Search Results (75)

This research investigates a novel hybrid E-glass fiber coated with a thin amorphous carbon (coke) layer, referred to as GF@C, designed to enhance the affinity of fiber with a polymer matrix. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), an engineering thermoplastic, was selected as the matrix to form the composite. The carbon coating was produced by pyrolyzing a lubricant oil (Lo) layer applied to the glass fiber strands. To promote the formation of graphite crystallites during carbonization, a small amount (x wt.% of Lo) of coronene (Cor) was added to Lo as a dopant. The resulting doped fibers, denoted GF@C_Lo-Cor(x%), were embedded in ABS at 70 wt.%, leading to significant improvements in mechanical properties. At the optimal doping level (x = 5), the composite achieved a Young’s modulus of 1.02 GPa and a tensile strength of 6.96 MPa, substantially higher than the 0.4 GPa and 3.81 MPa observed for the composite with the pristine GF. This enhancement is attributed to a distribution of graphite crystallites and their graphitization extent in the carbon coating, which improves interfacial bonding and increases chain entanglement. Additionally, GF@C_Lo-Cor(x%)–ABS composites (x = 0 and 5) exhibit significantly higher dielectric constant–temperature profiles than GF–ABS, attributed to the formation of diverse chain adsorption states on the C-coating. Full article

This study investigates the use of hop cone residues as a sustainable alternative to peat in seed coating formulations for the delivery of biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma. Some native isolates, T. velutinum T029 and T. harzianum T019 and T059, were tested for their development on peat and hop residues using qPCR. The results showed significantly higher fungal growth in hop cones, indicating their value as a carbon-rich substrate. Seed germination tests on various species showed that hop-based coatings did not inhibit germination and in some cases improved it. Field trials confirmed that bean seeds coated with hops 24 h before sowing outperformed those coated with peat, particularly in integrated production systems, in terms of germination. The results of this study suggest a new area of research: using hop residues in sustainable seed treatments could promote the valorization of agricultural residues, while improving crop establishment and reducing the dependence on synthetic inputs. Full article

Plant fungal diseases remain a major threat to global agricultural production, necessitating eco-friendly and sustainable strategies. Conventional chemical fungicides often lead to the development of resistant pathogen strains and cause environmental contamination. Therefore, the development of biocontrol agents is particularly important. In this study, we identified Burkholderia stagnalis YJ-2 from the rhizosphere soil of Woodsia ilvensis as a promising biocontrol strain using 16S rRNA and whole-genome sequencing. This strain demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity against plant fungal pathogens, with its bioactive extracts maintaining high stability across a temperature range of 25–100 °C and pH range of 2–12. We used in vitro assays to further show that the metabolites of B. stagnalis YJ-2 disrupted the hyphal morphology of Valsa mali, resulting in swelling, reduced branching, and increased pigmentation. Fluorescence labeling confirmed that B. stagnalis YJ-2 stably colonized the roots and stems of tomato and wheat plants. Furthermore, various formulations of microbial agents based on B. stagnalis YJ-2 were evaluated for their efficacy against plant pathogens. The seed-coating formulation notably protected tomato seedlings from Alternaria solani infection without affecting germination (p > 0.1), while the wettable powder exhibited significant control effects on early blight in tomatoes, with the preventive treatment showing better efficacy than the therapeutic treatment. Additionally, the B. stagnalis YJ-2 bone glue agent showed a substantial inhibitory effect on apple tree canker. Whole-genome analysis of B. stagnalis YJ-2 revealed a 7,705,355 bp genome (67.68% GC content) with 6858 coding genes and 20 secondary metabolite clusters, including three clusters (YJ-2_GM002015-YJ-2_GM002048, YJ-2_GM0020090-YJ-2_GM002133, and YJ-2_GM06534-YJ-2_GM006569) that are related to the antifungal activity of YJ-2 and are homologous to the biosynthetic gene clusters of known secondary metabolites, such as icosalide, ornibactin, and sinapigladioside. We further knocked out core biosynthetic genes of two secondary metabolic gene clusters and found that only the YJ-2_GM006534-YJ-2_GM006569 gene cluster had a corresponding function in two potential antifungal gene clusters. In contrast to the wild-type strain YJ-2, only deletion of the YJ-2_GM006563 gene reduced the antifungal activity of B. stagnalis YJ-2 by 8.79%. These findings highlight the biocontrol potential of B. stagnalis YJ-2, supporting a theoretical foundation for its development as a biocontrol agent against plant fungal diseases and thereby promoting sustainable agricultural disease management. Full article

Fusarium root rot, a destructive soil-borne fungal disease, necessitates eco-friendly biocontrol strategies. This study developed a microbial seed-coating approach using the antagonistic strain Paenibacillus polymyxa ZF129, formulated into a microencapsulated powder (10⁸ CFU/g) and a suspension (CS-ZF129). CS-ZF129 application enhanced cucumber resistance, achieving 46.30 ± 0.02% disease suppression while promoting root growth. The maximum increase in the fresh weight of the root in the promotion of rectangular growth was 47.16%. The colonization dynamics of ZF129 in the rhizosphere were systematically tracked, revealing its antagonistic correlation with Fusarium proliferation. An enzymatic activity analysis further uncovered the underlying regulatory mechanisms, demonstrating induced defense responses through pathogenesis-related protein activation. These findings highlight ZF129’s dual functionality as a biocontrol agent and a plant growth promoter, offering a sustainable strategy against soil-borne pathogens. Full article

Difenoconazole and imidacloprid are key components of seed-coating agents, which alter soil microbial community structure and function after application. Existing studies mainly focus on the environmental effects of their spraying application, while research on their impacts on the soil ecosystem when used as seed-coating agents is relatively limited. Through field experiments, this study systematically evaluated and compared the effects of difenoconazole and imidacloprid seed coatings on wheat rhizosphere soil microbial communities and ecological functions by measuring soil enzyme activities, employing 16S rRNA and ITS high-throughput sequencing technologies and predicting KEGG functional pathways. The results showed that imidacloprid and difenoconazole significantly reduced bacterial community diversity, particularly under the high-dosage difenoconazole treatment (0.18 g a.i./kg seed), with a 5.80% decrease in diversity by day 30. This treatment most strongly inhibited the phyla Bacteroidota and Myxococcota, with maximum reductions of 23.87% and 63.57%, respectively. However, the abundance of Actinobacteriota significantly increased, with a maximum increase of 38.53%. Additionally, fungal community diversity significantly increased under both difenoconazole and imidacloprid treatments. Both seed coatings significantly altered the microbial community structure from days 20 to 60, with recovery occurring by day 120. Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the high-dosage difenoconazole treatment (0.18 g a.i./kg seed) significantly activated functional pathways such as cell motility, signal transduction, and membrane transport, whereas the standard dosage (0.12 g a.i./kg seed) exhibited metabolic suppression. This study elucidates the dynamic impacts of seed-coating agent application on soil microbial communities, providing theoretical support for rational pesticide use and the optimization of agricultural strategies. Full article

Fusarium stalk rot (FSR), a devastating soil-borne disease caused by Fusarium species, severely threatens global maize production through yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Bacillus subtilis, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), has shown potential as a biocontrol agent against soil-borne pathogens, but its efficacy and mechanisms against maize FSR remain poorly understood. In this study, an identified strain of B. subtilis A3 was introduced to study its biological control potential against corn stalk rot. The bacteriostatic stability of the biocontrol strain was assessed, revealing that its inhibitory activity against F. graminearum remained consistent over five consecutive generations, indicating robust bacteriostatic stability. The strain also exhibited inhibitory effects on F. verticilliodes, F. proliferalum, and other pathogenic fungi, demonstrating it has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Indoor experiments showed that treatment with the biocontrol strain significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, and fresh weight, indicating a positive impact on corn growth. Additionally, the biocontrol strain A3 markedly reduced the lesion length of corn stalk rot, confirming its efficacy in controlling the disease. Field trials demonstrated that the growth of the A3-coated corn seeds was better than the control seeds, the control effect of FSR disease was 45.75%, and the yield increase was 3.6%. Microscopic observations revealed that the biocontrol strain A3 caused the hyphal tips of F. graminearum to swell and exhibit a beaded morphology, inhibiting normal growth. The volatile substances produced by A3 also showed significant antibacterial activity, with the antibacterial spectrum aligning with that of the biocontrol strain. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction and GC-MS, various antibacterial compounds were identified in the volatile substances. Analysis of root-associated microorganisms indicated that A3 significantly changed the microbial community composition. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that A3-treated plants had fewer edges and lower negative correlations among bacterial communities. This study establishes the strong biocontrol potential of B. subtilis A3 against Fusarium stalk rot in corn, demonstrating its robust bacteriostatic stability, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, positive impact on plant growth, and significant disease control efficacy, while also revealing its ability to alter root-associated microbial communities. These findings provide a foundation for further research into the mechanism of B. subtilis and its application in field biological control. Full article

Progressive climate change increases drought frequency, severely impacting crop growth and yield. New eco-friendly alternatives to chemical protection agents and fertilisers are needed to reduce pollution and enhance plant health. This study evaluated the effects of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and the hydrogel (potassium polyacrylate) on Brassica napus L. during drought conditions. After in vitro and pot experiments, Serratia plymuthica was selected from six PGPR candidates based on its ability to enhance plant biomass, shoot length, and number of internodes. The seed viability test, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and SOD activity showed no adverse effects of applying hydrogel to canola seeds. Moreover, the hydrogel did not show toxicity towards tested bacterial strains. Field trials during the drought demonstrated that inoculation with S. plymuthica significantly increased the number of siliques (16.48%) and yield (19.93%), compared to controls. Plants grown from inoculated seeds were also taller (3.28%) and had more branches (39.99%). We also analysed seedling emergence, number of internodes, thousand seeds’ weight, and seed moisture. The hydrogel applied to the soil delayed seedling emergence and dampened the growth-promoting effect of S. plymuthica, resulting in reduced yield. Compared with plants inoculated with S. plymuthica, there was a decrease in the yield of plants treated solely with hydrogel and in plants treated with hydrogel and the bacterium of 23.61% and 27.79%, respectively. Our results indicate that S. plymuthica has a high potential for use in commercial canola farming, especially as an ingredient added to seed coatings. Full article

In this study, the effect of Metarhizium spp. M. marquandii on the seed germination of cabbage, a cruciferous crop, was investigated. The effects of this strain on the seed germination vigor, bud growth and physiological characteristics of Chinese cabbage were analyzed by a seed coating method. The results showed the following: (1) The coating agent M. marquandii SGSF043 could significantly improve the germination activity of Chinese cabbage seeds. (2) The strain concentration in the seed coating agent had different degrees of regulation on the antioxidase system of the buds, indicating that it could activate the antioxidant system and improve the antioxidant ability of the buds. (3) When the concentration of M. marquandii SGSF043 was 5.6 × 10⁶ CFU/mL (average per grain), the effect of M. marquandii SGSF043 on the leaf hormones Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Gibberellic Acid (GA) and Abscisic Acid (ABA) of Chinese cabbage seedlings was significantly higher than that of other treatment groups, indicating that the strain could optimize the level of plant hormones. (4) M. marquandii SGSF043 could induce the expression of stress-resistance-related genes in different tissue parts of Chinese cabbage and improve the growth-promoting stress resistance of buds. This study showed that M. marquandii SGSF043 could not only improve the germination vitality of Chinese cabbage seeds but also enhance the immunity of young buds. The results provide a theoretical basis for the application potential of Metarhizium marquandii in agricultural production. Full article

The grapevine industry is confronted with challenges such as plant stress from environmental factors and microbial infections, alongside the need for sustainable waste management practices. Natural polymers offer promising solutions to these issues due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. This review explores the dual role of natural polymers in enhancing the grapevine industry: as protective agents against various stressors and as carriers for the delivery of valuable compounds recovered from grapevine wastes. We examine the use of natural polymers such as chitosan, alginate, and cellulose in formulating bio-based protective coatings and treatments that bolster plant resistance to abiotic stress, pathogens, and pests. Additionally, the review delves into the innovative utilization of grapevine residues, including skins, seeds, and stems, as sources of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. These compounds can be efficiently encapsulated in natural polymer matrices for applications in agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. Key topics include the mechanisms of action, benefits, and limitations of natural polymer-based interventions, as well as case studies demonstrating their practical implementation in vineyards. The review also addresses future research directions, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that enhance sustainability and economic viability in the grapevine industry. Full article

Seed coating technology is vital in agriculture, enhancing seed protection and growth. However, conventional coatings often include chemical fungicides that pose environmental risks, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores silk fibroin (SF), a natural biopolymer with excellent film-forming properties, as a potential seed coating agent, addressing its antimicrobial limitations by combining it with the commercial agent CRUISER^® and the antimicrobial peptide Nisin. Experimental methods included solution stability analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and growth assessments of wheat seeds. Findings reveal that silk fibroin-CRUISER^® (SC) composites form stable β-sheet structures, enhancing the coating’s mechanical strength. SF-based coatings improved seedling emergence rates (up to 1.65-fold), plant height (up to 1.05-fold), and root growth (up to 1.2-fold), especially under cold stress. The addition of Nisin further significantly boosted the antibacterial properties, providing sustained pathogen inhibition (p < 0.01). Identifying the optimal concentration of SF was essential for achieving a balance between protection and breathability, a key factor for industrial application. This research provides valuable insights into the development of eco-friendly seed coatings, presenting a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical-based options in agricultural practices. Full article

Soil salinization is one of the major challenges for modern agriculture, posing a great threat to soil health and food security. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of seed coating on soil environment and maize growth in saline soils. Three treatments were applied to maize seeds: coating with a microencapsulated microbial agent (ME), coating with microbial only (MB), and no coating (CK). High-throughput sequencing of soil bacterial and fungal 16S and ITS rRNA genes was performed using the Illumina HiSeq platform to analyze the effects of these treatments on soil bacterial and fungal diversity and community structure. Additionally, the influence of different treatments on endogenous hormones and yield of maize were investigated. It was found that the coating with a microencapsulated microbial agent led to decreases in pH and electrical conductivity (EC), while increasing the content of soil available phosphorus. This coating improved soil microbial diversity, significantly increasing the relative abundance of the main bacteria genera, Bacillus (34.9%), and the main fungal genera, Mortierella (190.4%). The treatment also significantly enhanced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) by 51.2%, contributing to improvements in resistance to salt stress. The germination rate increased by 22.9%, the 100-grain weight increased by 12.7%, and grain yield increased by 14.3%. The use of the microencapsulated microbial agent effectively mitigated the adverse effects of salt stress on maize plants. This approach is beneficial for promoting sustainable agriculture in saline soils. Full article

The Bambara groundnut is the indigenous legume in the southern part of Thailand. It contains a seed coat rich in polyphenols, which can serve as natural antimicrobial agents. The extracts from red and white seed coats of Bambara groundnuts, namely RSC and WSC, respectively, were prepared using an ultrasound-assisted extraction process. The extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and antimicrobial activity of both extracts were examined. The RSC extract demonstrated a significantly higher extraction yield (8.35%) than WSC extract (2.34%) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the TPC of RSC extract (420.98 ± 0.27 mg of gallic acid/g dry extract) was higher than that of WSC extract (28.29 ± 0.91 mg of gallic acid/g dry extract). The RSC extract exhibited stronger inhibition against Shewanella putrefaciens and S. algae than its WSC counterpart. Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS) analysis indicated that the RSC extract was rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, while the WSC extract contained more triterpenoid saponins. Time–kill kinetics showed that the RSC extract reduced bacterial loads in a dose-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that drastic bacterial cell membrane damage with a rough surface and the deformation of cells was caused by the extract. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) images confirmed the inhibition of S. algae biofilm formation by RSC extract. RSC extract also suppressed bacterial motility, induced protein leakage, and reduced extracellular protease activity, thus highlighting its potent bactericidal effects. These findings suggested that the RSC extract rich in phenolic compounds could serve as an antimicrobial agent and hold promise as a natural preservative for perishable foods, especially seafoods. Full article

In light of the growing plastic waste problem worldwide, including in agriculture, this study focuses on the usefulness of both conventional, non-degradable plastics and environmentally friendly bioplastics in the agricultural sector. Although conventional plastic products are still essential in modern, even ecological agriculture, the increasing contamination by these materials, especially in a fragmented form, highlights the urgent need to search for alternative, easily biodegradable materials that could replace the non-degradable ones. According to the literature, polymers are widely used in agriculture for the preparation of agrochemicals (mostly fertilizers) with prolonged release. They also play a role as functional polymers against pests, serve as very useful super absorbents of water to improve crop health under drought conditions, and are commonly used as mulching films, membranes, mats, non-woven fabrics, protective nets, seed coatings, agrochemical packaging, or greenhouse coverings. This widespread application leads to the uncontrolled contamination of soil with disintegrated polymeric materials. Therefore, this study highlights the possible applications of bio-based materials as alternatives to conventional polyolefins or other environmentally persistent polymers. Bio-based polymers align with the strategy of innovative agricultural advancements, leading to more productive farming by reducing plastic contamination and adverse ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. On the other hand, advanced polymer membranes act as catching agents for agrochemicals, protecting against environmental intoxication. The global versatility of polymer applications in agriculture will not permit the elimination of already existing technologies involving polymers in the near future. However, in line with ecological trends in modern agriculture, more “green” polymers should be employed in this sector. Moreover, we highlight that more comprehensive legislative work on these aspects should be undertaken at the European Union level to guarantee environmental and climate protection. From the EU legislation point of view, the implementation of a unified, legally binding system on applications of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics should be a priority to be addressed. In this respect, the EU already demonstrates an initial action plan. Unfortunately, these are still projected directions for future EU policy, which require in-depth analysis. Full article

Herein, we introduce a simple precipitation method for preparing graphene oxide–silver nanoparticle (GO/AgNP) composites, utilizing Calendula officinalis (C. officinalis) seed extract as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. Our research combines the sustainable preparation of graphene oxide (GO) with the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), aiming to explore the potential of the obtained composite as a novel antibacterial material. To establish a benchmark, the synthesis was also performed using sodium citrate, a conventional reducing agent. The resultant GO/AgNP composites were characterized through several analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, confirming the successful functionalization of GO with AgNPs. The antibacterial effectiveness of the composites was systematically assessed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with nanoparticle concentrations spanning from 0 to 250 µg/mL, utilizing mostly disk diffusion and colony-forming unit (CFU) count assays. The AgNPs were characterized by a size range of 15–50 nm. Notably, the GO/AgNP composite prepared using C. officinalis seed extract demonstrated superior antibacterial activity at all tested concentrations, outperforming both pure GO and the GO/AgNP composite prepared with sodium citrate. The most pronounced antibacterial effect was observed at a concentration of 32.0 µg/mL. Therefore, this innovative synthesis approach may offer a valuable contribution to the development of new therapeutic agents to combat bacterial infections, suggesting further exploration into antibacterial coatings or potential drug development. Full article

Continuous cropping (CC) stress severely limits the growth and industrial development of Pinellia ternata. Epihomobrassinolide (EBR) is a natural product that widely participates in many the physiological activities of many plants. Thiamethoxam·flutolanil·azoxystrobin (TFA) has been registered as a seed coating agent in crop production. In this work, the effects of seeds soaked with EBR, seeds coated with TFA, and their co-application on the plant growth, electrophysiological information (as physiological activities related to plant electrical signals), leaf photosynthesis, plant resistance, bulb quality, and yield of CC P. ternata were evaluated. The aim of this work is to excogitate a practicable agronomic measure for ameliorating the growth of CC P. ternata. The results show that soaking the seeds with EBR or coating the seeds with TFA could effectively enhance the plant height, leaf area, and stem diameter of CC P. ternata, promote its emergence seedling ratio, and decrease its inverted seedling ratio, and their associated application was found to be more efficient. Additionally, their associated application effectively enhanced the intrinsic capacitance (IC), intracellular water metabolism, nutrient transport, and metabolic activity and decreased the intrinsic resistance (IR), impedance (IZ), capacitive reactance (IXc), and inductive reactance (IXL). Meanwhile, their associated application could reliably enhance the photosynthetic capacity and stress resistance, and effectively improve the bulb quality and yield. This study emphasizes that the associated application of seeds soaked with a 0.004% aqueous EBR solution diluted 1000 times and seeds coated with a 24% TFA flowable concentrate at 1.6 mL kg⁻¹ seed can be used as a novel and practicable technology for alleviating the CC stress of P. ternata and ameliorating its growth, electrophysiological information, resistance, quality, and yield. Full article