Search Results (219)

Dispersal mechanisms of phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes are critical components of forest disease dynamics. While wind and water are well-studied pathways, the role of large forest herbivores as passive vectors remains significantly overlooked. This study quantifies and compares the pathogen loads carried on the hooves and hair of wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) to evaluate their epidemiological potential. Swab samples were collected from the hooves and hair of harvested deer in the Czerwony Bór Forest District, Poland. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting the ITS1 region were deployed to detect total fungal DNA, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium avenaceum/F. tricinctum, and several Phytophthora species. A linear mixed-effects model was implemented to statistically evaluate variations in pathogen loads across anatomical sampling locations while controlling for individual animal variability. Fungal DNA was detected in 87.5% of hoof samples, showing significantly lower Ct values (13.85–18.54) compared to fur samples (17.02–29.56), which exhibited a more patchy distribution (p = 0.016). Similarly, A. alternata transfer was highly favored by hooves (p < 0.001). Conversely, F. avenaceum was more frequently detected on hair. Among oomycetes, Phytophthora pseudosyringae was detected in all sampled animals, whereas Phytophthora cactorum occurred rarely, and other tested Phytophthora species were not detected. Wild deer carry DNA of multiple fungal and oomycete pathogens and may act as potential passive carriers within forest ecosystems. Hooves constitute the primary vector for soil-borne pathogens due to sustained contact with topsoil, whereas hair facilitates the movement of specific canopy or airborne taxa. These findings suggest that wildlife movements should be considered in future forest biosecurity assessments for comprehensive forest health management and for understanding pathogen exchange between forest and agricultural ecosystems. Full article

Southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is a devastating soil-borne disease of Aconitum carmichaelii, a medicinal plant widely cultivated in China. Biological control using beneficial bacteria offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides. This study investigated the influence of Bacillus subtilis FZ-7 on rhizosphere microbiome assembly and disease suppression in A. carmichaelii under field conditions. Four treatments were established: uninoculated control (C group), single inoculation with B. subtilis (B group), single inoculation with S. rolfsii (S group), and co-inoculation of S. rolfsii and B. subtilis (BS group). Plant biomass, soil physicochemical properties, and rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS genes, along with co-occurrence network analysis. Results showed that B. subtilis inoculation suppressed this growth suppression. B. subtilis alone enhanced both bacterial and fungal diversity. PCoA and LEfSe analyses revealed distinct microbial community structures among treatments, with biomarkers such as Lactobacillus, Candidatus Nitrosotalea, Rhodanobacter, and Sphingomonas for bacteria, and Trichocladium, Conocybe, Plectosphaerella, and Athelia for fungi. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that co-inoculation of S. rolfsii and B. subtilis partially restored cooperative microbial associations. Soil organic matter, pH, and cation exchange capacity were the main environmental factors shaping microbial community composition. Shoot fresh weight in BS recovered to 2.98 kg and rhizome fresh weight to 3.72 kg, representing 73.0% and 41.2% increases over the S treatment. Additionally, the disease index was reduced by 55.26 in BS compared with the control group. Nay more, Bacillus, Chujaibacter, and Rhodanobacter taxa were significantly enriched in BS group. In conclusion, B. subtilis FZ-7 effectively mitigates southern blight in A. carmichaelii by modulating rhizosphere microbial assembly, enriching beneficial taxa, and stabilizing microbial co-occurrence networks, highlighting its potential as a biocontrol agent for sustainable medicinal plant production. Full article

Fusarium wilt of Phalaenopsis spp., caused by Fusarium species, is a major soil-borne disease that severely threatens the yield and ornamental quality of Phalaenopsis. Endophytic fungi can serve as natural biocontrol agents against soil-borne pathogens and have potential applications in biological control. In this study, a pathogenic isolate, HT-1, was obtained from Fusarium-wilted Phalaenopsis plants, and its pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation assays on detached leaves and intact plants. Morphological observations, together with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF-1α) sequence analyses, identified HT-1 as Fusarium proliferatum. Seven endophytic fungi with strong antagonism against F. proliferatum were screened using a dual-culture assay. All seven isolates consistently inhibited five representative plant pathogens in vitro, showing broad-spectrum and promising biocontrol potential. Detached leaf inoculation assays showed that both Trichoderma virens and Trichoderma asperellum significantly reduced lesion area and disease severity caused by F. proliferatum, indicating potential application in disease management. In summary, this study identified seven endophytic fungi from Phalaenopsis with broad-spectrum antagonistic potential against multiple plant pathogenic fungi. Meanwhile, the protective effects of T. virens and T. asperellum against F. proliferatum were preliminarily evaluated using detached leaves. These findings provide theoretical reference and fungal resources for screening candidate biocontrol strains against Phalaenopsis Fusarium wilt and related plant diseases, and lay a foundation for future studies on biocontrol mechanisms, whole-plant efficacy verification, and practical application. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wheat root and crown rot, caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, Fusarium graminearum, and Bipolaris sorokiniana, are devastating soil-borne diseases that cause substantial yield losses worldwide. Endophytic fungi are promising sources of bioactive metabolites for agricultural applications. This study aimed to isolate and characterize an endophytic fungus with antifungal activity against major wheat pathogens, identify its active compound, and investigate the underlying transcriptional response. Methods: An endophytic strain Y2 was isolated from Hedyotis diffusa leaves and identified through morphological and phylogenetic analysis based on TEF-1α and RPB2 sequences. Pathogenicity of strain Y2 was evaluated on wheat stem bases. The bioactive compound was purified by HPLC and identified by HR-ESI-MS and NMR. Antifungal activity was assessed using dual-culture and microbroth dilution assays. Transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) was performed on F. pseudograminearum treated with equisetin, with qRT-PCR validation of seven representative differentially expressed genes. Results: Strain Y2 was identified as Fusarium incarnatum or a closely related member of the F. incarnatum–equiseti species complex (FIESC) and confirmed to be non-pathogenic to wheat. The purified bioactive compound was characterized as equisetin, which exhibited significant antifungal activity with MIC values of 16, 32, and 64 μg/mL against F. pseudograminearum, B. sorokiniana, and F. graminearum, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that equisetin treatment induced a polarized transcriptional response in F. pseudograminearum, characterized by strong upregulation of ribosome and translation-related genes and widespread downregulation of other metabolic pathways, particularly nitrogen metabolism. qRT-PCR validation of seven representative genes confirmed the reliability of the RNA-seq data. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that equisetin is the active antifungal metabolite produced by F. incarnatum Y2, with potent in vitro activity against major wheat root and crown rot pathogens. The transcriptomic data provide insights into the potential mechanism of action, while the non-pathogenic nature of strain Y2 supports its biosafety. Although these results highlight equisetin as a promising lead compound for antifungal development, further in planta efficacy and safety studies are required before it can be considered for practical biocontrol. Full article

Rusty root rot of ginseng (Panax ginseng) caused by Ilyonectria spp. infection is a devastating soil-borne disease restricting the sustainable production of garden-cultivated ginseng (GCG) in Northeast China and causes severe yield and economic losses; GCG is far more susceptible to this pathogen than forest-cultivated ginseng (Lin-Xia-Shan-Shen, LXSS). Ginsenosides, the signature triterpenoid saponin defensive metabolites of ginseng, are characteristic dammarane-type triterpenoid defensive saponins represented by Re, Rg₂, Rb₁, Rd, and Rg₁. These compounds are continuously secreted into the rhizosphere and widely participate in plant–microbe interactions, yet their functional roles in mediating Ilyonectria infection remain poorly clarified. This study aimed to clarify how rhizospheric ginsenosides regulate the infection process of pathogenic Ilyonectria strains. Two pathogenic strains, Ilyonectria sp. SYM-1 and Ilyonectria sp. SYM-2, were found isolated from diseased GCG roots and verified as causal agents via morphological observation, molecular ITS identification and artificial inoculation infection experiments. Interestingly, the concentrations of five ginsenosides, Re, Rg₂, Rb₁, Rd, and Rg₁, in the rhizospheric soil of GCG with rusty root rot were significantly higher than those in the rhizospheric soil of healthy LXSS plants. In addition, the concentrations of ginsenosides in the LXSS rhizospheric soils decreased with increasing age of plants. Non-nutritive suspension co-culture assays showed that high concentrations of the ginsenosides Rg₁ and Rd significantly promoted spore germination of the strains SYM-1 and SYM-2. However, Rb₁ had a certain inhibitory effect on the growth of Ilyonectria sp. SYM-2. Host inoculation experiments further indicated that infection with either fungus significantly reduced the concentrations of ginsenosides produced in ginseng roots. These results demonstrate that the pathogenic fungi SYM-1 and SYM-2 of Ilyonectria can adapt to and utilize ginsenosides. Collectively, these findings prove that the two pathogenic Ilyonectria strains have evolved the capacity to adapt to and exploit rhizospheric ginsenosides to facilitate their infectivity. From an application perspective, reducing rhizospheric ginsenoside release may represent a promising theoretical strategy for ginseng cultivation and germplasm improvement, which warrants further verification by field or greenhouse experiments for validation. Full article

Root rot and vine decline (RRVD) is one of the main root diseases of melon, causing significant production losses due to the isolated or combined action of different phytopathogenic fungi. The absence of registered chemical control methods in Brazil reinforces the need for alternative integrated management strategies. This study aims to evaluate the enzymatic responses of Jack Beans plants inoculated with M. pseudophaseolina (Experiment I) and the effectiveness of crop rotation cycles between melon (ME) and Jack Bean (JB) on RRVD and soil-borne pathogens (Experiment II). In Experiment I, the activity of chitinase (CT), β-1,3-glucanase (BG), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) were assessed at five evaluation periods. In Experiment II, nine rotation cycles involving JB and ME, grown in naturally infested soil, were evaluated for disease incidence, severity, and fungal isolation frequency. In Experiment I, inoculated plants showed increased CT, BG, and PAL expression compared to non-inoculated plants. In Experiment II, the control treatment showed no disease incidence or severity, whereas all other rotation cycles exhibited 100% incidence and severity ranging from 4.5 to 4.9. The incorporation of JB demonstrated a suppressive effect on important pathogens associated with branch decline, reducing the frequency of Macrophomina spp. isolation (0–4% compared to 16% in the treatment without JB) and delaying the root penetration of Monosporascus spp. after two consecutive cycles. However, this management also favored the multiplication of Fusarium spp. in all treatments with JB incorporation. Full article

Soybean root rot, a destructive soilborne disease complex caused by a consortium of pathogenic fungi, poses a persistent threat to global soybean productivity. During 2022–2023, a total of 990 fungal isolates were recovered from symptomatic soybean roots across Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. Of these, 279 isolates were identified as Fusarium equiseti through integrated morphological characterization and multilocus phylogenetic analysis. Notably, F. equiseti exhibited markedly elevated isolation frequencies (5.6–58.9%) across surveyed regions, confirming its status as the emerging dominant causal agent of root rot in this agroecological zone. Pathogenicity evaluations revealed that 76.67% of isolates displayed moderate virulence, with one strain classified as highly virulent (3.33%). In vitro fungicide sensitivity assays indicated that F. equiseti was most susceptible to prochloraz (mean EC₅₀ = 0.0010 µg·mL⁻¹) and fludioxonil (mean EC₅₀ = 0.0042 µg·mL⁻¹). When deployed as seed treatments, these two fungicides achieved 53.61% and 47.32% control efficacy against root rot, respectively, while significantly enhancing soybean seedling emergence, root length, and fresh weight. Collectively, these findings provide a scientific foundation for the precise, sustainable management of F. equiseti-mediated root rot in cold-region soybean production systems. Full article

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a formidable soilborne fungus that wreaks havoc on numerous crops globally. While the role of ADP-ribosylation factor-like 1 (Arl1) small GTPases in vesicular trafficking and fungal development is well-documented, their specific impact on S. sclerotiorum remains unclear. Through reverse genetic techniques, we identified and characterized SsArl1, a typical Arl small GTPase conserved across fungi. Deleting SsArl1 hampers the hyphal growth of S. sclerotiorum, but leads to higher oxalic acid buildup and boosts cellulase activity. This speeds up the infection of host plants, yet increases their sensitivity to certain environmental stresses, particularly ionic and cell wall-related stress. Our results reveal that SsArl1 acts as a negative regulator of oxalic acid accumulation and virulence, while playing a positive role in enhancing resistance to environmental stresses in S. sclerotiorum. Full article

Damping-off disease represents a major constraint in greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production, being primarily caused by soil-borne fungi and oomycetes whose persistence is intensified by intensive cultivation practices. This review synthesizes current knowledge on integrated disease management strategies targeting these pathogens in protected cropping systems. Cultural practices (e.g., substrate sanitation and irrigation control), physical and chemical soil disinfestation, deployment of resistant cultivars, and biological control agents (e.g., Trichoderma, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas) are critically evaluated. Available evidence indicates that integrated approaches consistently reduce pathogen inoculum, limit infection processes, and enhance seedling establishment and vigor, thereby outperforming single-method interventions. Synergistic interactions among practices strengthen rhizosphere resilience and contribute to sustained soil health. Overall, integrated disease management offers an effective and environmentally sound framework to mitigate damping-off, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and ensure stable tomato production in protected cultivation systems. Full article

Fusarium root rot (caused by Fusarium verticillioides) is a destructive soilborne disease in maize, significantly reducing crop yields. The root symbiotic fungi Trichoderma species have been confirmed as effective biocontrol microbes for Fusarium root rot; however, the mechanistic role of Trichoderma-induced endophytes in suppressing Fusarium root rot in maize remains unclear. This study found that Trichoderma harzianum T30 significantly reduced the abundance of pathogens by 48.9% and increased the abundance of potentially antagonistic Bacillus strains (33%) in the root endophytic bacterial community. In addition, the hyd1 gene in T. harzianum T30 induced a 7.5-fold upregulation of ZmOPR7 in maize roots compared to the Δhyd1 mutant treatment, a gene related to the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway. Further, several endophytic Bacillus strains were specifically induced by a hyd1-overexpressing strain, including B. amyloliquefaciens MX66, B. velezensis C9, and B. velezensis GAGAN3. Three endophytes significantly (p < 0.05) reduced Fusarium root rot incidence in maize by 46.6–55.0% and upregulated the expression of jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET) pathway-related genes (ZmOPR7, ZmOPR8 and ZmEIL1) by 5.4-, 1.5-, and 4.6-fold, respectively, compared to untreated controls. Meanwhile, the Bacillus strain also improved maize plant growth. This study examined how overexpression of the T. harzianum elicitor gene hyd1 (in the OE-hyd1 strain) affects the colonization dynamics of beneficial endophytic bacteria in maize roots. Additionally, it further suggested the contribution of selected endophytic Bacillus strains in suppressing Fusarium root rot in maize. Full article

Short-rotation sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivation in the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine is often accompanied by increased phytopathogenic pressure and impaired rhizosphere functioning, creating a need for biological tools to stabilize the plant–soil system. This study evaluated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhiza and an antagonistic microbial consortium on pathogen pressure, rhizosphere activity, yield, and technological quality of sugar beet under different crop rotations. Field experiments were conducted in 2023–2025 using a three-factor design that included rotation, mycorrhizal inoculation, and microbial inoculation. The highest phytopathogenic pressure was recorded in the maize–soybean–sugar beet rotation, where the cumulative frequency of dominant pathogens reached 94.0% and the root rot severity index in the control was 28.6%. Arbuscular mycorrhiza reduced disease development by 14.6–16.4%, whereas the antagonistic consortium reduced it by 25.6–27.9% relative to the control. Their combined application was most effective, decreasing root rot severity to 9.6–17.1% and increasing root colonization, available phosphorus, and dehydrogenase activity in the rhizosphere. The highest yield (80.5 t/ha) and sugar content (18.5%) were obtained in the soybean–winter wheat–sugar beet rotation under combined inoculation. AMF can improve phosphorus acquisition and mycorrhiza-induced tolerance, whereas antagonistic fungi can directly suppress soil-borne pathogens through competition, antibiosis, and mycoparasitism, their combined use may provide complementary protection in disease-conducive rotations. Overall, integrating arbuscular mycorrhiza with antagonistic microorganisms is a promising approach for reducing pathogen pressure and improving sugar beet performance in short-rotation systems. Full article

The transition toward a sustainable agri-food system, aligned with agricultural and environmental policy objectives, has increased interest in aromatic plants as non-synthetic pesticide alternatives. This study focused on evaluating the antifungal potential of five specific aromatic plant species, particularly Lavandula dentata, Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis, against the phytopathogenic soil-borne fungi Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici and Verticillium dahliae. During screening, L. dentata and T. vulgaris extracts exhibited strong in vitro fungicidal activity. Bioactive compounds previously detected in both lavender and thyme were identified in their extracts using a triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Assessment of in vitro phytoprotective action of L. dentata extract in solid and liquid growth media demonstrated inhibitory effects against F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici at concentrations above 1% v/v, with inhibitory effects of L. dentata extract being observed at concentrations equal to or above 2% v/v. T. vulgaris extract inhibited V. dahliae growth on solid media at concentrations at 1% v/v or above, while inhibitory effects were observed in broth media containing 2% v/v thyme extract. Seed germination tests of both L. dentata and T. vulgaris revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in their germination index (GI) at concentrations equal or above 2% v/v, apart from the effect of lavender extract on cress, where inhibition occurred at dose application above 5% v/v. In planta experiments demonstrated the complete phytoprotective action of lavender extract against F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici, while a marginal improvement in plant survival was observed during application of T. vulgaris extract. Full article

Rhizoctonia solani is the main pathogen that causes tomato root rot, which is a soilborne disease that seriously affects tomato production, leading to huge economic losses. Biocontrol is an excellent control method for suppressing plant disease, as it is environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable. Currently, reviews of the biocontrol of tomato root rot caused by R. solani are scarce. In this review, biocontrol agents, including bacteria and fungi, that can control tomato root rot caused by R. solani are discussed in depth, as well as their control effects. Moreover, this review systematically analyzes the potential control mechanisms of biocontrol agents, including the production of cell-wall-degrading enzymes, the production of metabolites, mycoparasitism, the induction of plant systemic resistance, and competition. Considerations for the practical application of biocontrol agents, including their formulation, reproducibility under field conditions, environmental variability, regulatory considerations for some microbial agents, and limitations, are also highlighted and discussed. Finally, further research suggestions are made for the future control of tomato root rot caused by R. solani. This review provides a basis for the field application of biocontrol agents to control tomato root rot caused by R. solani. Full article

Soil-borne diseases pose a severe threat to global agricultural production and food security. Traditional chemical control methods face significant challenges, including environmental pressure, pathogen resistance, and food safety concerns. The rhizosphere microbial community, often termed the plant’s ‘second genome’, plays a pivotal role in maintaining plant health and defending against pathogen invasion. Recent advances in multi-omics technologies, synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) construction, and rhizosphere metabolomics have significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms by which rhizosphere microbiomes suppress soil-borne diseases. This review systematically summarizes the following: 1. key drivers of rhizosphere microbial community assembly, particularly plant “cry for help” signaling; 2. core beneficial microbial taxa and their disease-suppressive mechanisms; 3. the critical role of microbial interaction networks; 4. microbiome-based management strategies and their application progress; and 5. current challenges and future research directions. Compared with previous reviews that separately discussed rhizosphere microbiota, disease-suppressive soils, synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), or prebiotics, this review uniquely integrates multiple levels of regulation, from plant genetic determinants (‘M genes’) and root exudate-mediated ‘crying for help’ to microbiome engineering (SynComs and prebiotics) and cross-kingdom interactions (bacteria–fungi–protists–phages). A central conceptual axis of ‘M genes → microbiome engineering → breeding’ is proposed, bridging plant genetics, microbial ecology, and crop improvement for durable disease suppression. Ultimately, this work aims to provide a theoretical foundation for developing efficient and sustainable green control technologies against soil-borne diseases. Full article

Traditional disease management, which is based on the application of synthetic chemical products, has negatively affected human health and the environment. A sustainable approach based on the application of natural compounds and microorganisms is potentially better for consumer health. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of plant-based and/or organic products against soilborne fungal pathogens of tomato. A preliminary in vitro experiment was performed to select potential putative inhibitory products (PIPs) and fungal pathogens that were then used in an in vivo experiment conducted inside a greenhouse that mimics real-world field conditions. For the greenhouse experiment, bergamot and pomegranate wastes and the commercial product EP5 were selected as the PIPs to control Agroathelia rolfsii, Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum growth. Each pot was artificially inoculated three days before the low-dose treatment, and one tomato seedling was transplanted into each pot four days after the treatment. Data regarding the phytosanitary status of the plants and roots, as well as their length and weight, were collected after 45 days, and the results obtained demonstrate that plant-derived products were able to mitigate fungal diseases, with pomegranate waste being the most effective. Also, the EP5 product, as a resistant inducer, was able to significantly improve the natural defense of tomato plants, resulting in it being the best PIP used. Mycological analyses were performed on the roots to assess the presence of inoculated fungal pathogens after natural product treatment. Overall, the results confirm that the PIPs are suitable for crop management, but the outcomes are variable. In general, pomegranate waste and EP5 significantly protected the roots against fungal attacks, while bergamot waste showed lower efficacy. This trend was not observed for plant length and weight, as the treated plants showed results similar to those of the untreated controls. In conclusion, natural products are a valid alternative to chemicals, as they demonstrate both efficacy and safety, but their potential should be further investigated in field trials. Full article