biological control – mycolab.ai

Identification and Characterization of Fusarium incarnatum Causing Leaf Spot and Fruit Rot on Luffa in China

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In 2022, luffa farmers in China faced a serious fungal disease causing leaves and fruits to rot. Scientists identified the culprit as Fusarium incarnatum fungus. They also discovered that a beneficial soil bacterium called Bacillus velezensis can fight this fungus and help plants grow better, offering farmers a natural alternative to chemical fungicides.

Bacteria from the Amphibian Skin Inhibit the Growth of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Control Postharvest Rots

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Researchers discovered that bacteria living on frog skin can effectively prevent fungal diseases that rot fruits after harvest. These bacteria work by producing toxic compounds and releasing protective gases that stop fungi like green mold from growing. When applied to citrus, tomatoes, and blueberries, the bacteria significantly reduced fruit rot, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for food preservation.

Corrigendum: Active substances of myxobacteria against plant diseases and their action mechanisms

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Myxobacteria are tiny soil organisms that can attack and destroy disease-causing fungi, bacteria, and water molds that harm plants. These bacteria produce natural enzymes and chemical compounds that break down pathogen cell walls and stop them from growing. This makes myxobacteria promising candidates for environmentally friendly pest control in farming.

Biocontrol effects of Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus subtilis against strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora

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Researchers isolated three beneficial bacteria (two Bacillus velezensis strains and one Bacillus subtilis strain) that effectively fight strawberry root rot disease. These bacteria work by both directly killing the disease-causing fungus and boosting the strawberry plant’s natural immune system. The bacteria can live inside the strawberry plant and soil, providing long-lasting protection. This offers farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their strawberry crops.

Endophytic Beauveria spp. Enhance Tomato Growth and Resistance to Botrytis cinerea via Transcriptomic Regulation

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Researchers tested five types of beneficial fungi from the Beauveria genus to see if they could help tomato plants grow better and resist gray mold disease. They found that all five species could live inside tomato plants and help them grow taller. Most importantly, the fungus Beauveria brongniartii completely protected plants from gray mold infection. By examining which genes were activated in the plants, scientists discovered that these fungi boost the plant’s natural defense systems while also improving photosynthesis.

Screening and Optimization of Solid-State Fermentation for Esteya vermicola, an Entomopathogenic Fungus Against the Major Forest Pest Pine Wood Nematode

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Scientists optimized how to grow large quantities of a beneficial fungus called Esteya vermicola in solid fermentation, which kills the pine wood nematode pest that destroys pine forests. By testing different combinations of ingredients (wheat bran, corn flour, soybean flour, glucose, yeast extract, and magnesium sulfate) and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, inoculation volume, and time), researchers increased fungal spore production more than 4-fold. These results provide a practical method for producing biopesticide products to protect pine forests from this damaging pest.

First Record of Clonostachys rosea as an Entomopathogenic Fungus of the Cephus fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) in China

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Scientists in China discovered a fungus called Clonostachys rosea that naturally kills wheat stem sawfly larvae, a major pest damaging wheat crops. The fungus was isolated from infected larvae and tested for effectiveness against the pest. Laboratory tests showed the fungus can kill sawfly larvae at different concentrations, with the fastest effect at higher spore levels. This discovery offers a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting wheat crops.

Evaluation of Streptomyces sporoverrucosus B-1662 for biological control of red pepper anthracnose and apple bitter rot diseases in Korea

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This research evaluated a naturally occurring bacterium called Streptomyces sporoverrucosus B-1662 as a biological alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling fungal diseases on red peppers and apples. Laboratory and field tests demonstrated that this bacterium can reduce disease symptoms by over 90%, making it a promising option for organic farmers seeking to protect their crops without synthetic chemicals. The study identified the specific compound responsible for the bacterium’s effectiveness and provided detailed information about its genetic makeup.

Novel Antimicrobial Activities of Albofungin, Albonoursin, and Ribonucleosides Produced by Streptomyces sp. Caat 5-35 Against Phytopathogens and Their Potential as a Biocontrol Agent

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Scientists discovered that a soil bacterium called Streptomyces sp. Caat 5-35 produces natural compounds that can kill crop-damaging pathogens. These compounds, including albofungin and albonoursin, showed strong activity against diseases affecting cacao and palm crops. The bacterium also helps plants by breaking down cellulose and making phosphorus more available, making it a promising tool for natural crop protection without synthetic chemicals.

In Vitro and Field Effectiveness of the Combination of Four Trichoderma spp. Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Its Impact on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Crop Production

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This study tested whether four types of beneficial fungi (Trichoderma species) could control white mold disease on potato plants in Mexico. Both laboratory tests and field trials showed these fungi were very effective at killing the disease pathogen and stopping mold formation. Potatoes treated with the fungal mixture produced higher yields than those treated with chemical fungicides alone, suggesting this natural approach could replace many chemical pesticides.

Research Keyword: biological control