Search Results (1,407)

Biocontrol, a practice for using living organisms to target plant pathogens, offers a promising, sustainable agricultural strategy. This study involves epiphytic yeasts isolated from Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris and ssp. vinifera as natural antagonists against Aspergillus carbonarius, Botrytis cinerea, and Penicillium expansum. Twenty-one of 37 yeasts were chosen based on the Pathology Intensity (PA) score during preliminary in vivo screening. Following identification, dual-culture assays, VOC production, copper tolerance, and commercial fungicide resistance were assessed. On YPD and GJ medium, Saccharomyces isolates were the strongest antagonists, whereas P. terricola UMY197 inhibited Penicillium and Aspergillus. H. uvarum UMY1473 was notably effective against B. cinerea. VOC analysis confirmed that S. cerevisiae UMY1430 was the most effective against Aspergillus, likely owing to its production of oxalic acid, while S. cerevisiae UMY1438 was a producer of various esters and phenylethyl alcohol. C. intermedia UMY189, M. pulcherrima UMY1472, H. uvarum UMY1473, and S. cerevisiae UMY1436 were the most copper-resistant. Yeast activity on chemical fungicide SWITCH (up to 1 g/L) depended on culture media usage; in fact, a higher viability on YPD than on GJ was observed, where only 4 yeasts were able to grow. Thus, since several yeasts exhibit promising inhibitory activity through various mechanisms and against different molds, the use of synthetic consortia could represent a powerful and essential tool in field trials to limit fungicide use while preventing the emergence of resistance. Full article

Brown spot, caused by the seedborne fungus Bipolaris oryzae, remains a major constraint in rice production. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate the biocontrol potential of three Bacillus strains (Ba. cereus OQ725688.1, Ba. velezensis OP938696.1, and Ba. subtilis OP937353.1) against Bi. oryzae in two rice cultivars (“Rubelita” and “Predileta”). Ba. cereus showed the highest in vitro mycelial inhibition (≈95%), whereas Ba. velezensis was the most effective under greenhouse conditions, reducing disease severity by up to 60% and increasing seedling vigor by 51% compared with infected controls. “Predileta” showed the strongest response to bacterial treatment, maintaining severity scores below 2 even under high inoculum pressure. Functional assays confirmed that all strains displayed amylolytic, catalase, and phosphate-solubilizing activities, with Ba. velezensis uniquely expressing strong cellulase and protease activities. Genome analysis of Ba. velezensis OP938696.1 revealed multiple biosynthetic gene clusters for antifungal polyketides and lipopeptides. These integrated biochemical and genomic traits demonstrate the novelty and potential of this Neotropical strain as a multifunctional agent capable of suppressing Bi. oryzae while enhancing rice seedling performance. Incorporating such a native strain into seed and soil management offers a sustainable strategy for rice protection in Neotropical systems. Full article

Tomato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is a devastating disease, and current control of the disease relies heavily on chemical fungicides. Certain Trichoderma strains used as biocontrol fungi have shown superb efficacy against P. infestans and some other oomycete phytopathogens. In this study, T. paratroviride strain 8942 appeared to be effective in control of tomato late blight disease, reducing the necrosis degree of plant tissues, promoting callose deposition in tomato leaves, and increasing defense enzyme activities. RT-qPCR analysis showed that strain 8942 inhibited metabolism of salicylic acid and promoted metabolism of jasmonic acid at the early stage of colonization. In addition, root colonization of the strain significantly promoted tomato growth. Observations of rhizosphere soil properties showed that 8942 significantly increased the activities of urease, catalase, and protease, and its cell-free filtrates at low concentrations induced the accumulation of auxin in root tips. Transcriptomic data suggested the existence of a balance between biotrophic adaptation and biocontrol readiness during 8942’s interaction with tomato roots. Trichoderma paratroviride strain 8942 is promising and has potential for biological control of tomato late blight and plant growth promotion, as determined by integrated investigations of hormonal regulation, rhizosphere modulation, transcriptional reprogramming, etc. Full article

Metarhizium lepidiotae is an important entomopathogenic fungus with substantial agricultural value. However, prolonged subculturing often leads to phenotypic degeneration, including reduced conidiation and impaired metabolic activity, while the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for maintaining strain vitality and ensuring biocontrol efficacy. In this study, we found that M. lepidiotae exhibited a pronounced decline in conidiation during long-term serial subculturing. However, this degenerative phenotype could be effectively reversed by passage through insect hosts, leading to strain rejuvenation. Subsequently, comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed on the original strain (XMC-Y), the degenerated strain (XMC-T), and the rejuvenated strain (XMC-F) at 7 and 18 days of cultivation. Our results revealed that XMC-T initially compensates for defects in basal metabolism and signaling pathways by enhancing translational capacity, but progressively exhibits a profound collapse of RNA-processing systems and the translational machinery at later cultivation stages. Moreover, the significant downregulation of the peroxisome pathway indicates impaired peroxisome biogenesis and compromised reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolic capacity, suggesting a weakened antioxidant defense and a potential increase in oxidative stress. Collectively, these findings indicate that disruptions in RNA regulatory networks and oxidative homeostasis are strongly associated with M. lepidiotae degeneration. This study provides important theoretical insights for maintaining strain stability during large-scale production and agricultural biocontrol applications. Full article

The increasing resistance of agricultural pests to conventional pesticides necessitates the development of alternative biological control strategies. This study evaluated the acaricidal potential of two Photorhabdus luminescens strains (0805-P2R and the newly isolated 2103-RUVI) against the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus. Culture conditions were optimized using a Taguchi L9(3⁴) design to maximize growth, protease activity, and acaricidal efficacy. The optimized medium for strain 2103-RUVI achieved 90% mortality against T. truncatus at 72 h, compared to 83% for strain 0805-P2R under equivalent conditions. Genomic analysis identified putative phosphoporin PhoE genes exclusively in 2103-RUVI, which may contribute to its enhanced virulence, although this association remains correlative and requires functional validation. Histopathological observations confirmed severe tissue disruption in treated mites. Comparative analysis demonstrated complex, strain-specific relationships among bacterial growth, enzyme activity, and acaricidal effects. These results highlight the potential of the P. luminescens strain 2103-RUVI as an effective biocontrol agent, providing insights for its application in sustainable integrated pest management programs. Full article

This study aimed to develop biofumigation strategies against chestnut fruit rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea. An endophytic strain, FPYF2509, was isolated from Castanea mollissima fruit and identified as Trichoderma nordicum using morphological and phylogenetic (tef1, rpb2) analyses. Antifungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry during dual-culture interactions with pathogens. The volatiles from the interaction exhibited to inhibit pathogen growth. Particularly an induced myrtenol, demonstrated strongly biofumigation activity in vitro, with a lowest observed effect concentration of 0.02 µL/mL, minimum inhibitory concentration and a minimum fungicidal concentration of 0.2 µL/mL against B. dothidea. In vivo, fumigation with 0.2 µL/mL myrtenol significantly reduced disease incidence from 83.3% to 17.39%, achieving a 79.1% control efficacy. This work presents endophytic T. nordicum FPYF2509 as a promising biocontrol agent and identifies myrtenol, of fungal interaction origin, as a novel and effective mycofumigant for postharvest disease management. Full article

This study investigated the effects of bio-organic fertilizer (BF) containing plant growth-promoting bacterium Bacillus velezensis SS-20 on soil properties, microbial community structure, and C/N cycle functional genes. The results showed that compared with chemical fertilizer (CF) and deactivated bio-organic fertilizer (BFD) treatments, BF significantly improved soil physicochemical properties. Soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, total potassium, and total phosphorus content under BF treatment were increased by 14.8%, 56.5%, 48.2%, 38.8%, and 58.4%, respectively, compared to the control; soil urease and sucrase activities increased by 3.5 and 2.4 times those of CF treatment, respectively. Meanwhile, BF increased pakchoi yield by 11.2% (vs. CF). BF treatment enhanced the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria Actinomycetota by 28.4% compared with the BFD treatment and raised that of fungi Ascomycota to 1.9 times that of the control. At the genus level, BF significantly enriched biocontrol-relevant genus Pseudogymnoascus, whose abundance reached three times that of CF treatment, while the abundance of potentially harmful genus Penicillium decreased by 82%. BF also led to a high degree of synergy in carbon and nitrogen cycles. Functional gene analysis indicated that BF down-regulated multiple carbon-degrading genes, increased organic nitrogen metabolism genes by 5.3%, and reduced denitrification genes by 13.3%. Overall, bio-organic fertilizer optimized the soil microenvironment, regulated the microbial community structure, and improved C/N use efficiency and plant growth by introducing functional microorganisms and organic matter. Full article

Salmonella is responsible for millions of foodborne illnesses worldwide. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains necessitates the development of alternatives for controlling this microorganism in the food supply chain. In Ecuador, Salmonella Infantis (S. Infantis) is the most frequently isolated serovar in poultry farms, poultry food products, and human infections. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize lytic bacteriophages against a S. Infantis strain from poultry products in Ecuador to evaluate their potential for biocontrol. Three bacteriophages, GS71, GS156, and GS166, were isolated from chicken feces samples and showed short latent times (5–10 min), burst sizes of 205–231 PFU/cell, and stability up to 50 °C and pH = 10. Despite being isolated at different times and locations, they exhibited high genomic similarity (91.9–98.7%), reflecting the low diversity of Ecuadorian S. Infantis strains. VIRIDIC and phylogenetic analyses placed them within the Tlsvirus genus, showing conserved gene modules for replication, morphogenesis, and lysis. Putative endolysin and depolymerase genes were identified, supporting their anti-biofilm activity against biofilm-forming bacteria. Host range assays showed GS71 and GS166 lysed most S. Infantis field strains, whereas GS156 had a narrower spectrum linked to a unique polynucleotide kinase insertion. TEM confirmed Siphovirus-like morphology with icosahedral capsids (~55 nm) and long non-contractile tails. No genes associated with lysogeny, virulence, or antibiotic resistance were found. These findings support GS71, GS156, and GS166 as safe and effective candidates for bacteriophage cocktails targeting multidrug-resistant S. Infantis in poultry production. Full article

Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen) is a highly destructive insect pest worldwide. However, excessive reliance on insecticides has resulted in significant environmental pollution. Biocontrol complexes combine two or more BCAs to address the limitations of individual agents. However, biocontrol complex for locust control has been rarely reported. Here, we propose BioControl 3.0, which integrates Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum (Driver and Milner) and Carabus smaragdinus (Fischer von Waldheim) for locust control. We evaluated this system through a series of laboratory bioassays and semi-field cage experiments, comparing single-agent applications, sequential combinations (BioControl 2.0), and predator-mediated delivery (BioControl 3.0), and quantified locust mortality and interaction effects between predation and infection We found that M. anisopliae caused >85% mortality of locust nymphs at 1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL (LT₅₀ ≈ 6 days) while exhibiting negligible virulence toward C. smaragdinus. BioControl 2.0 (sequential application) increased mortality compared to single agents. However, this approach revealed a significant negative interaction between predation and infection, which limited the total control efficacy. BioControl 3.0 (predator-vectored fungus) achieved the highest corrected mortality, with predation and infection acting independently and additively (no detectable antagonistic interaction). By leveraging a predatory vector, BioControl 3.0 decouples negative interaction and harnesses dual biotic pressures, offering a cost-effective, environmentally benign alternative to conventional locust control. Our findings provide a blueprint for designing integrated predator-pathogen complexes and optimizing deployment strategies for sustainable management of locust outbreaks. Full article

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. Full article

Microbial biological control agents are a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides, yet their widespread application is limited by a lack of environmental resilience of commercial products. To address this, we exploited honey—a stringent ecological niche—as a reservoir for stress-tolerant bacteria. In this study, the bioprospection utilizing five types of commercially available honeys yielded a collection of 53 bacteria and 10 fungi. All bacterial isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against a laboratory-standard bacterium and yeast, and six economically relevant phytopathogenic microorganisms. Initial screening with standard laboratory organisms proved to be an efficient method to detect strains with antimicrobial potential, correlating significantly with further phytopathogen inhibition (Spearman’s r = 0.4512, p = 0.0005). Two promising strains, M2.7 and M3.18, were selected for quantitative dual-culture assays along with molecular identification using 16S rDNA and gyrA gene sequencing, classifying them as Bacillus velezensis. These strains exhibited high inhibitory effects against the pathogens (p > 0.001), often with equivalent efficacy to the commercial biocontrol strain, and also induced significant phytopathogen hyphal deformities, such as increased septation and swelling. These findings support honey as a viable source of robust biocontrol agents, offering a sustainable strategy to substitute or complement current agrochemicals. Full article

Aflatoxin contamination of maize by Aspergillus section Flavi constitutes a major health and economic concern. While biological control using non-toxigenic strains has proven effective, the increasing global food demand underscores the need for alternative carrier materials to replace seeds and grains. The aims of the present study were (1) to develop an innovative macroporous starch polymer in which the biocontrol agent can grow and be transported to fields where the bioformulate is applied, and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of this new formulate in reducing AF contamination in maize kernels in field trials, in comparison with the traditional formulate based on long-grain rice as a substrate. Several methods and different starch sources were tested, and the formulation consisting of 10% maize starch, 0.5% citric acid, 3% sucrose, 0.3% urea, and distilled water was the most effective. Furthermore, this bioformulate demonstrated a performance comparable to that of the traditional long-grain rice-based formulation, reducing AF accumulation by up to 81% in maize kernels under field conditions. The implementation of this macroporous starch polymer-based formulation, in combination with the biological control agent A. flavus AFCHG2, would not only reduce aflatoxin contamination in maize kernels but also minimise the use of food-grade seeds and grains for industrial purposes, thereby preserving their availability for human and animal nutrition. Consequently, this development could enhance the availability of these substrates for food and feed use, thereby contributing to improved safety and food security. Full article

Two genetically engineered Bacillus subtilis strains, BMV9 and BsB6, were evaluated in terms of culture medium (effect of nutrients on surfactin yield) and potential biotechnological applications of surfactin in agriculture and the petrochemical industry. BMV9 (spo0A3; abrB*; ΔmanPA; sfp+) is, to date, the highest surfactin producer reported scientifically, and BsB6 is a sfp+ laboratory derivative strain that has also demonstrated considerable production potential. To assess their performance, fermentation experiments were conducted in shake flasks using two different culture media, a mineral salt medium and a complex medium, each supplemented with 2% (w/v) glucose. Lipopeptides (surfactin and fengycin) were extracted and quantified at multiple time points (up to 48 h) via high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Optical density, residual glucose, and pH were monitored throughout the cultivation. In parallel, microbial growth in both media were also validated in small-scale cultivation approaches. Antifungal activity of culture supernatants and lipopeptide extracts was tested against two Diaporthe species, key phytopathogens in soybean crops. Given the agricultural relevance of these pathogens, the biocontrol potential of lipopeptides represents a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides. Additionally, oil displacement tests were performed to evaluate the efficacy of surfactin in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), bioremediation, and related petrochemical processes. High-resolution LC-MS/MS analysis enabled structural characterization and relative quantification of the lipopeptides. Overall, these investigations provide a comprehensive comparison of strain production performance and the associated impact of cultivation media, aiming to define the optimal conditions for economically viable surfactin production and to explore its broader biotechnological applications in agriculture and the petrochemical industry. Full article

In struggling against invasive species ravaging riverscape ecosystems, gaps in dispersal pathway knowledge and fragmented approaches across scales have long stalled effective riparian management worldwide. To reduce these limitations and enhance invasion management strategies, selecting appropriate alien species as models for in-depth pathway analysis is essential. Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. (alligator weed) emerges as an exemplary model species, boasting an invasion record of around 120 years spanning five continents worldwide, supported by genetic evidence of repeated introductions. In addition, the clonal reproduction of A. philoxeroides supports swift establishment, while its amphibious versatility allows occupation of varied riparian environments, with spread driven by natural water-mediated dispersal (hydrochory) and human-related vectors at multiple scales. Thus, leveraging A. philoxeroides, this review proposes a comprehensive multi-scale framework, which integrates monitoring with remote sensing, environmental DNA, Internet of Things, and crowdsourcing for real-time detection. Also, the framework can further integrate, e.g., MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy Model) for climatic suitability and mechanistic simulations of hydrodynamics and human-mediated dispersal to forecast invasion risks. Furthermore, decision-support systems developed from the framework can optimize controls like herbicides and biocontrol, managing uncertainties adaptively. At the global scale, the dispersal paradigm can employ AI-driven knowledge graphs for genetic attribution, multilayer networks, and causal inference to trace pathways and identify disruptions. Based on the premise that our multi-scale framework can bridge invasion ecology with riverscape management using A. philoxeroides as a model, we contend that the implementation of the proposed framework tackles core challenges, such as sampling biases, shifting environmental dynamics, eco–evolutionary interactions using stratified sampling, and adaptive online algorithms. This methodology is purposed to offer scalable tools for other aquatic invasives, evolving management from reactive measures to proactive, network-based approaches that effectively interrupt dispersal routes. Full article

Aspergillus flavus and its aflatoxins pose serious threats to human and animal health, negatively affecting agricultural productivity and the global economy. Although chemical preservatives are widely used, their effectiveness remains limited by increased fungal resistance and environmental concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) represent a promising biocontrol strategy. Here, we investigate how glutamine regulates mVOC biosynthesis in Streptomyces alboflavus TD-1 and enhances its antifungal activity against A. flavus. Antifungal assays showed that supplementation with 40 mM glutamine significantly enhanced inhibitory activity, leading to 69.0% inhibition of conidial germination and 64.5% inhibition of mycelial biomass. Transcriptome profiling identified 283 differentially expressed genes, including the two-component system regulator gluR, which was strongly upregulated. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of gluR confirmed its regulatory role. Specifically, the mutant strain produced reduced levels of antifungal mVOCs, such as dimethyl trisulfide and o-anisidine, and exhibited diminished inhibition of A. flavus. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that exogenous glutamine enhances the mVOC-mediated suppression of A. flavus by S. alboflavus TD-1 through nutrient-sensing and transcriptional regulation of volatile biosynthesis. Although aflatoxin levels were not quantified in this study, the enhanced growth inhibition and the identified mVOC shifts provide a mechanistic basis for future studies that directly quantify aflatoxin production under storage-relevant conditions. Full article