biological control – Page 3

Dynamic proteomic changes and ultrastructural insights into Pochonia chlamydosporia’s parasitism of Parascaris equorum eggs

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Scientists studied how a special fungus called Pochonia chlamydosporia attacks and destroys parasitic worm eggs. Using advanced microscopy and protein analysis, they tracked the fungus through three stages of infection and identified the specific proteins and processes it uses to break down the worm eggs. This research helps us understand how this fungus works so it can be better used as a natural pest control method to protect animals from harmful parasites.

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy reveals unique properties of Trichoderma harzianum cell wall components

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Scientists used advanced spectroscopy techniques to examine the cell wall structure of Trichoderma harzianum, a beneficial fungus used to protect crops from harmful fungi. They discovered that this fungus has a uniquely organized cell wall composed of tough chitin layers inside and flexible sugar polymers outside. This special arrangement helps protect the fungus from dissolving itself with its own powerful enzymes while allowing it to attack pest fungi effectively.

Effect of Rare, Locally Isolated Entomopathogenic Fungi on the Survival of Bactrocera oleae Pupae in Laboratory Soil Conditions

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This study tested different types of beneficial fungi to control olive fruit flies, which are major pests in Mediterranean olive groves. Researchers found that several fungi species, particularly those from the Aspergillus genus, can effectively kill olive fly pupae when applied to soil. The results suggest these fungi could be developed into biological pesticides to protect olive crops without harmful chemical insecticides.

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

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Researchers discovered that a bacterium called Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 can effectively prevent harmful fungi from damaging cereal seeds like wheat, barley, oats, and rye. When seeds were treated with this beneficial bacterium, it successfully eliminated or greatly reduced three dangerous fungal pathogens while also helping the seeds germinate better. This natural approach offers a promising environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting grain crops.

Fungi from Anopheles darlingi Root, 1926, larval breeding sites in the Brazilian Amazon

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Researchers discovered and identified 206 fungal strains from 30 different types living in mosquito breeding waters in the Amazon. These fungi come from three main groups, with the most common fungi being Paraconiothyrium, Fusarium, and Microsphaeropsis. The findings show that natural water habitats with vegetation and fish support more diverse fungi than human-altered environments. Some of these fungi could potentially be used to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes naturally.

Tackling Conifer Needle Cast and Ash Dieback with Host-Derived Microbial Antagonists Exhibiting Plant Growth-Promoting Traits

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Scientists discovered native bacteria from European ash and Scots pine trees that can fight two destructive forest diseases: ash dieback and needle cast. These bacteria not only inhibit the disease-causing fungi but also help trees grow better by improving nutrient uptake. This natural approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to fungicide sprays for protecting forests.

Xenorhabdus spp.: An Overview of the Useful Facets of Mutualistic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

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Xenorhabdus bacteria are tiny organisms that naturally live inside microscopic worms used for pest control. These bacteria produce powerful substances that can kill harmful insects, fungi, and plant-damaging worms without using toxic chemical pesticides. Scientists are discovering new types of these bacteria and their compounds, which could help create safer products for farming and disease control. This research shows these beneficial microbes could replace harmful chemicals in agriculture.

Introducing a global database of entomopathogenic fungi and their host associations

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Scientists have created a global database called EntomoFun 1.0 that brings together information about fungi that naturally infect insects and other arthropods. The database contains nearly 1,800 records of different fungal species and the insects they infect, collected from scientific literature and museum specimens. This resource helps researchers understand where these fungi are found, which insects they target, and how they might be used for pest control or studied for their ecological importance.

Bioprospecting of four Beauveria bassiana strains and their potential as biological control agents for Anastrepha ludens Loew 1873 (Diptera: Tephritidae)

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Researchers tested four strains of a beneficial fungus called Beauveria bassiana from Mexico to see if they could control the Mexican fruit fly, a major pest that damages mango and orange crops. The fungus naturally infects insects and kills them. Tests showed that all four strains were very effective at killing adult fruit flies, with the best performance at higher spore concentrations. These locally adapted fungal strains may work better than imported alternatives for farmers in the Veracruz region.

Molecular characterization of four novel mycoviruses in entomopathogenic and nematophagous fungi

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Scientists discovered four new types of viruses that infect specific fungi used for pest control. These fungi naturally kill insects and parasitic worms, making them valuable alternatives to chemical pesticides. Understanding the viruses in these beneficial fungi could help improve their effectiveness as biological control agents and reveal new ecological relationships.

Research Keyword: biological control