Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thomas Delaune, Malick S. Ouattara, Remy Ballot, Christophe Sausse, Irene Felix, Fabienne Maupas, Mathilde Chen, Muriel Morison, David Makowski, Corentin Barbu
Summary: A large-scale study revealed a strong correlation between host crop area and pests and pathogens, while woodlands, scrublands, hedgerows, and grasslands had inconsistent effects on the studied spectrum of pests and pathogens, depending on the functional traits of the organisms involved.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher W. G. Mann, Anne Sawyer, Donald M. Gardiner, Neena Mitter, Bernard J. Carroll, Andrew L. Eamens
Summary: The conflict between the need to conserve natural ecosystems and to feed an expanding population is driving the demand for more ecologically sustainable pathogen control measures. RNA-based biopesticides offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fungicides for crop protection. The development of pathogen-specific RNAi-inducing sprays and the understanding of gene silencing pathways in plants and fungi are crucial for the success of this technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chi-Yeol Kim, Ju-Young Park, Gobong Choi, Seongbeom Kim, Kieu Thi Xuan Vo, Jong-Seong Jeon, Seogchan Kang, Yong-Hwan Lee
Summary: Plants cannot use a one-size-fits-all defence against pathogens due to their diverse infection strategies. A rice gene was found to play contrasting roles in defence against hemibiotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens, showing different effects on defence responses. The gene affects the expression of many defence-related genes, indicating its involvement in modulating defence responses.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lala Aliyeva-Schnorr, Carola Schuster, Holger B. B. Deising
Summary: The development of new anti-ureolytic compounds is of great interest because of the newly discovered role of urease inhibitors in crop protection. Urease inhibitors can be used as a novel class of fungicides due to their interference with appressorial penetration and inhibition of infection process. Several urease inhibitors belonging to different chemical classes are known and some have been developed as urea fertilizer additives.
Article
Horticulture
Aitezaz A. A. Shahani, Adeel Abbas, Rashida Hameed, Ashna Iqbal, Sibei Chen, Qin Liu, Yingxin Liu, Diane Zhang, Rengui Zhu, Amna Fayyaz, Junaid Iftikhar, Khalid Ali Khan
Summary: This review focuses on the role of melatonin in potato plants, particularly in abiotic stress responses and defense against pathogen infection. Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating abiotic stress responses in potato plants, acting as an effective antioxidant and mitigating the detrimental impacts of diverse stressors. Melatonin also exhibits significant involvement in protecting potato plants against pathogen infection, acting as an inducer of defense responses and displaying antifungal properties.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pamela D. Lane, Autumn Hagerstrand, Todd W. Lane
Summary: The DISCOVR consortium aims to increase the production of open algal production systems through evaluating and selecting algal strains and testing them in outdoor pilot scale production systems. Sandia National Laboratories tested the resistance of selected algal strains to grazing by different grazer species. The study revealed variations in grazer resistance among taxonomically related organisms.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuesong Cao, Xiaofei Chen, Yinglin Liu, Chuanxi Wang, Le Yue, Wade H. Elmer, Jason C. White, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Foliar spray with La-based nanomaterials effectively suppressed sheath blight in rice, with La10Si6O27 nanorods showing the greatest disease suppression. The nanorods had better bioavailability and slower dissolution, strengthening the plant's defense systems. Furthermore, the nanorods improved rice yield and nutritional quality without harming soil health, demonstrating their potential as a sustainable crop protection strategy.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guru-Pirasanna-Pandi Govindharaj, Basana Gowda, R. Sendhil, Totan Adak, S. Raghu, Naveenkumar Patil, Annamalai Mahendiran, Prakash Chandra Rath, G. A. K. Kumar, Christos A. Damalas
Summary: This study evaluated Indian rice farmers' intention to use pesticides and found that most farmers had positive attitudes towards pesticide use but lacked perceived behavioral control and knowledge of safe pesticide use. The study emphasized the crucial role of knowledge, subjective norms, and moral norms in intention to use pesticides.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanjun Zhang, Qilu Yu, Shilei Gao, Ningning Yu, Li Zhao, Jinbin Wang, Jiangzhe Zhao, Peng Huang, Linbo Yao, Mo Wang, Kewei Zhang
Summary: This study identifies the role of salicylic acid (SA) in rice immunity and yield. Increasing SA content in rice enhances resistance to pathogens without affecting yield. These findings provide new insights into the roles of SA in plant immunity and growth.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ainagul Ospanova, Lyailya Anuarova, Shermakhan Shapalov, Bakytzhamal Gabdulkhayeva, Saltanat Kabieva, Bibenur Baidalinova, Adilkan Maui
Summary: This study focuses on pathogenic micromycete species infecting herbaceous plants in the Yereymentau District, Akmola Region, and their seasonal behavior. The findings contribute to expanding the global fungal database with region-specific information on fungal diseases and towards combat against various phytopathogenic fungi.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Aida R. Cruz-Luna, Heriberto Cruz-Martinez, Alfonso Vasquez-Lopez, Dora I. Medina
Summary: The use of metal nanoparticles has been shown to be an effective alternative for controlling phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture. Various metal nanoparticles, such as Ag and Cu, have demonstrated strong antifungal activities. Different synthesis methods producing nanoparticles with diverse shapes and sizes have shown outstanding results in controlling phytopathogenic fungi.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Montalbano, Francesca Degola, Jennifer Bartoli, Franco Bisceglie, Annamaria Buschini, Mauro Carcelli, Donatella Feretti, Serena Galati, Laura Marchi, Nicolo Orsoni, Giorgio Pelosi, Marianna Pioli, Francesco M. Restivo, Dominga Rogolino, Mirco Scaccaglia, Olga Serra, Giorgio Spadola, Gaia C. V. Viola, Ilaria Zerbini, Claudia Zani
Summary: Controlling fungal contamination on crops is a priority for many countries' health authorities, and developing new drugs from natural sources to reduce aflatoxin contamination is seen as a successful strategy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengting Zhang, Yinyue Wang, Yuanyi Hu, Huacai Wang, Yawen Liu, Bingran Zhao, Jie Zhang, Rongxiang Fang, Yongsheng Yan
Summary: In nature, plants are colonized by various microbes that play essential roles in their growth and health. The concept of heterosis, where first-generation hybrids exhibit superior phenotypic performance relative to their parents, may also apply to the hybridization of microbiota. The root microbiota of hybrid rice varieties were found to be distinct from those of their parental lines and exhibit features of heterosis in diversity and composition. Furthermore, the root bacterial microbiota of a specific hybrid variety was found to protect rice against fungal pathogens, and the protection was transferable to neighboring plants.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eric H-L Chen, Cheng-Wei Weng, Yi-Min Li, Ming-Chin Wu, Chien-Chih Yang, Kung-Ta Lee, Rita P-Y Chen, Chiu-Ping Cheng
Summary: This study designed a series of amphipathic helical peptides, finding that peptides with the special sequence pattern BBHBBHHBBH displayed excellent bactericidal and fungicidal activities in a wide range of economically important plant pathogens. Peptides with higher helical propensity had lower antimicrobial activity. Modifying the peptides with a long acyl chain at their N-terminus improved their plant protection effect.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Dirk Janssen, Almudena Simon, Maher Boulares, Leticia Ruiz
Summary: Transmission parameters of ToLCNDV-ES differ between zucchini and tomato plants, with significantly higher transmission efficiency in zucchini. This may explain the different incidences of ToLCNDV-ES in zucchini and tomato crops in Spain. The results are also important for virus management and the trade and transport of infected plant material.
Article
Biology
Michel Almaguer, Lilivet Diaz, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Sheyla Salas
Summary: The study found that Curvularia spores in the air of Havana are more prevalent during rainy months and predominantly abundant during the daytime, with the prevalence of the Lunata type showing a positive correlation with average temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation.
Article
Forestry
Alejandro Garrido, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Rosa A. Vazquez-Ruiz, F. Javier Rodriguez-Rajo, Maria J. Aira
Summary: North-western Spain has seen an increase in the cultivated area of olive trees. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of olive trees in the most northerly new plantation areas of the Iberian Peninsula, finding that the vegetative period of the olive tree in the study area lasted an average of 259 days, with flowering as the shortest stage.
Article
Plant Sciences
Alba Pina-Rey, Helena Ribeiro, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Ilda Abreu, F. Javier Rodriguez-Rajo
Summary: This study assessed the thermal requirements of major grapevine varieties in northwestern Spain to predict budburst and flowering dates, and successfully established a global prediction model for all varieties.
Article
Biology
M. Almaguer, M. Fernandez-Gonzalez, L. Diaz, K. C. Sanchez, F. J. Rodriguez-Rajo, M. J. Aira
Summary: The research found that Aspergillus and Penicillium spores are frequently present in the atmosphere of Havana, with concentrations varying between different climatic seasons, peaking in 2013 and 2015. Aspergillus was more abundant than Penicillium, with a higher degree of similarity in species composition.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenia C. Sanchez Espinosa, Teresa Rojas Flores, Sonia Rodriguez Davydenko, Silvia J. Venero Fernandez, Michel Almaguer
Summary: The research collected house dust samples from 41 children's bedrooms in Havana, Cuba, and detected fungal content using two methods, finding associations with indoor environmental conditions to prevent allergic sensitization in children.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Beatriz Lara, Estefania Gonzalez-Fernandez, Jesus Rojo, Rosa Perez-Badia, Fco Javier Rodriguez-Rajo
Summary: The study assessed the distribution and intensity of Pinus tree pollen in different bioclimatic areas of the Iberian Peninsula from 1995 to 2019. Results showed similar pollen concentrations in the Eurosiberian region and transition zone, with lower concentrations in the Mediterranean area. Trends indicated an increasing airborne pine pollen load in the transition and Mediterranean areas studied.
Article
Agronomy
Estefania Gonzalez-Fernandez, Roy Kennedy, Rachel Osborn, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Rajo
Summary: The study developed immunological techniques for detecting grey mould disease, successfully measuring the fungal concentration in air and creating a predictive model that explains 40% variability in immune data.
Article
Forestry
Estefania Gonzalez-Fernandez, Sabela alvarez-Lopez, Alba Pina-Rey, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Rajo
Summary: This study analyzed the trends of the three most abundant spring-tree pollen types in Ourense, Spain, and evaluated their relationship with meteorological conditions. The results showed a positive influence of temperature and sunlight on pollen release and dispersal, as well as a negative influence of rainfall due to washout processes. The percentage of successful predictions of the models ranged between 62.23-74.28%, indicating the potential for using weather prognostics to assess allergy risk in the short term.
Article
Agronomy
Alejandro Garrido, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Jose A. Cortinas Rodriguez, Lucia Carrera, Estefania Gonzalez-Fernandez, Michel Almaguer-Chavez, Fco. Javier Rodriguez-Rajo
Summary: This study assessed the spore concentrations in the atmosphere of an olive grove in Spain and their relationship with meteorological parameters. The results showed that Fusicladium had the highest spore concentration and there was a positive correlation between temperature and relative humidity with spore concentrations.
Article
Biology
J. Antonio Cortinas, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Rosa A. Vazquez-Ruiz, M. Jesus Aira, F. Javier Rodriguez-Rajo
Summary: This study examines the impact of main cryptogamic diseases on vines in the Ribeira Sacra designation of origin in northwest Spain, assesses the incidence of these diseases, and develops strategies to mitigate the high costs and environmental impact. The study finds that better understanding the epidemiology of the pathogens can lead to more effective control of phytopathogenic fungi.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Estefania Gonzalez-Fernandez, Sabela Alvarez-Lopez, Alejandro Garrido, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Fco. Javier Rodriguez-Rajo
Summary: Poaceae pollen plays a significant role in global pollen allergy prevalence. This study analyzed the pollen trends and the influence of meteorology on airborne pollen levels in Ourense, Spain from 1993 to 2020. The results showed that temperature and sunlight exposure have a significant impact on pollen levels, allowing the identification of risk moments during the pollen season.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kenia C. Sanchez Espinosa, Sonia Rodriguez Davydenko, Teresa Rojas Flores, Silvia J. Venero Fernandez, Michel Almaguer
Summary: Several investigations suggest that exposure to fungal allergens during childhood may increase the risk of sensitization in genetically predisposed children. This study evaluated the quality and diversity of fungal propagules in the indoor air of 44 bedrooms of children with a family history of allergy in Havana, Cuba. It found that 18 bedrooms had poor indoor air quality and there was a similarity between the indoor and outdoor air mycobiota in 15.9% of the rooms.
Article
Forestry
Sabela Alvarez-Lopez, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Kenia Caridad Sanchez Espinosa, Ruben Amigo, Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Rajo
Summary: The London plane tree is widely used for ornamental purposes in European urban areas, but the pollen from these trees has caused increasing health problems. A study conducted in Ourense, Spain analyzed the airborne Platanus pollen and Pla a 1 allergen concentrations from 2009 to 2020. The study found that the allergen values were consistent with the pollen concentrations and that a decrease in maximum temperatures led to lower pollen and allergen concentrations. However, the presence of precipitation increased the level of allergens. When both pollen and allergen concentrations were considered, the risk of allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals increased.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Helena Ribeiro, Fco Javier Rodriguez-Rajo, Ana Cruz, Ilda Abreu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of NO2 and O-3 on protein expression and IgE binding in patients with grass pollen allergies. The findings suggest that air pollution may affect allergy symptoms, but the impact may vary depending on the specific pollutant and individual sensitization profile.
