Botrytis Cinerea Research Articles (Page 3)

Evaluating the suppressive effect of volatilized slightly acidic electrolyzed water against gray mold disease, Botrytis cinerea, on cut rose flowers under different flower arrangements

The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led researchers to explore alternative methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) derived from various plant species have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which can be utilized in plant protection. Essential oils are volatile compounds that possess strong aromatic characteristics and are found in many medicinal and aromatic plants. They are known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities, making them viable candidates for eco-friendly pest and disease management strategies. In this research, six essential oils—pine, patchouli, geranium, spruce, coriander, and eucalyptus oil—have been tested in vitro for controlling mycelium growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria brassicicola, and Cylindrosporium concentricum. The study also covers experiments in controlling pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil (laboratory trials). In greenhouse conditions, the phytotoxicity of EOs to oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and the effect of these substances on the control of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) were also tested. The results obtained indicate a large diversity of different essential oils in terms of their action on pathogens, pests, weeds, and winter rapeseed. Differences in their effectiveness were also found, depending on the applied dose.

Gray mold caused by the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea is a major disease of vegetable and fruit crops. This study elucidates mechanism that fine-tunes B. cinerea resistance mediated by the transcription factor SlMYC2 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), characterized by a dynamic balance between "active braking" and "brake release". The Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) transcription factor family members SlLBD40 and SlLBD42 repress transcription and form homodimers or heterodimers, with heterodimers demonstrating higher activity. SlLBD40 and SlLBD42 are transcriptionally up-regulated by SlMYC2, but SlLBD40 and SlLBD42 attenuate SlMYC2-orchestrated defenses against B. cinerea, thereby safeguarding the plant from immune over-activation. Moreover, the BTB/POZ-MATH (BPM) protein family member SlBPM4 targets and degrades SlLBD40 and SlLBD42, releasing the defense response and enhancing B. cinerea resistance. Genetic analyses demonstrated that SlLBD40 and SlLBD42 are epistatic to SlBPM4. Additionally, SlLBD40 and SlLBD42 play dual roles in fruit development and B. cinerea defense, and SlBPM4 functions as a protective factor under pathogen attack. Our study uncovered a MYC2-LBD40/42-CRL3BPM4 module in tomato that allocates growth and defense resources by finely regulating gene expression and balancing immune response activation levels. This module also provides potential targets for optimizing the balance between plant growth and defense through gene-editing technologies.

Eugenol exhibits a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities and fungicide efficacy against crop diseases. However, the antifungal mechanisms of eugenol remain incompletely understood. In this study, we assessed the inhibitory activity of eugenol against several phytopathogenic fungi, finding it to be particularly effective against Botrytis cinerea. The half-maximal effective concentration for inhibiting hyphal growth of B. cinerea was determined to be 72.11 µg/ml. Eugenol exhibited significant inhibition effect of 66.72 and 43.62% against gray mold on tomato fruit and leaves at the 1,500.0 µg/ml dose. Micromorphological analysis revealed that eugenol induced abnormalities in hyphal structures, including disrupted cell membranes and unclear organelle boundaries. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes in hyphae treated with eugenol were primarily enriched in processes related to lipid metabolism, transmembrane transport, and electron transfer activity. Molecular docking studies suggested that eugenol may bind to oleate delta-12 desaturase (FAD2) with a low free energy of -9.9 kcal/mol. Assays of cell membrane permeability and hyphal staining confirmed that eugenol disrupts the cell membrane, resulting in leakage of hyphal contents. Quantitative PCR assay showed that eugenol significantly altered the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Compared to the wild type, fad2 mutant displayed slower hyphal growth rates and became less sensitive to the effects of eugenol. This study demonstrates that eugenol target FAD2, disrupt cell membrane integrity, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of B. cinerea. Several formulations of eugenol, including feneptamidoquin or meridianin C, exhibit stronger inhibitory effects, offering promising potential for the control of gray mold.

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, represents a significant threat to soybean productivity, while conventional chemical control strategies raise concerns regarding long-term sustainability. Plant-associated beneficial microbes, such as Bacillus velezensis, have been proposed as environmentally sustainable alternatives; however, their specific roles in modulating root-microbe interactions remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the mechanisms by which B. velezensis ES2-4 enhances soybean resistance by modulating root exudate composition and restructuring rhizosphere microbial communities. Metabolomic and metagenomic analyses indicated that ES2-4 inoculation led to the upregulation of antifungal metabolites (e.g., oxalic acid, eicosane) in root exudates, which facilitated the recruitment of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting B. cinerea proliferation. Pathogen infection was associated with disruptions in rhizosphere microbial diversity; however, ES2-4 application restored bacterial richness, particularly within the Alphaproteobacteria and Streptomyces lineages, while reducing the relative abundance of fungal pathogens. Co-occurrence network analysis further demonstrated that ES2-4 inoculation promoted microbial interactions associated with stress-responsive pathways, including two-component signaling systems and fatty acid metabolism, while downregulating pathogen-associated metabolic functions. These findings elucidate a dual mechanism through which ES2-4 enhances plant immunity via metabolite-mediated microbiome modulation, highlighting its potential as a sustainable biocontrol agent against soybean gray mold.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-21135-x.

To discover novel antibacterial agents, a series of 28 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives containing sulfone moiety were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Some of the target compounds exhibited promising antibacterial properties. Among them, compound G26 showed excellent activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), with an EC50 value of 24.3mg/L, which was superior to the positive control agents bismerthiazol (EC50 = 54.1mg/L) and thiodiazole copper (EC50 = 92.3mg/L). Compound G26 exhibited a protective efficacy of 30.9% against rice bacterial leaf blight, which was comparable to that of thiodiazole copper (31.2%) but lower than that of bismerthiazol (48.7%). Mechanistically, G26 inhibited the growth and proliferation of Xoo by suppressing virulence factors (including extracellular polysaccharides, cell membrane integrity, motility, xanthomonadin, and extracellular amylase), increasing membrane permeability, and altering the bacterial surface morphology, ultimately leading to bacterial death. In addition, some of the compounds demonstrated good antifungal activity. Specifically, compounds G6, G9, G12, and G17 exhibited EC50 values of 25.7, 17.7, 29.5, and 24.3mg/L, respectively, against Botrytis cinerea, outperforming the commercial fungicide fluopyram (EC50 = 106.7mg/L). Compound G26 may serve as a lead compound for the development of new antibacterial agents through further structural optimization.

Abstract Background During storage, fruits and vegetables are susceptible to the pathogens responsible for postharvest decay. Various tools are available to manage these issues, but not all are environmentally sustainable. Low-temperature plasma (LTP) has garnered significant attention among the most promising and eco-friendly solutions. LTP can be applied directly or indirectly, offering versatile applications. One notable indirect application is the utilization of plasma-activated water (PAW). In this study, we investigated the efficacy of an aerosol made by droplets of water nebulized by the effluent gases of a plasma discharge as a delivery method of PAW to substrates. We named this novel application, reported for the first time, plasma-activated fog (PAF). In this work, it was tested as a new alternative technology for fruit decontamination against postharvest fungal pathogens and pesticide residues. Results PAF was generated via volume dielectric barrier discharge (VDBD) in a jet-like configuration and was applied to evaluate the in vitro effects on the conidial germination of major fungal postharvest pathogens, such as Alternaria alternata , Aspergillus carbonarius , Botrytis cinerea , Cladosporium sp., Monilinia fructicola , Penicillium italicum , Penicillium expansum and Rhizopus sp. Differences in fungal sensitivity to PAF were recorded, with A. alternata showing the lowest sensitivity to treatments. For most species, complete spore inhibition was obtained after 3–5 min of exposure. The efficacy of PAF against fungal rot was assessed on table grapes and strawberries, revealing a reduction in the percentage of rotted fruits exposed to 10 min of treatment, ranging from 45 to 80% on table grapes and from 52 to 74% on strawberries. PAF treatments also reduced pesticide residues on grape bunches and strawberry fruits, with various results depending on the active ingredient, with reductions of up to 96% for abamectin among insecticides and acaricides, and up to 38% for the fungicide fenhexamid. Conclusions The results obtained in the present work have the potential to refine and optimize PAF treatment conditions for the antimicrobial decontamination of plant products. Graphical abstract

The search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals has fueled a growing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds. Drimys winteri (canelo), a native Chilean tree of significant ethnobotanical importance, is a promising source of antifungal sesquiterpenes, such as polygodial and drimenol. This study describes the development of an in vitro clonal micropropagation platform for D. winteri that enables the production of plant material under controlled laboratory conditions, which is subsequently submitted to extraction to obtain these bioactive compounds. Four tailored culture media have been formulated for successful propagation, rooting of plantlets, and callus induction. Histological analysis confirmed the presence of meristemoids in the dedifferentiated calli. Furthermore, HPLC and GC-MS analyses indicate that phytochemical composition of extracts of in vitro-propagated D. winteri and those from mature, wild-grown trees is quite similar. This result is in line with the antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea exhibited by these extracts; namely, both are comparable. This biotechnological approach offers a scalable method for producing plant-based antifungal agents, contributing to sustainable agriculture and the valorization of native genetic resources.

Introduction: 8-Hydroxyquinoline derivatives are compounds isolated from plants that possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. In our previous work, a series of novel 8- hydroxyquinoline derivatives was synthesized. Among them, the compound 5c, 7-((4-(o-tolyl) piperazine- 1-yl) methyl)-5-nitroquinolin-8-ol, demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity against five plant pathogenic fungi with EC50 values ranging from 4.69 to 12.61 μg/mL. Methods: This investigation principally focused on determining the potential mechanisms of compound 5c using Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) as a model. Results: The electron microscope observations revealed that after being treated with compound 5c at 5 μg/mL, the mycelia became obviously curved, collapsed, and its integrity of the cell membrane was eventually destroyed. Discussion: The compound 5c influenced the production of reactive oxygen species, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and nuclear morphology. In addition, compound 5c inhibited the enzyme activities related to mitochondrial function. Conclusion: These findings will deepen our insights into the mechanisms of action of 8- hydroxyquinoline against B. cinerea and open new directions for the future development of effective antifungal agents to control phytopathogenic fungi.

C3H23 positively regulates JA/ET-mediated resistance to Botrytis cinerea via being directly targeted by WRKY33 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

IntroductionGray mold, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea, is a significant threat to agricultural production, especially under low temperature and high humidity conditions. This disease can cause substantial yield losses in various crops, including tomatoes. To address this issue, the search for novel biocontrol agents has become a priority. In this study, we explored the potential of endophytic fungi isolated from wild medicinal plants in the southern foothills of the Daxing’an Mountains in China as biocontrol resources against B. cinerea.MethodsEndophytic fungi were isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a wild medicinal plant native to the study area. Among the isolates, Pyrenochaeta nobilis strain SFJ12-R-5 (CGMCC No.17766) was selected for its significant antagonistic activity against B. cinerea. The inhibitory effects of P. nobilis on B. cinerea were evaluated through in vitro assays, including mycelial growth inhibition tests and lesion inhibition tests on tomato leaves and fruits. Additionally, the genome of P. nobilis SFJ12-R-5 was sequenced using a combination of next-generation and third-generation sequencing techniques, followed by systematic annotation and identification of key gene families, such as carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and phage-related (Phi) genes.ResultsP. nobilis strain SFJ12-R-5 exhibited strong inhibitory effects on B. cinerea, with a mycelial growth inhibition rate of 66.67 ± 3.15% and a large inhibition zone of 20.83 ± 3.78 mm. The fresh fermentation filtrate of P. nobilis, even at a 10-fold dilution, completely inhibited the growth of pathogenic hyphae. In vitro tests on tomato leaves and fruits showed lesion inhibition rates of 87.21% and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, plants co-treated with B. cinerea and the P. nobilis filtrate had a significantly lower gray mold disease severity (28.57%) compared to those inoculated solely with B. cinerea (75.34%), indicating a disease reduction rate of 62.08%. The genome of P. nobilis SFJ12-R-5 was successfully assembled and annotated, revealing the presence of CAZymes and Phi genes that may contribute to its biocontrol potential.DiscussionOur findings provide the first evidence that P. nobilis could serve as a promising natural antagonist against B. cinerea, particularly in integrated disease management systems for tomato production in greenhouses. The high-quality genome sequence and the identification of key gene families lay a solid foundation for future research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory activity of Pyrenochaeta spp. against B. cinerea. Further studies are needed to explore the practical application of P. nobilis in agricultural settings and to elucidate its mode of action at the molecular level.

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, poses a significant fungal threat to postharvest blueberries, leading to substantial economic losses and challenging the sustainable development of the blueberry industry. This highlights the urgent necessity for comprehensive research to develop effective and sustainable management solutions. This review offers a systematic overview of gray mold in blueberries, with a particular emphasis on elucidating the pathological mechanisms employed by B. cinerea, including its infection pathways and virulence factors. It examines the resistance mechanisms in blueberries, which include both preformed and induced physical and biochemical defenses, and synthesizes existing control strategies. These strategies range from conventional fungicides to emerging alternatives such as biological control agents, natural antimicrobials, physical treatments, and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. Furthermore, the paper explores future research directions by identifying key knowledge gaps and promising areas for innovation. This study aims to bridge the gap between fundamental knowledge and practical application, thereby providing a robust theoretical foundation and actionable guidance for the effective prevention and management of gray mold in blueberry production and storage.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show great potential for sustainable agriculture, but their green synthesis and practical application still need further optimization. This study established a green synthesis method for SeNPs using lyophilized rose (Rosa rugosa Thunb.) powder as both a reducing and stabilizing agent to reduce sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), key parameters, including template concentration, Na2SeO3/VC ratio, and reaction temperature were systematically optimized. This process yielded stable, spherical SeNPs with optimal properties, exhibiting a diameter of 90 nm and a zeta potential of −35 mV. Structural characterization confirmed that selenium forms chelation complexes through carboxyl and hydroxyl oxygen-binding sites. The SeNPs exhibited exceptional stability (retained 426 days at 25 °C) and pH tolerance (pH 4–10), though divalent cations (Ca2+) triggered aggregation. In agricultural application tests, 5 mg/L SeNPs increased tomato plant biomass by 84% and antioxidant capacity by 152% compared to controls, and the biosynthesis pathways of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid were upregulated. Moreover, the SeNPs exhibited strong concentration-dependent antifungal activity against several major pathogens. Among these pathogens, tomato gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) was the most sensitive, as evidenced by its low EC50 (4.86 mg/L) and sustained high inhibition rates, which remained substantial even at 1 mg/L and reached 94% at 10 mg/L. These findings highlight SeNPs as a friendly alternative for minimizing agrochemical use in sustainable agriculture.

Postharvest fungal rot causes significant economic losses in the agroindustry. Current control methods involving the use of synthetic fungicides are becoming increasingly ineffective and pose environmental risks. This necessitates exploring sustainable alternatives, such as essential oils derived from medicinal plants, to achieve safer and effective disease control. This research examined the chemical composition and efficacy of essential oils from Aloysia citriodora, Aloysia polystachya and their compounds against the postharvest rot fungi Monilinia fructicola, Monilinia laxa, and Botrytis cinerea. The main compounds of essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS and revealed differences in their composition. A. citriodora is characterized by the presence of spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide. In contrast, A. polystachya is characterized by the predominance of carvone. The results show that the essential oil of A. citriodora and the compound farnesol are able to inhibit the three pathogens. Notably, against M. fructicola, the EC50 values were 61.89 μg/mL and 72.18 μg/mL, respectively. Against B. cinerea, the EC50 values were 85.34 μg/mL and 47.6 μg/mL. Molecular docking also showed that farnesol has affinity for the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase suggesting a possible mechanism of action. This compound and A. citriodora essential oil show potential in the control of phytopathogens.

To investigate the application of novel comb-type fluorinated polymeric surfactants in suspension concentrates (SCs), we used the optimized surfactants (Comb-S 1, Comb-S 2, and Comb-S 3) as dispersants, with commercial dispersants as controls, to prepare 15% indoxacarb SC and 22% iprodione SC, respectively. The physicochemical properties (including suspension rate, particle size, and stability) and indoor biological activity of the prepared SC were determined. Comprehensive data indicated that for 15% indoxacarb SC, the novel comb-type fluorinated polymeric surfactants exhibited good compatibility with commercial dispersants. Whether used in combination or alone, SC demonstrates excellent dispersibility, stability, and application efficacy. For 22% iprodione SC, Comb-S 2 demonstrated good compatibility with commercial dispersants. Furthermore, the fungicidal activity test against Botrytis cinerea showed that Comb-S 2 could not only replace commercial dispersants, but the 22% iprodione SC formulated with Comb-S 2 exhibited more outstanding fungicidal activity.

Osthole, a natural coumarin with fungicidal and insecticidal properties, represents a privileged scaffold for agrochemical discovery. A series of osthole derivatives featuring 1,3,4-oxadiazole, amine, quinazolinone, carbamate, or halogen substituents were synthesized and evaluated for antifungal potential. Compounds 4e and 4i strongly inhibited spore germination of Botrytis cinerea, and their IC50 values (2.6 and 2.1 μg/mL, respectively) were significantly lower than those of osthole and difenoconazole. Compounds 2, 4i, 10, and 14 inhibited mycelial growth of Alternaria solani and B. cinerea more effectively than osthole. In vivo tests indicated that 4e outperformed both osthole and hymexazol against A. solani. SAR analysis indicated that introducing an amine moiety enhanced antifungal potency. Both 4i and osthole significantly reduced Chitinase activity in the tested fungi. Cytotoxicity assays revealed low to moderate toxicity toward HaCaT cells, suggesting acceptable mammalian safety. These findings support osthole derivatives as promising fungicidal candidates and inform the design of coumarin-based agrochemicals.

Abstract Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) exhibit antifungal properties and may be applied for limitation of pathogen growth in crop production. The objectives of the study were: 1) to investigate and compare the effects of ZnO submicron particles (ZnO SMPs) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the in vitro response of Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria alternata and 2) to evaluate the impact of those particles on suppressing disease symptoms caused by the three plant pathogens on potted tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Bawole Serce’). In the in vitro experiment ZnO SMPs or ZnO NPs at the concentration of 0, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/l were applied. In the in vivo experiment, potted tomato plants were infected with pathogens and sprayed with ZnO SMPs or ZnO NPs suspensions at the concentration of 500 mg/l. Experimental objects included also non-infected control plants, as well as infected and ZnO SMPs/NPs non-treated control plants. The addition of ZnO NPs and ZnO SMPs to the PDA medium significantly inhibited the growth of mycelium of all tested pathogens. However, the advantage of ZnO NPs over ZnO SMPs in inhibiting the growth of mycelium has not been demonstrated. Interestingly, the lowest tested ZnO SMPs/NPs concentration (100 mg/l) caused a significant reduction of mycelium growth of F. oxysporum and A. alternata (up to 33.32%). As for B. cinerea, only the concentration of 500 mg/l and higher concentrations of tested material samples limited the growth of its mycelium (up to 82.67%). In vivo experiment on tomato plants did not confirm the effectiveness of ZnO SMPs in the reduction of B. cinerea and A. alternata infection, in contrast to ZnO NPs, which significantly limited the growth of all pathogens (by between 56.99% and 65.11%).

Botrytis cinerea is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for gray mold disease in a wide range of hosts, including ornamentals, vegetables, and fruit-bearing plants. Similarly, Cryphonectria parasitica infects the American chestnut, causing a lethal condition known as chestnut blight. From this species, the CHV1-EP713 virus, classified as a hypovirus due to its ability to reduce fungal virulence, has been isolated and characterized. Building on this knowledge, we aimed to express the full-length cDNA of CHV1-EP713 in B. cinerea to asess whether its expression could alter the fungal phenotype. To achieve the expression of the hypovirus cDNA in B. cinerea, the pXH9 vector encoding the CHV1-EP713 cDNA and the p18 plasmid containing the Agrobacterium tumefaciens Ti plasmid T-DNA region were fused to generate the p18-XH9 construct. Transformation of the virulent B. cinerea strain CCg55L with A. tumefaciens carrying this construct yielded hygromycin B-resistant transformants. Nucleic acid analysis revealed a ~ 13-kbp double-stranded RNA, consistent with a replicative intermediate of the viral genome. PCR and RT-PCR confirmed integration and expression of the viral cDNA, supporting the establishment of a productive mycoviral infection. Phenotypically, transformants showed reduced radial growth and sporulation compared to the parental strain. Moreover, grapevine leaf infection assays revealed significantly reduced tissue damage and distinct oxidative responses, indicating a reduction in virulence. Together, these results demonstrate that transformation of a virulent B. cinerea strain with CHV1-EP713 cDNA can lead to phenotypic changes consistent with hypovirulence. The observed alterations in growth, sporulation, and pathogenicity are likely linked to viral expression and/or replication, highlighting the potential of hypoviruses as biological control agents against phytopathogenic fungi.

Common mycorrhizal networks facilitate plant disease resistance by altering rhizosphere microbiome assembly.

Our research conducted in 2024–2025 revealed that the death of raspberry root suckers during their rooting in protected ground in early spring is caused by a set of pathogenic micromycetes. These include Botrytis cinerea with an occurrence frequency of 8.3–50%, Fusarium spp. (37.5%), Cylindrocarpon spp. (50%), Dactylonectria macrodidyma (33.3%), Phytophthora sp. (25–33.3%), Pythium spp. (12.5–16.6%), and Rhizoctonia solani (12.5–50%). The species composition of the micromycete set is infl uenced by a number of factors, with the main being the temperature during rooting and the species composition of the micromycetes parasitizing the root system of mother plants. Concerning the pathogenicity of individual micromycete species for raspberries, the Berkeleyomyces basicola fungus plays a particular role, being isolated in 37.5% of aff ected parts. Berkeleyomyces basicola is capable of independently causing damping-off disease on raspberry root suckers in protected soil conditions.