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Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection...
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Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 5663

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Francesco Calzarano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Bioscience and Technologies for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
Interests: grapevine; crop protection; plant pathology; phytopathology; plant disease management; fungal plant pathology; fungal infection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In-depth knowledge on plant defense mechanisms in response to pathogens will facilitate the development of crop protection strategies based on the induction of effective defense responses in disease control. To achieve this, research on different substances to be used as resistance inductors, in order to improve plant defense responses, will prove very important. This could allow a higher and faster synthesis of phytoalexins, and/or other defense compounds, in growth stages in which the pathogen is more virulent, providing a real contribution to disease control. Similarly, the objective of environmentally friendly and sustainable control can be achieved using biological and natural products instead of chemical applications. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to collect articles from both themes mentioned which have the same objective of avoiding or reducing the use of chemical plant protection products.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Calzarano
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable crop protection
  • resistance induction
  • biological products
  • natural products
  • disease management

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 22103 KiB  
Article
On the Effectiveness of Ozone Treatments: A Silver Bullet for Plant Health?
by Chiara Pastacaldi, Dario Gaudioso, Cosimo Beltrami, Benedetta Gunnella and Stefania Tegli
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030567 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 272
Abstract
The development of innovative and eco-friendly strategies to protect plant health is one of the main challenges for the agricultural sector to respond to the increasing global food demand. In this contest, ozone (O3) could be a promising sustainable alternative to [...] Read more.
The development of innovative and eco-friendly strategies to protect plant health is one of the main challenges for the agricultural sector to respond to the increasing global food demand. In this contest, ozone (O3) could be a promising sustainable alternative to current pesticides, since it is a powerful oxidizing agent and does not leave residues in the environment. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in its potential bioactivity as a plant defense inducer are still poorly known. Thus, this study aimed to understand the role of O3 in plant defenses, as well as in plant growth, development and physiology, by a multidisciplinary approach. Here, O3 was applied as ozonated water to the soil in field experiments or to the nutrient solution of hydroponically grown plants. Experiments were carried out on different plant species, including the model plant Nicotiana tabacum and agronomically important crops such as lettuce, bean, and tomato. The analysis of several physiological parameters, such as plant weight, chlorophyll content, and stomatal conductance, indicated that O3 effects are species-specific. Moreover, the expression analysis of specific defense-related genes showed that O3 induced substantial changes in key hormonal and defense signaling pathways. Overall, O3 was demonstrated to trigger plant defenses, mainly mediated by pathogenesis-related proteins, mimicking a pathogen attack. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 3128 KiB  
Article
Fly High: Volatile Organic Compounds for the Early Detection of the Seed-Borne Pathogen Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens
by Dario Gaudioso, Luca Calamai and Stefania Tegli
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020497 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 291
Abstract
The global demand for legumes has grown significantly since the 1960s, due to their high protein content and environmental benefits. However, this growth could also facilitate the spread of seed-borne pathogens like Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff). Cff is a Gram-positive bacterium [...] Read more.
The global demand for legumes has grown significantly since the 1960s, due to their high protein content and environmental benefits. However, this growth could also facilitate the spread of seed-borne pathogens like Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff). Cff is a Gram-positive bacterium causing bacterial wilt in common beans and poses substantial challenges in regard to its detection and management, due to its long latent period and xylemic nature. Traditional diagnostic methods have proven insufficient, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. This study explores the potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Cff to be used as diagnostic markers to prevent the spread of seed-borne pathogens. First, we analyzed the VOCs emitted by different Cff strains in vitro, identifying a unique blend of five major VOCs. Subsequently, we verified the presence of these VOCs in vivo in artificially infected Cannellino beans. Phenylmethanol and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol emerged as key diagnostic markers, differentiating Cff from other bacterial pathogens of beans, such as Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola and Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli. Our findings suggest that VOC fingerprinting offers a non-invasive, effective method for the early detection of Cff, even in asymptomatic seeds. This innovative approach holds significant promise for improving seed-borne disease management and supporting the development of practical diagnostic tools for field applications. Further research should aim to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of VOC-based diagnostics, facilitating the rapid and accurate screening of plant materials at ports of entry. This would contribute to the sustainability and health of leguminous crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 310 KiB  
Article
First Results of Management of Powdery Mildew in Grapevine Using Sulphur, Silicate and Equisetum arvense Formulations
by Francesco Calzarano, Giancarlo Pagnani, Leonardo Seghetti, Vincenzo D’Agostino and Stefano Di Marco
Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122930 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 850
Abstract
The management of grapevine from diseases is now particularly focused on the development of environmentally friendly strategies. Although sulphur is not in itself a toxic substance, its extensive use in powdery mildew, in organic vineyards especially, may cause environmental problems and plant phytotoxicity [...] Read more.
The management of grapevine from diseases is now particularly focused on the development of environmentally friendly strategies. Although sulphur is not in itself a toxic substance, its extensive use in powdery mildew, in organic vineyards especially, may cause environmental problems and plant phytotoxicity and affect the health and safety of viticultural workers. The activity of sulphur applied at doses reduced up to 50% in tank mixtures with silicates or Equisetum arvense-based products was assessed on powdery mildew in grapevine. Two-year trials were carried out applying the products every 7–10 days in the period of greatest risk for disease infections, in two organic vineyards in the Abruzzo region, Italy. In both vineyards throughout all trial years, at harvest, disease incidence and severity on leaves and bunches in the silicon + sulphur treatments were generally significantly lower compared to both the sulphur at full dose and to the control. In all trials, in both vineyards, a strong activity of silicon + sulphur mixtures towards disease on leaves was observed. This effect could be decisive in lowering the potential inoculum in the following season. In the Ari vineyard, vines treated with the mixtures always increased yield quantity and quality, given the higher contents of soluble solids and lower levels of total acidity. In the Cellino vineyard, probably due to the young age of the vines, increases in yield quantity were observed, with lesser effects on quality. The promising activity of the mixtures needs further studies to confirm these positive results. Furthermore, in both vineyards, the source of primary inoculum of the pathogen was observed as chasmothecia on the leaves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition)
12 pages, 1996 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Disease Control of Phytophthora cactorum in a Strawberry Nursery by Adapting the Growing System
by Albartus Evenhuis, Johanna A. Bac-Molenaar, Khanh Pham and Kirsten A. Leiss
Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2809; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122809 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 798
Abstract
The Netherlands is one of the most important countries for the production of strawberry transplants in Europe. Regulations for pesticide use and water quality become more strict each year, which is a challenge for this sector. Strawberry plants are grown from tips and [...] Read more.
The Netherlands is one of the most important countries for the production of strawberry transplants in Europe. Regulations for pesticide use and water quality become more strict each year, which is a challenge for this sector. Strawberry plants are grown from tips and raised in trays on a trayfield. One of the main plant diseases in strawberry is caused by Phytophthora cactorum. The dispersal of the disease is facilitated by sporangia and zoospores splashing from the surface of the trayfield onto the transplants in the trays. In this research, we compared, in three consecutive years, the traditional growing system with a new system in which the trays are elevated and splashes from the trayfield reaching the transplants are minimized. In two of the three years, we show that the new growing system without the use of any fungicide against P. cactorum performs as well as or even better than the traditional system with the use of the permitted pesticides. Data about Phytophthora occurring in air samples and in splash water collected at different heights support the hypothesis that the decrease in splash dispersal underlies the success of the elevated trayfield. This shows the potential of re-designing growing systems to become less dependent on pesticide use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 5141 KiB  
Article
Saccorhiza polyschides Extract as Biostimulant for Reducing Salt Stress Effect in Common Bean Crops
by Nada Nhhala, Salma Latique, Anass Kchikich, Amr Kchikich, Mohamed Nhiri and Penélope García-Angulo
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081626 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 971
Abstract
Salinity stress emerges as an important menace to global food security, particularly affecting susceptible crops such as common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The disruption of ion balances caused by salt stress within plant cells reduces water and nutrient absorption and hampers [...] Read more.
Salinity stress emerges as an important menace to global food security, particularly affecting susceptible crops such as common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The disruption of ion balances caused by salt stress within plant cells reduces water and nutrient absorption and hampers growth and productivity. Sacchorhiza polyschides, a brown macroalga rich in essential elements and macrominerals, has drawn attention as a natural biostimulant, being a potential remedy to bolster crop resilience against salt stress. This study delves into the effect of water extracts of Sacchorhiza polyschides (SPE) across varying concentrations (1%, 2%, and 5%) in common bean plants under salt stress (68.4 mM NaCl) conditions. Two different methods of application were used: by spraying the aerial part of the plant or by irrigation together with the watering solution. The effects of both systems of application were studied on the aerial parts of the plants. SPE exhibited significant enhancements in morphological parameters, chlorophyll content, carbon–nitrogen activities, and antioxidant enzymatic system activities, alongside increasing osmolyte accumulation, compared to salt-stressed plants without biostimulation. Moreover, SPE reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels caused by salt stress, mitigating lipid peroxidation. The concentrations of 2% and 5% SPE applied by spraying showed the most significant results in most of the parameters analyzed. By shedding light on the underlying science behind this biostimulant effect, this research underscores the potential of SPE to enhance crop resilience and augment food production in salt-challenged environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1455 KiB  
Article
Infection Risk-Based Application of Plant Resistance Inducers for the Control of Downy and Powdery Mildews in Vineyards
by Othmane Taibi, Giorgia Fedele, Irene Salotti and Vittorio Rossi
Agronomy 2023, 13(12), 2959; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13122959 - 30 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1566
Abstract
Plant resistance inducers (PRIs) are potential alternatives for controlling grapevine downy (DM) and powdery (PM) mildews in vineyards. In a 3-year field study, we evaluated the field efficacy of six commercial PRIs of chemical and natural origin against DM and PM diseases when [...] Read more.
Plant resistance inducers (PRIs) are potential alternatives for controlling grapevine downy (DM) and powdery (PM) mildews in vineyards. In a 3-year field study, we evaluated the field efficacy of six commercial PRIs of chemical and natural origin against DM and PM diseases when applied at designated vine growth stages in a mixture with low doses of copper and sulfur, and only when advised by weather-driven disease models. The disease severity and incidence were evaluated for each season at key growth stages (i.e., the end of flowering, berries pea-sized, veraison, and pre-harvest), and areas under the disease progress curves (AUDPC) were calculated and compared with those of nontreated vines. These risk-based applications resulted in a 41% and 61% reduction of interventions against DM and PM, respectively, compared to the official advice for integrated pest management in the growing area. These applications provided a disease control efficacy of 88% for DM and 93% for PM; the disease severity on bunches never exceeded 5%. Overall, when the disease severity was expressed as AUDPC, we observed higher efficacy of all the PRIs for PM, and of laminarin and cerevisane for DM. We also found that potassium phosphonate and fosetyl-Al (commonly used against DM) were effective against PM, and cos-oga (used against PM) was effective against DM. These results broaden the application and integration of PRIs in viticulture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition)
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