Category: Pub Med

Microbiol Resour Announc. 2025 Sep 12:e0008325. doi: 10.1128/mra.00083-25. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus parasiticus is a fungus recognized for producing highly carcinogenic mycotoxins. In this study, we collected 38 isolates of A. parasiticus from fields in South Georgia. We performed whole genome re-sequencing and developed 38 draft genome assemblies of A. parasiticus. The average genome size was 38.7 Mb, with larger genomes (~40 Mb) found in peanut fields in Turner County. Scaffold N50 was recorded highest for isolates collected from the corn fields of Tifton. The average BUSCO completeness score for these assemblies was 99.1%. The genome sequences generated for these 38 isolates will serve as a valuable genomic resource for the community working on aflatoxin mitigation strategies in crops.

PMID:40938094 | DOI:10.1128/mra.00083-25

Front Genet. 2025 Aug 25;16:1626083. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1626083. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This study introduces a Drought Adaptation Index (DAI), derived from Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP), as a method to assess drought resilience in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). A panel of 404 genotypes was evaluated under drought-stressed (CV) and well-watered (UC) conditions over four consecutive years (2019-2022). BLUP-estimated biomass yields were used to calculate the DAI, which enabled classification of genotypes into four adaptation groups: very well-adapted, well-adapted, adapted, and unadapted. The DAI was compared with conventional drought tolerance indices, including the Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI), Stress Tolerance Index (STI), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP), and Yield Stability Index (YSI). Correlation analyses demonstrated strong agreement between DAI and these indices, supporting its validity and consistency. Biplot analyses using the Genotype plus Genotype-by-Environment Interaction (GGE) and Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) models revealed significant genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) and identified J222.A, J463.A, and J295.A. A as high-performing genotypes, with J222.A exhibiting greater yield stability across treatments and years. Additionally, DAI isoline curves provided a graphical representation of differential genotype performance under drought and control conditions. These visualizations aided in distinguishing genotypes with stable and superior biomass yield across contrasting environments. Overall, the BLUP-based DAI is a robust and practical selection tool that improves the accuracy of identifying drought-resilient, high-yielding switchgrass genotypes. Its integration into breeding programs offers a comprehensive framework for improving biomass productivity and stress adaptation under variable climatic conditions. The application of DAI supports the development of climate-resilient cultivars and contributes to sustainable bioenergy and forage production systems.

PMID:40927363 | PMC:PMC12414770 | DOI:10.3389/fgene.2025.1626083

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2025 Sep 4:e0108325. doi: 10.1128/aem.01083-25. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Seeds can serve as a vehicle for the dissemination of pests and pathogens around the world. We recently demonstrated the association of pathogenic Alternaria brassicicola isolates with reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin (quinone-outside inhibitor [QoI]) in naturally infested commercial broccoli seeds. In this study, we further demonstrate that these isolates were also resistant to two succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides. Sensitivity of representative A. brassicicola isolates (n = 58) from naturally infested broccoli seedlots to QoI and SDHI fungicides was evaluated under in vitro conditions. Interestingly, 15% (n = 9/58) of the A. brassicicola isolates with reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin also displayed reduced sensitivity to two commonly used SDHI fungicides (boscalid and penthiopyrad) in broccoli, indicating a potential case of cross-resistance to SDHI fungicides. Ninety-three percent of the isolates (n = 54/58) were resistant to both boscalid and penthiopyrad, while 100% isolates displayed sensitivity to fluopyram. Sequence analysis of sdh genes revealed the presence of only one point mutation (H134R) in the sdhC gene in isolates that displayed resistance to boscalid and penthiopyrad. We also developed and validated allele-specific primers targeting the H134R mutation for rapid screening of SDHI resistance in A. brassicicola. We also found that boscalid-resistant isolates exhibited significantly reduced mycelial growth. However, spore germination rates among different resistant isolates were not different, suggesting that resistant isolates remain competitive in natural populations. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of fungicide resistance to SDHI fungicides in A. brassicicola isolated from naturally infested broccoli seeds and underscores the importance of seeds as a potential source for introducing fungicide resistance across geographical locations.

IMPORTANCE: Alternaria brassicicola is a fungal seed-borne pathogen that can be disseminated via commercial seeds across transplant houses and commercial broccoli fields. Our study provides the first evidence that commercial broccoli seeds can harbor pathogenic A. brassicicola isolates with cross-resistance to two succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides. We observed that 93% of the A. brassicicola isolates from naturally infested commercial broccoli seeds contained a point mutation that conferred resistance to two SDHI fungicides (boscalid and penthiopyrad). Furthermore, we developed a PCR-based allele-specific assay for the rapid detection and monitoring of fungicide resistance. Our study highlights the importance of seed health testing and potential dissemination of fungicide-resistant isolates locally and globally, thus impacting disease management strategies.

PMID:40905662 | DOI:10.1128/aem.01083-25

Sci Adv. 2025 Sep 5;11(36):eadw7764. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adw7764. Epub 2025 Sep 3.

ABSTRACT

Respiratory tract infections pose considerable global health challenges. Upper airway colonization is pivotal to these infections, including those caused by Bordetella species. We identified an oligosaccharide, bordetellae colonization oligosaccharide (b-Cool), crucial for early nasal colonization of Bordetella bronchiseptica. We characterized the structure of b-Cool by LC-MS and NMR and found that it is prevalent across a diverse range of bordetellae, including Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough in humans. A B. bronchiseptica mutant lacking b-Cool (Δb-Cool) showed significantly delayed and decreased colonization in mouse nasopharynx and nasal epithelia, resulting in decreased transmission. The colonization defect of Δb-Cool was rescued in mucin deficient mice, suggesting that b-Cool may facilitate colonization in the presence of airway mucins.

PMID:40901963 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adw7764

Plant Physiol. 2025 Sep 1:kiaf375. doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiaf375. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plant specialized metabolism is intricately regulated and often compartmentalized at the cell-type level. Understanding where and when metabolites accumulate is essential for uncovering their function, biosynthesis, and regulation. Historically, studies have inferred metabolite localization based on the expression patterns of genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes, but these approaches fall short due to the complexity of metabolite transport and the discrepancy between transcript, protein, and metabolite abundance. Recent advances in mass spectrometry imaging, single-cell transcriptomics, and multi-omics have enabled the direct visualization and quantification of metabolites and gene expression at cellular resolution. These technologies have revealed striking cell type- and organ-specific patterns of metabolite accumulation, as well as the underlying transcriptional and chromatin regulatory networks. In this review, we describe case studies in several model and medicinal plant species that highlight the roles of rare or specialized cell types in specialized metabolite biosynthesis and the importance of spatiotemporal regulation. In addition, we discuss why it is becoming increasingly important to transition from single- to multi-omics approaches. As new tools continue to evolve, the regulation of plant metabolism will be uncovered at higher resolution, enabling precise pathway discovery and metabolic engineering for agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine.

PMID:40889291 | DOI:10.1093/plphys/kiaf375

Plant Dis. 2025 Aug 26. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-03-25-0469-RE. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The severity of tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) caused by tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in commercially grown tomato cultivars has been increasingly exacerbated in recent years in the southeastern United States. Four research trials were conducted over two consecutive fall seasons in the years 2022 and 2023 to assess the performance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars introgressed with single (Ty-1) or combinations of (Ty-3 and Ty-6) resistance gene(s) in Georgia, USA. In 2022, studies were conducted on a commercial farm in Colquitt County and a research farm in Tift County. In 2023, experiments were performed on a commercial farm in Grady County and a Tift County research farm. Tomato cultivars (cv.) with an intermediate resistance to tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV-IR), including Camaro, Grand Marshall, Jolene, Red Snapper, STM 2255, and Varsity, were compared to the TYLCV-susceptible (TYLCV-s) cv. Myrtle. This study evaluates the total produced yield of tomato cv. under natural disease incidence, severity, relative maturity and marketable yield. Our findings suggest TYLCV-IR cv. STM 2255, Jolene and Grand Marshall, except Red Snapper, had a lower virus incidence compared to cv. Myrtle. Moreover, cv. Red Snapper, Varsity and Camaro exhibited moderate disease progression in our research plots. The cultivars Grand Marshall and Jolene had significantly lower TYLCD severity than Myrtle. Furthermore, fruit yields per plant were highest for Camaro, Grand Marshall, Jolene, and STM 2255. Overall, Camaro, Grand Marshall, Jolene, and STM 2255 performed the best based on moderate-to-low TYLCD incidence and severity, and superior yield among the evaluated tomato cultivars. Therefore, identifying the most resistant/tolerant and environmentally suitable cultivars is needed to mitigate the viral disease in tomatoes.

PMID:40857747 | DOI:10.1094/PDIS-03-25-0469-RE

Plant J. 2025 Aug;123(4):e70426. doi: 10.1111/tpj.70426.

ABSTRACT

Solanum verrucosum Schlechtendal (2x = 2n = 24) is unique among the clade 4 Solanum Sect Petota species. In addition to being one of the only fully self-compatible diploid potato species, S. verrucosum is the only clade 4 species that lacks prezygotic interspecific reproductive barriers. This allows S. verrucosum to accept pollen from a broad range of Solanum species and thereby serving as a genetic “bridge” between the cultivated or primary potato gene pool and distantly related wild relatives in the tertiary gene pool. The genetic mechanisms underlying self-compatibility in Solanum often underpin interspecific compatibility interactions, which in S. verrucosum, has been attributed to the lack of S-RNase expression. Using an interspecific F2 mapping population (n = 150), we investigated the genetic mechanisms responsible for the lack of interspecific reproductive barriers in S. verrucosum. This F2 population was evaluated for the ability to accept pollen from two clade 1, 1 EBN species (S. pinnatisectum and S. tarnii); from which two QTL for interspecific compatibility were identified on chromosomes 1 and 11, explaining 56.6% of the phenotypic variation observed. To identify the genetic basis of interspecific compatibility, we generated a chromosome-scale genome assembly of S. verrucosum MSII1813-2 and performed gene expression profiling of reproductive organs. Differential gene expression of S-RNase, located within the chromosome 1 QTL, confirmed the central role of the S-locus and specifically, S-RNase, in interspecific compatibility. Discovery of a non-S-locus QTL is consistent with previous findings that other non-S-locus factors are necessary for interspecific compatibility in S. verrucosum.

PMID:40836693 | DOI:10.1111/tpj.70426

New Phytol. 2025 Aug 20. doi: 10.1111/nph.70468. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Herbaceous plant species have been the focus of extensive, long-term research into climate change responses, but there has been little effort to synthesize results and predicted outlooks. This primer summarizes research on climate change responses for eight intensively studied herbaceous plant species. We establish generalities across species, examine limitations, and propose a path forward. Climate change has reduced fitness, caused maladaptation, and/or led to population declines in at least part of the range of all six forb species. Plasticity alone is likely not sufficient to allow adjustment to shifting climates. Most model species also have spatially restricted dispersal that may limit genetic and evolutionary rescue. These results are surprising, given that these species are generally widespread, span large elevation ranges, and have substantial genetic and phenotypic variation. The focal species have diverse life histories, reproductive strategies, and habitats, and most are native to North America. Thus, species that are rare, habitat specialists, or endemic to other parts of the world are poorly represented in this review. We encourage researchers to design demographic and field experiments that evaluate plant traits and fitness in contemporary and potential future conditions across the full life cycle, and that consider biotic interactions in climate change responses.

PMID:40836613 | DOI:10.1111/nph.70468

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Aug 26;122(34):e2503491122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2503491122. Epub 2025 Aug 20.

ABSTRACT

The chemical composition of wood plays a pivotal role in the adaptability and structural integrity of trees. However, few studies have investigated the environmental factors that determine lignin composition and its biological significance in plants. Here, we examined the lignin syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G) ratio in members of a Populus trichocarpa population sourced from their native habitat and conducted a genome wide association study to identify genes linked to lignin formation. Our results revealed many significant associations, suggesting that lignin biosynthesis is a complex polygenic trait. Additionally, we found an increase in the S/G ratio from northern to southern geographic origin of the trees sampled, along with a corresponding metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming of xylem cell wall biosynthesis. Further molecular analysis identified a mutation in a cell wall laccase genetically associated with higher S/G ratios that predominate in trees from warmer lower latitudes. Collectively, our findings suggest that lignin heterogeneity arises from an evolutionary process enabling poplar adaptation to different climatic challenges.

PMID:40833412 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2503491122

China CDC Wkly. 2025 Aug 1;7(31):1031-1037. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2025.175.

ABSTRACT

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Chronic diseases and multimorbidity impose substantial burdens on healthcare systems globally, particularly in aging populations, resulting in elevated healthcare utilization rates and increased expenditures.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: This study validates previous research findings using an extensive administrative database from a major city in South China. Additionally, it provides comprehensive estimates of annual hospitalization expenditures per patient associated with chronic diseases and multimorbidity patterns among older adults, elucidating the economic burden and cost variations across specific diseases and multimorbidity combinations. Cancer, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and heart disease – whether occurring individually or in conjunction with other chronic conditions, particularly within complex multimorbidity patterns – were associated with substantial annual hospitalization expenditures and significant healthcare resource utilization.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Disease burden studies provide critical evidence for prioritizing public health policies and targeted interventions. Policymakers should implement comprehensive prevention strategies, evidence-based interventions, appropriate reimbursement policies, and integrated management approaches to control disease progression and reduce healthcare expenditures.

PMID:40831617 | PMC:PMC12360313 | DOI:10.46234/ccdcw2025.175