Fusarium Diseases Research Articles

Biological Control of Collar Rot on Passion Fruits Via Induction of Apoptosis in the Collar Rot Pathogen by Bacillus subtilis.

The seedlings and fresh fruits of passion fruits are of high value in local and global trade. Fusarium solani is a main disease-causing agent affecting passion fruits. The objectives of this study were to develop Bacillus-based biocontrol agents for the management of Fusarium diseases on passion fruits and to investigate their putative control mechanisms. Our studies indicated that B. subtilis YBC and 151B1 show antagonistic activity to F. solani PF7 from passion fruits and inhibited the conidial germination of strain PF7. The application of broth cultures from B. subtilis 151B1 and YBC in SYB medium reduced disease severity of Fusarium wilt on the leaves of passion fruits and enhanced the survival rates of passion fruit seedlings challenged with F. solani PF7. With regard to the putative mechanisms of disease control, the results indicated that treatments consisting of the respective culture filtrates from B. subtilis 151B1 and YBC broths caused aberrant conidial morphology and loss of cell membrane integrity. Additionally, the treatments caused reductions in mitochondrial membrane potential and interfered with the energy metabolism of F. solani PF7. The treatments also enhanced reactive oxygen species accumulation and resulted in the externalization of phosphatidylserine, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation, suggesting their function in triggering apoptotic-like cell death. In conclusion, B. subtilis 151B1 and YBC are potential biocontrol agents for passion fruit disease caused by F. solani. Their control efficacy may result from the surfactins produced to trigger apoptotic-like cell death, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and interfering with the energy metabolism of the pathogen.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Recent Advances in Onion Genetic Improvement

Onions are one of the most important vegetable crops worldwide. However, their production faces many challenges. Genetic improvement is one mechanism to address those challenges. In this review, we discuss recent research pertaining to the diseases Fusarium basal rot and Iris yellow spot, the insect pest onion thrips, onion pungency, and dormancy. Recent research for screening onion bulbs for Fusarium basal rot resistance has resulted in improved screening techniques and germplasm exhibiting less disease when inoculated with the disease-causing pathogen. Improved screening methods have resulted in germplasm exhibiting fewer and less severe Iris yellow spot symptoms when onion thrips and conducive environmental conditions are present. Onion germplasm with less and differing compositions of epicuticular wax on their leaves have shown a nonpreference for thrips feeding and have the potential for developing thrips tolerant cultivars. Conventional breeding efforts and genetic manipulation of the genes producing alliinase and lachrymatory factor synthase has resulted in low pungency, tearless onions. In long-day onions, an annual generation time has been achieved by artificially breaking bulb dormancy early while ensuring proper vernalization has been completed. Genetic improvement of these and many other onion traits will continue and result in better production in the future.

Fusarium Head Blight From a Microbiome Perspective.

The fungal genus Fusarium causes several diseases in cereals, including Fusarium head blight (FHB). A number of Fusarium species are involved in disease development and mycotoxin contamination. Lately, the importance of interactions between plant pathogens and the plant microbiome has been increasingly recognized. In this review, we address the significance of the cereal microbiome for the development of Fusarium-related diseases. Fusarium fungi may interact with the host microbiome at multiple stages during their life cycles and in different plant organs including roots, stems, leaves, heads, and crop residues. There are interactions between Fusarium and other fungi and bacteria as well as among Fusarium species. Recent studies have provided a map of the cereal microbiome and revealed how different biotic and abiotic factors drive microbiome assembly. This review synthesizes the current understanding of the cereal microbiome and the implications for Fusarium infection, FHB development, disease control, and mycotoxin contamination. Although annual and regional variations in predominant species are significant, much research has focused on Fusarium graminearum. Surveying the total Fusarium community in environmental samples is now facilitated with novel metabarcoding methods. Further, infection with multiple Fusarium species has been shown to affect disease severity and mycotoxin contamination. A better mechanistic understanding of such multiple infections is necessary to be able to predict the outcome in terms of disease development and mycotoxin production. The knowledge on the composition of the cereal microbiome under different environmental and agricultural conditions is growing. Future studies are needed to clearly link microbiome structure to Fusarium suppression in order to develop novel disease management strategies for example based on conservation biological control approaches.

Shoots multiplication of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) with benzyl amino purine and kinetin modification

Micro propagation techniques for vegetative propagation of vanilla have been developed to overcome limited planting material and the attack of Fusarium disease. The ability of vanilla explants to regenerate and differentiate to form multiplication of shoots is still limited. Therefore it is necessary to regulate the addition of Benzyl Amino Purine and Kinetin into the media for optimal shoot multiplication so that the quality of the vanilla culture seedlings can be improved. The study was conducted at Tissue Culture Laboratory of Politeknik Negeri Jember using a factorial Complete Randomized Design. Factor 1 is BAP concentration which is 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 mg/liter and factor 2 is Kinetin concentration which is 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 mg/liter. Further data analysis used Duncan’s average difference test. The research result show that The addition of BAP affected the shoots growth rate of vanilla explants with the fastest mean rate of 9 days after inoculation with the addition of 2.5 mgL-1 and 67-100% sprouting ability 14 days after inoculation. The average number of shoots was highest in the addition of 0.5 mg L-1 BAP and 2.0 mgL-1 Kinetin at 56 days after inoculation with a mean of 6.00 shoots / explant.

Genetic variation for fusarium crown rot tolerance in durum wheat.

Tolerance to the cereal disease Fusarium crown rot (FCR) was investigated in a set of 34 durum wheat genotypes, with Suntop, (bread wheat) and EGA Bellaroi (durum) as tolerant and intolerant controls, in a series of replicated field trials over four years with inoculated (FCR-i) and non-inoculated (FCR-n) plots of the genotypes. The genotypes included conventional durum lines and lines derived from crossing durum with 2-49, a bread wheat genotype with the highest level of partial resistance to FCR. A split plot trial design was chosen to optimize the efficiency for the prediction of FCR tolerance for each genotype. A multi-environment trial (MET) analysis was undertaken which indicated that there was good repeatability of FCR tolerance across years. Based on an FCR tolerance index, Suntop was the most tolerant genotype and EGA Bellaroi was very intolerant, but some durum wheats had FCR tolerance indices which were comparable to Suntop. These included some conventional durum genotypes, V101030, TD1702, V11TD013*3X-63 and DBA Bindaroi, as well as genotypes from crosses with 2-49 (V114916 and V114942). The correlation between FCR tolerance and FCR-n yield predictions was moderately negative indicating it could be somewhat difficult to develop FCR-tolerant genotypes that are high yielding under low disease pressure. However, FCR tolerance showed a positive correlation with FCR-i yield predictions in seasons of high disease expression indicating it could be possible to screen for FCR tolerance using only FCR-i treatments. These results are the first demonstration of genetic diversity in durum germplasm for FCR tolerance and they provide a basis for breeding for this trait.

Rice bakanae disease: an emerging threat to rice production in Bangladesh

Bakanae disease has been reported from almost all the rice growing countries in the world. The disease has been emerged as a major problem in some of the Asian countries including Bangladesh. Bakanae is becoming a serious threat to sustainable rice production in Bangladesh particularly in the northeastern part of the country and accounted for causing up to 25% yield losses. The disease has become difficult to manage due to lacking appropriate disease diagnosis. Fusarium fujikuroi mainly caused this disease but other Fusarium species are also reported to be involved for causing this disease. It, therefore, is crucial to understand the association of Fusarium species with Bakanae disease for sustainable rice disease management in Bangladesh.
 Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2020, 6(4): 608-610

Application of the biopreparation ‘Orgamika F’ against fusarium disease of cabbage and other cole vegetables

This article provides information on the spread, development and damage of fusarium disease, which occurs in cabbage vegetable crops (white cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, Chinese cabbage) and the use of biological preparations against this disease. Healthy and vigorous seedlings were obtained when fusarium disease was treated with a titrated suspension Orgamica F of 1∙108 CFU (colony forming unit)/ml, and the number of diseased seedlings was 0.6–1.0%. It was noted that 0.9-1.3% of seedlings from seeds treated with a titrated suspension of the preparation 1∙104 CFU/ml were infected with fusarium disease. Also, in the experiment, a option that showed high biological efficacy against white fusarium disease: Orgamika F biopreparation 3 times, ie with a suspension of 1∙108 CFU/ml titer per seed before sowing, 2% suspension of the biopreparation (2∙106 CFU/ml titration suspension). It is recommended to apply the biopreparation to the seedling root before planting and 15 days after planting in the field with a suspension of 0.25% concentration (2.5∙104 CFU/ml titration) under production conditions.

ЭЛЕМЕНТЫ АГРОТЕХНИКИ ЗВЕРОБОЯ ПРОДЫРЯВЛЕННОГО (HYPERICUM PERFORATUM) В УСЛОВИЯХ СВЕТОКУЛЬТУРЫ

This paper discusses the productivity evaluation results (shoot length, shoot number, leaf size, and yields) of hy-droponically grown perforate St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Hydroponic technique enables year-round growing of this medicinal plant preserving natural plant population in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District -Yugra; perforate St. John’s wortis listed in the District’s Red Book as the species that should be closely monitored in its natural habitat. A vertical ebb-and-flow hydroponic unit was used for growing. The research target was the Optimist variety of perforate St. John’s wort. Generally ac-cepted research methods were applied. Phytopathological evaluation of the perforate St. John’s wort plantation re-vealed low level of infestation with fusarium disease (less than 5%). The experiment showed that the plants reached the best values of all growth indices when grown under white lights of luminous flux of 8000 lm, color temperature of 4000 K, and РРF of 165 μmol s m2. Moreover, lighting with white LEDs stimulates transition of growing plants to flowering stage on the 97th day after planting and increas-es yield to 3.12 kg m2. The variety Optimist variety of perfo-rate St. John’s wort in hydroponic environment forms creeping, aggressively branching shoots that should be considered during growing.

Research of the spectral characteristics of healthy and fusarium-infected wheat seeds variety Moskovskaya 56 by hyperspectral spectroscopy

In this paper, a spectroscopic identification method is considered for determining the maxima and minima of spectral lines to identify pathogenic microflora in grain seeds. The paper presents the justification for the application of the method of hyperspectral imaging, in order to identify the disease fusarium in the seeds of soft winter wheat. Based on the graphs, it can see the general picture of the influence of the disease fusarium on wheat grains. There is a general decrease in the reflectivity of the grain surface. The strongest deviation of spectral lines is observed in the limit from 660 nm to 900 nm.

The Causal Agent of Fusarium Disease Infested Shallots in Java Islands of Indonesia

The success of disease control is largely determined by the validity of information about the type of causal-pathogen. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (FOC) was reported to attack shallots and cause leaf twisting disease in Indonesia. We have conducted researches to investigate the causal agent of Fusarium disease and carried out growth tests on nine genotypes of shallots to determine the disease severity and disease indexes, and the correlation between diseases several agronomic traits. Thirty-five strains of Fusarium spp were isolated from wilted shallots tree and bulbs. Based on morphological characterization and rapid test to the isolates, they were identified as F oxysporum, F verticillioides, F solani and F proliferatum. The shallot genotypes that showed a tolerant response to FOC isolates tested were only Sumenep variety. Mentes, Tajuk, Batu Ijo, and Bima Brebes varieties show susceptible response.

Potential of bacteria consortium as growth controller of pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum F. sp. cubense (Foc)

Utilization of rhizosphere bacteria as agents for controlling of soilborne pathogenic soil microbiomes has been reported in many studies since decades. The aim of the research is identification and characterization the potential of isolated bacteria consortium for controlling of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc). The bacteria were selected through the antagonistic test, pathogenic test, and compatibility test. The effectiveness of inhibition of selected bacteria were tested in-vitro through the greenhouse-scale of suppressive soil experiments. The result showed that the Bacillus cereus strain CCM 2010 and BS 3–4B have the highest percentage of inhibition to the Foc (25.68–29.02%). Non-pathogenic bacteria with a percentage of inhibition above 20%, consists of 3 consortia by compatibility testing. Three bacterial consortiums were obtained, the first consortium (BS 3–4B, Bacillus cereus strain CCM 2010, Staphylococcus arlettae strain ATCC 43957, Bacillus cytotoxicus strain NVH 391–98 and Bacillus pseudomycoides strain NBRC 101232), 2nd consortium (Bacillus cereus strain CCM 2010 and Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus strain XDB9), and 3rd consortium (Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus strain XDB9 dan Bacillus pseudomycoides strain NBRC 101232). The data showed application of selected single bacteria able to delay fusarium disease in banana plants more than 45 days post infection in comparison to control plants.

Genetic resources of chickpea and the efficiency of their use in breeding

The results of more than 20 years of studying a large set of chickpea accessions from many countries of the world are summarized. The sources and donors of early maturity, drought resistance, seed size, a number of economically valuable traits, increased protein content, improved technological indicators of seeds, tolerance to fusarium and ascochita diseases have been identified.The purpose and objectives of the study. In the conditions of the arid Steppe, identify sources and donors of economically valuable traits among the large volume of collection material, the best of which can be used in the breeding program.Materials and methods. During 1995–2020. in the arid conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine, about 3 thousand chickpea genotypes were evaluated, which were obtained from the National Center for Genetic Resources of Ukraine (Kharkiv) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT, Patancheru, India). The experiments were carried out on the experimental fields of the Breeding and Genetic Institute (Odesa) and the Odesa State Agricultural Experimental Station of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. In the field the collection forms were sown like a breeding nursery in two-meter rows with a row spacing of 45 cm. The standard variety was placed in 20 numbers. The protein content in seeds was determined by the Kjeldahl method, fat ‒ by the Ruszkowski method.Fusarium resistance was assessed at the early stages of seedling growth in laboratory conditions under artificially created infectious background.Results and discussion. The data obtained in the field indicate that the largest group of genotypes characterized by growing season of 81–100 days. The smallest group consisted of ultra-early maturing forms that matured in less than 75 days. Although in this group of ripeness, the maximum number of early flowering samples was revealed. Our observations did not establish a clear dependence of plant productivity on the duration of the "seedling – flowering" and "flowering – ripening" phases, although the group of highly productive forms is distinguished by a more extended "flowering – ripening" period. Samples were identified in which the weight of seeds per plant for a number of years exceeds 10 g per plant, which corresponds to a yield of about 3 t/ha. The genotypes characterized by an increased number of beans and seeds per plant, a more significant value of the weight of seeds per plant are described. 4 genotypes have been identified, in which two beans are formed in most of the nodes. Genetic analysis showed that this trait is determined by one recessive gene. A number of genotypes have been identified, the weight of 1000 seeds of which exceeded 600 g. Collection forms of chickpea are important for breeding, combining a high level of seed productivity with a weight of 1000 seeds over 400 g. High-protein samples are recommended for use in hybridization to create varieties with increased protein amount per unit area. Significant genotypic variability of water absorption by chickpea seeds was established at different temperature conditions. This process was more intensive in the genotypes NEC 1838 (Chile) and the sample from Italy. In laboratory conditions 27 forms revealed a high level of tolerance against the fusarium, while possessing a valuable complex of economically valuable traits. The drought-resistant genotypes described in India turned out to be ultra-early maturing and undersized under our conditions, although they formed large seeds. A brief description of 12 varieties of chickpea obtained during the period of these studies is given.Conclusions. As a result of the research carried out, donors and sources of the main economically valuable traits of chickpea have been identified and characterized, and those have been identified that have especially valuable complexes.The presence of genotypes from different geographic zones and genetic centers will allow more targeted breeding, especially in the creation of disease-resistant forms. The forms of chickpea described by us can be used in breeding by other scientific institutions in our country and abroad

ANALISIS GAMBAR DIGITAL UNTUK SERANGAN PENYAKIT LAYU FUSARIUM DI PISANG MENGGUNAKAN IMAGEJ

Fusarium wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is the most dangerous disease in banana. Recently, development of new banana varieties has been the most effective ways to prevent this disease. To develop the resistant banana, Fusarium severity analysis is the important part in the process of Fusarium disease assessment to quantify the disease severity.. The objective of this study was to develop digital image analysis method for Fusarium severity analysis by using software ImageJ. Pisang Ambon and Pisang Cavendish were used as plant material due to its susceptibility of the disease. Fusarium severity analysis performed as follows (i) Photographing of Fusarium-infected rhizom (ii) Digital image analysis by using ImageJ of the taken image. The analysis result was percentage area of Fusarium-infected rhizom, represented by necrosis and discoloration. The percentage of rhizome infected by Fusarium- of Pisang Ambon#1 was 50.10%, while Pisang Ambon#2 was 22.23%. In addition, the percentage of Pisang Cavendish#1 and Pisang Cavendish#2 was 28.52% and 39.5%, respectively. Digital image analysis of the sample showed consistent result and more objective. Development of the digital image analysis is not only useful for Fusarium severity analysis in Banana, but also for other crops.

In Vivo Antifungal Activity of South African Medicinal Plant Extracts against Fusarium pathogens and Their Phytotoxicity Evaluation.

Smallholder farmers play a major role in crop production towards household food security, particularly in resource-poor communities. Maize is a common crop produced in smallholder farming and it is cultivated from seeds that has been stored and re-used for years. Spoilage of stored grains is a major challenge, which leads to yield loss and poor seed quality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate in vivo antifungal activity of selected plant extracts against Fusarium pathogens on maize seeds, and to evaluate their phytotoxicity on seed germination and seedling growth. Fresh leaves collected from eight medicinal plants were dried and selectively extracted with water, ethyl acetate or acetone. The dried extracts were evaluated for antifungal activity against Fusarium pathogens (F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum, F. subglutinans, F. verticilloides, F. semitectum, F. chlamydosporum, F. solani, F. equisite and F. graminearum) inoculated on maize seeds. Melia azedarach acetone extract showed strong antifungal activity (97% inhibition) against F. proliferatum while combined acetone extracts from Combretum erythrophyllum and Quercus acutissima exhibited 96%, 67% and 56% inhibition against F. verticilloides, F. proliferatum and F. solani, respectively. With the exception of Quercus acutissima ethyl acetate, none of the extracts significantly inhibited seed germination when compared to untreated seeds. This study showed that plant extracts could control Fusarium diseases without any adverse effects on maize seed germination or plant growth.

Identification and validation of Fusarium head blight resistance QTL in the U.S. soft red winter wheat cultivar ‘Jamestown’

AbstractUse of genetic resistance is one of the most important strategies to manage the devastating disease Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat. Numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) having varying effects on reducing FHB and the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation have been reported from Asian, European, or distant sources such as wild relatives of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, coming from nonadapted backgrounds, the incorporation of such QTL into regional breeding programs has often resulted in the simultaneous transfer of other undesirable traits. Therefore, it is important to identify, characterize, and deploy sources of genetic resistance that do not suffer from poor adaptability and/or linkage drag. In the present work, QTL associated with FHB resistance in a high‐yielding, moderately resistant soft red winter wheat cultivar ‘Jamestown’ were mapped and validated. The QTL mapping was done using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of Pioneer ‘25R47’ × Jamestown having 186 individuals. Phenotyping over 2 yr at three locations, and genotyping using the 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) platform identified two new QTL, named QFHB.vt‐1B.1 and QFHB.vt‐1B.2, on the chromosome 1B long arm. The QTL contributed to FHB incidence, FHB severity, Fusarium‐damaged kernels, and DON content. Independent mapping of these QTL using two additional RIL populations of FG95195 × Jamestown (170 RILs) and Jamestown × LA97113UC‐124 (77 RILs) validated their stability and effectiveness in different genetic backgrounds. Kompetitive allele specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) assays were developed using linked SNPs for marker‐assisted selection of the QTL. These QTL are being used in breeding programs to develop FHB‐resistant, high‐yielding varieties.

The Effect of Trichoderma sp on the Intensity of Fusarium Disease and Production of Shallot

Fusarium wilt disease can cause damage and reduce the yield of shallot. Trichoderma sp is a biological agent that can be used to reduce the incidence of fusarium wilt disease in shallot. This study aims to determine the effect of Trichoderma sp on the intensity of fusarium wilt attack and shallot production. This research was conducted in Salodik Village, Luwuk Utara District, Banggai Regency, using a non-factorial randomized block design consisting of five treatments with four replications, namely: P0 (Control), P1 (10 gr Trichoderma sp./liter of water), P2 (12 gr Trichoderma sp./liter of water), P3 (14 gr Trichoderma sp./liter of water) and P4 (16 gr Trichoderma sp./liter of water). The results showed that giving Trichorderma sp had a very significant effect on the average intensity of fusarium wilt disease and had a significant effect on the average production of shallot. The provision of 10 gr Trichorderma sp /liter of water is the best treatment to reduce the intensity of fusarium wilt attack and increased the average production of shallot.

The use of effector gene based-markers to facilitate identification of Fusarium sp. infected shallot in Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Herlina L, Istiaji B. 2020. The use of effector gene based-markers to facilitate identification of Fusarium sp. infected shallot in Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4677-4685. One of the most important diseases and become challenge in breeding resistant variety of shallots in Indonesia is Fusarium disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae (FOC). To discriminate the F. oxysporum into forma speciales is uneasy, often managed through laborious and time-intensive disease assays., therefore molecular approaches become the most relevant choice. FOCs from Indonesia were examined by molecular criteria based on putative and effector genes-based markers, i.e.: SIX-genes, C5-gene, and CRX1-2-genes. The alignment analysis discovered some regions which sequences highly contained conserved bases, while amplification result bands vary in size, between 400 - 500 bp. The combined of 7 SIX-genes primers and 3 effector primers (C5 and CRX1-2) used in the clustering analysis of 15 FOC isolates in this study showed that they succeeded in separating 15 FOC isolates into 4 groups through NTSys. Clustering analysis showed that those markers succeeded in grouping 15 FOC isolates into different clades (by coefficient of similarity: 0.69). Phylogenetic analysis based on CRX genes sequence as putative effector genes confirmed that CRX1 and CRX2 genes were able to classify the FOC into their forma speciales. Those effectors genes are potential to serve as marker-templates to facilitate identification of FOC which infested shallots in Indonesia.

Effect of chemical alternatives to methyl bromide on soil-borne disease incidence and fungal populations in Spanish strawberry nurseries: A long-term study.

Chloropicrin (PIC) mixtures of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin (DD:PIC), dazomet, and metam sodium (MS) have been applied as chemical alternatives to methyl bromide (MB) in Spanish strawberry nurseries since MB was banned as a soil fumigant in 2005. These chemical alternatives were applied to soil in two Spanish strawberry nurseries between 2003 and 2017 to test their efficacy against the main crown and root disease and soil fungal populations in comparison with the use of MB and PIC (MB:PIC). These chemicals were applied at several doses with different application methods under plastic films. Crown and root disease incidence was calculated as the percentage of plants with symptoms caused by soil-borne pathogens. Soil fungal populations were estimated as colony forming units per gram of dry soil. All chemicals significantly reduced soil-borne fungal disease incidence and fungal population in both nurseries over the years. Phytophthora cactorum and Fusarium spp. were the main pathogens causing soil-borne diseases, followed by Verticillium spp. MB:PIC remained the treatment that best controlled P. cactorum. MS and DD:PIC controlled Fusarium disease to a lesser extent than MB:PIC and dazomet in both nurseries. MB:PIC and PIC were the two treatments that most reduced Verticillium spp. The population of Verticillium spp. declined and the presence of other species such as Colletotrichum spp. and Rhizoctonia spp. was minimal during the study. Chemicals are necessary to obtain healthy strawberry plants. The use of chemical alternatives to MB has resulted in changes in the incidence of soil-borne diseases and soil fungal populations in strawberry nurseries. Dazomet was an effective alternative to MB as a soil-borne disease control, except against Verticillium spp. MB alternatives in strawberry nursery soils have caused Fusarium spp. to displace Verticillium spp.

A cosmopolitan fungal pathogen of dicots adopts an endophytic lifestyle on cereal crops and protects them from major fungal diseases

Fungal pathogens are seriously threatening food security and natural ecosystems; efficient and environmentally friendly control methods are essential to help safeguard such resources for increasing human populations on a global scale. Here, we find that Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a widespread pathogen of dicotyledons, can grow endophytically in wheat, rice, barley, maize, and oat, providing protection against Fusarium head blight, stripe rust, and rice blast. Protection is also provided by disabled S. sclerotiorum strains harboring a hypovirulence virus. The disabled strain DT-8 promoted wheat yields by 4–18% in the field and consistently reduced Fusarium disease by 40–60% across multiple field trials. We term the host-dependent trophism of S. sclerotiorum, destructively pathogenic or mutualistically endophytic, as schizotrophism. As a biotroph, S. sclerotiorum modified the expression of wheat genes involved in disease resistance and photosynthesis and increased the level of IAA. Our study shows that a broad-spectrum pathogen of one group of plants may be employed as a biocontrol agent in a different group of plants where they can be utilized as beneficial microorganisms while avoiding the risk of in-field release of pathogens. Our study also raises provocative questions about the potential role of schizotrophic endophytes in natural ecosystems.

The Genome Sequence of Five Highly Pathogenic Isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini.

Fusarium wilt is the most destructive fungal disease in flax, limiting flax cultivation in all the main flax and linseed growing countries. The causative agent is seedborne and soilborne fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. lini. Here, we report, for the first time, genome assemblies of five highly pathogenic isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini, namely monoisolate 39 and strains F329, F324, F282, F287. In addition, syntenic analysis provided a powerful approach to distinguish between core and lineage-specific parts of the genome. These results lay a solid foundation for comparative genomics studies of plant fungal pathogens, evolution of pathogenicity, and virulence factors underlying the dynamics of host-pathogen interactions, thus eventually offering solutions to Fusarium disease control.