Search Results (277)

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating threatening to global rice production. The narrow genetic background of modern rice cultivars exacerbates the shortage of durable resistance resources. In contrast, the wild rice species Oryza officinalis harbors abundant stress-resistance alleles and represents a valuable gene pool for identifying novel broad blast-resistance genes. The cloned resistance gene Pid2 is encoded in a receptor-like protein kinase conferring race-specific resistance against the M. oryzae isolate ZB15. In this study, three Pid2 homologs were isolated from O. officinalis. The special allele Pid2of-MD33 was transformed into “Yunjing 37(YG37), a blast-susceptible japonica rice cultivar” via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that Pid2of-MD33 was consistently expressed in various tissues of O. officinalis, with the highest transcript abundance detected in leaf mesophyll cells and plasma membranes. Inoculation with the M. oryzae isolate ZB15 revealed that transgenic YG37 lines expressing Pid2of-MD33 displayed significantly reduced lesion size and pathogen proliferation, suggesting recovered race-specific resistance. These results enrich the resistance gene resources for rice blast research and provide a promising candidate gene for rice blast resistance breeding. Full article

Wheat blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT), is an emerging fungal disease that poses a serious threat to global wheat production. In Zambia, where wheat is increasingly becoming a vital component for food and nutritional security, the emergence and spread of wheat blast is a growing concern under the influence of climate and agricultural practices changes. This review assesses the risk of wheat blast expansion in Zambia by examining regional climatic trends, future climate projections, crop suitability, and the ecological requirements of MoT. Potential disease hotspots are identified, and integrated management strategies, including chemical, cultural, and biotechnological approaches are evaluated. The review highlights the urgent need for coordinated disease surveillance, the development and deployment of resistant cultivars, and climate-resilient farming practices. By consolidating current knowledge and outlining sustainable management strategies, this paper aims to support effective disease mitigation and safeguard wheat production in Zambia in the face of climate change. Full article

Plant cell walls provide structural integrity and defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. In rice (Oryza sativa), xylan is the major hemicellulose, and β-xylosidase hydrolyzes xylan by removing xylose residues from non-reducing ends. We analyzed a transgenic rice line (OsXylGH3-1-FOX) that constitutively overexpresses a GH3-family β-xylosidase (Os03g0749100) under the maize ubiquitin promoter. Following inoculation with M. oryzae, OsXylGH3-1-FOX leaves exhibited increased lesion numbers and disease indices, indicating reduced resistance, whereas leaf sheaths showed fewer fungal penetrations, suggesting enhanced resistance. To investigate these organ-specific responses, we quantified cell wall components. In leaves, xylose and arabinose decreased by ~33%, and galacturonic acid (pectin) by ~50%. In leaf sheaths, xylose and arabinose were unchanged, while galacturonic acid and cellulose increased by ~50% and ~70%, respectively. Histochemical staining confirmed reduced pectin in leaves and stronger, organized cellulose and pectin in leaf sheaths. These findings suggest that decreased pectin weakens cell adhesion, facilitating pathogen ingress in leaves, whereas increased pectin and cellulose reinforce wall integrity in leaf sheaths. Thus, pectin and cellulose abundance strongly correlate with organ-specific blast resistance, while hemicellulose plays a secondary role. Full article

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is a devastating fungal disease threatening global rice production, with annual yield losses ranging from 10% to 30% in epidemic regions. Conventional detection methods rely on visual inspection and laboratory diagnosis, which are limited by subjectivity, time-consuming procedures, and the inability to detect early-stage infections. Hyperspectral imaging technology offers a highly promising method for detecting rice blast disease. It can capture the physiological and biochemical changes that occur in plant tissues before the appearance of visible symptoms. In this study, we propose a Convolutional-State Space Hybrid Network (CS-HybridNet) featuring a dual-branch deep learning architecture that synergistically combines a ConvNeXt-based spatial branch with a LiteMamba-based global spatial branch (which models long-range spatial dependencies with spectral embeddings). Principal component analysis was employed to reduce the dimensionality from 360 hyperspectral bands to 16 principal components, retaining 99.09% of the original information while significantly improving computational efficiency. An adaptive feature fusion module effectively integrates spatial texture features with spectral features, enabling complementary information utilization. Experimental results on a dataset comprising 166 hyperspectral images demonstrate that CS-HybridNet achieves 96.30% ± 1.38% accuracy, 98.33% precision, 95.16% recall, and an AUC–ROC value of 0.971 on the independent test set, outperforming traditional machine learning methods and existing deep learning models by 3.5–12.8% in accuracy. Ablation studies validate the effectiveness of each component. This research demonstrates the efficacy of spatial-spectral fusion architecture for automated plant disease detection and establishes a technical foundation for the development of intelligent crop disease monitoring systems. Full article

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, severely threatens global rice production. Although the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase OsRLCK118 positively regulates rice immunity, its downstream signaling mechanism remains unknown. To systematically identify OsRLCK118-interacting proteins, we performed immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and a yeast library screen, yielding 781 and 287 candidates, respectively, with 35 overlapping hits. Among these, OsSAMS1, a known positive regulator of blast resistance, was selected for validation. Membrane yeast two-hybrid, split-luciferase complementation, and co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed the physical interaction between OsRLCK118 and OsSAMS1. Furthermore, in vitro kinase assays showed that OsRLCK118 specifically phosphorylates OsSAMS1. These results uncover a novel signaling axis connecting pathogen recognition to ethylene biosynthesis via OsRLCK118-dependent phosphorylation of OsSAMS1, providing both mechanistic insight into rice immunity and potential genetic targets for resistance breeding. Full article

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) regulate genome maintenance through NAD⁺-dependent ADP-ribosylation, yet PARP function in fungi remains poorly defined. Here, we reconstituted the activity of the Magnaporthe oryzae PARP1 homolog (MoPARP1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a genetically tractable organism that lacks endogenous PARP enzymes. Upon galactose induction, expression of MoPARP1 reduced yeast growth, whereas a catalytically inactive mutant showed no defect, indicating that the growth phenotype depends on PARP catalytic activity. Consistent with this requirement, PARylation was detected in MoPARP1-expressing yeast cells but not in the catalytic mutant. In a multidrug transporter-deficient background, the PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide and the clinically used PARP inhibitor olaparib rescued the growth of MoPARP1-expressing strains, establishing a framework for inhibitor testing in vivo. Finally, MoPARP1-GFP localized to the nucleus independent of catalytic activity, supporting correct targeting in this heterologous system. Together, these findings establish yeast as a platform to dissect fungal PARP biology and evaluate chemical inhibition. Full article

The search for antagonistic microorganisms as alternatives to chemical pesticides is an urgent priority in sustainable agriculture. Previously, we isolated several bacterial isolates from spruce plants, and one of them, identified as Bacillus atrophaeus R7PjV2-12, showed strong antagonistic properties against plant pathogens such as Magnaporthe oryzae, Fusarium avenaceum, and Erwinia billingiae. Given its strong fungicidal properties, we decided to sequence the complete genome of this bacterium to determine how it can inhibit fungal growth. The whole genome size of B. atrophaeus R7PjV2-12 was 4,127,644 bp with 4032 open reading frames. B. atrophaeus R7PjV2-12 genome possessed clusters of secondary metabolites with a complete set of genes with 100% similarity representing clusters of biosynthesis of bacillin, bacillibactin, subtilosin A, and fungicin, which indicates the studied strain’s ability to synthesize these substances. Thus, this paper has shown and discussed the potential importance of B. atrophaeus R7PjV2-12 for biocontrol of pathogenic microorganisms in agriculture. Full article

This systematic review synthesizes evidence on upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes resistant to neck blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, focusing on resistant lines, screening methods, and genetic factors underlying resistance. Empirical studies published in English between 1980 and 2025 were identified through searches of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and grey literature, with final searches completed on 31 October 2025. Eligible studies evaluated upland rice under upland or rainfed conditions. The risk of bias was assessed using a customized framework adapted from the ROBINS-I tool, and findings were synthesized narratively due to substantial methodological heterogeneity. Six studies from Asia and Africa, encompassing 248 genotypes, met the inclusion criteria. Twenty genotypes—including Kahei, Barkhe 1032, Barkhe 1035, Barkhe 2014, several NERICA lines, and BC1F4 backcross derivatives—demonstrated moderate to high resistance based on the IRRI 0–9 Standard Evaluation System. Two studies reported quantitative trait loci (qBFR4-1, qBl1, and qBl2) associated with durable resistance, highlighting the potential of QTL-based breeding. Despite limitations related to small sample sizes, heterogeneous methodologies, and limited molecular characterization, particularly for neck blast-specific resistance, this review underscores the promise of marker-assisted selection. Future research should prioritize neck blast-focused QTL validation, expanded genomic screening, harmonized screening protocols, and multi-location field trials to confirm resistance durability and agronomic performance across diverse upland environments. Full article

Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting global rice production. Plant essential oils (EOs) have been considered as a promising green alternative to synthetic fungicides. In this study, the antifungal activities of five plant EOs—Acorus calamus, Citrus reticulata, Syzygium aromaticum, Paeonia suffruticosa, and Melaleuca viridiflora—against M. oryzae were evaluated using the mycelial growth rate method. Among them, A. calamus EO (ACEO) exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effect, with an EC₅₀ value of 0.37 μL/mL. It significantly delayed or inhibited conidial germination and appressorium formation. At higher concentrations (≥1 μL/mL), it also caused morphological abnormalities in appressoria. Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the EO treatment caused hyphal surface wrinkling, cell wall thinning, organelle dissolution, and vacuolation. Pathogenicity tests further confirmed that ACEO reduced the virulence of the fungus remarkably, with nearly complete loss of pathogenicity at a concentration of 1 μL/mL. Finally, ACEO was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The most abundant constituents identified were β-asarone (19.83%) and isoshyobunone (14.92%). Together, these findings demonstrate that ACEO impairs fungal pathogenicity by disrupting hyphal morphology and cellular integrity, highlighting its potential as an effective and eco-friendly fungicide for controlling rice blast. Full article

Rice blast and bacterial blight cause severe harm to rice production, and the breeding of resistant varieties guarantees the safety of rice production. Meanwhile, multigene pyramiding breeding based on molecular marker-assisted selection is a crucial approach for rice breeding to combat multiple diseases. This study aimed to develop accurate and efficient PARMS markers for rice blast resistance genes Pita, Pigm, and Pi2, and bacterial blight resistance gene Xa23. A systematic genotyping analysis of the resistant alleles of these 4 genes was performed on 384 major cultivated varieties in production. The results showed that only 5.21% of the varieties harbored more than two resistant alleles simultaneously. Using traditional breeding strategies in combination with the developed PARMS markers, the high-quality three-line male sterile line Ruanfeng A (pyramiding Pita and Pigm) and the strong restorer line Gui 610 (pyramiding Pi2 and Xa23) were bred. Crossing these lines produced a new hybrid rice variety, Ruanfengyou 610. Ruanfengyou 610 pyramids 4 resistance genes (Pita/Pigm/Pi2/Xa23), exhibits resistance to both rice blast and bacterial blight, has prominent heterosis and excellent grain quality, and has strong application potential, which is of great significance for ensuring the safety of rice production. Full article

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is a devastating disease that threatens global food security, causing annual yield losses of 10–30%. Consequently, novel control strategies beyond conventional fungicides are urgently needed. Tetramycin, a polyene macrolide antibiotic, is known for its broad-spectrum antifungal activity. However, the specific mechanisms underlying its efficacy against rice blast remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that tetramycin confers resistance through a dual mode of action. First, in vitro assays revealed that tetramycin directly inhibits M. oryzae mycelial growth. Second, and more critically, it functions as a potent immune elicitor in Oryza sativa. Transcriptome analysis coupled with physiological assays showed that tetramycin treatment triggers a rapid oxidative burst, characterized by significantly elevated activities of key defense enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). This oxidative response is further orchestrated through the simultaneous activation of the jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways, as evidenced by the distinct upregulation of their respective biosynthetic genes and hormone levels. Collectively, these findings indicate that tetramycin not only acts as a direct fungicide but also primes the rice innate immune system via a synergistic reactive oxygen species-JA-SA signaling network, offering a sustainable strategy for rice blast management. Full article

As an emerging threat to global food security, wheat blast necessitates the development of a rapid and field-deployable detection system to facilitate early diagnosis, enable effective management, and prevent its further spread to new regions. In this study, we aimed to validate and improve a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification coupled with PCRD lateral flow detection (RPA-PCRD strip assay) kit for the rapid and specific identification of Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) in field samples. The assay demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, detecting as low as 10 pg/µL of target DNA, and exhibited no cross-reactivity with M. oryzae Oryzae (MoO) isolates and other major fungal phytopathogens under the genera of Fusarium, Bipolaris, Colletotrichum, and Botrydiplodia. The method successfully detected MoT in wheat leaves as early as 4 days post-infection (DPI), and in infected spikes, seeds, and alternate hosts. Furthermore, by combining a simplified polyethylene glycol-NaOH method for extracting DNA from plant samples, the entire RPA-PCRD strip assay enabled the detection of MoT within 30 min with no specialized equipment and high technical skills at ambient temperature (37–39 °C). When applied to field samples, it successfully detected MoT in naturally infected diseased wheat plants from seven different fields in a wheat blast hotspot district, Meherpur, Bangladesh. Training 52 diverse stakeholders validated the kit’s field readiness, with 88% of trainees endorsing its user-friendly design. This method offers a practical, low-cost, and portable point-of-care diagnostic tool suitable for on-site genomic surveillance, integrated management, seed health testing, and quarantine screening of wheat blast in resource-limited settings. Furthermore, the RPA-PCRD platform serves as an early warning modular diagnostic template that can be readily adapted to detect a wide array of phytopathogens by integrating target-specific genomic primers. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major economic crop highly susceptible to Colletotrichum graminicola, the causal agent of anthracnose leaf blight, which causes substantial annual yield losses. This fungal pathogen employs numerous effectors to manipulate plant immunity, yet the functions of many secreted proteins during biphasic infection remain poorly characterized. In this study, we identified CgMas2, a candidate secreted protein in C. graminicola and a homolog of Magnaporthe oryzae MoMas2. Deletion of CgMAS2 in the wild-type strain CgM2 did not affect fungal vegetative growth or conidial morphology but significantly impaired virulence on maize leaves. Leaf sheath infection assays revealed that CgMas2 is required for biotrophic invasive hyphal growth, as the mutant showed defective spreading of invasive hyphae to adjacent cells. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that CgMas2 localizes to the cytoplasm of conidia and to the primary infection hyphae. Furthermore, DAB staining demonstrated that disrupt of CgMAS2 leads to host reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Comparative transcriptome analysis of maize infected with ΔCgmas2 versus CgM2 revealed enrichment of GO terms related to peroxisome and defense response, along with up-regulation of benzoxazinoid biosynthesis genes (benzoxazinone biosynthesis 3, 4 and 5) at 60 h post-inoculation (hpi). Conversely, six ethylene-responsive transcription factors (ERF2, ERF3, ERF56, ERF112, ERF115 and ERF118) involved in ethylene signaling pathways were down-regulated at 96 hpi. These expression patterns were validated by RT-qPCR. Collectively, our results demonstrate that CgMas2 not only promotes invasive hyphal growth during the biotrophic stage but may also modulate phytohormone signaling and defense compound biosynthesis during the necrotrophic phase of infection. Full article

Straw returning, a core practice in conservation tillage, promotes sustainable intensification; however, it faces challenges such as inefficient decomposition, nutrient competition, and pathogen accumulation. To address these limitations, this study aimed to develop a multifunctional microbial consortium specifically designed for straw-incorporating cropping systems. The consortium comprises four Bacillus strains with complementary enzymatic systems, isolated from diverse ecological niches. It exhibited robust lignocellulolytic enzyme production, with manganese peroxidase (7709.33 U/L), laccase (450.65 U/L), endo-β-1,4-glucanase (154.67 U/mL), and filter paper activity (309.18 U/L). The consortium significantly enhanced rice straw degradation by 37.18% and increased nitrogen (N) release by 16.13% compared to the control. Moreover, the consortium exhibited a 67.56% inhibition rate against Magnaporthe oryzae and reduced both the incidence rate and disease index of leaf blast and panicle blast. Field trials revealed increases in the rice grain yield of 9.63% and 6.94% when applied alone and 6.75% and 5.18% when co-applied with straw residues. These findings highlight the multifunctional agricultural potential of the consortium and provide a sustainable strategy to overcome the limitations of straw-incorporating farming systems. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major global staple crop, yet its productivity is severely constrained by rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae. FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases involved in protein folding, stress response, and signaling regulation, but their roles in rice blast resistance remain unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive identification and characterization of FKBP gene family members in two rice cultivars, Nipponbare (NIP) and Zhonghua 11 (ZH11), based on the latest T2T (telomere-to-telomere) genome assembly of ZH11 and the reference genome of NIP. A total of 24 and 29 FKBP genes were detected in NIP and ZH11, respectively, indicating a slight expansion in ZH11. Phylogenetic and collinearity analyses revealed strong conservation of FKBP family members between the two cultivars, while several ZH11-specific genes likely resulted from recent duplication events. Promoter analysis showed that FKBP genes are enriched in stress and hormone responsive cis-elements, particularly those related to ABA, MeJA, and SA signaling. Transcriptomic and RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated that multiple FKBP genes were significantly regulated during M. oryzae infection, suggesting their potential involvement in defense signaling pathways. This study provides a comprehensive overview of FKBP gene family evolution and expression in rice, identifies candidate genes potentially associated with blast resistance, and offers valuable insights for molecular breeding aimed at improving disease resistance in rice. Full article