Browsing by Author "Rezaee Danesh, Younes"

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Characterization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities Associated With Vineyards in Northwestern Iran
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2022) Rezaee Danesh, Younes; Kariman, Khalil; Keskin, Nurhan; Najafi, Solmaz
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish beneficial symbiotic associations with plants, enhancing their nutrient uptake, growth, and stress tolerance. The present study was aimed to investigate AMF spore density, species composition, mycorrhizal colonization patterns, and correlation of these indices with soil physicochemical parameters at four vineyards located in one of the most important grape-producing regions of Iran (West Azerbaijan province). Forty-three soil samples were collected from four grape-producing regions during July-August 2019. The total spore abundance ranged from 39-647 spores per 100 g dry soil. Twelve AMF species, representing six genera (Rhizophagus, Funneliformis, Glomus, Septoglomus, Claroideoglomus, and Scutellospora) were identified. Rhizophagus fasciculatus was the most frequently found species, with a frequency of 75%. Two of the identified species, G. glomerulatum and Scutellospora calospora are new for the mycoflora of Iran. Significant negative correlations were detected between AMF attributes [spore density, AMF colonization frequency (F%) as well as AMF colonization intensity (M%)] and soil phosphorus content. The results provide insights into the AMF communities and dynamics in vineyards as influenced by soil parameters, improving our understanding of soil biological fertility in grape production systems.
The Complex Interplay Between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Strigolactone: Mechanisms, Sinergies, Applications and Future Directions
(Mdpi, 2023) Boyno, Goekhan; Rezaee Danesh, Younes; Demir, Semra; Teniz, Necmettin; Mulet, Jose M.; Porcel, Rosa
Plants, the cornerstone of life on Earth, are constantly struggling with a number of challenges arising from both biotic and abiotic stressors. To overcome these adverse factors, plants have evolved complex defense mechanisms involving both a number of cell signaling pathways and a complex network of interactions with microorganisms. Among these interactions, the relationship between symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and strigolactones (SLs) stands as an important interplay that has a significant impact on increased resistance to environmental stresses and improved nutrient uptake and the subsequent enhanced plant growth. AMF establishes mutualistic partnerships with plants by colonizing root systems, and offers a range of benefits, such as increased nutrient absorption, improved water uptake and increased resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. SLs play a fundamental role in shaping root architecture, promoting the growth of lateral roots and regulating plant defense responses. AMF can promote the production and release of SLs by plants, which in turn promote symbiotic interactions due to their role as signaling molecules with the ability to attract beneficial microbes. The complete knowledge of this synergy has the potential to develop applications to optimize agricultural practices, improve nutrient use efficiency and ultimately increase crop yields. This review explores the roles played by AMF and SLs in plant development and stress tolerance, highlighting their individual contributions and the synergistic nature of their interaction.
Molecular Identification and RNA-Based Management of Fungal Plant Pathogens: From PCR to CRISPR/Cas9
(MDPI, 2026) Ansari, Rizwan Ali; Rezaee Danesh, Younes; Castello, Ivana; Vitale, Alessandro
Fungal diseases continue to limit global crop production and drive major economic losses. Conventional diagnostic and control approaches depend on time-consuming culture-based methods and broad-spectrum chemicals, which offer limited precision. Advances in molecular identification have changed this landscape. PCR, qPCR, LAMP, sequencing and portable platforms enable rapid and species-level detection directly from plant tissue. These tools feed into RNA-based control strategies, where knowledge of pathogen genomes and sRNA exchange enables targeted suppression of essential fungal genes. Host-induced and spray-induced gene silencing provide selective control without the long-term environmental costs associated with chemical use. CRISPR/Cas9 based tools now refine both diagnostics and resistance development, and bioinformatics improves target gene selection. Rising integration of artificial intelligence indicates a future in which disease detection, prediction and management connect in near real time. The major challenge lies in limited field validation and the narrow range of fungal species with complete molecular datasets, yet coordinated multi-site trials and expansion of annotated genomic resources can enable wider implementation. The combined use of molecular diagnostics and RNA-based strategies marks a shift from disease reaction to disease prevention and moves crop protection towards a precise, sustainable and responsive management system. This review synthesizes the information related to current molecular identification tools and RNA-based management strategies, and evaluates how their integration supports precise and sustainable approaches for fungal disease control under diverse environmental settings.
Next-Generation Biopesticides for the Control of Fungal Plant Pathogens
(MDPI, 2026) Rezaee Danesh, Younes; Keskin, Nurhan; Najafi, Solmaz; Hatterman-Valenti, Harlene; Kaya, Ozkan
This review explores the innovative approaches in the development of next-generation biopesticides, focusing on molecular and microbial strategies for effective control of fungal plant pathogens. As agricultural practices increasingly seek sustainable solutions to combat plant diseases, biopesticides have emerged as a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, offering reduced environmental impact and enhanced safety for non-target organisms. The review begins by outlining the critical role of fungal pathogens in global agriculture, emphasizing the need for novel control methods that can mitigate their detrimental effects on crop yields. Key molecular strategies discussed include the use of genetic engineering to enhance the efficacy of biopesticides, the application of RNA interference (RNAi) techniques to target specific fungal genes, and the development of bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Additionally, this review highlights the potential of microbial agents, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, in establishing biocontrol mechanisms that promote plant health and resilience. Through a comprehensive review of recent studies and advancements in the field, this manuscript illustrates how integrating molecular and microbial strategies can lead to the development of effective biopesticides tailored to combat specific fungal threats. The implications of these strategies for sustainable agriculture are discussed, alongside the challenges and future directions for research and implementation. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the transformative potential of next-generation biopesticides in the fight against fungal plant pathogens, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable food production.
Onion Fusarium Basal Rot Disease Control by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Trichoderma Harzianum
(Mdpi, 2024) Yagmur, Abdulaziz; Demir, Semra; Canpolat, Sirel; Rezaee Danesh, Younes; Farda, Beatrice; Djebaili, Rihab; Pellegrini, Marika
Soilborne pathogens reduce 60% of the yield of onion crops. A common fungal pathogen causing wilt disease and severe losses is Fusarium basal rot (FBR). In this study, the combination of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) with Trichoderma harzianum was investigated against FBR. Onion samples were collected from the Ankara-Polatl & imath; region. Among the isolates, isolate S6 was identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae (FOC) using morphological and molecular methods and pathogenicity tests. Different combinations of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae pure strain and the commercial AMF) and T. harzianum were inoculated on susceptible onion cultivars (Se & ccedil;, Gence, and & Scedil;ampiyon). The effects of the treatments on FOC biocontrol were studied under growth chamber conditions. The results showed that & Scedil;ampiyon was the most resistant, while Gence was the most susceptible to basal rot disease. Different colonization rates (8.91-24%), spore densities (16.4-50.4 spore/10 g soil), and the extent to which a plant needs mycorrhizal conditions to grow to its maximum potential (i.e., mycorrhizal dependencies-18.3-51.9%) were recorded by treatment. Both single and combined applications of AMF and Trichoderma applications suppressed FOC. Suppressive effects were more pronounced when the F. mosseae pure strain was used alone (when F. mosseae was used, disease severity decreased from 90 to 68%, p < 0.05). The F. mosseae pure strain also showed the best plant growth promotion and phosphorus content release. The results indicate an interesting potential use of F. mosseae and the combination of AMF with T. harzianum in the management of FOC in onions.
Preliminary Insights Into Sustainable Control of Solanum Lycopersicum Early Blight: Harnessing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Reducing Fungicide Dose
(Mdpi, 2024) Demir, Semra; Boyno, Goekhan; Rezaee Danesh, Younes; Teniz, Necmettin; Calayir, Oktay; Cevik, Rojbin; Calzarano, Francesco
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is constantly threatened by several fungal pathogens, such as Alternaria solani, the causal agent of early blight disease. In this study, a greenhouse experiment was set up to evaluate the biocontrol ability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) against A. solani in the presence of reduced doses of fungicides (i.e., captan and copper oxychloride). Disease severity, plant growth traits, chlorophyll and phosphorus content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity were assessed. The effects of fungicide dose on AMF were investigated by root colonization, spore density, and mycorrhizal dependence evaluation. AMF-inoculated and fungicide-treated plants reduced disease severity compared to fungicide-treated and non-mycorrhizal plants, in most cases, regardless of the fungicide dose. AMF improved plant growth, especially when combined with copper oxychloride. However, plant fresh weight decreased in plants treated with the lowest dose of captan (25 g 100 L-1). Overall, AMF colonization decreased in plants with high fungicide doses, while the leaf color parameters did not show differences between treatments. The results suggest reducing the fungicide dose using AMF is possible, particularly for copper oxychloride. Further studies will be required to confirm these data. This integrated approach could offer a sustainable alternative to decrease the use of chemical control.