Search Results (2,704)

Rhoptroceros cyatheae (Hymenoptera: Selandriidae) is a dominant herbivorous pest of Alsophila spinulosa in southwestern China, including Guizhou and Sichuan provinces. Infestation by this pest impairs spore reproduction of A. spinulosa and reduces the photosynthetic capacity of host plants. However, the chemosensory genes of R. cyatheae have not been reported, and the molecular basis of antennal detection of host volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is poorly understood. This study aims to screen and identify bioactive VOCs potentially involved in host searching behavior of R. cyatheae, analyze antennal VOC detection patterns, and explore the in vitro binding characteristics of an odorant-binding protein (OBP) involved in olfactory recognition, thereby providing a preliminary theoretical basis for the green management of R. cyatheae. Dynamic headspace sampling, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-electroantennography (GC-EAD) were used to measure antennal electrophysiological responses of R. cyatheae to volatiles from its host A. spinulosa. Y-tube olfactometer assays were conducted to evaluate behavioral responses. For RcyaOBP7, fluorescence competitive binding assays, structural modeling, and molecular docking were integrated to investigate its in vitro binding characteristics with nine selected bioactive VOCs. Nine A. spinulosa volatiles were identified that elicited antennal electrophysiological responses in R. cyatheae, and the sawfly showed behavioral orientation to these VOCs, confirming that its antennae can detect host VOCs. In vitro binding assays showed that RcyaOBP7 exhibited strong binding affinity to p-ethylacetophenone, suggesting its potential involvement in antennal olfactory recognition of this volatile. Specific VOCs released by A. spinulosa are among the signaling molecules detected by the antennae of R. cyatheae. In vitro findings indicate that RcyaOBP7 binds specifically to p-ethylacetophenone, suggesting a possible role in antennal olfactory recognition and behaviors such as host location. However, in vivo functional validation and field trials under ecologically relevant conditions are needed to confirm these roles. This study characterizes the in vitro binding properties of RcyaOBP7 and provides a basis for further research on green management strategies for R. cyatheae based on antennal olfactory signals. Full article

A microsporidian species, Glugea sp., was identified infecting the visceral cavity of commercial sardines (Sardina pilchardus) from an Atlantic fishery. Macroscopic examination revealed a white, friable mass that readily disintegrates, releasing spherical to ovoid microsporidian spores. Ultrastructural analysis shows an isofilar polar tube with 10–15 coils arranged in one to three rows. The study combined macrophotography, light microscopy, histological staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular analyses. Morphologically, Glugea sp. shares some features with Glugea vincentiae; however, molecular data do not support a close phylogenetic relationship between these two species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA sequences places the organism within a clade comprising G. plecoglossi, G. thunni, G. atherinae, G. gasterostei, G. hertwigi and G. anomala. Despite the high sequence similarity observed within this group, morphological and ultrastructural characteristics allowed differentiation of the present species, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on conserved molecular markers for species delimitation. A comprehensive morphological and molecular description of Glugea sp. is provided. Given the ecological and economic relevance of microsporidia, as well as their recognized role in animal and human disease, this new host–parasite association may have implications for fisheries and food safety, particularly considering the widespread consumption of sardines. Full article

Gut microbiota play crucial roles in host health, including immune regulation, metabolism, and nutrient absorption. Its dysregulation has been linked to various diseases. When administered in sufficient amounts, probiotics can contribute to restoring the gut microbial balance and maintain homeostasis. Species of the genus Bacillus and related genera (Alkalihalobacillus and Heyndrickxia) have been extensively studied and commercialized as probiotics due to their ability to form endospores, the dormant cell forms that provide remarkable resistance to adverse conditions. Understanding the mechanisms of the action of spore-forming probiotics is essential for harnessing their therapeutic potential. This review explores the mechanisms underlying the action of spore-forming probiotics, with a special focus on Alkalihalobacillus clausii. Many beneficial properties such as resilience in extreme conditions, multiplication in the gut, gut adhesion, immunomodulatory effects, the production of bioactive and antimicrobial compounds, as well as efficacy in human health and diseases are extensively dissected. In parallel, this review underscores the limitations of spore-forming probiotics, focusing on safety concerns, issues related to dose standardization and quality control, as well as potential off-target effects and risks in immunocompromised individuals. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly becoming a major global public health concern, as antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an alarming rate due to drug resistance. The ß-lactam group of antibiotics are widely used in dairy farms to treat animal infections, and their presence in the food chain is a significant concern. Addressing this issue requires the development of effective analytical tools for the rapid detection of antibiotics. In this work, a miniaturized Biosensor-on-Pillar platform was developed for detecting ß-lactam antibiotics in milk, which operates in a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly format, making it particularly suitable for resource-limited settings. The platform employs an enzyme induction-based approach, wherein Bacillus cereus spores germinate in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics, leading to the production of β-lactamase enzyme, which is then recognized using a chromogenic substrate functionalized on paper associated with the pillar platform. The developed biosensor can detect 12 β-lactam antibiotics with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 1 to 1000 ppb, achieving sensitivity at or below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulatory bodies (FSSAI/CODEX) for the majority of the tested antibiotics. The performance of the platform, including the design, fabrication, and working principle, was further evaluated by analyzing six blind milk samples, yielding significant results compared to the commercially available AOAC-approved gold-standard method. Hence, the developed biosensor demonstrates promising potential for the rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput screening of milk samples for β-lactam antibiotics, benefiting the dairy industry and ensuring food safety. Full article

This study revises the genus Cyanoboletus (Boletaceae) in the Mediterranean Basin, integrating single-locus and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2), morphological characterisation, ecology, and arsenic accumulation in basidiomes. Morphological descriptions (including a new form, Cyanoboletus mediterraneensis f. pallidus), comprehensive sampling, type studies, biogeography, macro- and microphotographs, an identification key, and a historical overview of the nomenclatural issues surrounding C. pulverulentus, C. poikilochromus, and C. mediterraneensis are given. An epitype collection is designated for C. pulverulentus. A new method to measure spore suprahilar depression has been proposed, which allowed more clear morphological separation between C. mediterraneensis and C. pulverulentus. This method may prove useful for species delimitation in other fungal groups that have asymmetric basidiospores. Additionally, we generated a new ITS sequence of the C. sinopulverulentus holotype and inferred its conspecificity with the later described C. flavocontextus. Furthermore, notes on the taxonomy of Boletus gabretae are presented, and its placement in the genus Neoboletus is suggested. Cyanoboletus is confirmed as a strongly supported generic clade encompassing 21 monophyletic species-level clades, 14 of which represent known species, and seven are undescribed taxa. The synonymy of Cupreoboletus with Cyanoboletus is also verified. This publication provides the tools to delimit Cyanoboletus species that have important conservation value, which can be used by conservationists, ecologists, and citizen scientists. It also highlights species-specific arsenic hyperaccumulation in C. pulverulentus, contributing to a better understanding of fungal metal uptake. Our study indicates that within Cyanoboletus, only C. pulverulentus demonstrates this characteristic and is the only known member of Boletales that possesses a high arsenic accumulation ability. Full article

Nosema ceranae is a common and highly contagious fungal pathogen that primarily infects the gut of adult honeybees, causing nosemosis. As a chronic disease of the digestive system, it poses a global threat to honeybee health and colony sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Scutellaria baicalensis aqueous extract on N. ceranae in the intestines of infected Apis cerana through feeding experiments. In addition, the therapeutic efficacy of its major active component, baicalin, was evaluated, and its potential molecular mechanisms of action were explored. The results showed that, compared with the control group, administration of S. baicalensis aqueous extract at concentrations of 1 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL significantly reduced midgut spore loads (p < 0.05). Further experiments showed that a 0.5 mg/mL baicalin sucrose solution, prepared with 0.5% (v/v) DMSO as co-solvent, exhibited optimal solubility and significantly inhibited the proliferation of spores in the honeybee midgut. Transcriptomic analysis of A. cerana revealed varying numbers of significantly differentially expressed genes among the baicalin-treated (HG) group, the co-solvent control (DMSO) group, and the blank control (C) group. Four candidate DEGs associated with the effects of baicalin were further identified, namely LOC108003965, LOC108000905, LOC107996681, and CYP4G11. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that, in the comparison between the HG group and the C group, these DEGs were significantly enriched in six functional categories: iron ion binding, phosphoric ester hydrolase activity, heme binding, tetrapyrrole binding, hydrolase activity (acting on ester bonds), and oxidoreductase activity (acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen). Collectively, these results demonstrate that S. baicalensis aqueous extract effectively inhibits the proliferation of N. ceranae within the host, and its active component, baicalin, exhibits a similar inhibitory effect. The present study proposes a novel strategy in which baicalin may enhance host endogenous chitinase-related activity to target and disrupt the spore wall, offering a new perspective for the prevention and control of honeybee nosemosis. Full article

In this study, we evaluated the biofilm-forming capacity of the B. pacificus B630 strain on table eggshells and its behavior in the presence of egg components, in comparison with B. cereus ATCC 14579. Strain B630, previously characterized as nhe⁺ and cytK⁺ and as a strong biofilm producer on glass, was confirmed as motile and positive for protease and phospholipase production. In static assays on disinfected eggshell pieces, B630 formed significantly more biofilm than ATCC 14579, while both strains exhibited comparable numbers of vegetative cells and spores embedded in the biofilm. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis revealed a dense extracellular matrix, altered eggshell crystal morphology, and a reduction in calcite-associated bands in biofilm-positive shells. In brain–heart infusion (BHI) broth supplemented with egg white, growth and spore germination of ATCC 14579 were strongly inhibited, whereas B630 displayed markedly higher tolerance. In an eggshell contamination model with an initial inoculum of 1 × 10⁵ colony-forming units, B630 persisted on the shell for at least 15 days at room temperature, while neither strain was recovered from egg white or yolk. These findings indicate that B. pacificus B630 combines robust biofilm formation with enhanced tolerance to egg white, favoring prolonged persistence on eggshells and underscoring the potential role of highly biofilm-forming B. cereus s.l. strains in table egg contamination. The persistence of strains of the B. cereus s.l. group in the eggshell may compromise the safety of the product. Full article

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus coagulans DSM 32016 on growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters, and nitrogen metabolism in weaned Danube White pigs reared under standard production conditions. While supplementation did not result in statistically significant changes in average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), hematological indices, or serum lipid profile, numerical trends indicated slightly higher ADG, improved FCR, and subtle stabilization of hematological parameters in the probiotic supplemented group. Notably, serum urea concentration was significantly reduced (3.78 vs. 3.21 mmol/L; p = 0.017; Cohen’s d = 1.01), suggesting a potential positive effect on nitrogen metabolism and protein utilization efficiency. These findings are consistent with previous reports that probiotics may exert beneficial physiological effects even in the absence of statistically significant systemic changes. The observed trends highlight the potential of Bacillus coagulans to support growth performance and metabolic efficiency in Danube White pigs, emphasizing the importance of breed and age-specific responses in probiotic supplementation. Full article

Environmental disturbances from hospital demolition and construction can aerosolise pathogenic fungal spores, particularly those of Aspergillus species, posing a serious threat to immunocompromised patients. This paper presents a structured narrative review of representative case studies to evaluate the relationship between demolition activities and airborne Aspergillus exposure, with a focus on clinical risk and environmental monitoring. Three exemplar studies were selected to illustrate high-intensity short-duration demolition, prolonged mechanical demolition, and meteorologically integrated risk assessment. By examining these cases, this review identifies gaps in current knowledge, methodological limitations, and challenges in causal attribution. The analysis supports the development of a novel conceptual framework for assessing and managing Aspergillus-related risks during hospital redevelopment, offering a structured approach to future infection prevention and control strategies. This framework is intended as a conceptual tool to support evidence-informed decision-making while acknowledging the limitations inherent in a targeted narrative review rather than a systematic synthesis. Full article

Botrytis cinerea and Plasmopara viticola, the causal agents of grey mold and downy mildew, respectively, are two major grapevine pathogens whose control largely relies on synthetic fungicides, raising environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids involved in plant defense, represent promising sustainable alternatives. Among them, sakuranetin, a flavanone aglycone known for its antifungal activity in rice, remains poorly explored for grapevine protection. In this study, sakuranetin was purified from cherry branches (48 mg) and structurally characterized using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and NMR analyses. Its antifungal activity against B. cinerea and P. viticola was evaluated through in vitro, in vivo and in planta assays. For B. cinerea, our results showed a significant in vitro inhibition of mycelium growth, with EC₅₀ values of 16.43 mg·L⁻¹, while no protection of detached berries was observed. Against P. viticola, sakuranetin has no effect on the release of zoospores, but there is a total inhibition of spore germination at 1 mg·L⁻¹ in vitro, confirmed in vivo on a foliar disc. In planta, no significant protection is observed at 25 mg·L⁻¹, even if some targeted defense genes are induced. Further studies are needed to determine the best concentration of sakuranetin to use to manage B. cinerea and P. viticola in planta. Full article

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is one of the most destructive soil-borne pathogens affecting tomato production worldwide, causing substantial yield losses and persisting in soil for extended periods. The increasing regulatory restrictions on chemical fungicides and the emergence of resistant pathogen strains have intensified the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. This systematic review synthesizes studies published between 2000 and 2025 that evaluated the antifungal efficacy of essential oils (EOs), their bioactive constituents, and EO-based nanoformulations against FOL in tomato. A total of 40 studies were included, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, encompassing in vitro, greenhouse, and limited field evaluations. Many EOs rich in phenolic compounds and oxygenated monoterpenes, such as thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, citral, and menthol, consistently inhibited FOL growth and spore germination, with reported mycelial growth inhibition ranging from 60 to 100% and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 0.05 and 1.5 µL ml⁻¹. However, the use of EOs is often limited because they evaporate quickly, do not mix well with water, can harm plants, and do not persist under field conditions. Nano-delivery systems, including nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, chitosan-based carriers, and lipid-based nanostructures, have been shown to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and antifungal efficacy of EOs. This has led to improved disease management and reduced pesticide application rates. In addition, several EO-based treatments have been reported to activate plant defense responses, including the induction of defense-related genes, antioxidant enzymes, and epigenetic modifications. Overall, EO-based nanoformulations show promise as next-generation biopesticides for the sustainable management of tomato Fusarium wilt. Nevertheless, large-scale field validation, standardized formulation protocols, and regulatory assessments are required before these technologies can be widely implemented in agriculture. Full article

The potential of Trichoderma nordicum (Hypocreales, Ascomycota), a recently described species, for antagonism and use in the biocontrol of oomycete-caused plant diseases is unknown. Trichoderma is a well-known genus for containing microbial antagonists and biocontrol agents. The T. nordicum in this study was isolated from decomposing wood, and rpb2 and tef1 barcode sequencing demonstrated that the isolates were a match to the reference T. nordicum and T. nigricans strains. Since T. nordicum was described before T. nigricans, the isolates were assigned to T. nordicum, although taxonomic uncertainty between these species requires future clarification. In dual-culture confrontation assays, T. nordicum overgrew five economically important oomycete plant pathogens (Phytophthora capsici, P. sojae, Pythium aphanidermatum, P. myriotylum, and Globisporangium ultimum). The inability to recover viable P. aphanidermatum and P. capsici from the parts of the plate overgrown by T. nordicum, coupled with protease and endo-cellulase activities, correlates with T. nordicum having antagonistic abilities. Inoculation with T. nordicum preventively reduced the levels of cucumber seedling damping-off caused by P. aphanidermatum by up to 70%. The T. nordicum biocontrol effects against pepper blight caused by P. capsici were greater than 80%, compared to an autoclaved T. nordicum spore control. T. nordicum could also significantly promote the growth of pepper, with plant weight increased by up to 40%, compared to an autoclaved-spore control. In contrast, T. nordicum could not be used to control Pythium soft rot of ginger caused by P. myriotylum, even though P. myriotylum was overgrown by T. nordicum, suggesting host- or pathosystem-specific factors influence biocontrol efficacy. In summary, T. nordicum is a promising biocontrol agent for use in the control of pepper blight caused by P. capsici, and also has potential for use in the control of other oomycete-caused plant diseases in vegetable production systems. Full article

Bacillus species are extensively studied, utilized, and commercialized biocontrol agents, demonstrating significant effectiveness in managing a variety of plant diseases. Bacillus possesses a robust intrinsic biosynthetic ability, capable of producing a diverse array of antimicrobial metabolites, including dipicolinic acid (DPA; 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid), which exhibits antifungal properties and serves as a principal structural component of Bacillus spores. This study revealed that DPA exhibits significant antibacterial activity against the hazardous soybean pathogen Xanthomonas citri pv. glycines (Xcg), with an EC₅₀ value of 53.2 μg/mL. DPA inhibited Xcg swimming motility, extracellular protease activity, and biofilm formation, while inducing significant membrane irregularities in Xcg cells. DPA treatment downregulated the expression of several Xcg membrane integrity-related genes, including cirA, czcA, czcB, emrE, and tolC. The preventive and curative application of 500 μg/mL DPA reduced Xcg symptoms by 82.7% and 83.8%, respectively, and induced the accumulation of the isoflavone genistin in soybean leaves. DPA exhibited only weak toxicity in the zebrafish model, suggesting its potential suitability for agricultural commercialization. Overall, this study provides the first detailed characterization of the antibacterial mechanism of DPA against a phytopathogenic bacterium, Xcg, and identifies DPA as a previously underexplored antibacterial metabolite from Bacillus and Paecilomyces with potential for disease management. Full article

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is an economically important crop that remains highly susceptible to destructive fungal diseases, including gummy stem blight, downy mildew, Fusarium wilt, and anthracnose. Although fungicides and resistant cultivars are widely used, reliance on chemical control raises concerns regarding environmental safety, food quality, and the emergence of fungicide-resistant pathogen populations. Consequently, microbial biopesticides, particularly Bacillus species, have attracted increasing attention as sustainable alternatives. In this study, muskmelon plants exhibiting leaf wilting, chlorosis, and stem yellowing were collected from Guangming Farm in Wufeng, Taichung, Taiwan, and associated pathogens were isolated from stem tissues and identified to determine the causal agent of these symptoms. In addition, the biocontrol efficacy of Bacillus subtilis strain MCLB2 against melon fruit rot, as well as its underlying mechanisms, was evaluated. Pathogenicity assays confirmed that isolate F01 was the causal agent. Based on morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis, this isolate showed 99.8% identity to Fusarium pernambucanum URM 7559 (GenBank accession no. NR_163754), and phylogenetic analysis further placed it within the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). Antagonistic assays demonstrated that B. subtilis MCLB2 significantly inhibited mycelial growth and suppressed the spore germination of F. pernambucanum. In addition, culture filtrates of strain MCLB2 effectively reduced Fusarium-induced fruit rot in melon and disrupted fungal cellular respiration. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis revealed that the strain produced surfactin-family lipopeptides. In conclusion, B. subtilis MCLB2 exhibits potential as a sustainable biocontrol agent for managing Fusarium fruit rot in melon, likely through surfactin-mediated disruption of fungal cellular respiration. Full article

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), a major tropical fruit crop, suffers severe anthracnose damage caused by Colletotrichum spp., and traditional chemical control has environmental and food safety risks, with plant-microbe interaction-based biological control as a sustainable alternative. However, the regulatory role of phyllosphere microbiota in the tripartite interactions among mango, beneficial microbes and Colletotrichum remains unclear. This study explored phyllosphere microbiota’s function in mango resistance to Colletotrichum and clarified the biocontrol mechanism of key beneficial isolates. We found Colletotrichum infection significantly reshaped mango leaf endophytic and epiphytic microbial communities, enriching Burkholderia, Acinetobacter, Bacillus and other dominant genera. We isolated a B. subtilis strain L-1 from the epiphytic microbiota that was 18-fold enriched in Colletotrichum-infected mango leaves. This strain exhibited potent antagonistic activity against Colletotrichum siamense with a relative inhibition rate of 82.10%, and delivered 79.77% biocontrol efficacy on mango leaves via two synergistic pathways: inhibiting pathogen spore germination and penetration by producing antimicrobial secreted metabolites and volatile organic compounds, and enhancing host disease resistance. Our findings advance the understanding of plant-phyllosphere microbiota-pathogen tripartite interactions and provide elite microbial resources for sustainable anthracnose management. Full article