Research Keyword: biological control agents

Exploring fungal pathogens to control the plant invasive Rubus niveus on Galapagos Island San Cristobal

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Scientists in the Galapagos Islands are working to control an invasive raspberry plant (Rubus niveus) that has taken over about 30,000 hectares and is damaging native species. Rather than using costly manual removal or herbicides, researchers isolated and tested five different fungi found naturally on diseased raspberry plants to see if they could be used as biological control agents. These five fungi—including species like Colletotrichum and Fusarium—showed promise by causing leaf damage to the raspberry plant, offering hope for a more sustainable pest management solution.

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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

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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.

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The Impact of Insecticides on Mycelial Growth of Metarhizium spp. and Their Efficacy in Controlling Larvae and Pupae of the House Fly (Musca domestica L.)

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This study tested fungal organisms called Metarhizium as a natural way to control house flies without relying solely on chemical insecticides. Researchers found that two fungal isolates were very effective at killing house fly larvae and pupae. Importantly, these fungi could still work well even when grown alongside certain pyrethroid insecticides, making them useful for integrated pest management approaches that combine multiple control methods.

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New entomopathogenic species in the Clavicipitaceae family (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) from the subtropical forests of Fujian, China

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Scientists discovered four new or newly recorded fungal species in the forests of Fujian, China that infect insects and could potentially be used for natural pest control. These fungi belong to a family called Clavicipitaceae and were identified using advanced genetic analysis combined with microscopic examination. The findings demonstrate that there is still much to discover about fungal diversity in Chinese subtropical forests, which could help develop more environmentally friendly pest management strategies.

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Integrated use of biochar, Cassia fistula, and Trichoderma for sustainable management of Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea

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Researchers tested a natural approach to protect chickpea crops from a harmful soil fungus called Sclerotium rolfsii. They combined three natural substances: charred rice husks (biochar), an extract from the Cassia fistula plant, and a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum. The results showed this combination significantly reduced disease by 45% while also making plants grow stronger and healthier, offering farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

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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.

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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.

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