Category: Pub Med

Front Fungal Biol. 2025 Nov 27;6:1714008. doi: 10.3389/ffunb.2025.1714008. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin is a well-known entomopathogenic fungus that occupies diverse ecological niches, including soilborne, epiphytic, and endophytic habitats. Its capacity to function as an endophyte has received growing interest in potential applications for sustainable pest management, particularly in woody perennial systems where delivery and persistence of biological control agents are challenging. This study investigated endophytic colonization of peach (Prunus persica Batsch) seedlings by B. bassiana and quantified production of the insecticidal secondary metabolite beauvericin (BEA) in and on plant tissues. Seedlings were inoculated via foliar spray or soil drench. Fungal recovery was assessed from leaf, stem, and root tissues. Colonization patterns indicated systemic movement, however foliar spray increased recovery from leaf tissues and soil drench increased recovery from roots over time. BEA concentrations varied significantly by tissue type, inoculation method, and surface sterilization status. The highest levels were detected in non-surface-sterilized leaves of foliar-sprayed plants, measured two weeks post-inoculation. Surface sterilization prior to extraction significantly reduced detected concentrations, suggesting that BEA is primarily produced by epiphytic fungal growth. Larval bioassays with Tenebrio molitor L. revealed increased mortality associated with foliar-sprayed tissues, aligning with observed BEA levels and suggesting localized insecticidal activity. These findings demonstrate that the spatial dynamics of fungal colonization and metabolite localization are critical considerations for the effective deployment of B. bassiana in biocontrol strategies. Further research is needed to determine how environmental factors, host physiology, fungal strain, and time influence secondary metabolite production in and on plants treated with B. bassiana.

PMID:41393922 | PMC:PMC12695560 | DOI:10.3389/ffunb.2025.1714008

PLoS Biol. 2025 Dec 12;23(12):e3003560. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003560. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Variants in the protein kinase CDKL5 cause CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental condition characterized by seizures, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. The Chlamydomonas homolog of CDKL5, LF5, is a flagellar protein whose loss leads to elongated flagella. Here, we combine live-cell imaging, immunofluorescence, and biochemical approaches including mass spectrometry to define how CDKL5 activity is regulated and how its loss alters ciliary function. We find that Chlamydomonas CDKL5 is activated by LF2, a cyclin-dependent kinase, through phosphorylation of its activation loop. This activation controls CDKL5 localization in steady-state cilia, down-regulates its IFT-mediated transport as flagella reach steady-state, controls ciliary abundance of IFT proteins, and controls phosphorylation of the tubulin-binding domain of IFT74, thereby influencing flagellar length. Mouse Cdkl5 shows similar properties: it localizes within cilia, its loss leads to ciliary elongation, and its localization depends on both its kinase activity and Cdk20, the mammalian ortholog of LF2. These results extend our understanding of ciliary length control, challenge the prevailing model that CDKL5 is activated by autophosphorylation, and suggest that CDD pathogenesis arises, at least in part, from disruption of this conserved ciliary regulatory pathway.

PMID:41385589 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pbio.3003560

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Dec 23;122(51):e2501753122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2501753122. Epub 2025 Dec 12.

ABSTRACT

This perspective addresses two of humanity’s greatest challenges: feeding a growing population and conserving biodiversity. We begin by examining the legacy of Nikolai Vavilov, who pioneered the improvement of crops such as wheat and beans by hybridizing them with their wild relatives. This strategy used wild species biodiversity to introduce new genetic variation into crops, making them more resilient and productive. Its adoption around the world greatly increased food security and brought lasting benefits to humanity. However, since the 1990 s, well-intentioned laws shifted the governance of biodiversity from a shared global resource to the sovereign control of nation states, with serious unintended consequences. These changes have disrupted the collection, preservation, exchange, and use of biodiversity, all of which are central to Vavilov’s strategy for crop improvement and to biodiversity science more broadly. Efforts at reform have been frustrated as the issues became moralized, inhibiting the open dialogue needed for change. Using foundational concepts shared by science and good governance, we propose seven empirically grounded principles for reform, to help realign biodiversity governance with its intended aims. We then illustrate one possible framework-underpinned by global financing to protect biodiversity hotspots-that would align incentives and work in synergy with the principles to foster practical reform. The principles, together with frameworks that align incentives, would create the conditions for stronger biodiversity conservation and research, agricultural development, global food security, and all the associated benefits to humanity.

PMID:41385567 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2501753122

J Environ Qual. 2026 Jan-Feb;55(1):e70118. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.70118.

ABSTRACT

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been identified as a “model” herbaceous species for bioenergy production by the United States Department of Energy. Switchgrass can provide several ecosystem services, including biodiversity support, soil erosion control, runoff filtering, and reclamation of marginal land. In addition to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from switchgrass-derived biofuel, soil carbon sequestration is of particular importance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variability in soil carbon sequestration, particularly in response to water limitation, and to investigate the relationship between soil carbon sequestration and switchgrass yield. For this purpose, dry aboveground biomass yield and soil reactive carbon-specifically, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC)-content at three depths (0-15, 15-30, and 30-60 cm) were measured for 150 different switchgrass genotypes for three consecutive years. We found that drought significantly reduced yield compared to control plots, reduced the amount of soil POXC, and that POXC decreased with soil depth. A positive correlation (r = 0.27, p < 0.05) between POXC and yield was observed in the drought-stressed plots. This study provides insight into the impact of switchgrass on soil POXC over time and at different depths, offering a framework for future evaluation of root-related traits in switchgrass, particularly in relation to drought stress.

PMID:41382320 | DOI:10.1002/jeq2.70118

Plant Dis. 2025 Dec 10:PDIS02250414SC. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-02-25-0414-SC. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Areolate mildew, caused by two Ramulariopsis species (R. gossypii and R. pseudoglycines), is an important re-emergent cotton disease in the Southeastern United States. This disease has been considered of secondary importance, but the recent prevalence and high incidence observed in cotton regions have raised concern about its importance. Timely applications of quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides have been suggested to manage this disease, but QoI-resistance development is frequently detected for many fungal pathogens. In 2023, Ramulariopsis spp. isolates collected from Georgia were tested for species identification and for QoI resistance using molecular assays. Sequencing results revealed that all six isolates tested belong to R. pseudoglycines, confirming the presence of this species for the first time in Georgia. The partial amplification of the cytochrome b gene showed that 83.3% of isolates had the G143A mutation, and no other amino acid substitution was observed. This also represents the first report of QoI-resistant isolates showing the presence of this amino acid substitution in R. pseudoglycines in the United States.

PMID:41376256 | DOI:10.1094/PDIS-02-25-0414-SC

Plant Dis. 2025 Dec 8. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-08-24-1610-RE. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dollar spot, caused by Clarireedia spp., is one of the most detrimental diseases of turfgrass worldwide, and control strategies usually involve frequent fungicide applications. These treatments are expensive, require special equipment and can contribute to fungicide resistance issues, underscoring the need for alternative management strategies. UV-C radiation has proven effective as a disease management tool in various cropping systems but is still largely unexplored in turfgrass. This study aimed to test the effects of UV-C radiation against dollar spot in seashore paspalum and to evaluate its impact on plant health and performance. In assessing UV-C’s efficacy directly against C. monteithiana, daily radiation treatments ranging from 27.5 J m-2 to 77.0 J m-2 were shown to effectively reduce mycelial growth. Additionally, in vitro UV-C treatment administered in darkness was observed to be more effective in reducing pathogen growth than treatment administered in lighted conditions. In a growth chamber setting, daily 66.0 J m-2 UV-C treatment significantly reduced dollar spot severity in seashore paspalum without causing phytotoxic damage to plant tissues. In field trials, a novel UV-C application system was implemented by modifying a robotic mower to autonomously deliver UV-C radiation to seashore paspalum plots. UV-C treatment in the field significantly reduced dollar spot severity. Moreover, UV-C treatment led to several physiological and performance enhancements, including increased chlorophyll content, shoot density, surface firmness, and green speed. Findings from this study indicate that UV-C radiation may be used as an effective physical control to complement existing dollar spot management practices.

PMID:41362131 | DOI:10.1094/PDIS-08-24-1610-RE

Biotechnol Adv. 2025 Dec 6:108775. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108775. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The field of synthetic biology is essential to the continued development of a bio-based economy, creating mechanisms to supply carbon needed in the economy by both converting existing end-of-life wastes as well as by creating novel, purpose-grown and sustainable feedstocks. Here, we first discuss the near- and long-term resources available for use as feedstocks for bioconversion as well as the output molecules needed for building the foundation of an expanded bio-based economy. We then outline the organisms and phenotypic traits that are needed for the performance-advantaged chassis organisms of the future. Furthermore, we detail the advances, challenges, and opportunities in both microbial and plant synthetic biology relevant to expanding the bio-based economy. Finally, we explore technologies that have and will further enable advances in synthetic biology and the greater bio-based economy.

PMID:41360191 | DOI:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2025.108775

Front Public Health. 2025 Nov 20;13:1728985. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1728985. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Mobile phone data provide high-resolution, near real-time measurements of population mobility and have become an increasingly valuable source for public health research, enabling rapid evaluation of policy impacts on human movement and pandemic control. However, the methodological challenges surrounding the extraction, governance, and validation of mobile phone data for the public health community remain insufficiently explored. Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, we conduct a scoping review to synthesize major research themes, opportunities, and challenges in the use of mobile phone data for public health, particularly pandemic-related studies. Our findings highlight limitations in the empirical use of these datasets, including demographic and population coverage, representativeness, and equity issues, as well as the transparency of data extraction and processing. We also provide guidance for future research, including the development of standardized frameworks for data curation and validation, a clear understanding of algorithms that extract mobility information, and rigorous interpretation of mobility metrics.

PMID:41358214 | PMC:PMC12675487 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1728985

Hortic Res. 2025 Sep 9;12(12):uhaf235. doi: 10.1093/hr/uhaf235. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Anthocyanins play diverse roles in plants, including attracting pollinators and protecting cells from oxidative damage. In zoysiagrass, a warm season turfgrass, their accumulation in seed heads and stolons can decrease the aesthetic appeal. In this study, a high-density genetic map with ~8000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers organized into 20 linkage groups was generated in a Zoysia japonica acc. Meyer × Zoysia matrella acc. PI 231146 F₂ population. Using this genetic map, a large-effect quantitative trait locus (QTL) for anthocyanin variation in stolons and seed heads was mapped to chromosome 12 (PP locus). Variant analysis of a candidate gene for PP, Zjn_sc00004.1.g07010.1.sm.mk, which encodes an MYC-bHLH transcription factor that regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis, revealed a SNP at an exon-intron boundary in Meyer that led to intron retention. Interestingly, an F₁ population derived from the same parents segregated for seed head color but uniformly displayed purple stolons. Seed head color in the F₁ population comapped with the PP locus which, combined with genotypic and yeast two-hybrid analyses, revealed that a SNP in PI 231146 leading to an Ala163Ser substitution in the MYB-interacting N-terminal domain of the same MYC-bHLH transcription factor was likely causal. The Ala163Ser substitution affected interaction of MYC-bHLH with MYB in an MYB-dependent manner. The identified mutations can be exploited to develop cultivars with green seed heads and stolons. The high-marker-density interspecific Z. japonica × Z. matrella F₂ genetic map also provides a robust tool for identifying genomic regions and genes of agronomic interest that differentiate the two species.

PMID:41355943 | PMC:PMC12680380 | DOI:10.1093/hr/uhaf235

G3 (Bethesda). 2025 Dec 8:jkaf267. doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaf267. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal agent of soybean rust disease (SBR) on Glycine max (soybean), is considered one of the most globally devastating diseases of soybeans and is a particular problem in Brazil, China, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the southern United States. To better understand genetic diversity and epidemiological history of SBR in the United States, 49 P. pachyrhizi isolates collected from soybean fields in four Southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana) from the 2008 to 2017 growing seasons were genotyped through restriction site-associated genotype by sequencing (GBS). Rarefaction analysis identified 54 informative SNPs among the P. pachyrhizi isolates. We found no evidence suggesting sexual or parasexual recombination, and measurements of genetic diversity were low to moderately low. Multiple different statistical approaches, including neighbor-joining trees, K-means hierarchical clustering, discriminant analysis of principal components, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) all identified two groups of P. pachyrhizi genotypes that associated with geographic location. One group was composed of isolates from south Georgia, and the other with isolates from Alabama, Florida, Georgia (excluding south Georgia), and Louisiana. Our results suggest that two genetically related but distinct genotypes were introduced to the continental United States in a two-phase introduction and overwinter in South Georgia and Florida. The first introduction of one genotype likely occurred in South Georgia in 2004 followed by a later introduction of a second genotype. One genotype remained in South Georgia while the other genotype became established through the Southeastern United States. Future studies are necessary to determine whether SBR in Brazil, China, or Sub-Saharan Africa shows similar patterns of genotype distribution and history or if the United States situation is unique.

PMID:41355607 | DOI:10.1093/g3journal/jkaf267