliifolia and E. adenophora have good antifungal effects on A. alternata, capillin affects the normal growth of hyphae by hindering the material synthesis and energy metabolism of hyphal cells to achieve a better antifungal effect against A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]