#Research helps explain source of pathogen that causes bitter rot disease

“#Research helps explain source of pathogen that causes bitter rot disease” Research conducted by scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences focused on finding the source of bitter rot disease in fruit. Here, apples infected with Colletotrichum fioriniae show disease symptoms of sunken lesions and orange spore masses. Credit: Phillip Martin Fungal spores responsible…

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#Sex, flies and videotape

“#Sex, flies and videotape” Detailed behavioural analysis reveals how the progression from courtship to copulation happens in the fruit fly. Credit: Maria Luisa Vasconcelos and Cecilia Mezzera, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown. On a hot summer day, in a darkened chamber, a video camera follows a couple as it engages in nature’s oldest game—courtship. The…

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#’Madsen’ wheat as source of disease resistance

“#’Madsen’ wheat as source of disease resistance” Madsen, growing next to lines which have it as a parent, in the Palouse region of Washington state. Credit: Arron Carter A plant breeder’s goal is to release cultivars that are commercially economical and environmentally sustainable. Breeders never know how well new cultivars will perform under commercial production…

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#Why black rhinos may get sick in captivity

“#Why black rhinos may get sick in captivity” Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Inflammation and oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of iron overload disorder in captive black rhinoceroses, making this syndrome a potential common denominator to various diseases described in captivity in this species, according to a study published August 12 in the…

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#An irresistible scent makes locusts swarm, study finds

“#An irresistible scent makes locusts swarm, study finds” Record numbers of locusts have descended in devastating swarms across parts of Africa and Asia this year The coronavirus isn’t the only plague making headlines this year—locusts are devastating crops in several parts of the world, and now scientists are discovering why the pest forms destructive swarms….

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