Search Results (671)

Soybean rust caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi threatens global soybean production, causing yield losses of up to 80%. Race-specific Rpp genes provide short-term resistance due to pathogen variability, whereas partial resistance (PR) offers durable, broad-spectrum protection, though its genetic basis remains unclear. This study aimed to identify genomic regions and candidate genes underlying PR using the Fixed and Random Model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU) genome-wide association study (GWAS) and machine learning (ML) methods, Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Regression (SVR). A panel of 312 soybean accessions was evaluated under natural infection across six Ugandan environments. Rust index (RI), derived from rust severity and sporulation level, was used to estimate heritability (H²) and rank genotypes through Best Linear Unbiased Predictions (BLUPs), while Best Linear Unbiased Estimators (BLUEs) supported GWAS input. After quality control, 8272 SNPs were analyzed within a ±60 kb linkage disequilibrium (LD) window. Multi-environmental Analysis (MEA) of RI showed significant genetic effects (p < 0.01); H² = 0.57–0.68. Sixty-one loci were detected: six by FarmCPU, 15 by RF, and 41 by SVR. Key genes included Glyma.01G128100 (a WRKY transcription factor) and Glyma. 13G228000, receptor-like kinase) and Glyma.20G173100 (WD40-domain regulator). Integrating ML with GWAS improved locus detection, confirming the polygenic nature of PR and supporting the use of genomic selection and locus pyramiding for durable rust resistance. Full article

Sunflower downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara halstedii, remains one of the most destructive diseases worldwide. The genetic diversity of P. halstedii populations continues to challenge resistance breeding efforts. This study evaluates the effectiveness of key resistance genes against P. halstedii isolates collected in Hungary. Eight isolates were tested using the sunflower differential lines HA-335, RHA-419, and RHA-340, with the resistance genes Pl6, Pl_Arg, and Pl8, respectively. Disease development was assessed by observing sporulation and symptoms including stunting, chlorosis, damping-off, and abnormal development at three time points after inoculation. Plant height was also measured to evaluate growth responses. The Pl6 resistance gene (HA-335) did not provide effective protection against any of the tested isolates, indicating that Pl6 does not confer reliable resistance against the Hungarian isolates examined in this study. The resistance conferred by Pl8 was not uniformly effective against the Hungarian isolates tested. This study provides the first report of Pl8-virulent P. halstedii isolates identified in both Hungary and Central Europe. The resistance gene Pl_Arg (RHA-419) conferred resistance to all tested P. halstedii isolates. These findings highlight the changing virulence profiles of P. halstedii populations in Hungary, emphasizing the need for ongoing pathogen monitoring and strategic use of resistance genes. Full article

Sarcocystis, a diverse and species-rich protist genus infecting reptiles, birds, and mammals, remains poorly understood in terms of true diversity and their lifecycles. Typically, sarcocysts are found in the muscle tissue of the intermediate host (IH), while oocysts undergo sporulation in the intestines of the definitive host (DH). Rodent-associated Sarcocystis species often form cryptic species complexes with strong specificity to their DHs; however, their presence in the intestines of wild carnivores, whose IHs are rodents, is understudied. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of rodent-associated Sarcocystis species in the intestines of wild Mustelidae and Canidae from Lithuania using light microscopy (LM) and nested PCR targeting 28S rRNA. LM analysis of intestinal scraping revealed Sarcocystis spp. in 56.3% of canids and mustelids, while DNA sequence analysis identified 41.0% of mustelids and 11.6% of canids as positive. Three Sarcocystis species, S. arvalis, S. myodes, and S. ratti, and the genetic lineage Sarcocystis sp. Rod8, which belong to the same cryptic species complex, were identified in mustelids, while S. arvalis and S. myodes were detected in canids. Thus, mustelids contribute more than canids to the natural transmission of Sarcocystis spp. from rodents in Lithuania. Full article

During August 2025, a single adult yellow-bellied watersnake, Nerodia erythrogaster transversa was found dead on the road in Montgomery County, Arkansas, USA, salvaged, and its feces examined for coccidian parasites. Fecal material from the rectum was placed in a vial of 2.5% potassium dichromate and examined by light microscopy. Partially sporulated oocysts were initially found and allowed to completely sporulate. The snake was found to be passing a new species of Eimeria. Oocysts of Eimeria speairsi sp. n. were ovoidal to spheroidal with a slightly rough bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 28.0 × 18.2 µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.5; a micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule was absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measured 13.7 × 8.6 µm, L/W ratio of 1.6; a flattened Stieda body was present but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass, sometimes dispersed between the sporozoites. A 412 bp sequence of the SSU rRNA gene produced for E. speairsi sp. n. showed a relatively low level of similarity. The species description is based primarily on oocyst morphology and partial SSU rRNA sequence data from the single host snake. In addition, an updated summary of the coccidians of North American watersnakes is provided. Full article

Chicken coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused mainly by Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria necatrix, with most cases presenting as mixed infections. Currently, although a subunit vaccine (CoxAbic) targeting Eimeria maxima via maternal immunization is commercially available, no genetically engineered multivalent subunit vaccine exists against mixed infections caused by these four Eimeria species simultaneously. Therefore, we developed a tetravalent recombinant subunit vaccine (designated TEIN) by fusing key antigen genes (TA4, 3-1E, IMP1, NA4) from these four Eimeria species and expressing the construct in Pichia pastoris. A total of 500 chickens were randomly allocated into 25 experimental subgroups (n = 20 each), consisting of five groups (control, challenged, adjuvant, pPIC9K, and TEIN) and five challenge conditions (infection with Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria necatrix, or a mixture of four species). Immunization was performed via leg intramuscular injection at 14 and 21 days of age. At 28 days of age, all chickens except the controls were orally challenged with 1 × 10⁴ sporulated oocysts. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way or two-way ANOVA as appropriate. Results showed that chickens vaccinated with the TEIN subunit vaccine exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of IgY, IL-2, IL-10, and IFN-γ, as well as an increased splenic lymphocyte CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio. The anticoccidial indices (ACI) against Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria necatrix, and their mixed infection reached 174.82, 174.58, 174.41, 180.61, and 175.95, respectively. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in hematological parameters, serum biochemical markers, or histopathological findings between the vaccinated and control groups. These results demonstrate the vaccine’s potential as a promising candidate for controlling mixed coccidial infections. Full article

Bacterial adaptation to hostile environments depends on the coordinated expression of stress response genes. When adverse conditions persist and nutrients become limiting, sporulating species may initiate sporulation as a last-resort survival strategy. However, sporulation under such conditions may alter the resistance and germination properties of the resulting spores. In this study, we investigated whether stress response regulators that facilitate vegetative cell adaptation to temperature and/or salinity changes during growth can influence the properties of Bacillus subtilis 168 spores. To this end, we examined the resistance and germination of mutant spores lacking key regulators of stress response pathways (SigB, SigW, SigX, Fur, HrcA, CtsR, and CssRS regulon), all produced under optimal sporulation conditions. The constitutive activation of the SigB-mediated general stress response, achieved through the deletion of its negative regulator RsbX, reduced spore heat resistance by 2.2-fold compared to the parental strain, while no effect was observed in vegetative cells. Additionally, ΔrsbX spores displayed both impaired nutrient-induced and CaDPA-induced germination. Collectively, these findings suggest that stress response regulators can influence spore behavior, although their effects may differ from those observed in vegetative cells. Full article

Background: Gumming disease caused by Fusarium tricinctum severely threatens Zanthoxylum bungeanum production. This study investigated the antifungal potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by an endophytic fungus, Schizophyllum commune, isolated from Z. bungeanum. Methods: A dual-culture assay evaluated VOCs inhibition against F. tricinctum. Compounds were identified using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the antifungal mechanism of this component was explored. Results: VOCs from S. commune significantly inhibited mycelial growth and sporulation of the pathogen. Among 53 identified compounds, 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom alcohol) was the most abundant (35.98% relative content) and exhibited strong antifungal activity with an EC₅₀ of 0.15 µL/mL against F. tricinctum. Mechanistically, 1-octen-3-ol disrupted cell membrane integrity by increasing alkaline phosphatase and β-1,3-glucanase activities, leading to enhanced permeability and content leakage. It also induced oxidative stress by promoting reactive oxygen species accumulation via elevated NADPH oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, while suppressing antioxidant enzymes. Conclusions: 1-octen-3-ol inhibits F. tricinctum through membrane disruption and oxidative stress, offering a promising eco-friendly strategy for controlling gumming disease. Full article

Greenhouse cultivation enables year-round vegetable production and high yields through precise environmental regulation. Yet, the same stable microclimate that promotes crop growth also favors the proliferation of pests and diseases. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how greenhouse climate variables govern pest and disease epidemiology in tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper. Only greenhouse-based studies were included to ensure direct relevance to protected horticulture. Microclimatic stability determines infection probability, vector behavior, and host susceptibility. Warm, humid conditions promote fungal and bacterial pathogens, whereas dry, high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) environments favor mites and thrips and enhance virus transmission. Species-specific traits further modulate vulnerability. Tomato is dominated by virus–bacterium complexes and foliar/stem fungal diseases, cucumber by phytopathogenic fungi favored by high relative humidity (RH) and soilborne pathogens, and sweet pepper by virus–vector systems and long-cycle fungal infections. Temperature exerts the strongest influence, while RH and VPD jointly regulate surface moisture and vector activity. Light intensity and spectral composition also affect pest orientation and fungal sporulation. Integrating environmental sensing, biological control, and adaptive climate regulation offers a pathway toward preventive, climate-smart Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The review highlights the emerging role of climate-informed decision-support systems (DSSs) and the need for greenhouse-specific datasets to improve pest and disease forecasting. Full article

Antibiotic therapy represents one of the strongest ecological perturbations of the human gut microbiota, inducing rapid and often prolonged alterations in community structure, metabolic activity, and functional resilience. While the use of probiotics to mitigate antibiotic-associated dysbiosis is widely adopted in clinical practice, probiotic selection is still largely empirical and insufficiently grounded in biological compatibility with specific antibiotic pressures. In this conceptual review, antibiotics are reframed not merely as antimicrobial agents, but as ecological forces that shape microbial survival, quiescence, and recolonization dynamics. We propose a biologically informed framework that distinguishes genetic antibiotic resistance from functional or ecological insensitivity, highlighting how microbial traits, such as the absence or inaccessibility of the antibiotic target, metabolic state, sporulation, and cellular architecture, influence the persistence of probiotics during antibiotic exposure. By integrating the mechanisms of action of antibiotics with key physiological and structural features of probiotic microorganisms, we develop a conceptual framework aimed at rationalizing the compatibility of probiotics and antibiotics. This framework does not imply clinical efficacy but provides an interpretative tool to guide hypothesis generation, experimental validation, and the design of future targeted probiotic strategies. A more ecologically grounded approach to probiotic selection may ultimately improve microbiota support during antibiotic therapy and advance personalized microbiome modulation. Full article

Sporulation represents a complex metabolic reprogramming process in bacteria. In this study, we used CRISPR-Cpf1 to knock out spoIIE and rsfA in Bacillus licheniformis. The ΔspoIIE strain completely lost sporulataion capacity, while ΔrsfA showed a 25% reduction. Although viable cell counts decreased by 80.7% and 45.7%, respectively, glucose consumption and 2,3-butanediol synthesis remained unchanged, and acetoin synthesis increased by 19% in ΔspoIIE. Per-cell metabolic rates were significantly enhanced: glucose uptake increased 2.7–3.4-fold, acetoin synthesis 2.3–4.2-fold, 2,3-butanediol synthesis 1.7-fold, and heterologous protein expression 10–15-fold. These findings demonstrate that blocking sporulation liberates metabolic resources and enhances the specific productivity of vegetative cells, providing a strategy for engineering high-performance B. licheniformis cell factories. Full article

Industrial spore production of the probiotic Heyndrickxia coagulans is hindered by its generally low and highly variable sporulation efficiency across strains. To address this, we selected the representative model strain ATCC 7050 and applied an integrated strategy combining statistical medium optimization with genomic analysis. Key factors (glucose, yeast extract, CaCl₂) were screened and optimized using Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken designs, yielding an optimal formulation that achieved 1.84 × 10⁸ spores/mL in a bioreactor, consistent with the model prediction. Further genomic analysis revealed 112 sporulation-associated genes and identified key homologous genes related to spore resistance and germination. Among them, the successful identification of spoVA, which is implicated in calcium-dipicolinate transport in bacilli, allowed us to hypothesize why calcium ions play a critical role. This work not only enhances the spore yield of a model strain but also provides a framework to tackle the widespread sporulation variability in H. coagulans for industrial applications. Full article

Sexual reproduction in yeasts is a fundamental biological process that promotes genetic recombination and phenotypic diversification, enabling adaptation to fluctuating and stressful environments. Sporulation and subsequent mating generate novel allele combinations that enhance evolutionary potential; however, many domesticated industrial strains exhibit reduced sporulation capacity, limiting their use in breeding programs and constraining the generation of new diversity. This represents one of the major bottlenecks for improving yeast performance in industrial fermentations, particularly under the harsh conditions characteristic of bioethanol production. In this study, we exploited meiotic recombination and mass-mating strategies to expand genetic and phenotypic diversity in S. cerevisiae. By mass-mating haploid spores derived from genetically distinct parental strains, we generated highly heterogeneous hybrid populations in a single step, overcoming the limitations imposed by conventional breeding approaches, such as micromanipulation. These populations were subsequently screened to identify strains with enhanced fermentative performance and increased tolerance to industrial stressor media associated with bioethanol production. Our results demonstrate that sexual reproduction combined with mass-mating represents an efficient strategy to unlock hidden genetic potential and generate superior industrial yeast phenotypes. This work highlights the value of utilizing the natural reproductive biology of S. cerevisiae to accelerate strain improvement and develop robust yeasts adapted to challenging fermentation environments. Full article

The smut fungus Thecaphora frezzii causes severe yield losses in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) in Argentina. Previous work established its fully intracellular biotrophic progression through subterranean organs and its exclusive sporulation within the seed coat, yet the ontogeny of teliospore formation in planta remained unresolved. Here, we applied a pragmatic correlative multiscale microscopy approach based on serial paraffin sections examined by stereomicroscopy, light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, enabling spatial correlation of fungal structures within their tissue context. Using this integrative framework, we characterized the organization and progression of sporogenic structures associated with teliosporogenesis. Teliosporogenesis proved to be tightly synchronized with host tissue context and seed developmental stage, and was consistently preceded by a marked reorganization of sporogenous hyphae into three-dimensional coiled hyphal aggregates embedded in a mucilaginous matrix. These precursors undergo hyphal fragmentation followed by central–peripheral differentiation, whereby a small number of central units enlarge and individualize into teliospore initials while peripheral elements collapse, yielding stable teliospore balls as the final sporogenic product. This developmental sequence defines a distinct ontogenetic pattern not captured by current schemes of sporogenesis, here designated the Teliospore-ball type. Our results clarify the developmental pathways of T. frezzii sporulation in planta and demonstrate how accessible multiscale microscopy can be used to integrate structural information across spatial scales in complex plant–fungus interactions. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of chestnut tannin (CT) on growth performance, immune response, and intestinal health of broilers challenged with necrotic enteritis (NE) through the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-ferroptosis pathway. A total of 240 one-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers (44.54 ± 0.51 g) were randomly divided into four groups, including a Control group, NE group, 500 mg/kg CT group (L-CT), and 1000 mg/kg CT group (H-CT), with six replicates per group and ten broilers per replicate. Sporulated coccidia oocysts on day 14 and Clostridium perfringens solution from days 19 to 21 were given to all broilers except the Control group through oral administration to establish the NE infection model. The results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with CT improved (p < 0.05) growth performance, intestinal morphology, and intestinal mucosal barrier function of broilers challenged with NE. CT supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, type I interferon, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and increased (p < 0.05) IL-10 concentration in the jejunal mucosa. Furthermore, CT supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) Fe²⁺ concentration, malondialdehyde concentration, mitochondrial DNA level, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species level in the jejunal mucosa. Broilers under NE challenge had upregulated (p < 0.05) jejunal protein expression of cGAS, STING, phospho-TANK-binding kinase 1, phospho-interferon regulatory factor 7, phospho-nuclear factor kappa B, ferroptosis suppressor protein 1, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, WD repeat domain phosphoinositide-interacting protein 2, nuclear receptor co activator factor 4 and autophagy related protein 5 and downregulated (p < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase 4, ferritin heavy chain 1, ferritin light chain and ferroportin 1 compared with the Control group, while the supplementation of CT reversed these effects. In conclusion, CT improved intestinal inflammatory damage of broilers challenged with NE by inhibiting the cGAS-STING-ferroptosis pathway, which was more effective at a dose of 1000 mg/kg in this study. Full article

Frequent strain degeneration during subcultivation, characterized by impaired sporulation and fruiting body formation, represents a major constraint in fungal agricultural production. Our study systematically investigated two naturally degenerated Lentinula edodes strains classified as abortive (Abt: L808-13, L808-14) and malformed (Abn: L808-18) fruiting-body phenotypes, through comprehensive phenotypic characterization, enzymatic profiling, thermotolerance assessment, and transcriptomic analysis. While vegetative growth remained unaffected, degenerated strains exhibited premature hyphal knotting, significantly reduced thermotolerance, and Abn-specific suppression of carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity. Comparative transcriptomics revealed 1239 and 582 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Abt and Abn groups, respectively, accompanied by a global dysregulation in carbohydrate catabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and redox homeostasis. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and RT-qPCR data highlighted 12 core hub genes enriched in glycoside hydrolysis, cytochrome P450 signaling, and membrane lipid dynamics. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the molecular basis of fruiting body degeneration and establish a foundation for developing diagnostic indicators to screen for early-stage degeneration in industrial mushroom production. Full article