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Horticulturae
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Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture
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Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Pathology and Disease Management (PPDM)".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 August 2023) | Viewed by 34592

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hillary Righini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 40, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Interests: biological control; IPM; natural substances; antagonistic microorganisms; role of cyanobacteria and algae in the control of phytopathogenic fungi; extraction of compounds from algae and cyanobacteria
Dr. Roberta Roberti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 40, 40127 Bologna, Italy
Interests: biological control; IPM; natural substances; antagonistic microorganisms; role of cyanobacteria and algae in the control of phytopathogenic fungi; extraction of compounds from algae and cyanobacteria
Dr. Stefania Galletti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
Interests: biological control agents; induced resistance; Trichoderma; biofumigation; glusosinolate–myrosinase system

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Horticulture production requires high inputs of pesticides to control destructive pathogens. However, the recent rules on plant protection are promoting alternative means to synthetic pesticides as a result of environmental pollution, residues in agricultural products and pathogen resistance to pesticides. Currently, the control of plant pathogens in horticulture is facing new challenges for adapting the new pathogen control strategies to meet consumer demand.

The purpose of this Special Issue, “Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture”, is to present the recent findings and future perspectives on the use of natural substances (i.e., plant extracts or molecules), microorganisms, plant-induced gene silencing that targets specific pathogens, organic cultivation systems and integrated pest management and any other means that can reduce the input of synthetic pesticides in the environment.

Dr. Hillary Righini
Dr. Roberta Roberti
Dr. Stefania Galletti
Guest Editors

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. Horticulturae 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 2200 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

  • plant pathogens
  • disease control
  • IPM
  • biocontrol agents
  • antimicrobial/antiviral activity
  • plant-induced resistance
  • natural substances
  • transgenic approaches
  • organic cultivation

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 187 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue “Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture”
by Hillary Righini, Roberta Roberti and Stefania Galletti
Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020146 - 04 Feb 2024
Viewed by 705
Abstract
European Regulation No [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 2944 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Study of the Compatibility of Four Species of Trichoderma with Three Fungicides and Their Antagonistic Activity against Fusarium solani
by Conrado Parraguirre Lezama, Omar Romero-Arenas, Maria De Los Angeles Valencia de Ita, Antonio Rivera, Dora M. Sangerman Jarquín and Manuel Huerta-Lara
Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080905 - 08 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1398
Abstract
Strawberry wilt is a disease caused by Fusarium solani, which it provokes the death of the plant. Farmers mainly use chemical methods for its control, which has a negative impact on the environment and human health. Given the growing demand for organic [...] Read more.
Strawberry wilt is a disease caused by Fusarium solani, which it provokes the death of the plant. Farmers mainly use chemical methods for its control, which has a negative impact on the environment and human health. Given the growing demand for organic agricultural products, compatible alternatives must be sought for disease management that can reduce the doses of fungicides. A combination of pesticides and biological control agents could be an alternative for the management of F. solani. Consequently, investigations on fungicide compatibility and synergistic effects are recommended in relation to the biological control of strawberry wilt. In this study, potential antagonism was calculated according to the class of mycoparasitism and the percentage inhibition of radial growth in order to later design a compatibility model of the different species of Trichoderma with three protective fungicides at different concentrations. The potential antagonism showed that Trichoderma asperellum presented high compatibility with the fungicides Captan and Mancozeb added in concentrations of 450, 900, and 1350 mg L−1. The use of antagonistic strains together with the fungicide Chlorothalonil in its three concentrations showed a negative effect on the growth of Trichoderma species, which caused low and null compatibility against the MA-FC120 strain of F. solani in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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13 pages, 1924 KiB  
Article
Fungicidal Effect of Guava Wood Vinegar against Colletotrichum coccodes Causing Black Dot Disease of Potatoes
by Mansour M. El-Fawy, Kamal A. M. Abo-Elyousr, Nashwa M. A. Sallam, Rafeek M. I. El-Sharkawy and Yasser Eid Ibrahim
Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060710 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1598
Abstract
Wood vinegar (WV) by-product of charcoal production is considered one of the most promising alternatives to synthetic pesticide and fertilizer applications, especially for organic production. Our goal in this study is to evaluate the efficacy of guava (Psidium guajava) WV to [...] Read more.
Wood vinegar (WV) by-product of charcoal production is considered one of the most promising alternatives to synthetic pesticide and fertilizer applications, especially for organic production. Our goal in this study is to evaluate the efficacy of guava (Psidium guajava) WV to control Colletotrichum coccodes, which causes black dot disease, and how it influences potato plant development and yield. This study tested the efficacy of guava WV against the pathogen both in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. Different guava WV concentrations were tested on pathogen growth development, including 0, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1%, 2%, and 3% (v/v). Data revealed that the pathogen’s mycelial growth was significantly inhibited at all the concentrations, and the highest inhibition (100%) was obtained at 3% guava WV. In greenhouse trials conducted for two seasons (2021 and 2022), guava WV applied as a foliar spray at the concentration of 2% and 3% considerably reduced the potato black dot severity evaluated as stem colonization (average of 22.9% for 2021, average of 22.5% for 2022), root covering with sclerotia (average of 21.7% for 2021, average of 18.3% for 2022) and wilted plants percentage (average of 27.8% for 2021, average of 33.3% for 2022). Overall, guava WV also showed a positive effect on plant growth by increasing plant height, stem diameter, and tuber yield per plant of treated potato in both seasons. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed the presence in guava WV of phenols, esters, organic acids, antioxidants, and alcohols. In conclusion, guava WV could represent a viable alternative for potato black dot disease management and for plant growth promotion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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16 pages, 2023 KiB  
Article
Natural Products Obtained from Argentinean Native Plants Are Fungicidal against Citrus Postharvest Diseases
by Norma Hortensia Alvarez, María Inés Stegmayer, Gisela Marisol Seimandi, José Francisco Pensiero, Juan Marcelo Zabala, María Alejandra Favaro and Marcos Gabriel Derita
Horticulturae 2023, 9(5), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9050562 - 09 May 2023
Viewed by 1283
Abstract
Natural products obtained from plants constitute an alternative to chemically synthesized fungicides, whose improper use might have caused the development of resistant fungal strains. In the present work, 40 products obtained from 20 native Argentinean plant species were tested against three citrus postharvest [...] Read more.
Natural products obtained from plants constitute an alternative to chemically synthesized fungicides, whose improper use might have caused the development of resistant fungal strains. In the present work, 40 products obtained from 20 native Argentinean plant species were tested against three citrus postharvest pathogens: Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, and Geotrichum citri-aurantii. Natural products were obtained by classical solvent extraction methods and the fungicidal evaluation was carried out by agar diffusion tests using commercial fungicides as negative controls and dimethyl sulfoxide as a positive one. The inhibition percentages were determined 7 and 14 days post inoculation of each fungus. Most of the products tested showed inhibition percentages higher than 50% for G. citri-aurantii, but only 20% of them were active against P. digitatum and P. italicum. The most promising products which inhibited (100%) the growth of at least one of the three phytopathogens were extracted from the following plants: Orthosia virgata, Petiveria alliacea, Funastrum clausum, Solanum caavurana, and Solanum pilcomayense. These products were tested over inoculated oranges and there were no statistically significant differences between the treatments with a commercial fungicide and the methanolic extract in the control of fruit rot. The products extracted from native plants have fungicide potential, but further studies are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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12 pages, 1900 KiB  
Article
Resistance of Tunisian Melon Landraces to Podosphaera xanthii
by Hela Chikh-Rouhou, Ana Garcés-Claver, Lydia Kienbaum, Abdelmonem Ben Belgacem and Maria Luisa Gómez-Guillamón
Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121172 - 09 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1363
Abstract
Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii is among the most threatening fungal diseases affecting melons on the Mediterranean coast. Although the use of genetic resistance is a highly recommended alternative to control this pathogen, many races of this fungus have been described and, [...] Read more.
Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii is among the most threatening fungal diseases affecting melons on the Mediterranean coast. Although the use of genetic resistance is a highly recommended alternative to control this pathogen, many races of this fungus have been described and, therefore, resistance is usually overcome; thus, breeding for resistance to this pathogen is a challenge. Several melon genotypes carrying resistance to powdery mildew have been described but their agronomical and fruit characters are usually far away from the required melon types in many commercial markets. Taking this into consideration, looking for novel sources of resistance in Tunisian landraces is a very convenient step to obtain new resistant melon varieties/hybrids suitable for Mediterranean markets. Several Tunisian melon landraces have been tested against three common races in Mediterranean regions (Race 2, Race 3.5, and Race 5), using phenotypic approaches in two independent experiments (artificial inoculations in a growth chamber and natural conditions of infection in a greenhouse). The results of the artificial inoculations showed that all the tested landraces were susceptible to Race 3.5 and Race 5 and several landraces were resistant to Race 2. Under natural conditions of infection, Race 2 of P. xanthii was the race prevalent in the plot and the resistance of TUN-16, TUN-19, and TUN-25 was confirmed. The found resistances were race-specific and underlie a high genetic influence reflected in the high value of the estimated heritability of 0.86. These resistant landraces should be considered as a potential source of resistance in breeding programs of melons belonging to inodorus and reticulatus groups, but further research is necessary to elucidate the genetic control of the found resistances and to provide useful molecular markers linked to P. xanthii Race 2 resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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15 pages, 2101 KiB  
Article
A New Promising Plant Defense Stimulator Derived from a By-Product of Agar Extraction from Gelidium sesquipedale
by Rromir Koçi, Fabrice Dupuy, Salim Lebbar, Vincent Gloaguen and Céline Faugeron Girard
Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100958 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1489
Abstract
Stimulation of plant defenses by elicitors is an alternative strategy to reduce pesticide use. In this study, we examined the elicitor properties of a by-product of the industrial extraction of agar from the red alga Gelidium sesquipedale. Agar extraction process leads to [...] Read more.
Stimulation of plant defenses by elicitors is an alternative strategy to reduce pesticide use. In this study, we examined the elicitor properties of a by-product of the industrial extraction of agar from the red alga Gelidium sesquipedale. Agar extraction process leads to the formation of an alkaline residue which is poorly valorized. This by-product has been analyzed for its chemical composition. It contains 44% minerals and, among the organic compounds, sugars are the most represented and encompass 12.5% of the dry matter. When sprayed on tomato plants, this by-product enhanced the levels of defense markers such as peroxidase or phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities. Furthermore, this treatment increased the expression levels of the pathogenesis-related gene, PR9 encoding peroxidase. A field trial conducted on grapevine revealed that spraying treatment with this by-product resulted in a reduction of the macroscopic disease symptoms induced by Plasmospora viticola, with 40 to 60% efficacy. These results indicate that this agar extraction by-product could be used as a plant defense stimulator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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18 pages, 5299 KiB  
Article
Jania adhaerens Primes Tomato Seed against Soil-Borne Pathogens
by Hillary Righini, Roberta Roberti, Silvia Cetrullo, Flavio Flamigni, Antera Martel Quintana, Ornella Francioso, Veronica Panichi, Stefano Cianchetta and Stefania Galletti
Horticulturae 2022, 8(8), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8080746 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2100
Abstract
Managing soil-borne pathogens is complex due to the restriction of the most effective synthetic fungicides for soil treatment. In this study, we showed that seed priming with Jania adhaerens water-soluble polysaccharides (JA WSPs) was successful in protecting tomato plants from the soil-borne pathogens [...] Read more.
Managing soil-borne pathogens is complex due to the restriction of the most effective synthetic fungicides for soil treatment. In this study, we showed that seed priming with Jania adhaerens water-soluble polysaccharides (JA WSPs) was successful in protecting tomato plants from the soil-borne pathogens Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum, and Fusarium oxysporum under greenhouse conditions. WSPs were extracted from dry thallus by autoclave-assisted method, and the main functional groups were characterized by using FT-IR spectroscopy. WSPs were applied by seed treatment at 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/mL doses, and each pathogen was inoculated singly in a growing substrate before seeding/transplant. Overall, WSPs increased seedling emergence, reduced disease severity and increased plant development depending on the dose. Transcriptional expression of genes related to phenylpropanoid, chlorogenic acid, SAR and ISR pathways, and chitinase and β-1,3 glucanase activities were investigated. Among the studied genes, HQT, HCT, and PR1 were significantly upregulated depending on the dose, while all doses increased PAL and PR2 expression as well as β-1,3 glucanase activity. These results demonstrated that, besides their plant growth promotion activity, JA WSPs may play a protective role in triggering plant defense responses potentially correlated to disease control against soil-borne pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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16 pages, 3248 KiB  
Article
In Search of Antifungals from the Plant World: The Potential of Saponins and Brassica Species against Verticillium dahliae Kleb.
by Caterina Morcia, Isabella Piazza, Roberta Ghizzoni, Stefano Delbono, Barbara Felici, Simona Baima, Federico Scossa, Elisa Biazzi, Aldo Tava, Valeria Terzi and Franca Finocchiaro
Horticulturae 2022, 8(8), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8080729 - 14 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1764
Abstract
Control methods alternative to synthetic pesticides are among the priorities for both organic and conventional farming systems. Plants are potential sources of compounds with antimicrobial properties. In this study, the antifungal potentialities of saponins derived from Medicago species and oat grains and of [...] Read more.
Control methods alternative to synthetic pesticides are among the priorities for both organic and conventional farming systems. Plants are potential sources of compounds with antimicrobial properties. In this study, the antifungal potentialities of saponins derived from Medicago species and oat grains and of brassica sprouts have been explored for the control of Verticillium dahliae, a widely distributed fungal pathogen that causes vascular wilt disease on over 200 plant species. All the tested plant extracts showed antifungal properties. Such compounds, able to reduce mycelium growth and conidia formation, deserve deeper in vivo evaluation, even in combination with a delivery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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19 pages, 1827 KiB  
Article
Multi-Parameter Characterization of Disease-Suppressive Bio-composts from Aromatic Plant Residues Evaluated for Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Cultivation
by Catello Pane, Riccardo Spaccini, Michele Caputo, Enrica De Falco and Massimo Zaccardelli
Horticulturae 2022, 8(7), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070632 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1752
Abstract
Garden cress is a vegetable crop in the Brassicaceae family that is appreciated for its nutraceutical and taste-giving components in minimally processed food chains. Due to its very short cycle, which depends on the range of production from microgreens to baby-leaf vegetables, this [...] Read more.
Garden cress is a vegetable crop in the Brassicaceae family that is appreciated for its nutraceutical and taste-giving components in minimally processed food chains. Due to its very short cycle, which depends on the range of production from microgreens to baby-leaf vegetables, this crop is threatened by soil-borne pathologies developing within the initial stages of germination and emergence. This study aims to evaluate the suppressive bio-compost as an innovative means to counteract the main telluric diseases of garden cress and reduce the risks of yield loss by adopting sustainable remedies and decreasing the dependence on synthetic fungicides. Therefore, eleven green composts obtained using both previously distilled and raw aromatic plant residues were analyzed for suppressive properties against Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on sown garden cress. The biological active component of the composts, detected by CO2-release, FDA-hydrolysis and microbial counts, proved to be indispensable for pathogen control in vitro and in vivo, as demonstrated by the loss of suppressiveness after sterilization. Cross-polarization magic angle spinning 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS-13C-NMR) was used to analyze the molecular distribution of organic C in composts. The results indicated the suitability of the feedstock used to make quality compost. The suppression levels shown by composts P1 (40% wood chips, 30% escarole and 30% a mixture of sage, basil, mint and parsley) and P2 (40% wood chips, 30% escarole and 30% a mixture of essential oil-free sage, basil and rosemary) are promising for the sustainable, non-chemical production of garden cress vegetables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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21 pages, 5582 KiB  
Article
A Lignin-Rich Extract of Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) as a Possible Tool to Manage Soilborne Pathogens in Horticulture: A Preliminary Study on a Model Pathosystem
by Stefania Galletti, Stefano Cianchetta, Hillary Righini and Roberta Roberti
Horticulturae 2022, 8(7), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070589 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1931
Abstract
Finding new sustainable tools for crop protection in horticulture has become mandatory. Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a tall, perennial, widely diffuse lignocellulosic grass, mainly proposed for bioenergy production due to the fact of its high biomass yield and low agronomic [...] Read more.
Finding new sustainable tools for crop protection in horticulture has become mandatory. Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a tall, perennial, widely diffuse lignocellulosic grass, mainly proposed for bioenergy production due to the fact of its high biomass yield and low agronomic requirements. Some studies have already highlighted antimicrobial and antifungal properties of giant reed-derived compounds. This study aimed at investigating the potential of a lignin-rich giant reed extract for crop protection. The extract, obtained by dry biomass treatment with potassium hydroxide at 120 °C, followed by neutralization, was chemically characterized. A preliminary in vitro screening among several pathogenic strains of fungi and oomycetes showed a high sensitivity by most of the soilborne pathogens to the extract; thus, an experiment was performed with the model pathosystem, Pythium ultimum–zucchini in a growth substrate composed of peat or sand. The adsorption by peat and sand of most of the lignin-derived compounds contained in the extract was also observed. The extract proved to be effective in restoring the number of healthy zucchini plantlets in the substrate infected with P. ultimum compared to the untreated control. This study highlights the potential of the lignin-rich giant reed extract to sustain crop health in horticulture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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21 pages, 7210 KiB  
Article
Foliar Applications of Bacillus subtilis HA1 Culture Filtrate Enhance Tomato Growth and Induce Systemic Resistance against Tobacco mosaic virus Infection
by Hamada El-Gendi, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Lóránt Király, Marwa A. Samy, Hassan Moawad and Ahmed Abdelkhalek
Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040301 - 31 Mar 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3513
Abstract
The application of microbial products as natural biocontrol agents for inducing systemic resistance against plant viral infections represents a promising strategy for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural applications. Under greenhouse conditions, the efficacy of the culture filtrate of Bacillus subtilis strain HA1 (Acc# OM286889) [...] Read more.
The application of microbial products as natural biocontrol agents for inducing systemic resistance against plant viral infections represents a promising strategy for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural applications. Under greenhouse conditions, the efficacy of the culture filtrate of Bacillus subtilis strain HA1 (Acc# OM286889) for protecting tomato plants from Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection was assessed. The results showed that the dual foliar application of this culture filtrate (HA1-CF) 24 h before and 24 h after TMV inoculation was the most effective treatment for enhancing tomato plant development, with substantial improvements in shoot and root parameters. Furthermore, compared to non-treated plants, HA1-CF-treated tomato had a significant increase in total phenolic and flavonoid contents of up to 27% and 50%, respectively. In addition, a considerable increase in the activities of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes (PPO, SOD, and POX) and a significant decrease in non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and MDA) were reported. In comparison to untreated control plants, all HA1-CF-treated plants showed a significant reduction in TMV accumulation in systemically infected tomato leaves, up to a 91% reduction at 15 dpi. The qRT-PCR results confirmed that HA1-CF stimulated the transcription of several defense-related tomato genes (PR-1, PAL, CHS, and HQT), pointing to their potential role in induced resistance against TMV. GC–MS analysis showed that phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-, Pyrrolo [1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl)- and eicosane are the primary ingredient compounds in the HA1-CF ethyl acetate extract, suggesting that these molecules take part in stimulating induced systemic resistance in tomato plants. Our results imply that HA1-CF is a potential resistance inducer to control plant viral infections, a plant growth promoter, and a source of bioactive compounds for sustainable disease management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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10 pages, 957 KiB  
Communication
Control of Seed-Borne Fungi by Selected Essential Oils
by Simona Chrapačienė, Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė and Alma Valiuškaitė
Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030220 - 02 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3602
Abstract
Seed-borne pathogens reduce the quality and cause infections at various growth stages of horticultural crops. Some of the best-known are fungi of genus Alternaria, that cause destructive vegetable and other crop diseases, resulting in significant yield losses. Over several years, much attention has [...] Read more.
Seed-borne pathogens reduce the quality and cause infections at various growth stages of horticultural crops. Some of the best-known are fungi of genus Alternaria, that cause destructive vegetable and other crop diseases, resulting in significant yield losses. Over several years, much attention has been paid to environmentally-friendly solutions for horticultural disease management regarding the environmental damage caused by chemicals. For example, plant extracts and essential oils could be alternative sources for biopesticides and help to control vegetable seed-borne pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate essential oils’ influence on the growth of seed-borne fungi Alternaria spp. The microbiological contamination of vegetable seeds (carrot, tomato, onion) was determined by the agar-plate method. The essential oils’ impact on the growth of fungi was evaluated by mixing them with PDA medium at different amounts. The hydrodistillation was used for extraction of thyme and hyssop essential oils, and common juniper essential oil was purchased. The investigation revealed that the highest contamination of carrot and tomato seeds was by Alternaria spp. fungi. Furthermore, the highest antifungal effect on Alternaria spp. growth was achieved using 200–1000 μL L−1 of thyme essential oil. Meanwhile, the antifungal effect of other investigated essential oils differed from low to moderate. Overall, essential oils expressed a high potential for fungal pathogens biocontrol and application in biopesticides formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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17 pages, 1242 KiB  
Article
Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QSB-6 on the Growth of Replanted Apple Trees and the Soil Microbial Environment
by Yanan Duan, Yifan Zhou, Zhao Li, Xuesen Chen, Chengmiao Yin and Zhiquan Mao
Horticulturae 2022, 8(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8010083 - 17 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3424
Abstract
Apple replant disease (ARD), caused largely by soil-borne fungal pathogens, has seriously hindered the development of the apple industry. The use of antagonistic microorganisms has been confirmed as a low-cost and environmentally friendly means of controlling ARD. In the present study, we assessed [...] Read more.
Apple replant disease (ARD), caused largely by soil-borne fungal pathogens, has seriously hindered the development of the apple industry. The use of antagonistic microorganisms has been confirmed as a low-cost and environmentally friendly means of controlling ARD. In the present study, we assessed the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QSB-6 on the growth of replanted apple saplings and the soil microbial environment under field conditions, thus providing a theoretical basis for the successful use of microbial biocontrol agents. Four treatments were implemented in three apple orchards: untreated replant soil (CK1), methyl bromide fumigation (CK2), blank carrier treatment (T1), and QSB-6 bacterial fertilizer treatment (T2). The plant height, ground diameter, and branch length of apple saplings treated with T2 in three replanted apple orchards were significantly higher than that of the CK1 treatment. Compared with the other treatments, T2 significantly increased the number of soil bacteria, the proportion of actinomycetes, and the activities of soil enzymes. By contrast, compared with the CK1 treatments, the phenolic acid content, the number of fungi, and the abundance of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium solani in the soil were significantly reduced. PCoA and cluster analysis showed that soil inoculation with strain QSB-6 significantly decreased the Mcintosh and Brillouin index of soil fungi and increased the diversity of soil bacteria in T2 relative to CK1. The soil bacterial community structure in T2 was different from the other treatments, and the soil fungal communities of T2 and CK2 were similar. In summary, QSB-6 bacterial fertilizer shows promise as a potential bio-inoculum for the control of ARD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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Review

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16 pages, 317 KiB  
Review
Basic Substances and Potential Basic Substances: Key Compounds for a Sustainable Management of Seedborne Pathogens
by Laura Orzali, Mohamed Bechir Allagui, Clemencia Chaves-Lopez, Junior Bernardo Molina-Hernandez, Marwa Moumni, Monica Mezzalama and Gianfranco Romanazzi
Horticulturae 2023, 9(11), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9111220 - 11 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1173
Abstract
Seedborne pathogens represent a critical issue for successful agricultural production worldwide. Seed treatment with plant protection products constitutes one of the first options useful for reducing seed infection or contamination and preventing disease spread. Basic substances are active, non-toxic substances already approved and [...] Read more.
Seedborne pathogens represent a critical issue for successful agricultural production worldwide. Seed treatment with plant protection products constitutes one of the first options useful for reducing seed infection or contamination and preventing disease spread. Basic substances are active, non-toxic substances already approved and sold in the EU for other purposes, e.g., as foodstuff or cosmetics, but they can also have a significant role in plant protection as ecofriendly, safe, and ecological alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Basic substances are regulated in the EU according to criteria presented in Article 23 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Twenty-four basic substances are currently approved in the EU and some of them such as chitosan, chitosan hydrochloride, vinegar, mustard seed powder, and hydrogen peroxide have been investigated as seed treatment products due to their proven activity against fungal, bacterial, and viral seedborne pathogens. Another basic substance, sodium hypochlorite, is under evaluation and may be approved soon for seed decontamination. Potential basic substances such as essential oils, plant extracts, and ozone were currently found effective as a seed treatment for disease management, although they are not yet approved as basic substances. The aim of this review, run within the Euphresco BasicS project, is to collect the recent information on the applications of basic substances and potential basic substances for seed treatment and describe the latest advanced research to find the best application methods for seed coating and make this large amount of published research results more manageable for consultation and use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
31 pages, 3506 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Management of Diseases in Horticulture: Conventional and New Options
by Marco Scortichini
Horticulturae 2022, 8(6), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8060517 - 13 Jun 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5866
Abstract
To reduce the impact of chemical pesticides on the environment, there are relevant efforts to enhance the possibility of controlling plant diseases using environmentally friendly biocontrol agents or natural products that show pathogen control capacity. The European Union, FAO, and the United Nations [...] Read more.
To reduce the impact of chemical pesticides on the environment, there are relevant efforts to enhance the possibility of controlling plant diseases using environmentally friendly biocontrol agents or natural products that show pathogen control capacity. The European Union, FAO, and the United Nations largely promote and finance projects and programs in order to introduce crop protection principles that can attain sustainable agriculture. Preventive measures related to the choice of cultivars, soil fertility, integrated pest management (IPM), and organic farming strategies are still the basis for obtaining satisfactory crop yields and reducing classical pesticide utilisation through the application of commercially available and ecofriendly control agents. Effective pathogen detection at borders to avoid quarantine pathogens is mandatory to reduce the risk of future epidemics. New technical support for the development of sustainable pathogen control is currently being provided by forecasting models, precision farming, nanotechnology, and endotherapy. New biocontrol agents and natural products, disease management through plant nutrition, systemic resistance inducers, and gene-silencing technology will provide solutions for obtaining satisfactory disease control in horticulture. The “multi-stakeholder partnership” strategy can promote the implementation of sustainable crop protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture)
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