Institutional development · Research, innovation and assessment · Thailand
Khon Kaen University team reports new root fungus that curbed sunchoke tuber rot by 54%
Researchers at Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Science say they have identified Diaporthe formosum, a fungus new to science found in pink mempat root, with potential to control crop pathogens.
Why it matters: Khon Kaen University's microbiology researchers report that their newly described fungus suppressed sunchoke tuber rot by 54% in their work.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) said a Faculty of Science team led by Professor Sophon Boonlue of the Department of Microbiology has identified a new endophytic fungal species named Diaporthe formosum.
According to the university, the fungus comes from the root of the pink mempat plant and is capable of suppressing sunchoke tuber rot by 54%.
The university described the species as having significant biocontrol potential against destructive agricultural pathogens.
Editor’s view
Sarah Williamson, Teaching, Digital and AI Editor
The KKU team reports that a fungus new to science, taken from pink mempat root, can suppress sunchoke tuber rot by 54%, and the university presents it as having biocontrol potential against destructive crop pathogens.
