Search Results (50)

Phytopathogenic fungi that affect postharvest are a serious problem for agriculture, so this research explores the antifungal potential of three different “rosemary” species growing in Chile through in vitro and in silico assays. The analysis of essential oils (GC/MS) reveals the dominant constituents of Salvia rosmarinus (camphor: 66.96%), Baccharis linearis (lachnophyllum ester: 88.62%) and Fabiana imbricata (an oxygenated sesquiterpene: 43.66%) and shows profiles that differ from chemotypes of the same species from other areas of the world. B. linearis oil was shown to be a versatile antifungal substance, inhibiting Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fructicola at moderate concentrations; F. imbricata oil stood out as a major inhibitor of mycelial growth of the same isolate of M. fructicola used to test B. linearis oil (EC₅₀ of 15.86 + 0.67 µg/mL) and completely inhibited of its conidial germination. In silico assays confirmed the complexity of interactions of F. imbricata sequiterpenoids with catalytic sites of succinate dehydrogenase and catalase 2, key enzymes in mycelial growth and in maintaining redox homeostasis in the early development of M. fructicola, respectively. The results of this research make F. imbricata a good candidate for the development of a formulation applicable in vivo as an eco-friendly post-harvest antifungal agent. Full article

Botrytis cinerea Pers., the causal agent of grey mould, causes major economic losses in viticulture by reducing grape and wine quality and yield. Antagonistic yeasts that release bioactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides. Here, VOCs produced by Pichia guilliermondii strain ZIM624 were identified and assessed for antifungal activity against B. cinerea. 65 VOCs—including higher alcohols, volatile phenols, esters, and terpenes—were detected using two newly developed and validated analytical methods combining automated headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 13 VOCs were selected for the bioassays. Fumigation assays demonstrated that terpenes (citronellol, geraniol, nerol, α-terpineol, and linalool) were the most effective inhibitors of B. cinerea mycelial growth (EC₅₀ = 6.3–33.9 μL/L). Strong inhibition was also observed for 4-vinylphenol and isoamyl acetate. In vivo assays confirmed that exposing infected grape berries to P. guilliermondii VOCs significantly reduced grey mould incidence. These results highlight the potential of P. guilliermondii ZIM624 volatiles as natural biofumigants for the eco-friendly management of B. cinerea in grapes. Future research should focus on optimising VOC production, evaluating efficacy under field conditions, and developing formulations for practical application in vineyards and post-harvest storage. Additionally, investigating potential synergistic effects of VOC combinations could lead to more effective biocontrol strategies. Full article

Controlled-release technologies based on natural clays offer a sustainable approach to enhance the efficacy and environmental compatibility of agrochemicals. This study reports the development and evaluation of clay-based azoxystrobin (Az) formulations for controlling Magnaporthiopsis maydis, the causal agent of maize late wilt disease. Among six carriers tested, raw bentonite and sepiolite were selected for their comparable adsorption capacity (9.5% Az loading efficiency) and ease of preparation. A novel mycelial plug-immersion bioassay was established and calibrated (R² = 0.92–0.95) to assess release kinetics and antifungal efficacy, showing approximately tenfold higher sensitivity than conventional disk-diffusion or mycelial-growth inhibition assays. Sequential wash and extended incubation experiments demonstrated sustained Az release equivalent to ≥1 mg L⁻¹ over 144 h, resulting in approximately 50% (p < 0.05) fungal growth suppression. A comparative analysis of particle suspensions and supernatants revealed formulation-specific release behaviors, which differed among clay carriers. Overall, bentonite and sepiolite acted as efficient carriers that prolonged fungicide bioavailability, minimized leaching losses, and preserved biological activity. These findings provide proof of concept for clay–Az formulations as eco-friendly and cost-effective tools for late wilt management and advance understanding of clay–fungicide interactions that support sustainable, integrated disease-control strategies. Full article

The growing environmental pollution and the imminent depletion of natural resources highlight the need for alternative building materials derived from renewable sources, including those that promote waste recycling and biodegradability. One promising alternative is biocomposites produced from filamentous fungal mycelium. In Argentina, orange and lemon peels are among the most abundant organic waste generated by the citrus industry. This study explores the development of a sustainable insulating biocomposite using Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium grown on mixtures of citrus peels, paper, and cardboard. The test specimens were prepared using varying concentrations of these components. The resulting fungal biocomposite exhibited a density approximately ten times higher than expanded polystyrene, with drying shrinkage ranging from 28% to 51%, depending on the formulation. Key properties were evaluated, including compressive strength (${\sigma }_{10}$ = 7–33 kPa), bulk density ($\rho$ = 152–181 kg/m³), and thermal conductivity ($\lambda$ = 0.29–0.36 W/mK), indicating advantageous performance for thermal insulation in construction applications. Specimens containing orange peel also demonstrated repellent activity against Triatoma infestans, main vector of transmission of Chagas’ disease, attributed to the residual limonene content retained from the citrus peels. This fungal biocomposite aligns with principles of green chemistry and circular economy, offering a biodegradable, low-impact solution with potential use in construction. The citrus waste proved to be an effective substrate for mycelial growth, producing a material with desirable mechanical and thermal properties, and added resistance to biodeterioration. Full article

Pleurotus giganteus, a heat-tolerant mushroom with high nutritional and medicinal value, is a promising species for tropical mushroom cultivation in Hainan, China. However, its current dependence on rubber sawdust as the primary substrate compromises environmental sustainability. In this study, we applied a “replacing wood with grass” strategy and used a simplex-lattice design to optimize substrate formulations based on agro-residues. Laboratory screening identified banana straw and chili straw as effective substitutes for rubber sawdust, supporting rapid and dense mycelial growth. Mixed formulations showed distinct advantages in mycelial growth, enzyme activity, agronomic traits (growth cycle, yield, and cap-to-stipe ratio), and nutritional composition compared to the control formulation (CF), particularly in terms of growth rate and laccase activity. Correlation analyses revealed that both individual ingredients and their interactions significantly affected mycelial growth and agronomic traits, with the magnitude and direction of effects depending on their relative proportions. Based on expected response values for key evaluation indices, an optimal formulation (9.97% rubber sawdust, 24.33% banana straw, 10.70% chili straw, 40% cottonseed hulls, 10% wheat bran, and 5% lime) was predicted and experimentally validated to outperform the CF. This study provides a sustainable basis for localized cultivation of P. giganteus in Hainan and supports the high-value valorization of agricultural residues for mushroom production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungal plant pathogen responsible for the gray mold disease, affecting several crops of economic importance worldwide. The primary line of control for the disease in the field and post-harvest fruits includes the application of fungicides. However, the emergence of fungal populations resistant to one or more fungicides has increased their application and diminished their effectiveness. Looking at new control strategies, metallic nanoparticles have appeared as a promising alternative for disease treatment. Green-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are considered a feasible alternative, aiming to reduce the generation of environmentally toxic waste through chemical methods. Methods: In this work, CuONPs biosynthesized using the supernatant of Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma ghanense were evaluated to determine their antifungal activity against B. cinerea. Results: Four different formulations of CuONPs were obtained: Ta1, Ta2, Tg1, and Tg2. All formulations displayed antifungal properties, with Tg2 being the most effective and having a high potential in controlling the phytopathogen. CuONPs in the Tg2 formulation were quasi-spherical, ranging in size from 1 to 2.7 nm. Conclusions: Furthermore, Tg2 demonstrated greater efficacy than the copper-based commercial fungicide NORDOX^® 75W, which showed no inhibitory effect on B. cinerea mycelial growth. In summary, the CuONPs reported in this work offer a sustainable and effective alternative for managing the gray mold disease. Full article

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a significant agricultural pest that causes substantial economic losses globally. While chemical insecticides are commonly used for its management, increasing resistance and environmental concerns underscore the need for alternative control strategies. This study evaluated the potential of integrating the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana strain Bb-33 (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) with reduced doses of chemical insecticides for sustainable B. dorsalis management. The compatibility of B. bassiana Bb-33 with six commonly used insecticides—spinosad, emamectin benzoate, avermectin, thiamethoxam, beta-cypermethrin, and imidacloprid—was assessed. Among them, emamectin benzoate exhibited the least inhibitory effects on spore germination, mycelial growth, and sporulation of B. bassiana. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated synergistic interactions between B. bassiana Bb-33 and emamectin benzoate, particularly when the ratio of emamectin benzoate to B. bassiana exceeded 4:1, as indicated by co-toxicity coefficients greater than 100. However, greenhouse trials revealed that the combined formulation had lower efficacy in reducing B. dorsalis adult populations and pupal emergence rates compared to emamectin benzoate alone, though it was more effective than B. bassiana Bb-33 applied independently. Importantly, this composite formula reduces pesticide usage, which highlights its potential to mitigate environmental impacts. This study underscores the promise of integrating B. bassiana Bb-33 with reduced doses of emamectin benzoate as a viable strategy for managing B. dorsalis. Despite its current limitations in greenhouse trials, further optimization of formulation stability and application methods could enhance its field performance, offering an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical control methods. Full article

Hericium erinaceus, a rare edible–medicinal fungus, has attracted great attention in food and pharmaceutical fields due to its rich nutritional and bioactive components. However, its traditional cultivation relies heavily on wood chip substrates, causing resource unsustainability. The “wood-replacing-with-grass” technology can address this issue, contributing to ecological conservation and alleviating resource conflicts between edible fungus cultivation and forestry development. This study focused on straw substitution for wood chips, initially screening suitable straw types and optimal addition ratios from 7 straw varieties, and systematically investigating the agronomic trait variations in H. erinaceus under different substrate formulations via cultivation experiments. Results showed the following: (1) Rapeseed straw, soybean straw, and corn straw substituting 20%, 30%, and 40% of wood chips, respectively, promoted better mycelial growth of H. erinaceus. (2) All screened straw formulations enabled fruiting. With increased straw addition, the mycelial full colonization time shortened (up to 5 days shorter in 40% corn/soybean straw treatments). The 20% corn straw treatment showed significantly higher biological efficiency and average fresh weight than the control (CK); the 20% soybean straw treatment had no significant difference in biological efficiency but significantly higher average fresh weight than CK; and the 20% rapeseed straw treatment showed no significant differences in both indexes from CK. However, when straw addition exceeded 20%, fruiting body firmness, yield, and biological efficiency decreased progressively. (3) The 40% soybean straw treatment yielded fruiting bodies with the highest crude protein, manganese, and iron contents, while the 40% rapeseed straw treatment had the highest crude fat, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and selenium contents. These findings provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for optimizing H. erinaceus cultivation substrate formulations, improving product quality, and promoting sustainable industrial development. Full article

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a devastating phytopathogenic fungus with global distribution, exhibits a broad host range encompassing over 700 plant species. Sclerotinia stem rot caused by this pathogen poses a significant threat to sustainable oilseed rape production. Coniothyrium minitans, a mycoparasite of S. sclerotiorum, is a promising biological control agent against this devastating disease. C. minitans-based formulations have been commercially developed for field application. A transcriptomic analysis revealed significant upregulation of the chitinase-encoding gene CmCH1 in C. minitans during interaction with S. sclerotiorum. Knockout of either CmCH1 or another chitinase-encoding gene CmCH10 in C. minitans did not markedly affect the mycelial growth, development, and parasitism of S. sclerotiorum. However, knockout CmCH1 and CmCH10 simultaneously resulted in reduced growth rate, impaired protoplast release, enhanced cell wall integrity, and diminished mycoparasitic capability. These results indicate that CmCH1 and CmCH10 collectively influence remodeling of the cell wall in C. minitans and its mycoparasitic activity. Full article

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4), threatens banana and plantain production throughout South America. Because Colombian biosafety regulations restrict in vitro work with Foc TR4, we tested the antifungal activity of Nostoc commune against F. oxysporum race 2 isolated from cv. ‘Manzano’ (Musa AAB). An ethanolic extract of the cyanobacterium (EEC) was profiled by gas chromatography and evaluated with a Kirby–Bauer assay (1000–4000 ppm; n = 4). Synthetic Sico^® and botanical Timorex^® served as positive controls, and solvent-free plates were the negative control. Growth reduction (GR) and percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) were analysed with Student’s t-test (α = 0.05). Forty-two compounds—mainly fatty and carboxylic acids associated with antifungal activity—were detected. Sico achieved complete inhibition (100 ± 0%), Timorex suppressed 76 ± 2%, and 4 000 ppm EEC curtailed mycelial expansion by 45 ± 3% (p < 0.01). Although less potent than commercial fungicides, EEC impeded F. oxysporum growth, demonstrating that N. commune synthesises bioactive metabolites. Optimising cyanobacterial cultivation and formulation could yield a sustainable biocontrol alternative for managing Fusarium wilt in the region. Full article

Biological control employs beneficial microorganisms to suppress phytopathogens and mitigate the incidence of associated plant diseases. This study investigated the in vitro development and survival of Trichoderma spp. isolates derived from commercial formulations under different temperatures, pH levels, and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations and with synthetic fungicides with distinct modes of action. Three isolates were analyzed: URM-5911 and TRA-0048 (T. asperellum) and TRL-0102 (T. longibrachiatum). The results revealed substantial variability among the isolates, with the optimal mycelial growth temperatures ranging from 24.56 to 29.42 °C. All the isolates exhibited broad tolerance to the tested pH (5–9) and salinity levels (250–1000 mM), with TRL-0102 demonstrating the highest salt resistance. The fungicide treatments negatively affected mycelial growth across all the isolates, with Azoxystrobin + Difenoconazole and Boscalid causing growth reductions of up to 50%. Notably, Boscalid enhanced conidial production more compared to the control (126.0% for URM-5911, 13.7% for TRA-0048, and 148.5% for TRL-0102) and decreased the percentage of inactive conidia to less than 10% in all the isolates. These results provide strategic information for the application of Trichoderma spp. in agricultural systems, supporting the selection of more adapted and suitable isolates for integrated disease management programs. Full article

The global market size of animal parasiticides was valued at USD 12.9 billion in 2024. Animal deworming only results in temporary cures with little to no preventive effects; therefore, a strategy that combines animal deworming with prevention is essential in improving the control of helminths. The effectiveness of co-administrating curative and preventive agents and their compatibility were considered based on the parasitophagous fungus Mucor circinelloides, which was developed in edible agar–agar (red seaweed)-carrying dewormers. Accordingly, Petri dishes were prepared with either a biopolymer alone (control, G-C) or with the anthelmintic piperazine (550, 1102, 2210, and 5500 mg/plate) or levamisole (37.5, 75, 150, and 300 mg/plate) and were used to culture the fungus Mucor circinelloides. Strong fungal growth and high numbers of spores were observed in the presence of the anthelmintics. No differences were measured between the control plates and those containing parasiticide drugs. Similar mycelial growth patterns and sporogenesis rates were recorded for different amounts of each anthelmintic. In conclusion, this novel formulation based on biopolymers containing anthelmintics and enriched with the parasitophagous fungus represents a highly promising tool to consider for jointly deworming animals and minimizing the risks of helminth infection. Further studies are in progress to confirm these in vitro results. Full article

Beneficial interactions between plants and bacteria are crucial in agricultural practices, as bacteria can improve soil fertility, promote plant growth, and protect plants from pathogens. This study aimed to molecularly identify and characterize soil bacterial isolates and evaluate their effect on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersici L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under greenhouse conditions. Plant growth parameters, including plant height, root length, and fresh (FW) and dry (DW) weights, were measured. Additionally, pigment extraction and element content analysis using leaves were performed. Among the isolates, the most effective strain in the greenhouse experiment was Bacillus safensis SCF6, which significantly enhanced plant height and fresh weight across all tested plants, with the greatest influence observed in maize plant height (439.42 ± 6.42 mm), fresh weight (14.07 ± 0.87 g plant⁻¹ FW), and dry weight (1.43 ± 0.17 g plant⁻¹ DW) compared to the control (364.67 ± 10.33 mm, 9.20 ± 1.16 g plant⁻¹ FW, and 0.92 ± 0.15 g plant⁻¹ DW, respectively). Other strains also demonstrated notable results, with Microbacterium testaceum SCF4, Bacillus mojavensis SCF8, and Pseudomonas putida SCF9 showing the highest plant growth-promoting effects on pepper, tomato, and cucumber, respectively. Pseudomonas putida SCF9 demonstrated strong antifungal activity against Monilinia laxa, with a percentage of mycelial growth inhibition (PGI) of 72.62 ± 2.06%, while Bacillus subtilis SCF1 exhibited effects against Botrytis cinerea (PGI = 69.57 ± 4.35%) and Cercospora sp. (PGI = 63.11 ± 1.12%). The development and application of beneficial bacterial inoculants or their formulated products can contribute to environmentally friendly farming practices and global food security. Full article

This study evaluated six agrobyproducts (oak, jujube, apple, pear, peach, black locust) as alternative substrates for Lentinula edodes cultivation to mitigate oak dependency. Twelve substrate formulations were tested, including individual and mixed sawdust combinations. Results demonstrated successful mycelial colonization across all treatments, with treatment PAS (78% pear sawdust, 20% wheat bran, 1.5% gypsum, and 0.5% lime) exhibiting the fastest mycelial growth (4.70 mm/day) and full colonization in 105 days. Treatment BLS (78% black locust sawdust, 20% wheat bran, 1.5% gypsum, and 0.5% lime) achieved the highest biological efficiency (97.26%) and productivity (0.85 kg/bag). Nutrient analysis revealed substrate-specific enhancements: PAS maximized vitamin C (4.88 mg/100 g) and iron, while PAS + OS (39% peach sawdust, 39% oak sawdust, 20% wheat bran, 1.5% gypsum, and 0.5% lime) elevated protein (3.88%), phosphorus, and zinc. PCA highlighted distinct nutritional profiles for BLS- and jujube-based mushrooms. Correlation analyses identified the third (r = 0.838) and fourth flushes (r = 0.922) as critical for total yield, with selenium and zinc significantly linked to growth rates. Black locust and peach substrates outperformed or complemented oak, offering sustainable alternatives. These findings underscore the potential of agrowaste utilization to reduce ecological strain while maintaining high yields and nutritional quality, aligning with global agricultural sustainability goals. Full article

Anthracnose in beans is an important disease caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, which affects crop productivity and infects the plant in all growth stages, affecting the quality of the pod and grains. The most viable strategy to control this disease is using bean cultivars; however, fungal variability is a limitation. Among the strategies proposed is using phosphite-based compounds, which can act as fungicides or priming stimulators. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of a phosphite-based solution (potassium phosphite (H₃PO₃), potassium hydroxide, and potassium citrate, in a formulation of phosphorus (P₂O₅) 28% and potassium (K₂O) 26%) on C. lindemuthianum under in vitro conditions. In addition, its effects as a defense inducer in Sutagao bean plants was determined by changes in disease severity and the expression of PR1, PR3, PR4, and POD (defense-related genes) in plants treated with the phosphite solution before infection with the fungus. The results showed that the potassium phosphite solution had a statistically significant antifungal effect on C. lindemuthianum, reducing mycelial growth by 42% and germination by 48%, at a dose of 5 mL L⁻¹. Foliar application of the phosphite-based solution showed a 17% reduction in anthracnose severity associated with high expression of the PR1, PR3, PR4, and POD defense genes, which increased in plants that were subsequently infected with the pathogen, demonstrating a priming effect. In conclusion, a potassium phosphite solution can be included in a management program to control bean anthracnose. Full article