biocontrol agents – Page 2

Streptomyces-Based Bioformulation to Control Wilt of Morchella sextelata Caused by Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola

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Morel mushrooms are delicious and nutritious but are threatened by a fungal disease that can destroy up to 80% of crops. Scientists discovered that two beneficial bacteria species (Streptomyces) from morel soil produce compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus. When applied to morel fields, these beneficial bacteria not only prevented the disease but also increased mushroom yields by about 30% compared to untreated crops, offering a natural and sustainable solution for morel farmers.

Exploring fungal pathogens to control the plant invasive Rubus niveus on Galapagos Island San Cristobal

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Hill raspberry is a problematic invasive plant covering vast areas of the Galapagos Islands and harming native species. Researchers collected diseased Hill raspberry samples and identified five fungal pathogens that naturally infect the plant. These fungi have potential to be developed as biological control agents to manage the invasive species without using chemical herbicides. Further testing is needed to ensure these fungi only target Hill raspberry and do not harm other plants.

Identification and potential of the hyperparasite Acremonium persicinum as biocontrol agent against coffee leaf rust

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Coffee farmers face major losses from rust disease, and traditional fungicide treatments have become less effective over time. Scientists in China discovered a microscopic fungus called Acremonium persicinum that naturally attacks and kills coffee rust pathogens. Laboratory tests showed this beneficial fungus could eliminate over 90% of rust spores and completely prevent rust infection on coffee leaves, offering a natural and environmentally-friendly solution for protecting coffee crops.

Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Co-Culture of Burkholderia vietnamiensis B418 with Trichoderma harzianum T11-W Exhibits Improved Antagonistic Activities against Fungal Phytopathogens

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Scientists studied how two beneficial microorganisms (a bacterium and a fungus) work together to produce compounds that kill plant-damaging fungi. When grown together, they produced more protective compounds than when grown separately, showing promise as a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops and stored fruits from fungal diseases.

Dynamic proteomic changes and ultrastructural insights into Pochonia chlamydosporia’s parasitism of Parascaris equorum eggs

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Scientists studied how a special fungus called Pochonia chlamydosporia attacks and destroys parasitic worm eggs. Using advanced microscopy and protein analysis, they tracked the fungus through three stages of infection and identified the specific proteins and processes it uses to break down the worm eggs. This research helps us understand how this fungus works so it can be better used as a natural pest control method to protect animals from harmful parasites.

Eleven new species of Trichoderma (Hypocreaceae, Hypocreales) from China

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Scientists discovered 11 new species of Trichoderma fungi in China that were isolated from soil and grass plants. These fungi are important because they can produce useful compounds, help control plant diseases, and promote plant growth. The researchers used genetic analysis and microscopy to identify and describe these new species, expanding our knowledge of fungal diversity in China.

A bibliometric analysis of fungal volatile organic compounds

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Fungi release distinctive smells made up of volatile compounds that help them communicate with plants, bacteria, and other organisms. These fungal smell chemicals have grown from being studied mainly in wine fermentation to being explored for helping crops grow better, fighting plant diseases naturally, and creating food flavors without chemicals. This research shows that understanding how fungi use these smell chemicals could lead to more sustainable farming practices and natural alternatives to harmful pesticides.

A Zn2-Cys6 transcription factor, TgZct4, reprograms antioxidant activity in the fungus Trichoderma guizhouense to defend against oxidative stress

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This research identifies a special protein called TgZct4 in a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma guizhouense that helps it survive harmful stress from hydrogen peroxide. When the fungus encounters oxidative stress, TgZct4 quickly activates and switches on genes that produce protective enzymes. This discovery helps scientists understand how this fungus can be such an effective biological pest control agent and could lead to improvements in using it as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.

Identification and Biological Characteristics of Alternaria gossypina as a Promising Biocontrol Agent for the Control of Mikania micrantha

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Researchers in China identified a fungus called Alternaria gossypina that causes leaf disease in Mikania micrantha, a highly invasive plant threatening ecosystems worldwide. Through laboratory testing, they confirmed the fungus can effectively damage and control this invasive weed and determined the best growing conditions for mass-producing this beneficial fungus. This discovery offers a promising natural and environmentally friendly solution to control M. micrantha spread, as an alternative to harmful chemical pesticides or labor-intensive manual removal.

The green shield: Trichoderma’s role in sustainable agriculture against soil-borne fungal threats

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This research shows that Trichoderma fungi naturally found in soil can protect plants from harmful fungal diseases. Scientists isolated two types of Trichoderma from soil in the Kashmir region and tested them against 12 different disease-causing fungi. The results showed that these beneficial fungi successfully stopped the growth of harmful pathogens, offering a natural and environmentally safe alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting crops.

Research Keyword: biocontrol agents