biocontrol – Page 11

Four new species of Trichoderma (Hypocreaceae, Hypocreales) discovered in the staple food bamboo of pandas

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered four new species of beneficial fungi living in the bamboo forests where giant pandas feed. These fungi were found in decomposing bamboo litter and were identified using DNA analysis and microscopic examination. The discovery highlights the rich fungal diversity in panda habitats and suggests these fungi play important roles in maintaining healthy bamboo forests that giant pandas depend on.

The Last of Them: Entomopathogenic Effect of Akanthomyces muscarius on the Scale Insect Pest Toumeyella parvicornis Under Laboratory Conditions, a Potential Biological Control Candidate

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Akanthomyces muscarius can effectively kill tortoise scale insects, an invasive pest damaging European stone pine trees. In laboratory tests, this fungus infected and killed nearly all treated insects within a week, outperforming commercial fungal products. These findings suggest this natural fungus could be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling this destructive pest in urban and natural environments.

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

mycolabadmin

This study examined how a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma can protect crops from harmful soil fungi without using chemical pesticides. Researchers isolated Trichoderma from soil in Kashmir and tested it against 12 different disease-causing fungi. The results showed that Trichoderma effectively stopped the growth of harmful fungi both through direct contact and through compounds it produces. This natural approach could help farmers grow healthier crops while protecting the environment.

New Tricoderma Species and Six Unrecorded Species of Endolichenic Fungi Isolated from Lichens

mycolabadmin

Researchers in South Korea discovered seven species of fungi living inside lichens, including one completely new species to science. By examining the fungi’s physical characteristics and analyzing their genetic material, scientists confirmed the identity of each species. These fungi, particularly those in the Trichoderma genus, show promise for producing useful compounds that could have applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.

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

mycolabadmin

A fungal biocontrol agent called Trichoderma guizhouense uses a special protein called TgZct4 to protect itself from harmful oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide. When the fungus encounters this stress, TgZct4 activates a series of antioxidant enzymes that neutralize the damaging reactive oxygen species. This discovery helps explain how this beneficial fungus can survive and control plant diseases in harsh soil environments, potentially improving its use as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

Interference with sexual mating of Sporisorium scitamineum by verrucarin A isolated from Paramyrothecium sp

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered a fungus from moss that produces a natural compound called verrucarin A, which stops sugarcane smut disease by preventing the sexual mating of its fungal spores. This prevents the disease from developing without harming the sugarcane plants. In greenhouse tests, this natural biocontrol agent reduced disease occurrence by nearly half compared to untreated plants, offering a safe alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting sugarcane crops.

Novel secondary metabolite from a new species of Hypoxylon saxatilis sp. nov. for suppressing bacterial wilt in tomato

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered a new fungus species (Hypoxylon saxatilis) living inside medicinal plants that produces a novel compound called tetrahydrofuran. This compound kills the bacterium that causes tomato wilt disease by damaging bacterial cell walls. In greenhouse tests, extract from this fungus reduced wilt disease severity by over 83%, suggesting it could be developed as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting tomato crops.

Native and Non-Native Soil and Endophytic Trichoderma spp. from Semi-Arid Sisal Fields of Brazil Are Potential Biocontrol Agents for Sisal Bole Rot Disease

mycolabadmin

Sisal plants in Brazil are being devastated by a fungal disease called bole rot. Scientists discovered that certain beneficial fungi called Trichoderma can effectively fight this disease by producing natural compounds and directly attacking the harmful fungus. These Trichoderma fungi also help the sisal plant defend itself better against infection. The research shows that using these beneficial fungi could help save Brazil’s important sisal fiber industry.

Biocontrol Potential of a Mango-Derived Weissella paramesenteroides and Its Application in Managing Strawberry Postharvest Disease

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacteria called Weissella paramesenteroides, naturally found on mango surfaces, can protect strawberries from fungal spoilage. This bacteria works by releasing special aromatic compounds (VOCs) into the air that kill disease-causing fungi without direct contact. When used in strawberry storage boxes, this biocontrol method reduced fruit disease from 70% to 35%, offering a safer, natural alternative to synthetic fungicides.

Characterization of a bacterial strain T226 and its efficacy in controlling post-harvest citrus anthracnose

mycolabadmin

Researchers identified a beneficial bacterium called Lysobacter enzymogenes (strain T226) that effectively prevents citrus fruit rot caused by anthracnose fungus. This bacterium was isolated from soil and showed stable antimicrobial properties even after repeated culture transfers. When applied to citrus fruits, it reduced disease incidence by over 61% under natural storage conditions, performing better than the chemical fungicide prochloraz, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative for protecting stored citrus.

Research Keyword: biocontrol