Search Results (3,100)

Wheat blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae Triticum lineage (PoTl), is one of the most destructive and significant fungal diseases affecting wheat crops. The stability of the G143A mutation in the cytB gene, which confers resistance to Quinone outside inhibitor fungicides (QoIs) in PoTl isolates, has not been extensively studied. This study was conducted to evaluate the stability of fungicide resistance, fitness, and competitive ability of the QoI-resistant (R) PoTl isolates group over nine and five consecutive transfer cycles in vitro and in vivo, respectively, without fungicide exposure. No changes in azoxystrobin sensitivity were observed in either the QoI-resistant or sensitive (S) PoTl isolate groups after the successive transfer cycles in vitro and in vivo. The mycelial growth of the QoI-R PoTl isolate group remained stable, while the conidial germination capacity increased over time. For the QoI-resistant isolates, leaf and head disease, conidial production, and the latent period on wheat leaves did not change between the first and fifth infection cycles. In each transfer cycle, the highest levels of leaf and head disease, as well as the largest quantities of conidia collected from wheat leaves, were observed in isolate mixtures. Also, the G143A mutation responsible for QoI resistance remained stable after five transfer cycles of the QoI-resistant (0S:100R) isolate on wheat leaves. Our findings indicate that the G143A mutation remains stable, and there are adaptive benefits in QoI-R PoTl isolates. We discuss the ecological implications of the wheat blast population’s adaptation and PoTl QoIs resistance stability in wheat-cropping areas in Brazil. Full article

This study analyzed 5731 Egyptian onion samples collected from 2021 to 2024 to detect 430 pesticide residues and evaluate occurrence patterns, EU Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) compliance, multiple residue prevalence, and consumer health implications. The analysis revealed temporal fluctuations in contamination, with residue-free samples ranging from 51.19% (2023) to 75.59% (2022) and MRL exceedances varying from 1.34% (2022) to 8.33% (2023). Throughout 2021–2024, fungicides dominated pesticide residues, declining from 70% to 50%, while insecticides increased from 30% to 40%. Pesticide detection patterns shifted significantly over the study period, with carbendazim decreasing from 20.99% to 2.35%, azoxystrobin fluctuating between 3.86% and 18.78%, and dimethomorph rising to 16.67%, reflecting evolving agricultural practices. Multiple residue occurrence fluctuated dramatically, from 9.76% (2022) to a peak of 30.82% (2023), while single residue occurrence remained more stable, ranging between 14.06% and 22.90%. Several pesticides exceeded EU MRLs, including imazalil, chlorpropham, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, and profenofos. Despite these violations, the EFSA PRIMo 3.1 model’s chronic risk assessment showed that exposure levels for all population groups remained well below Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) thresholds, with a maximum %ADI of 2.27% for chlorpyrifos in high-consumption regions. Full article

Anthracnose, caused by the Colletotrichum sp. gloeosporioides complex, severely affects guava quality, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives to synthetic postharvest fungicides. This study is the first to evaluate modulated UV-C radiation as an innovative approach to controlling postharvest diseases and extending guava shelf-life. The modulation frequency significantly influenced mycelial growth and conidial germination, following a quadratic model (R² = 0.98), with maximum efficacy at ~30 Hz, reducing germination to 5.3 × 10⁴ CFU per plate. In vivo, the combinations of 0.99 kJ m⁻²/30 Hz and 0.66 kJ m⁻²/45 Hz inhibited anthracnose incidence and severity. Most physicochemical parameters remained unaffected after seven days of storage. However, treated fruits showed a higher hue angle (h) and lower a*, indicating the maintenance of shades closer to green due to slower chlorophyll degradation, and firmness was preserved, suggesting delayed ripening. Modulated UV-C also significantly reduced the respiration rate, lowering the climacteric peak. These findings demonstrate that anthracnose control depends on the modulation frequency, with 0.99 kJ m⁻²/30 Hz being particularly effective. Modulated UV-C radiation represents a promising, sustainable, and effective strategy for improving guava postharvest quality and shelf-life. Full article

Background: Gynecological infections, including bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and recurrent urinary tract infections, represent a major clinical burden and are often complicated by biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. Novel non-antibiotic strategies are urgently needed. We previously demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of silver-bound titanium dioxide (TiAB) against multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from dermatological infections. Objectives: We evaluated whether TiAB, at concentrations used in marketed medical devices, exerts antibacterial and antifungal effects against clinically relevant vaginal isolates by determining Minimum Inhibitory Concentration/ Minimum Bactericidal and Fungicidal Concentration (MIC, MBC/MFC), and time–kill kinetics. Methods: A total of 73 clinical isolates were collected from vaginal swabs, including Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, MRSA), Escherichia coli (ESBL+ and non-ESBL), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus agalactiae, and Candida albicans. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs) were determined by broth microdilution, and bactericidal activity was confirmed by time-kill assays. Results: TiAB exhibited potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria, with median MIC values of 1–2% (w/v) for E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Gram-positive isolates, including S. agalactiae and Enterococcus spp., showed higher MIC values (2–4%). Candida albicans displayed fungistatic inhibition at 4%. Time-kill assays confirmed rapid bactericidal effects for Gram-negative isolates within 8 h at 2× MIC, while Gram-positive bacteria required prolonged exposure. Conclusions: These findings extend previous evidence of TiAB’s antimicrobial properties to gynecological pathogens, supporting its potential as a topical, non-antibiotic option for managing vaginal infections in an era of rising antimicrobial resistance. Further in vivo validation is warranted. Full article

This study aimed to determine the antifungal activity of various compounds and develop a novel antifungal formulation against fungal pathogens, including Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Rhizopus stolonifer. A total of 32 plant-derived secondary metabolites and three extracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) from Lawsonia inermis, Juglans regia, and Drosera intermedia were screened at a concentration of 250 ppm. The chemical composition of the D. intermedia ethyl acetate extract was characterized using chromatographic techniques. Subsequently, an emulsifiable concentrate formulation from this extract was prepared, and its efficacy was evaluated at concentrations ranging from 250 to 2000 ppm. The D. intermedia ethyl acetate extract was found to contain three flavonoids (1.4%) and three naphthoquinones (2.8%). The formulation exhibited optimal effect at 1000 ppm. Overall, the high efficacy of the formulation containing the dried D. intermedia extract (10:1, ethyl acetate) positions it as a promising and viable alternative to synthetic fungicides. Full article

Cork oak (Quercus suber) forests are threatened by emergent fungal pathogen Diplodia corticola, which causes significant economic and ecological losses. This study evaluates the efficacy of synthetic and natural fungicides, as well as Bacillus antagonistic agents, against this phytopathogen in vitro and in vivo. Eighteen fungicidal agents were tested across three concentrations, whereas the bacterial antagonistic agents Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and a mixture of B. amyloliquefaciens + Bacillus mojavensis were tested at a fixed concentration. The assayed chemicals, including penconazole, clove oil, vanillin, and belthanol, showed 100 ± 0.0% radial growth inhibition (n = 24) and conidiation (n = 24), highlighting their potential as alternatives to benomyl and methyl thiophanate (Restricted in the European Union). In vivo assays further validated the efficacy of these agents in reducing symptom incidence and seedling mortality in cork oak seedlings. Similarly, the Bacillus-based treatments showed 47.6 ± 0.9% (n = 35) in vitro antagonistic effects and in vivo application on seedlings (n = 470) significantly reduced disease symptoms and supported physiological stability (GLMs with Tukey HSD post hoc). The study aimed to evaluate chemical, natural and biological control agents against this pathogen to identify effective management alternatives for forest nurseries and cork oak. Full article

Background: Fusarium solani (Fs), a drug-resistant phytopathogenic fungus, is a major cause of severe infections in both plants and humans. Artemisia annua and its derivatives exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral and anticholesterolemic activities, yet their clinical use has been dominated by potent antimalarial and anticancer effects. Artemisinin (ART), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from A. annua, is well recognized for its antimalarial efficacy but remains underexplored as an antifungal agent. Methods: Conidia of Fs were treated with increasing concentrations of ART (75–500 μM) for 0 and 24 h. Fungal viability was assessed using viability assays. Membrane permeability was examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy with propidium iodide (PI) staining. Protein carbonylation assays were performed to quantify oxidative damage induced by ART. Results: A 24 h, ART exposure reduced Fs viability in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ of 147.5 μM. At 500 μM, ART achieved fungicidal activity with 99% growth inhibition. Confocal microscopy confirmed extensive membrane disruption in ART-treated conidia, while carbonylation assays demonstrated marked protein oxidation, supporting a mechanism involving free radical generation from the peroxide bridge of ART. ART exhibits potent antifungal activity against Fs, mediated by oxidative stress, membrane disruption and protein carbonylation. Conclusions: These findings highlight ART as a promising candidate for antifungal drug development against resistant Fusarium species. Full article

The emergence of drug-resistant Candida species has created an urgent need for non-toxic molecules that inhibit fungal growth, biofilm development, and hyphal formation. In this study, fifty multi-halogenated indole derivatives were screened against ten Candida species, including azole-resistant C. albicans, C. auris, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis. Among them, 4,6-dibromoindole and 5-bromo-4-chloroindole exhibited the strongest antifungal and antibiofilm effects, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 10–50 µg/mL, outperforming ketoconazole and comparable to miconazole. Both di-halogenated indoles markedly inhibited cell aggregation, yeast-to-hyphae transition, and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, contributing to fungicidal activity. Microscopic analyses revealed the disruption of hyphal networks and reduced biofilm biomass. They showed moderate cytotoxicity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells (median lethal dose, LD₅₀ = 35.5 µg/mL and 75.3 µg/mL) and low phytotoxicity in plant assays. The quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model identified halogen substitution at C4, C5, and C6 positions as optimal for antifungal activity due to enhanced hydrophobic and electron-withdrawing effects. Together, these findings demonstrate that di-halogenated indoles serve as potent, low-toxicity inhibitors of Candida growth, biofilms, and morphogenesis, providing a promising scaffold for next-generation antifungal agents targeting drug-resistant Candida species. Full article

Background/Objectives: The growing resistance development among fungi, including those of Candida species, poses significant challenges to public health, emphasizing the need for the implementation of innovative therapeutic approaches. The tobacco defensin NaD1 exhibits a pronounced activity against C. albicans, but its relatively high cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells limits its potential application. Here, we investigated anticandidal activity and cytotoxicity of four modified analogues of NaD1 (NaD1-1 T44R/K45R, NaD1-2 L38R, NaD1-3 K36R/L38R, NaD1-4 L38R/T44R/K45R). Methods: These peptides contained substitutions with arginine of some amino acid residues in the C-terminal region of NaD1 and in its L5 loop (S₃₅KILRR₄₀), responsible for the “cationic grip” and binding to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP4,5), one of the primary targets of tobacco defensin action. Results: We showed that the modified NaD1 analogues effectively inhibited the growth of C. albicans cells but had a less fungicidal action than NaD1. As compared to NaD1, its modified analogues differed in their sensitivity to the presence of various salts; antifungal activities of NaD1-3 and NaD1-4 were more tolerant to the presence of NaCl and CaCl₂, respectively. All modified analogues except NaD1-1 did not exhibit hemolytic activity and showed significantly less cytotoxicity towards human immune and epithelial cells compared to NaD1. All modified analogues enhanced the permeability of PIP4,5-containing liposomes, although less effectively than NaD1. Differences in their properties were also demonstrated through experiments on oligomerization and zymosan binding. Conclusions: Thus, we proposed that the modified NaD1 analogues NaD1-2, NaD1-3, and NaD1-4 appear to be promising candidate antifungals. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to evaluate their therapeutic potential against critical fungal pathogens. Full article

Plant fungal diseases pose a serious threat to crop production and safety, and natural products are one of the important directions for the development of new green fungicides. This study found that the extract of Murraya euchristifolia had significant antifungal activity, and a main antifungal coumarin (1) was isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The structure of 1 was identified by NMR and MS spectroscopic data as a fused bis-furan coumarin (microminutinin) which was first isolated from the Murraya genus and exhibited strong broad-spectrum antifungal activity against eight plant pathogenic fungi from different families and genera. The EC₅₀ value of 1 (11.33 μg/mL) against Pestalotiopsis theae (the most sensitive to 1) was slightly higher than that (7.03 μg/mL) of the positive drug (80% carbendazim WP), indicating that 1 has the potential to serve as a lead compound for botanical fungicides. The bioassay results against P. theae in vivo indicated that 1 also has the potential for field application. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy revealed that 1 disrupted the morphological structure of mycelium, causing hyphae to twist, shrink, and even crack and severely reducing hyphal branching. Furthermore, propidium iodide staining proved that microminutinin destroyed the integrity of the cell membrane, causing leakage of cellular components. In addition, calcofluor white staining and chitin content changes illustrated that microminutinin disrupted the cell wall structure. This research provides compound sources and a theoretical basis for the development of botanical fungicides. Full article

N-glycosylation, a crucial eukaryotic post-translational modification, has been extensively studied for its significance in the physiology and virulence processes of plant pathogens over the last decade. This review systematically analyzes the functions of N-glycosylation-related endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins in regulating plant pathogen processes, including mycelial growth, conidial development, host penetration as well as colonization, pathogenicity, cell wall integrity and host immune evasion. By modifying the structure and function of target proteins, these ER-localized proteins regulate essential developmental events in pathogens while concurrently mediating interactions between pathogens and plants, influencing pathogens’ growth and disease-causing potential. Future research requires the systematic delineation of glycosylation-regulated protein networks by multi-omics integration technologies and the elucidation of their functional processes using molecular genetics methodologies, thereby establishing a robust theoretical foundation for the development of novel biological fungicides. Full article

Plant pathogenic fungi pose a persistent global threat to food security, causing severe yield losses in staple crops and increasing dependence on chemical fungicides. However, the ecological and toxicological drawbacks of synthetic fungicides have intensified the search for safer, plant-derived alternatives. This review synthesizes current advances on the antifungal mechanisms of plant essential oils (EOs) and their prospects for biofungicide development. The literature reveals that the antifungal activity of EOs arises from their diverse phytochemical composition, principally terpenes, phenolics, and aldehydes that target multiple fungal cellular sites. These compounds disrupt membrane integrity through ergosterol depletion, inhibit chitin and β-glucan synthesis, interfere with mitochondrial energy metabolism, and induce oxidative stress, leading to lipid peroxidation and cell death. Morphological and transcriptomic evidence confirms that EOs alter hyphal growth, spore germination, and key gene expression pathways associated with fungal virulence. Furthermore, emerging nanotechnological and encapsulation strategies enhance EO stability, bioavailability, and field persistence, addressing major barriers to their large-scale agricultural application. The integration of EO-based biofungicides within sustainable and precision agriculture frameworks offers a promising route to reduce chemical inputs, mitigate resistance development, and promote ecological balance. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research linking phytochemistry, nanotechnology, and agronomy to translate EO-based antifungal mechanisms into next-generation, environmentally compatible crop protection systems. Full article

Fusarium is considered one of the most important fungi that attack plants and cause serious diseases resulting in huge losses to crops, especially wheat. Fungicides have been used to control it, but they have drawbacks, including residues and toxicity to mammals, which encouraged researchers to find alternatives to these methods and materials. This study was conducted to find natural alternatives to the chemicals used as fungicides. The Dodonaea viscosa plant extract was evaluated as an extract (DVE) and nanoparticles (chitosan NPs loaded with DVE) to inhibit the growth of Fusarium spp. strains and production ability of Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Moniliformin (MON) mycotoxins. The wheat samples were taken from storage in eighteen different governorates in Iraq. Fusarium spp. strains were detected phenotypically, and seven strains were identified by using the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) as F. oxysporum, F. pseudograminearum and F. chlamydosporum. DVE effectively inhibited the growth of Fusarium spp. strains at three different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) on PDA. The highest percentage was 68.94% for F. oxysporum strain 5, and the lowest percentage was 22.58% for F. pseudograminearum strain 6 at a concentration of 1.5%. However, applying chitosan NPs loaded with DVE at a concentration of 0.75% effectively increased the inhibition rate. The treatment of chitosan NPs loaded with DVE played a role in inhibiting the percentage of mycotoxins produced. The highest percentage of inhibition of the DON toxin was recorded as 73.75% in Fusarium pseudograminearum strain 2, and the highest percentage of inhibition of the production of the (MON) toxin was 73.62% in isolate Fusarium chlamydosporum strain 8. Overall, this study highlights for the first time the potential of Dodonaea viscosa nano-formulation to suppress both fungal growth and mycotoxin biosynthesis, providing a sustainable and safe strategy for protecting stored grains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungal plant pathogen responsible for the gray mold disease, affecting several crops of economic importance worldwide. The primary line of control for the disease in the field and post-harvest fruits includes the application of fungicides. However, the emergence of fungal populations resistant to one or more fungicides has increased their application and diminished their effectiveness. Looking at new control strategies, metallic nanoparticles have appeared as a promising alternative for disease treatment. Green-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are considered a feasible alternative, aiming to reduce the generation of environmentally toxic waste through chemical methods. Methods: In this work, CuONPs biosynthesized using the supernatant of Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma ghanense were evaluated to determine their antifungal activity against B. cinerea. Results: Four different formulations of CuONPs were obtained: Ta1, Ta2, Tg1, and Tg2. All formulations displayed antifungal properties, with Tg2 being the most effective and having a high potential in controlling the phytopathogen. CuONPs in the Tg2 formulation were quasi-spherical, ranging in size from 1 to 2.7 nm. Conclusions: Furthermore, Tg2 demonstrated greater efficacy than the copper-based commercial fungicide NORDOX^® 75W, which showed no inhibitory effect on B. cinerea mycelial growth. In summary, the CuONPs reported in this work offer a sustainable and effective alternative for managing the gray mold disease. Full article

The development of grapevine varieties combining powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) resistance with acceptable wine quality represents an important goal for sustainable viticulture. This study evaluated the oenological potential of five advanced breeding lines carrying Run1 or Run1Ren1 resistance loci, developed through marker-assisted selection to achieve 99.2–99.6% Vitis vinifera genome content. Genotypes were assessed under Chilean conditions during the 2024–2025 seasons, analyzing disease resistance, berry characteristics, and wine chemical parameters. All resistant genotypes exhibited complete powdery mildew resistance (OIV scores 9) without fungicide applications. Wine analyses showed pH 3.4–3.9, titratable acidity 3.7–7.8 g/L, and total phenolics 229.2–1356.1 mg GAE/L, values within ranges reported in the literature for commercial wines. Two genotypes evaluated across both seasons showed different patterns of year-to-year variation, with AJ-T2 showing 4.7% variation in anthocyanin content, while AJ-T6 exhibited greater variation in phenolic parameters. HPLC analysis revealed anthocyanin profiles dominated by malvidin-3-glucoside without diglucoside forms, consistent with V. vinifera patterns. These preliminary results from single-plant evaluations suggest that marker-assisted breeding may contribute to developing disease-resistant varieties with wine chemical parameters within commercial ranges, though multi-plant trials with appropriate controls are essential for validation. Full article