Journal of Fungi

Research

Jump to: Review

25 pages, 26580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Hemibiotrophic Apple Scab Fungus Venturia inaequalis Induces a Biotrophic Interface but Lacks a Necrotrophic Stage

by Ulrike Steiner and Erich-Christian Oerke

J. Fungi 2024, 10(12), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10120831 - 29 Nov 2024

Viewed by 828

Abstract

Microscopic evidence demonstrated a strictly biotrophic lifestyle of the scab fungus Venturia inaequalis on growing apple leaves and characterised its hemibiotrophy as the combination of biotrophy and saprotrophy not described before. The pathogen–host interface was characterised by the formation of knob-like structures of [...] Read more.

Microscopic evidence demonstrated a strictly biotrophic lifestyle of the scab fungus Venturia inaequalis on growing apple leaves and characterised its hemibiotrophy as the combination of biotrophy and saprotrophy not described before. The pathogen–host interface was characterised by the formation of knob-like structures of the fungal stroma appressed to epidermal cells as early as 1 day after host penetration, very thin fan-shaped cells covering large parts of the host cell lumen, and enzymatic cuticle penetration from the subcuticular space limited to the protruding conidiophores. The V. inaequalis cell wall had numerous orifices, facilitating intimate contact with the host tissue. Pathogen-induced modifications of host cells included partial degradation of the cell wall, transition of epidermal cells into transfer cells, modification of epidermal pit fields to manipulate the flow of nutrients and other compounds, and formation of globular protuberances of mesophyll cells without contact with the pathogen. The non-haustorial biotrophy was characterised by enlarged areas of intimate contact with host cells, often mediated by a matrix between the pathogen and plant structures. The new microscopic evidence and information on the pathogens’ biochemistry and secretome from the literature gave rise to a model of the lifestyle of V. inaequalis, lacking a necrotrophic stage that covers and explains its holomorphic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 2208 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

First Report of Diaporthe goulteri on Soybean in Germany

by Behnoush Hosseini, Maximilian Gerhard Gröbner and Tobias Immanuel Link

J. Fungi 2024, 10(11), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10110803 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 677

Abstract

Diaporthe (anamorph: Phomopsis) species are endophytes or fungal pathogens for many different plant species. Soybean (Glycine max) can be infected by many different Diaporthe species; among them, D. caulivora and D. longicolla are responsible for the most significant damages. Diaporthe [...] Read more.

Diaporthe (anamorph: Phomopsis) species are endophytes or fungal pathogens for many different plant species. Soybean (Glycine max) can be infected by many different Diaporthe species; among them, D. caulivora and D. longicolla are responsible for the most significant damages. Diaporthe goulteri is a species that was only recently described and has so far been found on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Australia and an unknown host in Thailand. Here, we report isolation of D. goulteri from soybean in southern Germany, molecular species identification, and additional morphological description. We also show that D. goulteri can infect soybean and describe the symptoms we observed, both on the plant where the isolate came from and following artificial inoculation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Two Fungicides, Prochloraz–Manganese Chloride Complex and Seboctylamine Acetate, to Control Cobweb Disease in White Button Mushroom Caused by Cladobotryum mycophilum

by Qiqi Chen, Yazhen Yuan, Gang Chen, Ning Li, Xinrong Li, Yufei Lan and Hongyan Wang

J. Fungi 2024, 10(10), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10100676 - 27 Sep 2024

Viewed by 708

Abstract

Cobweb disease in white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is a newly identified disease caused by Cladobotryum mycophilum in China. Currently, there are few highly effective and safe fungicides for controlling this disease in the field. This study assessed the fungicidal effect [...] Read more.

Cobweb disease in white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is a newly identified disease caused by Cladobotryum mycophilum in China. Currently, there are few highly effective and safe fungicides for controlling this disease in the field. This study assessed the fungicidal effect of prochloraz–manganese chloride complex and seboctylamine acetate against C. mycophilum, as well as their ability to control cobweb disease. Additionally, the residues of these fungicides in the mycelium and the mushroom were evaluated. The extent of the fungicidal effect against the pathogen was determined based on the efficiency of crop production. The results revealed that, in addition to the potent inhibitory effect of prochloraz–manganese chloride complex on the hyphae of C. mycophilum, the domestically developed seboctylamine acetate exhibited high toxicity, inhibiting both mycelial growth and spore germination of C. mycophilum, with EC₅₀ values of 0.990 mg/L and 0.652 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the application of the two chemical agents had no adverse effects on the mycelial growth and fruiting body growth of A. bisporus, and the residual amount of chemical agent was lower than the maximum residue limit standard. The field application results showed that 400 mg/L of prochloraz–manganese chloride complex and 6 mg/L of seboctylamine acetate resulted in 61.38% and 81.17% disease control respectively. This study presents efficient and safe fungicides for controlling cobweb disease in white button mushroom. Additionally, a residue determination analysis of the fungicide seboctylamine acetate in mushroom crops is described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Transcriptomics–Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Response Mechanism of Morchella sextelata to Pseudodiploöspora longispora Infection

by Shurong Wang, Jingyi Wang, Tengyun Wang, Tonglou Li, Lijing Xu, Yanfen Cheng, Mingchang Chang, Junlong Meng and Ludan Hou

J. Fungi 2024, 10(9), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090604 - 26 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1079

Abstract

Morels (Morchella spp.) are valuable and rare edible mushrooms with unique flavors and high nutritional value. White mold disease occurring during cultivation has seriously affected the quality and yield of morels in China. In this study, the fungus causing white mold disease [...] Read more.

Morels (Morchella spp.) are valuable and rare edible mushrooms with unique flavors and high nutritional value. White mold disease occurring during cultivation has seriously affected the quality and yield of morels in China. In this study, the fungus causing white mold disease in morels was isolated, purified, and identified as Pseudodiploöspora longispora by morphology and molecular biology. In addition, research has shown that P. longispora infection causes wrinkled and rupturing asci, loosened cell walls, and obvious membrane breakage accompanied by severe cytoplasmic leakage in M. sextelata. Interestingly, research has shown that infection with P. longispora can induce the production of an unknown substance in the cells of M. sextelata, which accumulates on the cell membrane, leading to membrane breakage. Furthermore, integrated transcriptomics–proteomics analysis revealed the response mechanism of M. sextelata to P. longispora infection. The results indicate that DEGs and DEPs can be significantly enriched in pathways involved in oxidoreductase activity; peroxisomes, lipid transport, and metabolism; cell wall assembly; and integral components of membranes. Further electron microscopy analysis clarified the important role of changes in the cell membrane and cell wall in the response of mycelia to biological stress. This study clarified the response mechanism of M. sextelata to P. longispora, laying a foundation for further clarifying the infection mechanism of P. longispora. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Population Structure of Phytophthora infestans in Israel Changes Frequently Due to the Import of Asymptomatic Late Blight-Infected Potato Seed Tubers from Europe

by Yigal Cohen

J. Fungi 2024, 10(8), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10080549 - 4 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1108

Abstract

Late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease of potato worldwide. In Israel, potatoes are grown twice a year, in autumn and spring, with late blight causing extensive damage in both seasons. While tuber seeds for the autumn [...] Read more.

Late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease of potato worldwide. In Israel, potatoes are grown twice a year, in autumn and spring, with late blight causing extensive damage in both seasons. While tuber seeds for the autumn planting are produced locally, seed tubers for the spring planting are imported from Europe due to dormancy of local tubers. Here, we demonstrate that seed tubers imported from Europe for the spring season carry asymptomatic infection with EU genotypes of P. infestans, which alters the population structure of the pathogen each spring. The proportion of imported tubers carrying asymptomatic infections ranged between 1.2 and 3.75%, varying by year and cultivar. Asymptomatic tubers produced late blight-infected sprouts about one month after planting. The sporangia produced on these sprouts served as primary inoculum, causing intensive foliage attacks on neighboring plants. When sprout-infected plants were uprooted and the mother tuber was washed, sliced, and placed in moistened dishes at 18 °C, profuse sporulation of P. infestans developed on the slices’ surfaces within 1–2 days. The dominant genotype of P. infestans in the autumn season in Israel is 23A1, but genotypes in the following spring season changed to include 13A2 or 36A2. Surprisingly, genotype 43A1, which might be resistant to CAA and OSBPI fungicides and appeared in Europe in 2022, emerged in Israel in spring 2024. The immigrating genotypes do not persist in the country, allowing 23A1 to regain predominance in the following autumn. Long-term monitoring data suggest that the population structure of P. infestans changes yearly but temporarily due to the import of new genotypes from Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1176 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of a Gene Encoding 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMGR) from Bipolaris eleusines, an Ophiobolin A-Producing Fungus

by Jianping Zhang, Ke Yang, Wei Tang, Yongjie Yang, Xiaoyue Yu, Yongliang Lu and Liuqing Yu

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070445 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1318

Abstract

Ophibolin A, a fungal sesterterpene, exerts a pivotal influence in a diverse array of biological processes, encompassing herbicidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, and cytotoxic activities. Sixty genes associated with sesterterpene compound biosynthesis were obtained from Bipolaris eleusines via transcriptome sequencing, and those closely linked to [...] Read more.

Ophibolin A, a fungal sesterterpene, exerts a pivotal influence in a diverse array of biological processes, encompassing herbicidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, and cytotoxic activities. Sixty genes associated with sesterterpene compound biosynthesis were obtained from Bipolaris eleusines via transcriptome sequencing, and those closely linked to ophiobolin A biosynthesis were subsequently filtered. A gene encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) that catalyzes the first committed step of ophiobolin biosynthesis in the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway was isolated and characterized using RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) technology from ophiobolin A-producing fungus, B. eleusines. The full-length cDNA of the B. eleusines HMGR gene (BeHMGR) was 3906 bp and contained a 3474 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 1157 amino acids. Sequence analysis revealed that deduced BeHMGR had high homology to the known HMGRs from Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Leptosphaeria maculans. It had a calculated molecular mass of about 124.65 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.90. It contained two putative HMG-CoA-binding motifs and two NADP(H)-binding motifs. Induced expression analysis of the BeHMGR gene by methyl jasmonate treatment using quantitative fluorescence PCR showed that it significantly elevated after 3 h of methyl jasmonate treatment, peaked at 6 h, and then gradually decreased. This demonstrates that BeHMGR gene expression is induced by methyl jasmonate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 13230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Cysteine Protease CfAtg4 Interacts with CfAtg8 to Govern the Growth, Autophagy and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum fructicola

by Shufeng Guo and Shengpei Zhang

J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060431 - 18 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1061

Abstract

Camellia oleifera is a native woody oil plant in southern China and is infected with anthracnose wherever it is grown. We previously identified Colletotrichum fructicola as the major causal agent of anthracnose on C. oleifera and found that CfAtg8 regulates the pathogenicity and [...] Read more.

Camellia oleifera is a native woody oil plant in southern China and is infected with anthracnose wherever it is grown. We previously identified Colletotrichum fructicola as the major causal agent of anthracnose on C. oleifera and found that CfAtg8 regulates the pathogenicity and development of C. fructicola. Here, we revealed that CfAtg4 interacts with CfAtg8, contributing to the formation of autophagosomes. The CfAtg8^1–160 allele, which only contains 1–160 amino acids of the CfAtg8, partially recovered the autophagosome numbers and autophagy defects of the ΔCfatg4 mutant. Consequently, these recoveries resulted in the restoration of the defects of the ΔCfatg4 mutant in growth and responses to different external stresses, albeit to an extent. Importantly, we illustrated the critical roles of CfAtg8^1–160 in appressoria formation, and pathogenicity. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into the importance of the interaction between CfAtg8 and CfAtg4 in the growth, autophagy and pathogenicity of the phytopathogenic fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial-Based Biofungicides Mitigate the Damage Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 1 and Improve the Physiological Performance in Banana

by Luisa Fernanda Izquierdo-García, Sandra Lorena Carmona-Gutiérrez, Carlos Andrés Moreno-Velandia, Andrea del Pilar Villarreal-Navarrete, Diana Marcela Burbano-David, Ruth Yesenia Quiroga-Mateus, Magda Rocío Gómez-Marroquín, Gustavo Adolfo Rodríguez-Yzquierdo and Mónica Betancourt-Vásquez

J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060419 - 12 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1642

Abstract

Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB) is the most limiting disease in this crop. The phytosanitary emergency caused by FWB since 2019 in Colombia has required the development of ecofriendly control methods. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of microbial-based [...] Read more.

Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB) is the most limiting disease in this crop. The phytosanitary emergency caused by FWB since 2019 in Colombia has required the development of ecofriendly control methods. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of microbial-based biofungicides against FWB caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 (Foc R1) and correlate such effect with plant physiological parameters. Five Trichoderma (T1 to T4 and T9) and four Bacillus (T5 to T8)-based biofungicides were evaluated in pot experiments. In vitro, dual confrontation tests were also carried out to test whether the in vitro effects on Foc growth were consistent with the in vivo effects. While Trichoderma-based T3, T4, and T9, and Bacillus-based T8, significantly reduced the growth of Foc R1 in vitro, Trichoderma-based T1, T3, T4, and T9 temporarily reduced the Foc population in the soil. However, the incidence progress of FWB was significantly reduced by Bacterial-based T7 (74% efficacy) and Trichoderma-based T2 (50% efficacy). The molecular analysis showed that T7 prevented the inner tissue colonization by Foc R1 in 80% of inoculated plants. The T2, T4, T7, and T9 treatments mitigated the negative effects caused by Foc R1 on plant physiology and growth. Our data allowed us to identify three promising treatments to control FWB, reducing the progress of the disease, delaying the colonization of inner tissue, and mitigating physiological damages. Further studies should be addressed to determine the modes of action of the biocontrol agents against Foc and validate the utilization in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Control of Root Rot of Strawberry by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strains CMS5 and CMR12

by Ruixian Yang, Ping Liu, Wenyu Ye, Yuquan Chen, Daowei Wei, Cuicui Qiao, Bingyi Zhou and Jingyao Xiao

J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060410 - 6 Jun 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1750

Abstract

Strawberry root rot caused by Fusarium solani is one of the main diseases of strawberries and significantly impacts the yield and quality of strawberry fruit. Biological control is becoming an alternative method for the control of plant diseases to replace or decrease the [...] Read more.

Strawberry root rot caused by Fusarium solani is one of the main diseases of strawberries and significantly impacts the yield and quality of strawberry fruit. Biological control is becoming an alternative method for the control of plant diseases to replace or decrease the application of traditional chemical fungicides. To obtain antagonistic bacteria with a high biocontrol effect on strawberry root rot, over 72 rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from the strawberry rhizosphere soil and screened for their antifungal activity against F. solani by dual culture assay. Among them, strains CMS5 and CMR12 showed the strongest inhibitory activity against F. solani (inhibition rate 57.78% and 65.93%, respectively) and exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity. According to the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rDNA and gyrB genes, CMS5 and CMR12 were identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Lipopeptide genes involved in surfactin, iturin, and fengycin biosynthesis were detected in the DNA genomes of CMS5 and CMR12 by PCR amplification. The genes related to the three major lipopeptide metabolites existed in the DNA genome of strains CMS5 and CMR12, and the lipopeptides could inhibit the mycelial growth of F. solani and resulted in distorted hyphae. The inhibitory rates of lipopeptides of CMS5 and CMR12 on the spore germination of F. solani were 61.00% and 42.67%, respectively. The plant-growth-promoting (PGP) traits in vitro screening showed that CMS5 and CMR12 have the ability to fix nitrogen and secreted indoleacetic acid (IAA). In the potting test, the control efficiency of CMS5, CMR12 and CMS5+CMR12 against strawberry root rot were 65.3%, 67.94% and 88.00%, respectively. Furthermore, CMS5 and CMR12 enhanced the resistance of strawberry to F. solani by increasing the activities of defense enzymes MDA, CAT and SOD. Moreover, CMS5 and CMR12 significantly promoted the growth of strawberry seedlings such as root length, seedling length and seedling fresh weight. This study revealed that B. amyloliquefaciens CMS5 and CMR12 have high potential to be used as biocontrol agents to control strawberry root rot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contrasting Performance of Two Winter Wheat Varieties Susceptible to Leaf Rust under Diverse Pathogen Pressure, Fungicide Application, and Cultivation Practices

by Radivoje Jevtić, Vesna Župunski, Dragan Živančev, Emilija Arsov, Sasa Mitrev, Ljupco Mihajlov and Branka Orbović

J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060401 - 2 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1066

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), and crude protein of soft white winter wheat–club variety (Barbee) and soft white winter wheat common variety (Zvezdana) susceptible to leaf rust and powdery mildew under different cultivation practices. Results revealed divergence [...] Read more.

This study investigated the relationship between yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), and crude protein of soft white winter wheat–club variety (Barbee) and soft white winter wheat common variety (Zvezdana) susceptible to leaf rust and powdery mildew under different cultivation practices. Results revealed divergence in associations between yield, TKW, and crude protein loss of winter wheat varieties susceptible to obligate pathogens. Under the same level of leaf rust infection, N-input limited yield loss of the two varieties but not to the same extent. TKW loss was affected only by variety×cultivation practice and was significantly correlated with yield loss (r = −0.727, p = 0.011) and crude protein loss (r = −0.600, p = 0.05) only in club winter wheat. We suspected that Ninput affects the difference in the relationship between yield and TKW loss among varieties. Crude protein and yield loss had a low association (R² = 18%, p = 0.05). Finally, this study indicated that more attention should be paid to the determination of pathogen pressure that triggers yield loss. It also pointed out that yield, TKW, and crude protein response to fungicides could differ in susceptible varieties. The contribution of fungicide to yield enhancement was highly associated with the specific reaction of the variety to pathogen infection rather than solely the disease level itself. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 15235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Sequencing and Analysis of Trichoderma polysporum Infection in Avena fatua L. Leaves before and after Infection

by Haixia Zhu and Yushan He

J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050346 - 13 May 2024

Viewed by 1695

Abstract

Biological control is a scientific management method used in modern agricultural production, and microbially derived biopesticides are one effective method with which to control weeds in agricultural fields. In order to determine the key genes for weed control by Trichoderma polysporum, transcriptome [...] Read more.

Biological control is a scientific management method used in modern agricultural production, and microbially derived biopesticides are one effective method with which to control weeds in agricultural fields. In order to determine the key genes for weed control by Trichoderma polysporum, transcriptome sequencing was carried out by high-throughput sequencing technology, and the strains of T. polysporum HZ-31 infesting Avena fatua L. at 24, 48, and 72 h were used as the experimental group, with 0 h as the control group. A total of 690,713,176 clean reads were obtained, and the sequencing results for each experimental group and the control group (0 h) were analyzed. In total, 3464 differentially expressed genes were found after 24 h of infection with the pathogen, including 1283 down-regulated genes and 2181 up-regulated genes. After 48 h of infection, the number of differentially expressed genes was 3885, of which 2242 were up-regulated and 1643 were down-regulated. The number of differentially expressed genes after 72 h of infection was the highest among all the groups, with 4594 differentially expressed genes, of which 2648 were up-regulated and 1946 were down-regulated. The up-regulated genes were analyzed by GO and KEGG, and the results showed that the up-regulated differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; the degradation of aromatic compounds; methane metabolism; and other pathways. Among them, the PHA2, GDH, ADH2, and AROF genes were significantly enriched in the above-mentioned pathways, so they were hypothesized to play an important role in the synthesis of the herbicidally active substances of T. polysporum HZ-31. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the pathogenicity of T. polysporum to A. fatua L., and accelerate the development and utilization of new and efficient bioherbicides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 925 KiB

Open AccessReview

Isothermal Detection Methods for Fungal Pathogens in Closed Environment Agriculture

by Aylwen Cotter, Peter Dracatos, Travis Beddoe and Kim Johnson

J. Fungi 2024, 10(12), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10120851 - 10 Dec 2024

Viewed by 971

Abstract

Closed environment agriculture (CEA) is rapidly gaining traction as a sustainable option to meet global food demands while mitigating the impacts of climate change. Fungal pathogens represent a significant threat to crop productivity in CEA, where the controlled conditions can inadvertently foster their [...] Read more.

Closed environment agriculture (CEA) is rapidly gaining traction as a sustainable option to meet global food demands while mitigating the impacts of climate change. Fungal pathogens represent a significant threat to crop productivity in CEA, where the controlled conditions can inadvertently foster their growth. Historically, the detection of pathogens has largely relied on the manual observation of signs and symptoms of disease in the crops. These approaches are challenging at large scale, time consuming, and often too late to limit crop loss. The emergence of fungicide resistance further complicates management strategies, necessitating the development of more effective diagnostic tools. Recent advancements in technology, particularly in molecular and isothermal diagnostics, offer promising tools for the early detection and management of fungal pathogens. Innovative detection methods have the potential to provide real-time results and enhance pathogen management in CEA systems. This review explores isothermal amplification and other new technologies in detection of fungal pathogens that occur in CEA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessReview

RNAi-Based Approaches to Control Mycotoxin Producers: Challenges and Perspectives

by Alexander A. Stakheev, Michael Taliansky, Natalia O. Kalinina and Sergey K. Zavriev

J. Fungi 2024, 10(10), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10100682 - 29 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1021

Abstract

Mycotoxin contamination of food and feed is a worldwide problem that needs to be addressed with highly efficient and biologically safe techniques. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism playing an important role in different processes in eukaryotes, including the regulation of gene [...] Read more.

Mycotoxin contamination of food and feed is a worldwide problem that needs to be addressed with highly efficient and biologically safe techniques. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism playing an important role in different processes in eukaryotes, including the regulation of gene expression, maintenance of genome stability, protection against viruses and others. Recently, RNAi-based techniques have been widely applied for the purposes of food safety and management of plant diseases, including those caused by mycotoxin-producing fungi. In this review, we summarize the current state-of-the-art RNAi-based approaches for reducing the aggressiveness of key toxigenic fungal pathogens and mycotoxin contamination of grain and its products. The ways of improving RNAi efficiency for plant protection and future perspectives of this technique, including progress in methods of double-stranded RNA production and its delivery to the target cells, are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI