biocontrol – Page 13

Identifying Key Pathogens and Effective Control Agents for Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus Root Rot

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Astragalus root, a valued traditional Chinese medicine, suffers from a serious fungal disease caused primarily by two Fusarium species. Researchers tested eight fungicides and nine beneficial bacteria to find the most effective treatments. The chemical fungicide carbendazim and a beneficial bacterium called KRS006 proved most effective, offering promise for developing better disease management strategies that combine both chemical and biological approaches.

Identification of an antifungal lipopeptide from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 inhibiting the growth of Fusarium graminearum using preparative chromatography and 2D-NMR

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Scientists discovered a beneficial soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that produces a natural antifungal compound called fengycin, which effectively kills dangerous mold (Fusarium graminearum) that contaminates animal feed. This bacterium can be used as a biological control agent to prevent fungal growth and reduce harmful mycotoxins in livestock feed, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides. The study shows the bacterium’s compounds damage fungal cell membranes and generate harmful stress molecules that kill the fungus.

Biocontrol of Seedborne Fungi on Small-Grained Cereals Using Bacillus halotolerans Strain B33

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Researchers tested a naturally occurring soil bacterium called Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 to protect cereal seeds from harmful fungi. When seeds infected with fungal pathogens were treated with this bacterium, it successfully eliminated 83-100% of the fungi, depending on the pathogen and crop type. The treatment was as effective as commercial chemical disinfectants but offers a more environmentally friendly alternative for sustainable farming.

Functions of the Three Common Fungal Extracellular Membrane (CFEM) Domain-Containing Genes of Arthrobotrys flagrans in the Process of Nematode Trapping

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Arthrobotrys flagrans is a fungus that acts as a natural pest controller by trapping and killing parasitic nematodes that damage crops and livestock. Scientists studied three key genes in this fungus that contain CFEM protein domains and found they are critical for forming sticky traps and controlling how deadly the fungus is to nematodes. The research shows that when certain CFEM genes are removed, the fungus produces stickier traps and kills more nematodes, while removing other CFEM genes has the opposite effect, providing insights for developing better biocontrol products.

Inhibition of RNase to Attenuate Fungal-Manipulated Rhizosphere Microbiome and Diseases

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A fungal pathogen that causes root rot in soybeans and other crops uses a toxic protein called Fg12 to kill beneficial bacteria in the soil that would otherwise protect plants. Scientists discovered that guanosine monophosphate (GMP), a simple chemical compound, can block this toxic protein. When applied to soil, GMP protects plants by allowing beneficial bacteria to survive and fight the fungal infection.

Identification of antagonistic activity against Fusarium, and liquid fermentation of biocontrol Bacillus isolated from wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) rhizosphere soil

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Researchers isolated a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus subtilis from wolfberry soil that effectively fights a destructive fungal disease called root rot. By optimizing how this bacterium is grown in the laboratory, they increased its ability to inhibit the disease-causing fungus by over 8%. This natural biocontrol approach could help farmers protect their wolfberry crops without relying solely on chemical pesticides.

Colletotrichum scovillei and Prospective Biocontrol Agents Isolated from Asymptomatic Olive Trees

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Researchers discovered that olive trees in Greece naturally harbor several species of fungi, including a newly identified disease-causing fungus called Colletotrichum scovillei. More importantly, they found that other fungi living harmlessly inside the olive tissue can protect the plant by fighting against the harmful fungi. Two of these protective fungi, KORD1f and KORD4f, reduced olive anthracnose disease symptoms by 67-73%, suggesting they could be used as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides for olive disease management.

Functional diversification of epidithiodiketopiperazine methylation and oxidation towards pathogenic fungi

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This research shows that Trichoderma hypoxylon, a beneficial fungus used in agriculture, produces different versions of antifungal compounds called epidithiodiketopiperazines (ETPs) to fight various harmful fungi. By deleting genes responsible for modifying these compounds, scientists found that different modifications work better against different pathogens—some modifications are more effective against mold fungi while others work better against grain pathogens. This demonstrates that the fungus uses chemical diversity as a strategy to protect crops from multiple threats.

Inhibition of RNase to Attenuate Fungal-Manipulated Rhizosphere Microbiome and Diseases

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Fusarium fungi cause devastating crop diseases by producing a protein called Fg12 that acts like a molecular weapon to kill beneficial bacteria in the soil around plant roots. Scientists discovered that a simple compound called GMP can block this fungal weapon, preventing the pathogen from suppressing protective bacteria. By treating seeds or soil with GMP, farmers can significantly reduce root rot in soybeans and alfalfa while promoting plant growth.

Isolation and identification of antagonistic fungi for biocontrol of Impatiens hawkeri leaf spot disease and their growth-promoting potential

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Researchers discovered a beneficial fungus called Fusarium solani that prevents leaf spot disease in ornamental Impatiens hawkeri plants. This fungus not only fights the disease-causing pathogen but also promotes seed germination and plant growth. The findings suggest this fungus could replace harmful chemical pesticides while simultaneously acting as a natural fertilizer, benefiting both plant health and the environment.

Research Keyword: biocontrol