2026-03-24
Ilham Dehbi, Abdelaaziz Farhaoui, Khadija Benamar, Fatima Ezzahrae Smouni, Hakima Achetoui, Mohammed Kouighat, Mouna Janati, Essaid Ait Barka, Hamid Mazouz, Rachid Lahlali
Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites produced by pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria pose a significant threat to global food safety and agricultural productivity. These toxins often arise concurrently with plant diseases, particularly under favorable environmental conditions that enhance fungal infection and colonization. Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, is amplifying the occurrence and severity of both plant diseases and mycotoxin contamination. This research provides a comprehensive overview of the ecological, physiological, and molecular interplay between mycotoxigenic fungi and their host plants. We investigate how climate variables impact mycotoxin biosynthesis and pathogen virulence, as well as how host responses can be compromised under abiotic stress. Advanced omics technologies, smart diagnostics, and artificial intelligence are presented as transformative tools for early detection, risk prediction, and integrated management. Emphasis is also placed on biological control strategies, resistance breeding, and postharvest innovations for mycotoxin mitigation. Finally, we discuss the importance of regulatory frameworks and region-specific surveillance systems, particularly in vulnerable agroecosystems of the Global South. Bridging plant pathology, toxicology, and climate science, this work highlights the urgent need for holistic, climate-resilient solutions to protect crop health and ensure food security in a changing world.
DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2026.17846342026-03-17
A. D. Savalkar, P. R. Shingote, D. L. Wasule, A. M. Gaharwal, D. R. Rathod, S. S. Nichal, J. R. Katore, M. P. Moharil
Chitosan–copper nanoparticles (CHT–Cu NPs) were synthesized using an ionic gelation approach and evaluated for their physicochemical properties and antifungal activity against major fungal pathogens of chickpea and citrus. For instance, “In recent years, nanotechnology-based formulations have emerged as promising strategy for sustainable disease management”. Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed uniformly sized nanoparticles (~150 nm) with low polydispersity and a positive surface charge (+22.2 mV). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed effective copper coordination, amorphous nanocomposite formation, and stable incorporation of copper within the chitosan matrix. The antifungal efficacy of CHT–Cu NPs was assessed in vitro against Colletotrichum ciceri, Fusarium ciceri, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The nanocomposites exhibited strong, concentration-dependent inhibition of mycelial growth. F. ciceri was highly sensitive, showing complete inhibition at all tested concentrations (≥100 µg mL−¹). S. rolfsii and chickpea pathogens C. ciceri and R. bataticola were completely inhibited at concentrations 200 µg mL−¹, 300 µg mL−¹ and 300 µg mL−¹, respectively, whereas C. gloeosporioides was comparatively less sensitive and required higher concentrations (≥400 µg mL−¹) for complete suppression. In contrast, chitosan alone and copper sulfate showed only moderate antifungal activity. These findings demonstrate that CHT–Cu NPs possess broad-spectrum antifungal activity and superior efficacy compared to conventional fungicides, highlighting their potential as eco-compatible nanobiopesticides for sustainable management of fungal diseases in crop plants.
DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2026.17640492026-03-13
Yan Wei, Jiahui Cheng, Yongwu Liu, Tianzi Xia, Qingyang Huang, Fan Yang, Ruifeng Fan
Volcanic eruptions deposit lava that covers the original soil and alters biogeochemical cycles, leading to the formation of unique ecological characteristics. Litter decomposition is an important part of the nutrient cycling in volcanic forest ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic coupling between litter nutrient release and fungal community succession during the decomposition of pioneer Betula platyphylla in a volcanic forest. We conducted an in situ decomposition experiment combined with Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing and fungal functional prediction. We found that, on the lava plateau, after 18 months of decomposition, Betula platyphylla litter remains in the early stages of decomposition, with rapid changes occurring in its nutrient composition and fungal community structure. (p < 0.05). The diversity and composition of fungal communities in Betula platyphylla litter differed significantly among the four sampling periods. The succession of fungal communities, dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, was primarily driven by changes in litter mass remaining and key nutrient concentrations (C, N and P). Our results offer valuable insights for further investigations into the dynamics of fungal communities during litter decomposition in volcanic forest ecosystems.
DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2026.17738672026-03-04
Min-Seo Jung, Ha-Young Pyeon, Youn-Jin Park, Myoung-Jun Jang
This study investigated gene expression patterns associated with the browning of mushroom fruiting bodies caused by Pseudomonas tolaasii infection. To address this, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus bisporus, and Lentinula edodes were inoculated with P. tolaasii, and morphological changes were examined, followed by transcriptome analysis to identify common and differentially expressed genes across the three species. Hydrophobin and glycoside hydrolase family 13 genes, associated with α-glucan metabolism and cell wall-related processes, were commonly downregulated, whereas laccase- and histidine kinase-related genes involved in melanin biosynthesis were significantly upregulated (log2 fold change ≥ 2, p ≤ 0.05). Notably, laccase induction represented a conserved transcriptional response to P. tolaasii infection, although the magnitude of induction varied among species. These findings provide molecular evidence linking mushroom browning to the transcriptional activation of defense-related genes and highlight laccase as a key, yet species-dependent, component of the response to P. tolaasii infection.
DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2026.17377842026-02-17
Qusai Al Abdallah, Kholoud M. Alananbeh, Nehaya Al-Karablieh, Salah-Eddin Araj
Metarhizium anisopliae is an entomopathogenic fungus that is widely used in the biological control of agricultural pests. During host infection, M. anisopliae secretes an arsenal of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases and chitinases that allow for cuticle penetration and host colonization. The degradation of chitin into N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) monomers is carried out by chitinases and β-N-acetylglucosaminidases (NAGases). Chitin-degrading enzymes of M. anisopliae have been the subject of extensive research; however, these studies have not been consolidated into a comprehensive review. This review highlights our current knowledge of the chitinolytic enzymes from M. anisopliae, emphasizing the classification of these enzymes based on their mode of action and domain architecture. M. anisopliae possesses a set of 21 chitinases that are classified into four glycoside hydrolase family 18 (GH18) subgroups: A, B, C, and D. In addition, M. anisopliae produces two GH20 and two GH3 NAGases. The domain architectures of chitinases and NAGases from M. anisopliae are highly similar to those found in Trichoderma spp. but exhibit some evolutionary distinctions. Moreover, this review integrates insights from other entomopathogenic fungi to identify molecular mechanisms underlying the expression of chitinase and NAGase genes in M. anisopliae. The regulatory mechanisms underlying gene expression of chitinolytic enzymes are complex and involve several regulators and metabolic pathways. Finally, chitinases have the potential to be used as biopesticides against fungal pathogens and pest infestations.
DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2026.1732437