Search Results (500)

Lysobacter antibioticus Hz25 is a novel strain that was isolated from the rhizosphere of the relict endemic plant Hedysarum zundukii Peschkova (Fabaceae), which grows on carbonate soils in the Baikal region of Russia. This work presents the complete genome sequence of Hz25 (5.98 Mb, 66.94% GC), which was obtained using a hybrid assembly method combining Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis based on 47 Lysobacter genomes and an average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of 96% confirmed its affiliation with L. antibioticus. A comparative pan-genome analysis with three closely related strains (13-6, 76, and ATCC 29479) identified 554 strain-specific genes. This significant genomic plasticity likely reflects adaptation to the sharply continental climate, high insolation, and low free iron content of the native soil. The genome encodes a comprehensive micropredator arsenal, including: seven chitinase genes (GH18 and GH19 families); bacteriolytic enzymes (Blp, L1, L4, Ami); a complete type III secretion system (T3SS) with predicted effectors; type IV pili (including the PilZ-PilB regulatory complex); and siderophore biosynthesis genes (lysochelin). The genome contains genes ars of an arsenic resistance system, but lacks the ACR3 efflux pump, suggesting that these genes may have alternative functions. Genes involved in calcium homeostasis (Excalibur domain, Na⁺/Ca²⁺ antiporter) were also identified. These features make Hz25 a promising candidate for biocontrol applications in cold climates and metal-contaminated environments. Full article

Rhizoctonia solani is the main pathogen that causes tomato root rot, which is a soilborne disease that seriously affects tomato production, leading to huge economic losses. Biocontrol is an excellent control method for suppressing plant disease, as it is environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable. Currently, reviews of the biocontrol of tomato root rot caused by R. solani are scarce. In this review, biocontrol agents, including bacteria and fungi, that can control tomato root rot caused by R. solani are discussed in depth, as well as their control effects. Moreover, this review systematically analyzes the potential control mechanisms of biocontrol agents, including the production of cell-wall-degrading enzymes, the production of metabolites, mycoparasitism, the induction of plant systemic resistance, and competition. Considerations for the practical application of biocontrol agents, including their formulation, reproducibility under field conditions, environmental variability, regulatory considerations for some microbial agents, and limitations, are also highlighted and discussed. Finally, further research suggestions are made for the future control of tomato root rot caused by R. solani. This review provides a basis for the field application of biocontrol agents to control tomato root rot caused by R. solani. Full article

Background: Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are destructive parasites affecting both agricultural and natural plants. Fagopyrum tataricum, a phenolic-rich edible and medicinal plant, has antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, yet the impact of RKN infection on its rhizosphere microbiome remains unclear. Methods: We employed full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing (FL16S) to profile bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of healthy and RKN-infected F. tataricum plants. Results: FL16S classified 78.41% of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at the genus level and 69.18% at the species level. Healthy plants showed higher richness, diversity, and evenness, while principal co-ordinate analysis (PCoA) and PERMANOVA indicated significant RKN-associated shifts in community composition. Dominant phyla included Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Patescibacteria, Verrucomicrobiota, Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteriota, and Chloroflexi, with Abditibacteriota enriched in healthy and Acidobacteriota in diseased rhizospheres. At the OTU level, 66 differentially abundant taxa were identified, including nine hub OTUs in healthy plants, suggesting keystone roles in network stability. Network analyses revealed reduced diversity, interactions, and altered intra- and inter-phylum dynamics under RKN infection. Conclusions: These findings provide insight into rhizosphere microbial responses to RKN parasitism in F. tataricum and identify potential microbial biomarkers and biocontrol targets, supporting microbiome-based management strategies. Full article

Phyllotreta striolata is a global pest of cruciferous vegetables, and controlling its soil-dwelling larvae is challenging. The lack of standardized larval bioassay methods hinders the screening of effective biocontrol agents. In this study, we established a stable and standardized laboratory-efficacy trial system for P. striolata larvae. Indoor rearing techniques were optimized for Brassica juncea var. foliosa and Brassica juncea var. megarrhiza were identified as the optimal host plants, with ideal oviposition conditions at 26–28 °C using black flannel substrate, and soil-cultured Brassica rapa var. pekinensis as the host plant. Based on these findings, a larval bioactivity assay was established using B. juncea var. megarrhiza slices on water-agar. This system maintained a natural larval mortality rate below 5% within 48 h, meeting the bioassay requirements. The reliability of the system was validated by evaluating the activity of the engineered Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strain G033A against larvae, where the LC₅₀ value decreased from 23.013 mg/mL to 7.295 mg/mL with an extended treatment time (12–48 h). Using this standardized method, novel Cry proteins with high activity against P. striolata larvae were screened. Cry8Ca and Cry8Ga proteins exhibited LC₅₀ values of 2.243 mg/mL and 1.649 mg/mL, respectively. Full article

Peri-urban ecosystems represent underexplored habitats rich in entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) that can serve as valuable resources for managing insect pests. This study characterized the EPF communities in two peri-urban sites near Patras, Greece (Dasyllio and Elos), during 2018–2019. Soil samples were collected seasonally, and fungi were isolated using insect baiting with Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val and Sitophilus zeamais Motsch., a selective method favoring generalist, fast-acting entomopathogens. A total of 814 isolates were recovered. Of a randomly selected subset (n = 177) subjected to molecular identification, 46.9% were characterized as known EPF, while 53.1% were classified as putative EPF based on taxonomic affiliation (ITS sequence similarity ≥ 99%), pending confirmation of pathogenicity. The Dasyllio site yielded more isolates (63.4%) than Elos (36.6%). Seasonal trends strongly influenced EPF occurrence, with infective fungi peaking in spring and summer (p < 0.001), while community diversity remained stable throughout the year, with the highest evenness (Evenness Index = 0.93) observed in autumn. These results highlight peri-urban green spaces as reservoirs of diverse and ecologically stable EPF, suggesting their potential as sources of biocontrol agents for future development and seasonal integration into pest management strategies. Full article

Pear scab, caused by Venturia pyrina, poses a threat to pear cultivation, with particularly severe consequences for Portugal’s high-value Rocha pear industry. Despite its economic impact, few biological control agents are currently available. In this work, the phenotypic and genomic characterization of Pseudomonas capeferrum NFX1 is performed and its role as an effective biocontrol agent against V. pyrina is reported. Detailed genomic analysis revealed that strain NFX1 and other members of the Pseudomonas capeferrum species contain key biosynthetic gene clusters involved in pathogen antagonism, including the cyclic lipopeptide putisolvin. Phenotypic assays showed that strain NFX1 significantly inhibited V. pyrina growth, spore germination, and reduced pear scab lesion severity and fungal colonization in detached leaf assays. Moreover, strain NFX1 reprogrammed the Rocha pear leaf transcriptome to be consistent with a priming state and induced systemic resistance. A novel image-based method quantifying lesion darkening as a proxy for pear scab severity in detached leaves and a qPCR assay targeting the V. pyrina ef1-α gene and optimized for fungal DNA detection in infected pear leaves were also developed, thereby establishing a laboratory workflow specifically tailored to biocontrol evaluation against V. pyrina. Ultimately, the obtained results demonstrated the potential of P. capeferrum NFX1 for sustainable pear scab control. Full article

Hyphae fungi of the Trichoderma genus are widely recognized as effective biological control factors (BCAs) due to their ability to inhibit the growth of plant pathogens through a variety of mechanisms such as mycoparasitism, antibiotics or competition for resources. Specialized secondary metabolites (SMs), including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lytic enzymes and surfactants, play an important role in these interactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antagonistic activity and characterization of secondary metabolites from the aqueous phase or suspended in an organic solvent produced by three strains of Trichoderma citrinoviride. The study focused on their enzymatic properties, surfactant potential and effect on the growth kinetics of sixteen fungal species. Antagonistic activity against phytopathogens was tested using the turbidimetric method, analyzing various forms of preparations. Lytic enzyme activity and surface tension of fluids were also evaluated. The C1 strain showed the broadest spectrum of antagonistic activity. Analysis of growth kinetics revealed that the way metabolites are prepared is crucial for their efficacy. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of biocontrol depends not only on the Trichoderma strain, but also on the extraction method and form of the preparation (e.g., rehydration of lyophilizate vs. organic phase extraction). The presence of diverse metabolites, including lytic enzymes, biosurfactants and volatile organic compounds, indicates a complex mechanism of action of T. citrinoviride, making this species an ideal candidate for the production of plant protection biopreparations. Full article

Biofilm production by foodborne pathogens poses significant challenges to food safety and quality, leading to contamination, deterioration, and substantial economic losses for the food industry. Traditional biofilm control methods, such as chemical disinfectants, antibiotics, and preservatives, are sometimes ineffective against persistent biofilms, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance and the accumulation of chemical residues. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have emerged as attractive natural biocontrol agents due to their ability to produce a wide range of antimicrobial secondary metabolites, including bacteriocins, organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, and biosurfactants. This paper thoroughly examines the effect of LAB and their metabolites in preventing and destroying biofilms generated by bacteria relevant to food systems, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. The processes causing LAB-mediated biofilm attenuation are thoroughly investigated, including competition for nutrients and adhesion sites, interference with quorum sensing (QS), and metabolic inhibition. Furthermore, recent breakthroughs in LAB-based techniques for food preservation and facility hygiene are discussed, including the creation of LAB-derived antimicrobial coatings, biosurfactant-based cleaning agents, and probiotic bio-coatings for industrial sanitation. The incorporation of nanotechnology has enhanced LAB applications by enabling the creation of LAB-mediated metallic nanoparticles and encapsulated formulations that improve metabolite stability and facilitate controlled release. The combination of LAB metabolites, natural preservatives, and eco-friendly materials in active packaging provides sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Overall, this review emphasizes the potential of LAB and their bioactive derivatives as environmentally friendly and practical tools for controlling biofilms and preserving food, thereby promoting safer food production systems and accelerating the food industry’s transition to green, sustainable technologies. Full article

LED-enhanced sticky traps improve monitoring of greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), but their effects on its parasitoid, Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), are unclear, which may compromise biological control. Methods: We quantified E. formosa visual responses in climate-chamber multiple-choice arenas using six LED colors at equal photon flux (8.1 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and in greenhouse choice/no-choice assays comparing a standard yellow sticky trap with a green LED-enhanced yellow trap, with and without host-infested tomato leaves. We further tested modified LED traps (green LEDs with white or green backgrounds) and assessed intensity-dependent responses (18.0–25.6 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Results: E. formosa showed the highest attraction to green LEDs (peak ≈ 521–524 nm) and a significantly lower response to other colors. In greenhouse assays, E. formosa preferred the standard yellow sticky trap over the LED-enhanced yellow trap; in no-choice tests, only 9% were recaptured on the LED-enhanced yellow trap, both without and with hosts. Modified traps with white or green backgrounds substantially increased E. formosa recapture (≈54% higher than the yellow-background LED trap). Encarsia formosa attraction to the white-background LED trap declined with increasing intensity (61% at 18.0 to 4% at 25.6 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), whereas whitefly captures were stable to slightly higher. Conclusions: The standard LED-enhanced yellow trap is compatible with E. formosa releases and does not disrupt biocontrol. Modified LED traps show promise for simultaneous monitoring of E. formosa and whiteflies, warranting validation under commercial conditions. Full article

Fusarium graminaerum causes Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) on wheat, reduces yield, and contaminates food and feed. It is therefore of paramount importance to control its growth or convert its harmful mycotoxins. This study aimed to find yeasts with biocontrol activity against F. graminearum, and to identify genes with potential detoxifying activities, using microbiological, molecular methods and bioinformatics. Co-cultivation tests showed that Schizosaccharomyces japonicus was able to inhibit the growth of F. graminearum. Transcriptomic analysis of the yeast cells co-cultured with F. graminearum highlighted differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding various enzymes, such as oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, or genes involved in transmembrane transport. Three trichothecene-3-O-acetyltransferase homologous genes, which can convert trichothecenes to less toxic forms, were also among them. A database search showed that several yeast species contained this gene, including S. japonicus, which unexpectedly had seven copies. Real-time PCR analysis and mycotoxin tolerance tests confirmed that some of these genes could be induced by deoxynivalenol (DON), and S. japonicus had stronger DON tolerance than the related S. pombe, whose genome did not contain such a gene. This study is the first to report the biocontrol efficacy of S. japonicus against F. graminearum and the identification of its potential detoxification genes, offering promising new avenues for biotechnological applications in food safety. Full article

Phytophthora capsici, an invasive oomycete pathogen causing blight in crops like cucurbits, tomatoes, and peppers, has led to significant economic losses. Due to the limitations of conventional control methods, research has focused on effective and eco-friendly biocontrol alternatives. The bacterial strain LT-22, identified as Bacillus velezensis, exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal activity and plant growth-promoting potential. This study investigated the biocontrol efficacy of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from strain LT-22. LT-22 VOCs strongly inhibited P. capsici PC153 growth in vitro and reduced disease symptoms in pepper fruits. Microscopic observations showed that LT-22 VOCs caused significant morphological changes in P. capsici PC153 mycelium by disrupting cell wall and membrane integrity. The treatment increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced cellulose content, further indicating that LT-22 VOCs compromise cell integrity to exert antifungal effects. Furthermore, 2-methylbutanoic acid was identified as the primary antifungal VOC, with an EC₅₀ value of 0.095 µL/mL against P. capsici PC153, lower than the reported plant-derived compounds. Together, these results indicate that strain LT-22 and its VOCs, especially 2-methylbutanoic acid, have significant potential as an effective biocontrol agent for managing Phytophthora blight. Full article

Leucoptera malifoliella has become a severe leaf-mining pest in Chinese apple orchards, especially under expanding organic and green cultivation practices, with effective management hindered by insufficient contemporary ecological data. To fill this gap, this 2023–2025 study conducted in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, combined field monitoring, morphological analysis, flight mill assays, and parasitoid release trials to clarify the moth’s phenology, develop rapid pupal sexing methods, quantify adult flight capacity, and assess Trichogramma dendrolimi biocontrol potential. The results showed five annual generations (overwintering as pupae), peak damage in July–August, and marked generational overlap. A reliable pupal sexing method was established via genital opening morphology. Adult flight peaked at 3 days post-emergence (max distance: 1.223 km), with no sexual dimorphism. Timely T. dendrolimi releases boosted parasitism rates, achieving 23.4–49.6% control efficacy during peak damage, with the parasitism rate positively correlated with efficacy. This study confirms the moth’s potential for generational increase under climate warming and medium-distance dispersal capacity, validating Trichogramma’s utility and laying a scientific foundation for precise, regionally coordinated ecological management. Full article

There is an urgent demand for sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental impacts and reduce the reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Endophytes represent a largely untapped resource of beneficial microorganisms with multiple potential applications as natural biocontrol agents and promoters of plant growth and development. This paper aimed at identifying new fungal strains and performing a series of preliminary in vitro screenings to evaluate their potential use for plant-growth promotion and antifungal activity. A total of 102 fungal endophytes were isolated from different plant tissues of seven wild relatives of barley (Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromus hordeaceus, Bromus sterilis, Elymus farctus, Elymus repens, Leymus arenarius and Lolium perenne) that were sourced from 22 contrasting wild habitats. Fungal endophytes were isolated using standard culture-based methods and identified via DNA barcoding of the nrITS marker. Based on a literature search, a sub-group of endophytes were selected and evaluated for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis, ammonia production and phosphorous (P) solubilization. From these, 15 endophytes were also tested for antifungal activity against Ramularia collo-cygni, Pyrenophora teres, and Gaeumannomyces tritici. All the endophytes were positive for ammonia production at variable rates, but no P solubilization nor IAA synthesis without L-tryptophan were observed. On the contrary, five promising isolates (2 Daldinia concentrica, Metapochonia suchlasporia, Chaetomium sp., and Ophiocordyceps sinensis) had mean pathogen growth inhibition rates above 80%, compared to the untreated negative controls. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first published report that investigates natural antagonism against Ramularia collo-cygni and expands the list of endophytic strains with natural antagonism on the tested cereal pathogens. Results are discussed in the context of endophytes application to barley cultivation within the European regulatory framework. 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