Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L.
09:21

Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L.

Published on: February 15, 2019

Harmful fungi in both agriculture and medicine

Anthony J De Lucca1

  • 1Southern Regional Research Center, USDA, ARS, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA. adelucca@srrc.ars.usda.gov

Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia
|June 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Certain fungi pose significant threats to agriculture and health, causing crop losses and serious diseases in humans and animals. Plants may offer a natural source of antifungal compounds to combat these emerging pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Medical Mycology

Background:

  • Most fungi are saprophytic, playing essential roles in ecosystems.
  • A small subset of fungi are pathogenic to plants, animals, and humans.
  • Genera like Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria, and Mucor represent emerging fungal pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the dual threat of pathogenic fungi to agriculture and human/animal health.
  • To underscore the economic impact of fungal diseases in agriculture and food security.
  • To explore the potential of plants as a source for novel antifungal compounds.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on fungal pathogens.
  • Analysis of the impact of fungal toxins and diseases on agricultural output.
  • Investigation into plant-based resistance mechanisms and antifungal compound discovery.

Main Results:

  • Pathogenic fungi cause substantial economic losses in agriculture and pose risks to food safety.
  • Emerging fungal pathogens, including Aspergillus and Fusarium species, cause severe human and animal diseases.
  • Plants have evolved antifungal compounds as a defense mechanism against fungal infections.

Conclusions:

  • Pathogenic fungi represent a significant global challenge to agricultural productivity and public health.
  • Understanding fungal pathogenicity is crucial for developing effective disease management strategies.
  • Plants offer a promising avenue for discovering natural antifungal agents to combat fungal infections.

More Related Videos

Measuring Volatile and Non-volatile Antifungal Activity of Biocontrol Products06:47

Measuring Volatile and Non-volatile Antifungal Activity of Biocontrol Products

Published on: December 5, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Fungi01:29

Overview of Fungi

Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota01:26

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry01:27

Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry

Microorganisms play a crucial role in agriculture and the food industry, contributing to soil fertility, crop protection, and food production. Their functions range from nitrogen fixation and biopesticide production to fermentation and food preservation, making them indispensable to sustainable farming and food safety.Role in AgricultureNitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium (symbiotic) and Azotobacter (free-living), convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia through biological nitrogen...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Sources of Food Contamination01:29

Sources of Food Contamination

Contamination of food by microbial agents and natural toxins poses significant risks to public health. These hazards can be introduced at various points across the food supply chain, ranging from environmental sources to processing and storage stages. Understanding these contamination pathways is critical for developing strategies to ensure food safety.Seafood is particularly vulnerable to contamination through both environmental exposure and microbial colonization. Toxins from harmful algal...