Search Results (179)

The effects of fungicides on pollinators remain relatively understudied despite their widespread use and high likelihood of environmental exposure. We assessed the effects of a single exposure to the commercial formulation Tebucur^® 250 EW (containing tebuconazole as the active ingredient) on learning and memory in Bombus terrestris workers. Using the Free-Moving Proboscis Extension Response (FMPER) paradigm, bees were exposed to two concentrations: 9.4 µg of tebuconazole per mL (group T 1/100) and 94 ng of tebuconazole per mL (group T/10,000) of tebuconazole through either pure sucrose (Method 1) or Tebucur^® 250 EW-supplemented sucrose (Method 2) during conditioning. No significant differences between groups were detected during the learning phase (all p > 0.05). In contrast, significant differences emerged during the memory test at the earliest time point (5 min). In Method 1, bees exposed to the higher concentration (treatment group T 1/100) showed significantly lower performance compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In Method 2, the lowest performance was observed in the group exposed to the lower concentration (treatment group T 1/10,000; p < 0.01). No significant differences were detected at later time points (10 and 30 min). These results indicate that a single exposure to Tebucur^® 250 EW (active ingredient: tebuconazole, 250 g/L) can affect short-term memory in bumblebees without impairing initial learning performance. Although the observed effects were subtle and time-limited, they may have important implications for foraging efficiency and pollination under natural conditions. Full article

Dactylis glomerata is a globally important cool-season forage grass with high ecological and economic value. During field surveys conducted in three counties of the Ili region of Xinjiang, Zhaosu County, Tekes County, and Xinyuan County, a previously unreported root rot disease was observed on wild orchardgrass, with disease incidence ranging from 20% to 72%. The most severe symptoms were recorded in Zhaosu County. The pathogen was isolated and identified as Bipolaris sorokiniana based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analyses of ITS, GAPDH, and TEF gene sequences. The results of biological characteristics showed that the optimal conditions for mycelial growth were 25 °C, pH 7, continuous light for 24 h, potato sucrose agar (PSA) as the culture medium, soluble starch as the optimal carbon source, and peptone as the optimal nitrogen source. In vitro fungicide sensitivity assays indicated that all nine tested fungicides significantly inhibited mycelial growth of B. sorokiniana. Among them, difenoconazole exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, with an EC₅₀ value of 0.0706 mg·L⁻¹, followed by tebuconazole (EC₅₀ = 0.3606 mg·L⁻¹) and tetramycin (EC₅₀ = 0.6815 mg·L⁻¹). These findings provide a scientific basis for further studies on disease epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, and integrated management of this disease. Full article

Intensive horticultural and fruit production in Chile relies on pesticides, raising concerns about compliance with residue limits and the continued availability of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). Recent national monitoring data from Chile indicate frequent detections of HHPs in plant-based foods and repeated exceedances of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). This study analyzed official datasets from Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture, combining food residue monitoring data from 2015 to 2023 with pesticide sales and import statistics as additional indicators of availability. Active ingredients were standardized to ISO names and CAS numbers and classified for HHP status based on FAO/WHO hazard criteria, with cross-referencing to the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). The results present surveillance indicators focusing on detection rates and MRL exceedance proportions. Between 2015 and 2023, residues were identified in 82.8% of the collected samples. The most frequently detected residues overall included fludioxonil, acetamiprid, pyrimethanil, fenhexamid, and boscalid, indicating a detection profile primarily characterized by fungicides with substantial contributions from insecticides. When restricting to HHPs classified residues, the most frequently detected HHPs included tebuconazole, captan, iprodione, spirodiclofen, chlorantraniliprole, and carbendazim, indicating a detection profile primarily characterized by fungicides, with significant contributions from insecticides. Records of exceedances were concentrated within a limited subset of residues, predominantly acetamiprid and dithiocarbonates, and were most frequently associated with apples, table grapes, cherries, blueberries, pears, and certain vegetables, notably leafy vegetables. The active ingredients classified within HHPs included fludioxonil, fenhexamid, tebuconazole, cyprodinil, and lambda-cyhalothrin. The findings support agronomic decision-making by emphasizing GAP/PHI reinforcement, targeted monitoring, and IPM-based substitution options for activities involving recurrent HHP detection. Full article

This study systematically identified the pathogenic fungi affecting Areca catechu in Hainan. Using diseased tissues from five regions, isolates were obtained using molecular methods, and their pathogenicity was confirmed using Koch’s postulates. We obtained 44 distinct fungal isolates from 9 genera. Fusarium (27.27%) and Colletotrichum (38.12%) were the dominant genera across all tissues. Twenty isolates were confirmed as pathogens. Key findings include the first report of Alternaria angustiovoidea and A. pogostemonis as areca leaf spot pathogens in China and the first confirmation of pathogenicity for three Fusarium species complexes (FSSC, FFSC, FIESC). Five Fusarium species are newly reported as pathogens in China. Cladosporium tenuissimum and Plectosphaerella cucumerina were confirmed for the first time to cause leaf spot. Fusarium, Colletotrichum, and Alternaria were core pathogens, all exhibiting high polygalacturonase and cellulase activity. The FFSC and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex (CGSC) showed broad-spectrum pathogenicity on tropical fruits. Fungicide sensitivity assays ranked efficacy as prochloraz > difenoconazole > tebuconazole > ethylicin > pyraclostrobin, with genus-specific responses observed. This research fills a systematic knowledge gap on areca fungal diseases in China, providing a crucial basis for precise control strategies and integrated management. Full article

Grapevine trunk diseases, particularly Botryosphaeria dieback, pose a major threat to vineyard sustainability, a risk that is further intensified by climate variability and increasing environmental stress. This study evaluated pathogenicity and bacterial biocontrol efficacy against Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia seriata under vineyard conditions, analyzing the combined effects of cultivar (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc), tissue type (young shoots and lignified arms), and phenological season (autumn/winter and spring/summer). Pathogenicity assays revealed clear tissue-age specialization: N. parvum was more aggressive in young shoots, whereas D. seriata caused the most severe vascular lesions in lignified wood. Seasonality further modulated disease expression, with higher lesion development during spring/summer, particularly for N. parvum in young shoots, while D. seriata maintained high aggressiveness in lignified tissues across both seasons. Berry assays provided a rapid initial assessment of isolate virulence but did not fully reflect pathogen behavior in woody tissue under field conditions. Biological treatments using native bacterial strains (Pseudomonas sp. AMCR2b, GcR15a, and Rhodococcus sp. PU4) significantly reduced lesion severity in V. vinifera under field conditions, although efficacy varied by tissue type and season. Biocontrol effects were generally more stable in lignified arms, and under high disease pressure, only the most robust strains maintained consistent protection, in some cases matching or surpassing the efficacy of the fungicide tebuconazole. These results show that both pathogenicity and biocontrol performance against Botryosphaeria dieback in V. vinifera under field conditions are strongly influenced by tissue type and season, supporting bacterial biocontrol as a sustainable component of integrated disease management in vineyards. Full article

This work presents the development of an automated and portable monitoring system for the point-of-need detection of tebuconazole and lambda-cyhalothrin. The system features nanoparticle/aptamer-modified electrochemical sensors that are integrated into a microfluidic chip based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). More specifically, rapid and selective detection of both pesticides is achieved using target-specific aptamers immobilized on two-dimensional platinum nanoparticle films that serve as expanded nano-gapped electrodes to enhance sensor sensitivity. The effect of the device substrate (i.e., silicon versus flexible substrates) and measurement setup on biosensing performance has also been investigated. The final monitoring system is characterized by high sensitivity and selectivity in the cases of both target analytes and substrates. Τhe system features a limit of detection of 9.85 pM for tebuconazole, which is one of the lowest reported values in the literature; for lambda-cyhalothrin, it is worth noting that the results reported herein represent one of the few studies on an electrochemical aptamer-based sensor for this analyte, featuring a limit of detection of 48.5 pM. The system is also capable of selectively detecting both targets for complex cross-reactive sample matrices consisting of commercially available pesticides. Moreover, its use could be expanded to detect additional pollutants by functionalizing the biosensor surface with appropriate aptamers. Full article

We developed an alkaline phosphatase (AP) chemiluminescence immunoassay method by combining the superparamagnetic magnetic beads and the biotin–streptavidin signal amplification system to detect the triazolone and tebuconazole in wheat. Through optimization of the extraction solution and extraction time, acetonitrile–PBS was selected as the extraction solution with an extraction time of 5 min as the optimal pretreatment condition. Optimizing the dilution ratio of antigen antibodies, the optimal detection conditions were selected as the dilution ratios of 1:8000 and 1:20,000 for the triazolone monoclonal antibody solution and biotinylated triazolone solution, and 1:4000 and 1:20,000 for the tebuconazole monoclonal antibody solution and biotinylated tebuconazole solution, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, the method demonstrated that the limits of detection (LOD) of triazolone and tebuconazole were 0.002835 μg·mL⁻¹ and 0.00064 μg·mL⁻¹, respectively. The recovery rate was between 90.1% and 103.6%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 10%. The cross-reaction rates for structural analogs were all less than 0.1%, showing good specificity. In actual sample detection, this method did not detect triazolone and tebuconazole, and the results were consistent with UHPLC-MS/MS. Full article

Soybean root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a yield-limiting disease in Northeast China, particularly under continuous monoculture and cool climatic conditions. Despite its agronomic impact, the epidemiology and fungicide resistance profile of the pathogen remain inadequately characterized. In this study, a comprehensive survey conducted in Heilongjiang Province yielded 990 pathogenic isolates belonging to 11 fungal species. Among them, 55 strains were identified as R. solani based on combined morphological and molecular analyses. These isolates induced typical symptoms of root and stem browning with constriction. Pathogenicity tests on 30 R. solani isolates indicated that 83.3% were highly pathogenic. The pathogen exhibited a distinct geographic distribution, with the highest percentage of pathogen isolation recorded in Jiamusi (26.6%), which accounted for 61.8% of all R. solani isolates. In vitro fungicide sensitivity assays demonstrated that fludioxonil and prochloraz were highly effective (EC₅₀ < 0.0050 µg·mL⁻¹), whereas resistance was observed to tebuconazole, difenoconazole, pyraclostrobin, and carbendazim. Pot experiments confirmed that fludioxonil seed treatment (15 g a.i./100 kg seeds) provided superior control efficacy (63.07%) compared to prochloraz (46.85%). These findings establish R. solani as a dominant causal agent of soybean root rot in the region and support the prioritized use of fludioxonil for sustainable disease management. By elucidating the pathogenicity, distribution, and resistance patterns of R. solani, this study provides critical insights for controlling soybean root rot in cold-climate production systems and facilitates the development of targeted management strategies. Full article

Aspergillus fumigatus, a saprophytic fungus, causes aspergillosis, primarily affecting the immunocompromised. The efficacy of triazole antifungals is compromised by resistance that has developed both clinically and environmentally. Widespread agricultural use of similar triazole fungicides selects for resistant genotypes, leading to potential food contamination and compromising treatment. This study assessed the presence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in minimally processed food items commonly consumed in Brazil. A total of 25 commercial samples, including black pepper, yerba mate, and green coffee beans, were collected from different regions. Forty-two A. fumigatus isolates were recovered and screened for susceptibility to agricultural and clinical triazoles by determining EC₅₀ values for tebuconazole (0.04–0.7 µg/mL), itraconazole (0.06–0.5 µg/mL), and voriconazole (0.07–0.15 µg/mL). Sequence analysis of the CYP51A gene revealed the presence of M172V mutation, none of which are associated with resistance. Microsatellite genotyping indicated high genotypic diversity and genetic relatedness among isolates from different food sources. Although no azole-resistant phenotypes were identified, the consistent recovery of A. fumigatus from products not directly exposed to azole fungicides highlights the need for continued surveillance. Agricultural environments remain critical hotspots for the emergence and dissemination of resistance, reinforcing the importance of integrated One Health strategies in antifungal resistance monitoring. Full article

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused mainly by the Fusarium graminearum species complex, is a devastating cereal disease associated with yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Early infection is closely linked to spore germination and germ tube elongation, yet conventional monitoring methods are labor-intensive and poorly suited for dynamic phenotypic quantification. We present EffiFormer-CGS, a three-module deep learning framework integrating object detection, key point localization, and phenotypic quantification for microscopic images of FHB spores. A dataset of 2381 images was generated from systematic experiments with triazole fungicides (Prochloraz, Prothioconazole, and Tebuconazole) across multiple concentrations and time points. Spores were annotated with bounding boxes and fine-grained geometric key points, enabling calculation of germination degree as the ratio of germ tube length to body length. EffiFormer-CGS achieved 90.8% mAP@0.5:0.95 in object detection and 91.4% mAP@0.5 in key point localization. All fungicides significantly inhibited germination, with Prochloraz showing the strongest effect. Predictions closely matched manual counts, with germination rate errors ≤ 5.18%. EffiFormer-CGS provides an efficient, automated, and high-precision approach for spore germination analysis, supporting high-throughput fungicide screening, resistance monitoring, and sustainable FHB management. Full article

Cornus officinalis is a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) plant species with both therapeutic and ornamental attributes. It is widely used in TCM prescriptions to nourish the liver and kidneys and constitutes a critical component of numerous classical formulas. In recent years, the large-scale cultivation of this medicinal plant has been expanded in Xixia County, Henan Province, China. Field investigations have revealed widespread brown leaf spot, accompanied by reductions in yield and quality. In this study, symptomatic leaves were collected for pathogen isolation. Tissue isolations consistently yielded a Colletotrichum fungus, and morphology combined with multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (the internal transcribed spacer, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, chitin synthase, actin, and β-tubulin) identified the pathogen as Colletotrichum siamense. Pathogenicity assays (conducted by either wounding and inoculating detached leaves with a mycelium plug or spraying a conidium suspension on healthy potted plants) reproduced field symptoms, and the pathogen was re-isolated, thereby fulfilling Koch’s postulates. In vitro fungicide assays showed that carbendazim, tebuconazole, and prochloraz were highly effective against the pathogen, providing preliminary information for chemical management. This is the first documentation of C. siamense causing leaf anthracnose on C. officinalis and provides a basis for developing targeted control strategies to mitigate disease impacts and preserve yield and quality. Full article

Fungal infections cause severe crop losses (15–60%) despite the use of antifungal agents, a problem exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and resistance. Regulatory restrictions on compounds like tebuconazole highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. This study evaluates the antifungal efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Sideritis serrata extract (NPCH-SID) as an eco-friendly solution. The extract was obtained by freeze-drying and ethanol extraction, while NPCH-SID was synthesized via ionic gelation, achieving optimal size and encapsulation efficiency. In vitro assays revealed broad antifungal activity, with up to 156,140-fold improvement against Aspergillus brasiliensis compared to the free extract. Phytotoxicity tests on wheat seeds showed ~95% germination and enhanced root and shoot growth, confirming the safety and growth-promoting effect of this method. These findings position NPCH-SID as a promising tool for sustainable agriculture. Future work will assess its performance against additional pathogens under greenhouse and field conditions. Full article

Triazole fungicides are widely used in agriculture but may pose risks to human health through occupational, accidental, or environmental exposure. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the toxicity of ten European Union-approved triazole fungicides in rodent models and cell lines. A total of 70 studies were included, reporting quantitative in vivo oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity in mammals or quantitative in vitro cytotoxicity in human or mammalian cell lines; the exclusion criteria comprised publications not in English or not accessible. Literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Pesticide Properties DataBase (PPDB), and risk of bias in included studies was assessed using ToxRTool. Due to heterogeneity in study designs, reporting formats, and endpoints, data were synthesized descriptively. Quantitative endpoints included LD₅₀/LC₅₀ values for in vivo studies and LOEC, IC₅₀, LC₅₀, and EC₅₀ values for in vitro studies, while mechanistic endpoints highlighted apoptosis, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Difenoconazole and tebuconazole were the most extensively studied compounds, whereas several triazoles had limited data. The limitations included heterogeneity of data and incomplete reporting, which restrict cross-study comparisons. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive overview of potential human health hazards associated with EU-approved triazole fungicides and highlight critical knowledge gaps. The review was registered in Open Science Framework. Full article

This study evaluates the abatement of four common azole fungicides—prochloraz, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, and penconazole—using ozonation (O₃), electro-oxidation (EO on boron-doped diamond anode), and their coupling (EO–O₃). A central composite design (CCD) with three coded factors—current (A), electrolyte (B), and ozone concentration in the gas phase (C)—was employed to model three responses: pollutant abatement (%), apparent pseudo-first-order rate constant k (min⁻¹), and TOC removal (%). Quadratic models showed good in-samples (R² ≈ 0.84–0.86). Ozone and current dominate abatement and kinetics (with curvature in current), while the electrolyte penalizes mineralization and narrows the window for TOC removal. Under optimal conditions, 116 mA (current), 0.992 mM (electrolyte), and 7.09 ppm (ozone concentration), the EO–O₃ configuration results in a TOC removal of 33.78%. At a reaction time of 10 min (total abatement of the pollutants), the hybrid EO–O₃ configuration exhibits a specific energy consumption (SEC) of 1.825 kWh·m⁻³. We compare trends with the last decade of literature on ozone-based EAOPs, electro-peroxone variants, and BDD anodic oxidation, and outline practical guidance for its application and scale-up, and model refinement in predictive settings. Full article

The study investigated the adaptation of the snow mold causal fungus, Microdochium nivale, to the fungicides fludioxonil and tebuconazole. Analysis of intrapopulation diversity among 136 M. nivale strains from two Russian populations revealed no strains with high-level resistance to these fungicides. However, the strains exhibited considerable variability in their sensitivity to small fungicide doses. Fungicide sensitivity levels were not associated with virulence levels, whereas strains from different phylogenetic groups exhibited different predispositions to decreased sensitivity to tebuconazole and fludioxonil. In vitro adaptation experiments were conducted to assess: (1) the potential ability of M. nivale to acquire high-level resistance to these fungicides; (2) the relative adaptation efficiency to each fungicide; and (3) the impact of resistance acquisition on virulence. Our results showed that M. nivale strains could adapt to high concentrations of both fungicides with little or no effect on virulence. Adaptation to fludioxonil was significantly less effective than to tebuconazole. To get closer to understanding the mechanisms of fludioxonil adaptation in M. nivale, whole-genome sequencing was performed on a fludioxonil-adapted derivative and its parental fludioxonil-sensitive strain. Comparative genome analysis identified mutations potentially involved in the enhanced fludioxonil resistance, which are discussed within the framework of molecular resistance mechanisms. Full article