biocontrol – Page 6

Beauveria felina Accelerates Growth When Competing With Other Potential Endophytes

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Scientists studied how Beauveria felina, a fungus used to control crop pests, grows when living alongside other fungi naturally found in plants. They discovered that instead of being inhibited by competitors, B. felina actually grew much faster when other fungi were present. In some cases, an inhibition zone formed between B. felina and one competitor fungus, suggesting they produce chemicals that affect each other’s growth. These findings suggest B. felina could be a good biocontrol agent, but researchers need to study longer-term effects before using it widely on farms.

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

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Researchers discovered a key protein switch in a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma guizhouense that helps it survive harmful oxidative stress. This fungus is used as a natural pesticide to protect crops from disease. The protein, called TgZct4, acts like a master controller that turns on the fungus’s defense systems when it encounters damaging chemical stress, making it more resilient and effective at protecting plants.

Biocontrol of Fusarium solani: Antifungal Activity of Chitosan and Induction of Defence Enzymes

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Chitosan, a natural substance made from shrimp and crab shells, effectively protects tomato plants from a dangerous fungal disease called Fusarium solani root rot. When applied to plants, chitosan directly damages the fungus and simultaneously strengthens the plant’s own defence systems through increased enzyme activity. This makes chitosan a safer, more sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides while also promoting better plant growth.

Biocontrol of Cercospora leaf spot in sugar beet by a novel Bacillus velezensis KT27 strain: Enhanced antifungal activity and growth promotion in laboratory and field conditions

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This research demonstrates that a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis KT27 can effectively control a common fungal disease in sugar beet crops. The bacteria fights the disease by producing natural antifungal compounds and can be further enhanced by exposure to inactivated fungal pathogens. Field trials showed the bacterial treatment provided disease protection almost as good as chemical fungicides while also promoting plant growth and increasing sugar beet yield by up to 15%.

In vitro biocontrol potential of plant extract-based formulation against infection structures of Phytophthora infestans along with lower non-target effects

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Researchers tested a plant extract-based treatment against late blight, a serious disease affecting potatoes and tomatoes caused by Phytophthora infestans. The formulated product was highly effective at very low concentrations, stopping the disease at multiple stages of infection. Importantly, it had minimal harmful effects on beneficial microorganisms, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides.

Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma Ghanense and Trichoderma Citrinoviride toward Pythium aphanidermatum

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Researchers identified two native Trichoderma fungi species that can protect cucumber plants from a destructive soil disease caused by Pythium. In laboratory and greenhouse tests, these beneficial fungi blocked pathogen growth and significantly improved plant survival and growth compared to untreated plants. These findings suggest these natural fungi could replace harmful chemical fungicides for protecting cucumbers and other crops.

Screening, Identification, and Fermentation Optimization of the Antagonistic Actinomycete Strain TCS21-117 Against Botrytis cinerea

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Scientists isolated a beneficial bacterium called Streptomyces roietensis from soil that effectively fights gray mold, a serious fungal disease affecting crops worldwide. They identified the strain and optimized growing conditions to maximize production of antifungal compounds, achieving 93% effectiveness against gray mold. This discovery offers a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting agricultural crops, potentially reducing crop losses and environmental pollution.

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

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Morels are valuable mushrooms threatened by fungal wilt disease in China. Researchers isolated two beneficial bacteria (Streptomyces) from morel soil that naturally fight the fungal disease. When applied to morel fields, these bacteria reduced disease and increased mushroom yield by 30% compared to untreated fields. This represents a natural, eco-friendly solution to protect morel crops and boost production without chemical fungicides.

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

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Astragalus (a valuable traditional Chinese herb) often develops root rot disease caused by harmful fungi. Researchers identified the specific fungi causing this disease and tested various chemical fungicides and beneficial bacteria to control it. Carbendazim fungicide and a biocontrol bacterium called KRS006 proved most effective, suggesting a combination approach could protect this important medicinal plant from disease.

Verticillium-like Anamorphic Fungi in Sordariomycetes from Southwestern China: Two New Taxa and a New Record

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Researchers discovered two new fungal species in southwestern China’s rainforests: Leptobacillium gasaense and Ovicillium yunnanense. They also documented the asexual reproductive structures of Muscodor coffeanus, an endophytic fungus known for producing antibiotic compounds. These findings expand our understanding of beneficial fungi that can control pests and diseases in agriculture and forestry.

Research Keyword: biocontrol