biocontrol – Page 8

Strain and contact-dependent metabolomic reprogramming reveals distinct interaction strategies between Laccaria bicolor and Trichoderma

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Scientists studied how two types of fungi interact with each other when grown together. One fungus (Trichoderma) is used as a biocontrol agent to fight harmful fungi, while the other (Laccaria) helps trees grow. By analyzing the chemicals these fungi release both as gases and through their growth medium, researchers found that the fungi communicate and compete with each other differently depending on how close they are. These findings help us understand how fungi interact in soil and could improve the use of biocontrol agents in agriculture.

In Vitro Screening of the Antifungal and Antimycotoxin Effects of a Stilbenoids-Rich Grapevine Cane Extract on Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium expansum

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This study tested a natural extract from grapevine pruning waste to see if it could stop three dangerous fungi that produce harmful toxins in crops. The extract worked well at stopping both fungal growth and toxin production, with effects that lasted even after the extract was removed. These results suggest that grapevine waste could be turned into a natural fungicide to protect crops from contamination.

Genomic Insights into Vaccinium spp. Endophytes B. halotolerans and B. velezensis and Their Antimicrobial Potential

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Scientists discovered that wild berries like blueberries, cranberries, and lingonberries contain beneficial bacteria that can fight harmful fungi and bacteria. These bacteria produce natural antimicrobial compounds similar to how antibiotics work, making them promising candidates for protecting crops without chemical pesticides. The bacteria also help plants absorb nutrients and cope with stress, offering multiple benefits for sustainable agriculture.

Revealing the metabolic potential and environmental adaptation of nematophagous fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, derived from hadal sediment

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Scientists discovered a special fungus living in the deepest part of the ocean (Mariana Trench) that can survive extreme pressure and produce compounds with disease-fighting properties. This fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, showed promise against bacteria, cancer cells, and parasitic worms. The research revealed how this fungus adapts to survive in one of Earth’s most extreme environments, potentially opening new sources for developing medicines and biological pest control.

Microcycle Conidia Production in an Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana: The Role of Chitin Deacetylase in the Conidiation and the Contribution of Nanocoating in Conidial Stability

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This study explores how to produce more fungal spores from Beauveria bassiana, a natural pest control organism, through a process called microcycle conidiation. Scientists found that a specific enzyme, chitin deacetylase, plays a crucial role in this process. They also discovered that coating these spores with nanoparticles made them more resistant to heat and UV light, making them more effective for field application against insect pests like leaf caterpillars. The nanocoated spores maintained their ability to kill pests while being more stable in harsh environmental conditions.

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 fights a fungal disease called Fusarium root rot. Through careful optimization of growing conditions, they increased the bacteria’s effectiveness at killing the harmful fungus by about 15%. When added to wolfberry seedlings, this bacterium not only prevented fungal disease but also boosted plant growth significantly.

Investigating the activity of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum to mitigate Fusarium wilt disease of diverse cultivars of Vicia faba

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Fava beans are damaged by a fungus called Fusarium that causes wilting and crop loss. Scientists tested two beneficial microorganisms—Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis—as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. Trichoderma worked better, reducing disease by over 70% while also boosting plant health and bean production in two different fava bean varieties.

Endophytic fungal community composition and function response to strawberry genotype and disease resistance

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Researchers studied fungi living inside three varieties of strawberry plants to understand why some varieties are more resistant to diseases. They found that disease-resistant strawberries like White Elves naturally harbor beneficial fungi such as Trichoderma and Talaromyces that fight off pathogens, while disease-susceptible varieties like Akihime have more harmful fungi. This discovery could help farmers grow healthier strawberries without relying solely on chemical pesticides by using natural beneficial fungi.

Draft genome sequence of Leptobacillium coffeanum (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales), a freshwater fungus isolated from Bohol, Philippines

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Scientists in the Philippines have sequenced the complete genetic code of a freshwater fungus called Leptobacillium coffeanum, which was found in forest streams in Bohol. This fungus belongs to a family of fungi that can help control pests and produce useful compounds for agriculture and medicine. The complete genetic information is now available to researchers worldwide for studying how this fungus works and finding new ways to use it for practical applications.

Ascosphaera apis as a target for the antifungal activity of symbiotic Bifidobacteria in honey bees

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Researchers found that certain beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium asteroides) living in honey bee guts can fight the fungus that causes chalkbrood disease, a serious condition affecting bee colonies. These bacteria produce natural compounds, especially propanoic acid and ethanol, that kill the fungus and prevent it from growing. This discovery offers a safe, natural alternative to chemical treatments for protecting honeybees from fungal infections while maintaining colony health.

Research Keyword: biocontrol