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In strawberry cultivation, precise disease management is crucial for maximizing yields and reducing unnecessary fungicide use. Traditional methods for measuring leaf wetness duration (LWD), a critical factor in assessing the risk of fungal diseases such as botrytis fruit rot and anthracnose, have been reliant on sensors with known limitations in accuracy and reliability and difficulties with calibrating. To overcome these limitations, this study introduced an innovative algorithm for leaf wetness detection systems employing high-resolution imaging and deep learning technologies, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Implemented at the University of Florida's Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) in Citra, FL, USA, and expanded to three additional locations across Florida, USA, the system captured and analyzed images of a reference plate to accurately determine the wetness and, consequently, the LWD. The comparison of system outputs with manual observations across diverse environmental conditions demonstrated the enhanced accuracy and reliability of the artificial intelligence-driven approach. By integrating this system into the Strawberry Advisory System (SAS), this study provided an efficient solution to improve disease risk assessment and fungicide application strategies, promising significant economic benefits and sustainability advances in strawberry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, liposomes loaded with the fungicide, Fludioxonil (FLUD), for the containment of fungal diseases in agriculture were developed. Three types of vesicles with different compositions were compared: (I) plain vesicles, composed of soy phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol; (II) PEG-coated vesicles, with an additional polyethylene glycol coating; and (III) cationic vesicles, containing didodecyldimethylammonium bromide. Nanometric-sized vesicles were obtained both by the micelle-to-vesicle transition method and by the extrusion technique, and encapsulation efficiency, drug loading content, and Zeta potential were determined for all the samples. The extruded and PEGylated liposomes were the most stable over time and together with the cationic ones showed a significant prolonged FLUD release capacity. The liposomes' biological activity was evaluated on conidial germination, germ tube elongation and colony radial growth of the ascomycete Botrytis cinerea, a phytopathogenic fungus affecting worldwide many important agricultural crops in the field as well as in the postharvest phase. The extruded and PEGylated liposomes showed greater effectiveness in inhibiting germ tube elongation and colony radial growth of the fungal pathogen, even at 0.01 µg·mL−1, the lowest concentration assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mediterranean Basin, the pistachio crop is considered an emerging nut crop due to the dependence of the European nut markets on international imports. Consequently, the extension and intensification of pistachio production to nontraditional growing areas has promoted both classic and emerging diseases of this nut tree, which are limiting factors in crop production. Due to the limited interest in pistachio crops, the aetiology and epidemiology of the main pistachio diseases are poorly studied. Thus, this review summarizes the state of pistachio disease research, with particular attention given to the Mediterranean area. The information reported here is based not only on the literature, but also the advancement of our research on pistachio diseases conducted in both Italy and Spain. We describe the main fungal diseases of the tree canopy in Mediterranean countries, such as Botryosphaeria panicle and shoot blight, Septoria leaf spot, and stem, branch and trunk canker diseases, followed by the main soilborne diseases. In addition, we review minor and/or sporadic fungal diseases originating in not only the Mediterranean, but also other pistachio‐producing countries. Another section is dedicated to other diseases caused by bacteria, phytoplasmas, viruses and nematodes. Finally, we summarize the main control strategies adopted in Mediterranean Basin countries against pistachio diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐harvest diseases cause significant economic losses in the carrot production chain. In this study, storage losses and fungal pathogens causing them were analysed in the carrot yield from 52 different field plots in four areas in Finland in 3 years (2016–2018). Over 30,000 carrots were sampled and analysed at three time points during cold storage at 0–1°C. In March, after 5–6 months' storage, the average loss due to diseases was 20%–21% every year. Decay of the root tip was the most common disease symptom, followed by pits on the side and black rot in the crown, detected in 69.2%, 15.0% and 9.0% of the symptomatic samples, respectively. Both intensive carrot cultivation practice and early timing of harvest increased storage losses. Pathogens in 3057 symptomatic carrot tissue samples were isolated by culturing, and fungal species were identified. The most common fungal species detected were Mycocentrospora acerina, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium spp., especially F. avenaceum. However, the frequency of different pathogens varied between the different years and time points during storage. Species‐specific PCR tests revealed that M. acerina and F. avenaceum were present in many early time‐point samples where they could not yet be detected by the culturing method. In Finland, this study on carrot post‐harvest diseases is the first large‐scale survey in which the fungal pathogens were isolated and identified by laboratory tests. In comparison with the previous studies, Fusarium spp. were detected more frequently in this study, while grey mould and Sclerotinia rot were less frequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an advancement in global climate change, the frequency of extreme climatic events, such as high temperature, drought, and flooding, has increased. Meanwhile, outbreaks of crop fungal diseases are becoming more frequent and serious, and crop growth and food production are seriously threatened. This article focuses on the climate change-related aggravation of crop fungal diseases; summarizes the progress in research on the impact of climate change on soil-borne fungal diseases, air-borne fungal diseases, and seed-borne fungal diseases; and discusses the conventional methods for diagnosing crop fungal diseases. On the basis of comparative analysis, the concept of ecological control is proposed; ecological control can maintain the dynamic balance of crop–biology–soil, provide a good environment for the healthy growth of crops, and provide a new fungal disease control method in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee stands as a vital pillar of Colombia's economic prosperity, constituting approximately 7% of the nation's agricultural GDP. Moreover, it serves as a significant contributor to national agricultural employment, with direct jobs stemming from coffee cultivation comprising 26% of the total agricultural workforce. This underscores the pivotal role coffee plays in shaping Colombia's social and economic landscape, solidifying its position as the primary origin of mildly washed coffees for global consumers. However, Colombia's coffee production grapples with the challenge of operating amidst persistently rainy conditions, fostering an environment conducive to fungal diseases. This, compounded by environmental, economic, commercial, and safety constraints for disease control, creates a multifaceted scenario that continuously tests disease management strategies. Addressing this complex dynamic demands a crop protection framework that seamlessly integrates efficient and sustainable methodologies. Such methodologies should prioritize outbreak prevention, cost-effectiveness, adherence to national and international regulations, and the preservation of environmental and human health. Integrated disease management emerges as a solution capable of optimizing productivity tailored to the unique conditions of each plot. By mitigating the impact of pathogens while responsibly utilizing and conserving natural resources, this approach safeguards the well-being of both producers and consumers alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive CARD9 deficiency can underly deep and superficial fungal diseases. We identified two Japanese patients, suffering from superficial and invasive Candida albicans diseases, carrying biallelic variants of CARD9. Both patients, in addition to another Japanese and two Korean patients who were previously reported, carried the c.820dup CARD9 variant, either in the homozygous (two patients) or heterozygous (three patients) state. The other CARD9 alleles were c.104G > A, c.1534C > T and c.1558del. The c.820dup CARD9 variant has thus been reported, in the homozygous or heterozygous state, in patients originating from China, Japan, or South Korea. The Japanese, Korean, and Chinese patients share a 10 Kb haplotype encompassing the c.820dup CARD9 variant. This variant thus originates from a common ancestor, estimated to have lived less than 4,000 years ago. While phaeohyphomycosis caused by Phialophora spp. was common in the Chinese patients, none of the five patients in our study displayed Phialophora spp.-induced disease. This difference between Chinese and our patients probably results from environmental factors. (161/250). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotic stress in cotton plants caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides triggers symptoms of ramulosis, a disease characterized by necrotic spots on young leaves, followed by death of the affected branch's apical meristem, plant growth paralysis, and stimulation of lateral bud production. Severe cases of ramulosis can cause up to 85% yield losses in cotton plantations. Currently, this disease is controlled exclusively by using fungicides. However, few studies have focused on biological alternatives for mitigating the effects of contamination by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides on cotton plants. Thus, the hypothesis raised is that endophytic fungi isolated from an Arecaceae species (Butia purpurascens), endemic to the Cerrado biome, have the potential to reduce physiological damage caused by ramulosis, decreasing its severity in these plants. This hypothesis was tested using plants grown from seeds contaminated with the pathogen and inoculated with strains of Gibberella moniliformis (BP10EF), Hamigera insecticola (BP33EF), Codinaeopsis sp. (BP328EF), G. moniliformis (BP335EF), and Aspergillus sp. (BP340EF). C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides is a leaf pathogen; thus, the evaluations were focused on leaf parameters: gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and oxidative metabolism. The hypothesis that inoculation with endophytic strains can mitigate physiological and photochemical damage caused by ramulosis in cotton was confirmed, as the fungi improved plant growth and stomatal index and density, increased net photosynthetic rate (A) and carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci), and decreased photochemical stress (ABS/RC and DI0/RC) and oxidative stress by reducing enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, and APX) and the synthesis of malondialdehyde (MDA). Control plants developed leaves with a low adaxial stomatal index and density to reduce colonization of leaf tissues by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides due to the absence of fungal antagonism. The Codinaeopsis sp. strain BP328EF can efficiently inhibit C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides in vitro (81.11% relative inhibition), improve gas exchange parameters, reduce photochemical stress of chlorophyll-a, and decrease lipid peroxidation in attacked leaves. Thus, BP328EF should be further evaluated for its potential effect as a biological alternative for enhancing the resistance of G. hirsutum plants and minimizing yield losses caused by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The effect of heavy metal ions can cause ionic stress in plants – the problem of significant interest among researchers. This study was dedicated to the evaluation of genetically modified regenerated soybean lines obtained on nutrient media with heavy metal ions as a mutagenic factor. Materials and methods. Genetically modified regenerated soybean lines were tested at the Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory and Soybean Breeding Laboratory, Federal Scientific Center of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A. K. Chaika, and at the Agricultural Product Processing Laboratory, All-Russian Research Institute of Soybean. Object of the study. Fifteen regenerated soybean lines and source cultivars (‘Primorskaya 13’, ‘Primorskaya 301’, ‘Primorskaya 81’, and ‘Hodson’) served as the research material. Results. Soybean accessions promising for further breeding were selected on the basis of their useful agronomic traits, grain quality, and resistance to fungal diseases. Accessions R 1490 (0.41 kg/m2) and R 1606 (0.38 kg/m2) were identified for having the highest yield in the experiment. Accessions R 1568 (1000 seed weight was 200.0 g) and R 1609 (190.2 g) had the largest seeds. Accessions R 1584, R 1568 and R 1606 manifested complex resistance to fungal diseases under natural conditions, while accession R 1490 was the most resistant under artificial infection pressure. The experiment resulted in selecting a group of lines regenerated from cv. ‘Hodson’ with high content of protein, histidine, valine, methionine, and cysteine. Accessions R 1605 and R 1609 demonstrated the highest oil content. The study revealed changes in the proportions of unsaturated fatty acids С18:2/С18:1 in all regenerant groups.

The study was carried out in the conditions of Kirov region in 2019–2023. Against provocative and infectious backgrounds of snow mold, root rot, ergot, powdery mildew, leaf and stem rust, the immunological state and yield of 15 varieties of winter rye created over a 73-year period were studied. Taking into account the breeding methods, the source material used and the year of creation, they were conditionally distributed over five successive periods of breeding and variety change: I – Vyatka 2, Kirovskaya 89; II – Falenskaya 4, Snezhana, Rushnik; III – Flora, Grafinya, Batist; IV – Lika, Talitsa; V – Symphoniya, Garmoniya, Graphit, Graphit FP, Perepel. When recording diseases, well-known methods were used. Research has shown that as a result of breeding, on artificial infectious backgrounds newly created varieties showed a decrease in the development of root rot (Flora, Perepel, Garmoniya – degree of damage 14.6, 15.5 and 15.0 %) and ergot (Flora, Grafinya, Batist, Lika, Symphoniya, Graphit FP, Garmoniya – damage 11.4...15.9 %), grain contamination with sclerotia – 0.38...1.84 %. In varieties of the I period of breeding the degree of root rot infection was 18.8 %, ergot infection – 31.7 %. There is no progress in breeding for resistance to powdery mildew and rust types. The most productive varieties are Lika and Batist (769.3 and 738.7 g/m2), which significantly exceed the Falenskaya 4 standard (578.8 g/m2). A close and significant dependence (p ≥ 095) was revealed between the yield of winter rye varieties and regrowth of plants after snow mold infection (r = 0.693...0.830) as well as grain contamination with sclerotia (r = -0.531...-0.712). The relationship between the yield of winter rye and the development of other studied diseases is insignificant and weak. Considering the high harmfulness of snow mold and ergot in the research region, it is necessary to continue to carry out breeding improvement of varieties for these characteristics, as well as to increase resistance to powdery mildew and types of rust.

Fungal diseases have emerged as a significant global health threat, with the potential to cause widespread outbreaks and significant morbidity and mortality. Anticipating future pandemic fungal diseases is essential for effective preparedness and response strategies. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing research on this topic. Through an extensive examination of scholarly articles, this review identifies potential fungal pathogens that have the potential to become pandemics in the future. It explores the factors contributing to the emergence and spread of these fungal diseases, including climate change, globalization, and antimicrobial resistance. The review also discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating these diseases, including limited access to diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies. Furthermore, it examines the strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases, such as improved surveillance systems, public health education, and research advancements. The findings of this literature review contribute to our understanding of the potential risks posed by fungal diseases and provide valuable insights for public health professionals and policymakers in effectively preparing for and responding to future pandemic outbreaks. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts to anticipate and mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Storage & Process is the property of Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ascochyta blight and Fusarium root rot are the most serious fungal diseases of pea, caused by D. pinodes and F. avenaceum, respectively. Due to the lack of fully resistant cultivars, we proposed the use of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs) as a novel protecting agent. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal properties and effectiveness of bio-AgNPs, in in vitro (poisoned food technique; resazurin assay) and in vivo (seedlings infection) experiments, against D. pinodes and F. avenaceum. Moreover, the effects of diseases on changes in the seedlings' metabolic profiles were analyzed. The MIC for spores of both fungi was 125 mg/L, and bio-AgNPs at 200 mg/L most effectively inhibited the mycelium growth of D. pinodes and F. avenaceum (by 45 and 26%, respectively, measured on the 14th day of incubation). The treatment of seedlings with bio-AgNPs or fungicides before inoculation prevented the development of infection. Bio-AgNPs at concentrations of 200 mg/L for D. pinodes and 100 mg/L for F. avenaceum effectively inhibited infections' spread. The comparison of changes in polar metabolites' profiles revealed disturbances in carbon and nitrogen metabolism in pea seedlings by both pathogenic fungi. The involvement of bio-AgNPs in the mobilization of plant metabolism in response to fungal infection is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptoms of infection okra plants (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) with Verticillium wilt were recorded during the summer of 2021 in Beni Suef Governorate specifically in Nasser, Beba, and El-Wasta Counties. The symptoms appeared on the external parts of plants, specifically through the alteration of color in the leaves of infected shoots, which transition from a normal color to a light green or yellow hue, had V-shaped chlorotic lesions, loss their turgidity and eventually desiccation, plant stunting and vascular discoloration. The presence of V. tricorpus on okra has not been previously documented. The isolated fungus was identified on the basis of morphological characteristics and molecular traits by utilizing sequencing techniques applied to the internal transcribed space (ITS region) of the ribosomal RNA gene. The analysis of the fungal sequencing data revealed a substantial genetic similarity and close ties between the fungus in question and V. tricorpus by 99.24–100% identity and 97–100% coverage with several strains of V. tricorpus, including the type strain CBS447.54 (NR_126128). The obtained sequences were submitted to the GenBank database and assigned the accession number MZ936483. Pathogenicity test confirmed that V. tricorpus had pathogenic properties, as shown by the appearance of disease symptoms that were similar to those previously noted on okra plants in the surveyed regions. This observation represents the initial documentation of V. tricorpus in relation to the occurrence of Verticillium wilt disease in okra. However, there is currently no information of host resistance to this disease among Egyptian okra cultivars, although it is essential for sustainable disease management. Our study indicate that cultivar of Balady green is more resistance to Verticillium wilt while the Iranian red cv. is more sensitive to infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango trees (Mangifera indica) showing symptoms of twig and branch dieback, internal wood necroses, and decline, were surveyed in an orchard in Palermo province (Eastern Sicily, Italy). A Pleurostoma-like fungus was consistently isolated from symptomatic wood tissues. Based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis of ITS and tub2 sequences, the fungus was identified as Pleurostoma richardsiae. A pathogenicity test was conducted by inoculating stems of 2-year-old mango seedlings with mycelium plugs and conidium suspensions of a representative isolate. Two months after inoculation, necrotic lesions were observed around the inoculation points, and P. richardsiae was reisolated from the necrotic tissues. This is the first report of P. richardsiae causing dieback and decline of mango trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2022, a leaf spot and blight disease was observed in Eucalyptus plantations in northern India. Morphological features coupled with phylogenetic analysis of combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (tef1) and β‐tubulin (tub2) regions confirmed the association of Pseudoplagiostoma eucalypti with the disease symptoms. The pathogenicity of P. eucalypti was first proved on detached leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and reconfirmed in glasshouse inoculation experiments. Finally, Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re‐isolating the pathogen from the inoculated leaves. This pathogen was first described in 1995 from the leaves of Eucalyptus spp. collected from southern India, and this study confirms its first serious occurrence after more than two decades in northern India. In addition, this is the first report on the polyphasic characterization of P. eucalypti from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen dynamics in agroforestry systems result from several mechanisms and interactions whose independent effects are difficult to delineate. In recent decades, it has been shown that shade, as a structural feature in agroforestry systems, influences the spread of pathogens through its physical and biological effects. In Cameroon, citrus trees are mainly grown in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (CBAS), and are threatened by a variety of pathogens. This study examines how shading modifies the microclimate in the local environment of citrus trees in CBAS, and the resulting effect on citrus foot rot disease (PFRD). The study was conducted in the Cameroon agroecological zone with bimodal rainfall, where a network of 20 CBAS plots was established. Primary cartographic and structural data were used to perform static simulations with cumulative shadow overlay in ShadeMotion software. A soil sensor was used to quantify the microclimate by measuring air temperature and relative humidity above and in the soil, as well as soil pH. Relationships between shade rate, microclimatic variables, and PFRD intensity were investigated. Results showed that the effect of temperature on PFRD was independent of shade rate. A dependency relationship between relative humidity above and in the soil and PFRD according to shade rate was found. Indeed, a positive correlation of PFRD with relative humidity was observed for citrus trees located in full sunlight, while a negative correlation was observed for citrus trees located under dense and light shade. Optimization of structural characteristics of CBAS would allow ecological management of PFRD and reduction in the use of chemical pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive fungal diseases have profound effects upon human health and are on increase globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 published the fungal priority list calling for improved public health interventions and advance research. Drosophila melanogaster presents an excellent model system to dissect host-pathogen interactions and has been proved valuable to study immunopathogenesis of fungal diseases. In this review we highlight the recent advances in fungal-Drosophila interplay with an emphasis on the recently published WHO's fungal priority list and we focus on available tools and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased cultivation of high THC-containing Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis), particularly in greenhouses, has resulted in a greater incidence of diseases and molds that can negatively affect the growth and quality of the crop. Among them, the most important diseases are root rots (Fusarium and Pythium spp.), bud rot (Botrytis cinerea), powdery mildew (Golovinomyces ambrosiae), cannabis stunt disease (caused by hop latent viroid), and a range of microbes that reduce post-harvest quality. An integrated management approach to reduce the impact of these diseases/microbes requires combining different approaches that target the reproduction, spread, and survival of the associated pathogens, many of which can occur on the same plant simultaneously. These approaches will be discussed in the context of developing an integrated plan to manage the important pathogens of greenhouse-grown cannabis at different stages of plant development. These stages include the maintenance of stock plants, propagation through cuttings, vegetative growth of plants, and flowering. The cultivation of cannabis genotypes with tolerance or resistance to various pathogens is a very important approach, as well as the maintenance of pathogen-free stock plants. When combined with cultural approaches (sanitation, management of irrigation, and monitoring for diseases) and environmental approaches (greenhouse climate modification), a significant reduction in pathogen development and spread can be achieved. The use of preventive applications of microbial biological control agents and reduced-risk biorational products can also reduce disease development at all stages of production in jurisdictions where they are registered for use. The combined use of promising strategies for integrated disease management in cannabis plants during greenhouse production will be reviewed. Future areas for research are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4‐year‐old, male, neutered Maine Coon presented with a 9‐month history of weight loss, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and lethargy. The patient had been in the owner's possession since kittenhood in Texas, and 20 months before presentation had moved to Europe, living first in France and then the Netherlands. A bronchoalveolar lavage performed by the referring veterinarian cultured positive for Mycoplasma (unknown species), and treatment was initiated with minimal response. Sequential referring radiographs showed progressive diffuse pulmonary broncho‐interstitial changes. At presentation, focused echocardiogram suggested moderate likelihood of pulmonary hypertension. Repeat thoracic radiographs showed markedly progressed pulmonary changes, with a new miliary component. Bloodwork showed hypergammaglobulinaemia. Pending additional diagnostic results, the patient passed away within 4 days. Postmortem examination was compatible with severe chronic pyogranulomatous pneumonia with pleuritis, splenitis, hepatitis and adrenalitis, with histopathological identification of intracytoplasmic fungal elements. Sequencing of pulmonary granulomatous tissue confirmed the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Citrus production represents an important activity for the national economy and a source of income for farmers in Benin. However, fungal diseases are a major constraint to production intensification. The aim of this study is to assess farmers’ perceptions on citrus fungal diseases in production areas in Benin. Methods: A survey was conducted among 417 farmers between July and December 2021 in four major citrus-producing agro-ecological zones (zones V, VI, VII and VIII) to collect their perceptions, knowledge and management practices of citrus fungal diseases. Results: Farmers reported that fungal diseases are one of the main constraints to citrus production, including black spot, anthracnose, brown rot, sooty mold and fruit rot. Among them, black spot disease is the most severe, causing damage to production. According to farmers, symptoms appear on fruit after fruit set, with a very remarkable presence and high incidence at maturity. Although farmers are most of times aware of the damage caused by fungal diseases with adverse consequences on their income, they have a poor knowledge of appropriate phytosanitary products to manage these diseases. Indeed, the majority of farmers (>60 %) use chemical insecticides, which they reported to be ineffective against citrus fungal diseases. Although chemical insecticides are their only recourse, almost 40 % use nothing to control these diseases. Farmers stated that climatic variability is a factor favoring the development of diseases, leading to reduced production. Conclusions: Among the several citrus fungal diseases, black spot is perceived as the most damaging, causing greater yield losses under favorable conditions, coupled with an almost total absence of appropriate control methods. This study contributes to the reorganization of the citrus industry and to decision-making on capacity building for farmers in terms of orchard pest protection, in order to guarantee better production of marketable and exportable fruit.

The rice blast disease caused by Pyricularia oryzae Cavara is among the most severe plant diseases in the world. The utilization of natural antagonists, such as fungal endophytes, can be a good method to control the spread of this disease. In the present study, 68 fungal isolates were obtained from 160 rice samples collected in Guilan province fields, Iran. Morphological and molecular characteristics were used for the identification of these fungi. According to the results, the fungal isolates were Alternaria citri (Penz.) Mussat, Alternaria infectoria Simmons, Aspergillus fumigatus Fresen, Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg, Trichoderma harzianum Rifai, Trichoderma virens (Mill., Giddens & Foster) Arx, Trichoderma viride Pers., Ulocladium consortiale (Thum) Simmons, and Pyricularia oryzae . Eight isolates that did not cause any plant disease were selected for biocontrol studies in vitro . The dual culture, culture filtrate, slide culture, and volatile metabolites methods were used in search of natural endophytic antagonists of Pyricularia oryzae . It was found that T. harzianum, T. virens, T. viride, A. fumigatus , and A. citri isolates caused the highest percentage of mycelial growth inhibition of P. oryzae in vitro . In the greenhouse experiments, all of the studied isolates reduced the P. oryzae disease rating, with T. harzianum isolate being the most effective antagonist (27.36% reduction in the disease rating), followed by T. virens, T. viride , and A. fumigatus (20.75%, 17.92%, and 16.98%, respectively). Furthermore, in greenhouse conditions, these antagonistic fungi increased the height, fresh weight, and dry weight of plants. The results of this research showed that there are various fungi in the natural flora of rice plants that possess potential biological properties against rice blast disease that can be implemented into practice.

The development of the Boyarin spring barley variety was carried out in 2008-2022, the improvement of varietal agricultural technology – in 2021-2022 in the soil and climatic conditions of the Kirov region. The Boyarin spring barley variety is characterized by a high yield (up to 6.15 t/ha in 2017), in some years exceeding the Belgorod 100 standard (by 0.9 t/ha in 2018). The variety is medium-early, the duration of the growing season is from 76 to 97 days; forms a highly productive stem (390 pcs/m2) due to good survival and bushiness of plants (2.0 pcs/plant), has a strong straw and is characterized by high resistance to lodging (5.0 points). The weight of 1000 grains is up to 47 g, the nature is up to 683 g/l, the protein content in the grain is up to 12.2 %. According to the quality of grain, it belongs to the varieties of grain-forage use. Since 2023, the Boyarin variety has been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements Approved for Use in the Volga-Vyatka region. The article provides a scheme for creating a new variety of spring barley Boyarin and its economic and biological characteristics. When developing elements of varietal technology, new biofertilizers (Azolene, Azotovite, Phosphatovite, Kalivite, Nitroslak) andbiofungicides (Pseudobacterin, Flavobacterin, Alirin) were tested, which were used to treat seeds and plants in the "tillering" and "earing" phases. In relatively arid vegetation conditions (HTC = 1.23), no statistically significant yield increases were obtained from the use of all the studied preparations. With excessive moisture during the growing season of plants (HTC = 2.20) relatively high yield increases (1.31-1.58 t/ha with LSD05 = 0.50) were obtained in variants using biofertilizers Phosphatovite (seed treatment), Azotovite (plant treatment in the "earing" phase) and Kaliivit (treatment of plants in the "tillering" phase). The best biological protection against root rot at the level of 60.5 % was provided by the treatment of seeds with Nitroslak biofertilizer, which is not only a nitrogen fixator and phosphate immobilizer, but it also contains a binary mixture of microorganisms antagonists of phytopathogens.

BACKGROUND: Sargramostim (yeast-derived, glycosylated recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [rhu GM-CSF]) augments innate and adaptive immune responses and accelerates hematopoietic recovery of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. However, considerably less is known about its efficacy as adjunctive immunotherapy against invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). METHODS: The clinical courses of 15 patients with pediatric malignancies and IFDs treated adjunctively with sargramostim at a single institution were analyzed in a retrospective cohort review. Further, a systematic review of published reports of rhu GM-CSF for IFDs was also conducted. RESULTS: Among 65 cases, 15 were newly described pediatric patients and 50 were previously published cases of IFDs treated with rhu GM-CSF. Among the newly reported pediatric patients, IFDs were caused by Candida spp., Trichosporon sp., and molds (Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus sp., Lichtheimia sp., and Scedosporium sp). Twelve (80%) were neutropenic at baseline, and 12 (80%) were refractory to antifungal therapy. Among 12 evaluable patients, the overall response rate was 92% (8 [67%] complete responses, 3 [25%] partial responses, and 1 [8%] stable). Treatment is ongoing in the remaining 3 patients. Among 50 published cases (15 Candida spp., 13 Mucorales, 11 Aspergillus spp., 11 other organisms), 20 (40%) had baseline neutropenia and 36 (72%) were refractory to standard therapy before rhu GM-CSF administration. Consistent with responses in the newly reported patients, the overall response rate in the literature review was 82% (40 [80%] complete responses, 1 [2%] partial response, and 9 [18%] no response). CONCLUSIONS: Sargramostim may be a potential adjunctive immunomodulator for selected patients with hematological malignancies and refractory IFDs.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea MART.) has been the target of several studies due to its strong antioxidant potential and possible cytoprotective effect, thus providing health benefits to the population. Fluconazole is a widely known and used drug in the treatment of fungal diseases. However, the literature shows that this drug can show cytotoxic effects, as well as cause DNA damage. In this regard, the present study aims to assess the putative cytoprotective effect of clarified açaí (CA) pulp extract on VERO cells exposed to fluconazole. It was observed in the MTT assay that CA was able to increase the viability of cells exposed to the antifungal agent in three different times of exposure (24, 48 and 72 h). Similarly, the results of the comet assay demonstrated that CA was able to decrease the genotoxic effects of fluconazole significantly. Thus, we conclude that, under the assessed conditions, CA shows cytoprotective effects against the damage caused by fluconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: Here we investigated fungal communities associated with three species of siricid wood wasps occurring in Lithuania. Siricid wood wasps are pests of weakened forest trees or develop on the stem of dead trees, which may also vector tree-pathogenic fungi. The results demonstrated that, generally, species–specific fungal communities are associated with each species of wood wasps, and that the economically important tree pathogen Amylostereum chailletii was among the most common fungal taxon associated. The study, therefore, provided new insights into the ecology and symbiotic associations of these wood wasps. We investigated the diversity and occurrence of wood wasps in Lithuania and determined communities of associated fungi. Trapping of wood wasps resulted in three different species, including Sirex juvencus, Urocerus gigas, and Tremex fuscicornis. Fungal culturing from adult females of T. fuscicornis mainly resulted in fungi from the genera Penicillium and Trichoderma. High-throughput sequencing of ITS2 rDNA resulted in 59,797 high-quality fungal sequences, representing 127 fungal OTUs. There were 93 fungal OTUs detected in U. gigas, 66 in S. juvencus, and 10 in T. fuscicornis. The most common fungi were Fusarium sporotrichioides (63.1% of all fungal sequences), Amylostereum chailletii (14.9%), Penicillium crustosum (7.8%), Microascus sp. 2261_4 (5.0%), and Pithoascus ater (2.1%). Among these, only A. chailletii was found in all three insect species with the highest relative abundance in U. gigas (15.2%), followed by S. juvencus (7.7%), and the lowest in T. fuscicornis (0.3%) (p < 0.0003). Correspondence analysis of fungal communities showed a distant placement of different species of wood wasps, indicating that fungal communities in each of these were largely different. In conclusion, the study showed that the economically important tree pathogen A. chailletii was among the most common fungal OTUs associated with siricid wood wasps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green manuring is an established strategy for soil nutrient enrichment; however, its effects on the soil microbiome remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the impact of green manuring on soil microbial diversity, functional profiles, and enzymatic activities in a pot experiment involving tobacco rotation with three types of green manure: smooth vetch, ryegrass, and radish. Our data revealed distinct temporal shifts in bacterial communities under diverse tillage while fungi communities showed obvious clustering between fallow and green manuring. Moreover, green manure-sensitive bacterial and fungal taxa constitute a greater proportion of total sequences than their fallow-sensitive counterparts, indicating a more pronounced influence of green manuring on microbial communities. Functionally, green manuring augmented the relative abundance of N-cycle-related genes and was strongly associated with elevated N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activity. Notably, a subset of green manure-sensitive microbes exhibited significant antagonistic interactions with the fungal pathogens Fusarium spp. and Fusarium solani, and synergistic interactions with the beneficial bacteria Pseudomonas spp. Collectively, these findings suggest that green manuring promotes an optimized soil environment characterized by efficient nutrient cycling and diminished pathogenicity, thereby providing a scientific basis for targeted microbiota manipulation in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the incidence of fungal plant diseases on faba beans in some fields located in the Ain–Zara region - Tripoli and to identify the causal agents. A total of one- hundred plants of faba bean were collected during 2020-2021 season from some local farms in Ain–Zara region Tripoli (February – April). Fungal pathogens associated with leaves, stems, pods and roots of faba bean have been isolated and identified. The most important and widespread fungal diseases observed: Chocolate leaf spot, Root rot, Anthracnose, Alternaria blight, Ascochyta blight and Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Botrytis fabae, Fusarium solani F. oxysporum, Colletotrichum spp, Alternaria alternata, Ascochyta fabae and Sclerotinia sp respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Monilinia fructigena Pers is a specialized fungus known for its impact on pome crops, particularly during the fruiting phase. This pathogen is responsible for causing significant damage through fruit rot, affecting fruit quality and economic outcomes for growers. The primary objective of this research was to comprehensively investigate M. fructigena Pers, its distribution, and its effects on various fruit crops. Additionally, the study aimed to identify other fungal species associated with fruit rot and assess varietal resistance among different fruit tree varieties. Between 2021 and 2023, isolates of fungi belonging to the Monilinia genus were collected from fruits, inflorescences, shoots, and fruit formations of apple trees affected by moniliosis. Identification was conducted using polymerase chain reaction with species-specific primers and sequencing of the ITS 1-5.8S rRNA-ITS 2 locus of ribosomal DNA. The prevalence and impact of M. fructigena Pers and other identified fungi were analyzed. M. fructigena Pers was found to be the dominant fungus, with a frequency of occurrence ranging from 91.6 to 100%. This fungus was responsible for damage to inflorescences, shoots (monilial burn), and fruits (fruit rot). Other fungi, such as Fusarium proliferatum and Alternaria alternata, were also identified. Quarantine species M. fructicola was not found in the research orchards. In addition, varietal resistance experiments revealed differing susceptibility levels among apple tree varieties, with the Maksat variety being more susceptible than Voskhod. In conclusion, M. fructigena posed a significant threat to fruit crops, particularly pome varieties, in the studied regions. The research shed light on its prevalence, distribution, and impact. In addition, the identification of other fungal species associated with fruit rot provided valuable insights into disease management. The variable varietal resistance underscores the challenges of breeding for fruit rot resistance and highlights the importance of continued research in this area for more effective disease control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry (F. ànanassa) is one of the most popular and widespread berry crops in the world. Strawberry diseases are the main limiting factor that seriously affects the yield of plants and leads to economic losses. Most strawberry cultivars are very sensitive to pathogenic fungi and bacteria, such as Colletotrichum acutatum (anthracnose root), Colletotrichum gloeo sporioides (crown rot), Fusarium oxysporum fragariae (fusarium wilt), Phytophthora fragariae (red stele root rot), Verticillium dahlia (verticillium wilt), Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) and Xanthomonas fragariae (angular leaf spot). Currently, due to the rapid development of molecular genetics in general and in particular knowledge related to the organization of genomes of agricultural crops, the use of DNA technologies in strawberry breeding has become possible. To identify disease resistance loci, the most popular approach was to map the loci of quantitative traits (QTL). Accurate evaluation of heritability and the number, location and effects of loci controlling traits are the basis for strategic decisions in breeding programs. The purpose of this review is to present up-to-date data on known genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control the resistance to the most common strawberry pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated a new and unique method of sputtering corn grains with cold plasma to resist the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus and prevent or reduce its production of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Sputtering grains depended on the sputtering time, that is, 1, 2, and 3 min. In addition, coating the grains with silver powder and Arabic gum (Bulk), Arabic gum alone, and a control (without any addition) was done. All levels of sputtering had no impact on the germination of corn grain in the laboratory, which was 100%. The field experiments also showed 100% germination of sputtered corn seeds. There was no significant impact on plant growth, and the average weight of the plants was 613 g in controls, followed by 2 min sputtering treatment (571 g), then the 3 min treatment (569.9 g). However, plant height was highest for the 3-min sputtering treatment (150.5 cm), significantly different from all other treatments. After this treatment, the highest number of leaves/plant (42.6 leaves/plant) was also recorded with high chlorophyll content (111.61 spad.). The most encouraging result was that sputtering treatments at all three levels (1, 2, and 3 min) gave high protection to yellow corn grain against the growth and development of the toxic A. flavus compared to the controls. The average AFB1 concentration recorded was 4.1, 2.5, and 2.3 ppb in the sputtering treatments of 1, 2, and 3 min, respectively. On the contrary, the average concentration of AFB1 was 147.99 ppb in the controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal diseases have emerged as a significant global health threat, with the potential to cause widespread outbreaks and significant morbidity and mortality. Anticipating future pandemic fungal diseases is essential for effective preparedness and response strategies. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing research on this topic. Through an extensive examination of scholarly articles, this review identifies potential fungal pathogens that have the potential to become pandemics in the future. It explores the factors contributing to the emergence and spread of these fungal diseases, including climate change, globalization, and antimicrobial resistance. The review also discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating these diseases, including limited access to diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies. Furthermore, it examines the strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases, such as improved surveillance systems, public health education, and research advancements. The findings of this literature review contribute to our understanding of the potential risks posed by fungal diseases and provide valuable insights for public health professionals and policymakers in effectively preparing for and responding to future pandemic outbreaks. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts to anticipate and mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases.

Viticulturists developing adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change, which affects a grapevine’s physiology and wine typicity, can benefit from climate services. Climate services translate physically based variables, such as temperature and precipitation, into actionable, decision relevant bioclimatic indicators, such as Spring Rain, Heat Stress Days, and Warm Spell Duration. These bioclimatic indicators enable the mitigation of fungal diseases, specifically downy and powdery mildew, as well as sunburn. Accurate seasonal forecasts of these bioclimatic indicators can help farmers with viticulture, labor, and stock management, as well as improve the yield and value of wine-quality grapes. Seasonal forecasts of these indicators are available on the MED-GOLD project’s dashboard. This study determines an annual service fee to access these forecasts on the dashboard. The annual fee accounts for the seasonal forecast accuracy over part of the Douro wine region of Portugal, as well as the potential savings and losses of micro (⩽1 ha) holding grape growers. The revenue generated from this climate service fee exceeds the cost of dashboard maintenance by nearly 10 times, even with a fee which is less than half of the potential savings of the micro holding farmer.

Invasive fungal diseases have profound effects upon human health and are on increase globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 published the fungal priority list calling for improved public health interventions and advance research. Drosophila melanogaster presents an excellent model system to dissect host-pathogen interactions and has been proved valuable to study immunopathogenesis of fungal diseases. In this review we highlight the recent advances in fungal-Drosophila interplay with an emphasis on the recently published WHO’s fungal priority list and we focus on available tools and technologies.

In this work, liposomes loaded with the fungicide, Fludioxonil (FLUD), for the containment of fungal diseases in agriculture were developed. Three types of vesicles with different compositions were compared: (I) plain vesicles, composed of soy phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol; (II) PEG-coated vesicles, with an additional polyethylene glycol coating; and (III) cationic vesicles, containing didodecyldimethylammonium bromide. Nanometric-sized vesicles were obtained both by the micelle-to-vesicle transition method and by the extrusion technique, and encapsulation efficiency, drug loading content, and Zeta potential were determined for all the samples. The extruded and PEGylated liposomes were the most stable over time and together with the cationic ones showed a significant prolonged FLUD release capacity. The liposomes’ biological activity was evaluated on conidial germination, germ tube elongation and colony radial growth of the ascomycete Botrytis cinerea, a phytopathogenic fungus affecting worldwide many important agricultural crops in the field as well as in the postharvest phase. The extruded and PEGylated liposomes showed greater effectiveness in inhibiting germ tube elongation and colony radial growth of the fungal pathogen, even at 0.01 µg·mL−1, the lowest concentration assessed.

In strawberry cultivation, precise disease management is crucial for maximizing yields and reducing unnecessary fungicide use. Traditional methods for measuring leaf wetness duration (LWD), a critical factor in assessing the risk of fungal diseases such as botrytis fruit rot and anthracnose, have been reliant on sensors with known limitations in accuracy and reliability and difficulties with calibrating. To overcome these limitations, this study introduced an innovative algorithm for leaf wetness detection systems employing high-resolution imaging and deep learning technologies, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Implemented at the University of Florida’s Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) in Citra, FL, USA, and expanded to three additional locations across Florida, USA, the system captured and analyzed images of a reference plate to accurately determine the wetness and, consequently, the LWD. The comparison of system outputs with manual observations across diverse environmental conditions demonstrated the enhanced accuracy and reliability of the artificial intelligence-driven approach. By integrating this system into the Strawberry Advisory System (SAS), this study provided an efficient solution to improve disease risk assessment and fungicide application strategies, promising significant economic benefits and sustainability advances in strawberry production.

With an advancement in global climate change, the frequency of extreme climatic events, such as high temperature, drought, and flooding, has increased. Meanwhile, outbreaks of crop fungal diseases are becoming more frequent and serious, and crop growth and food production are seriously threatened. This article focuses on the climate change-related aggravation of crop fungal diseases; summarizes the progress in research on the impact of climate change on soil-borne fungal diseases, air-borne fungal diseases, and seed-borne fungal diseases; and discusses the conventional methods for diagnosing crop fungal diseases. On the basis of comparative analysis, the concept of ecological control is proposed; ecological control can maintain the dynamic balance of crop–biology–soil, provide a good environment for the healthy growth of crops, and provide a new fungal disease control method in the context of climate change.

Coffee stands as a vital pillar of Colombia’s economic prosperity, constituting approximately 7% of the nation’s agricultural GDP. Moreover, it serves as a significant contributor to national agricultural employment, with direct jobs stemming from coffee cultivation comprising 26% of the total agricultural workforce. This underscores the pivotal role coffee plays in shaping Colombia’s social and economic landscape, solidifying its position as the primary origin of mildly washed coffees for global consumers. However, Colombia’s coffee production grapples with the challenge of operating amidst persistently rainy conditions, fostering an environment conducive to fungal diseases. This, compounded by environmental, economic, commercial, and safety constraints for disease control, creates a multifaceted scenario that continuously tests disease management strategies. Addressing this complex dynamic demands a crop protection framework that seamlessly integrates efficient and sustainable methodologies. Such methodologies should prioritize outbreak prevention, cost-effectiveness, adherence to national and international regulations, and the preservation of environmental and human health. Integrated disease management emerges as a solution capable of optimizing productivity tailored to the unique conditions of each plot. By mitigating the impact of pathogens while responsibly utilizing and conserving natural resources, this approach safeguards the well-being of both producers and consumers alike.

This study was conducted to identify resistance sources in the Iraqi wheat cultivars using pathological and molecular approaches. Results revealed that forty-four reeleased wheat cultivars were divided into four groups according to their mean infection percentage to common bunt disease. Resistant group consists of wheat cultivars Farris 1, Ashur, Tamuz 3, AlMadian, AlBaraka, Latiffiya, and Rabia. The mean infection percentage of this group ranged from 0.28-3.98% and significantly was higher than that of all other groups during two growing seasons. Moderately resistant cultivars included cv’s Bura, Iratom, Charmo, Maaroof, and AlRasheed with mean infection range of 10.39- 21.10%. The majority of the tested cultivars (63%) explored high susceptibility to the disease (52.14-91.97%) while the mean infection of the susceptible group ranged from 31.51% in Buhoth 22 to 47.47% in Wafia. Molecular analysis using SSR markers GWM7433, XGWM114, and XGWM264 revealed that Charmo and Hsad- possess the resistance gene Bt9 at 296bp, while Buhoth 10 possesses the known resistance gene Bt12 at 175bp. All the tested cultivars not contain the known resistance genes Bt8, Bt10, and Bt11. The high resistance level of the resistant group could be attributed to the presence of additional known resistance Bt genes or other unidentified resistance genes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With swelling global populations and climate change stressing agricultural systems, achieving sustainable food production and security presents daunting challenges. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions through innovations spanning the entire food value chain. Among emerging nanomaterials, chiral nanomaterials uniquely exhibit asymmetric structural configurations and chiroptical activities. Beyond established applications in enantioselective catalysis and sensing, chiral nanomaterials are garnering interest as antimicrobial and pesticidal agents to enhance food safety and agricultural productivity. This review highlights recent advances in tailoring chirality of nanomaterials to develop effective strategies for antibacterial and nanopesticide applications. We summarize key works demonstrating antimicrobial mechanisms of chiral inorganic nanomaterials against common foodborne pathogens. Additionally, we discuss pioneering studies utilizing chiral nanopesticides to suppress plant viral infections and fungal diseases. Lastly, the key issues to be challenged and perspectives for the future development of chiral nanomaterials in the field of sustainable agriculture are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In grassland ecosystems, the occurrence and transmission of foliar fungal diseases are largely dependent on grazing by large herbivores. However, whether herbivores that have different body sizes differentially impact foliar fungal diseases remains largely unexplored. Thus, we conducted an 8-year grazing experiment in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China and tested how different types of livestock (sheep (Ovis aries), yak (Bos grunniens), or both)) affected foliar fungal diseases at the levels of both plant population and community. At the population level, grazing by a single species (yak or sheep) or mixed species (sheep and yak) significantly decreased the severity of eight leaf spot diseases. Similarly, at the community level, both single species (yak or sheep) and mixed grazing by both sheep and yak significantly decreased the community pathogen load. However, we did not find a significant difference in the community pathogen load among different types of livestock. These results suggest that grazing by large herbivores, independently of livestock type, consistently decreased the prevalence of foliar fungal diseases at both the plant population and community levels. We suggest that moderate grazing by sheep or yak is effective to control the occurrence of foliar fungal diseases in alpine grasslands. This study advances our knowledge of the interface between disease ecology, large herbivores, and grassland science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palms are an integral part of the urban landscape in Florida. Ganoderma butt rot of palms, a disease caused by the wood-decaying white-rot fungus Ganoderma zonatum, is one of the major biotic concerns for the landscape industry. The lethal disease is prevalent across palm-growing regions in the US, and all palm species are believed to be susceptible to this fungus. It may take six months to a year for the diseased palm to die once the initial symptoms appear. But with the availability of a disease diagnostic assay, this fungal pathogen can be detected using saw dust samples collected from declining palms, several months before symptoms appear. Collect good quality samples by following these steps and understanding the caveats associated with each step.

We have developed a software solution aimed at assisting farmers in quickly detecting and finding a cure for fungal diseases in spinach leaves. This solution utilizes Deep Learning techniques, specifically a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), to effectively detect diseases caused by fungi in spinach leaves and suggest suitable remedies to the user. To train our model; we gathered a spinach fungi disease image dataset consisting of over 700 images categorized into six classes, including five diseases and one healthy category. Prior to model training, we resized the images and applied various image augmentation techniques to improve the robustness of the model. Using Keras, we constructed a sequential CNN model for disease classification. The model was trained on the dataset and evaluated on the validation set, achieving an impressive accuracy of 89.86 %. To provide an intuitive interface for end users, we implemented a PySide2-based GUI application that leverages the trained model to classify disease in spinach leaf images provided as input.Our software not only accurately classifies the disease but also suggests appropriate remedies or medications for the specific disease. Furthermore, it provides links to relevant products on various e-commerce sites, enabling users to conveniently purchase the required medications. This comprehensive solution empowers end users to analyze infected spinach leaf images, accurately classify diseases, and take necessary actions by applying appropriate remedies and acquiring the right medications. By swiftly detecting diseases and offering prompt remedies, our software aids in preserving the production of spinach and ensures farmers can effectively combat fungal diseases, ultimately benefiting the food, medicine, and skincare industries.