biological control – Page 5

Effects of Resinous Compounds from Pine Trees on Spore Germination and Mycelial Growth of a Nematophagous Fungus, Esteya vermicola

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Researchers tested whether a beneficial fungus called Esteya vermicola could be injected into pine trees to fight pine wilt disease. However, they discovered that natural resinous compounds found in pine trees strongly inhibit the growth of this fungus. The findings suggest that trunk injection of this fungus may not be an effective treatment because the tree’s own defensive compounds prevent the fungus from establishing itself and fighting the harmful nematodes.

Study of the Antagonism of Biocontrol Strains Against the Blue-Stain Fungus of Rubberwood

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Rubberwood commonly develops blue staining from fungi, which reduces its value. Scientists isolated two beneficial fungi from rubberwood that can prevent this staining by competing with the harmful fungus. Testing showed that one beneficial fungus, Trichoderma reesei, works better than the other and could be used as a natural treatment to protect rubberwood from blue staining without damaging the wood.

Isolation and Characterization of a Native Metarhizium rileyi Strain Mrpgbm2408 from Paralipsa gularis in Maize: First Data on Efficacy and Enzymatic Host Response Dynamics

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Scientists in China discovered a naturally occurring fungus (Metarhizium rileyi) that effectively kills a destructive maize pest called Paralipsa gularis. When the fungus infects the pest larvae, it disrupts their natural defense enzymes and causes high mortality rates. This fungus could replace harmful chemical pesticides and provide a sustainable way to protect crops while protecting the environment.

The Last of Them: Entomopathogenic Effect of Akanthomyces muscarius on the Scale Insect Pest Toumeyella parvicornis Under Laboratory Conditions, a Potential Biological Control Candidate

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Scientists discovered that a fungus called Akanthomyces muscarius can effectively kill tortoise scale insects, an invasive pest damaging European stone pine trees. In laboratory tests, this fungus infected and killed nearly all treated insects within a week, outperforming commercial fungal products. These findings suggest this natural fungus could be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling this destructive pest in urban and natural environments.

Toxicity Assay and Pathogenic Process Analysis of Clonostachys rogersoniana Infecting Cephalcia chuxiongica

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Scientists discovered a fungus called Clonostachys rogersoniana that can kill a major pine forest pest. The fungus enters the pest through small breathing holes called spiracles, which is unusual compared to most fungal infections. Testing showed the fungus kills half the pest population in about 24 hours at relatively low concentrations. This discovery could help protect Chinese pine forests without using harmful chemical pesticides.

Identification and biological characterization of pathogen causing sooty blotch of Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC.

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Researchers identified two fungi causing sooty blotch, a serious disease affecting Ardisia crispa, an important Chinese medicinal plant. The disease creates black mold on leaves that reduces the plant’s ability to produce energy through photosynthesis. The study found that extracts from specific medicinal plants can effectively inhibit the growth of these harmful fungi, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting these valuable medicinal plants.

Assessment of Chemical and Biological Fungicides for the Control of Diplodia mutila Causing Wood Necrosis in Hazelnut

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This study tested different fungicides to control a fungus that causes wood damage and necrosis in hazelnut trees in Chile. Researchers evaluated 30 different products in laboratory tests, pot experiments, and field trials over two growing seasons. The results showed that certain chemical fungicides and beneficial bacteria can effectively reduce damage from this disease, with effectiveness varying based on temperature conditions. These findings provide farmers with practical options for protecting hazelnut orchards from this damaging fungal disease.

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

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This study demonstrates that combining rice husk biochar with Cassia fistula plant extract and beneficial Trichoderma fungus effectively controls a destructive soil disease in chickpea crops. The combined treatment reduced disease occurrence by nearly 50% while improving plant growth and soil health. This eco-friendly approach offers farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their chickpea crops.

Isolation, Identification, Biological Characterization, and Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungus from the Larvae of the Evergestis extimalis (Scopoli) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

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Scientists discovered a fungus called Mucor hiemalis that naturally infects and kills a harmful rapeseed pest known as Evergestis extimalis. They identified the fungus, found the best conditions for growing it in the lab, and tested how well it kills the pest larvae at different life stages. The results show this fungus could be used as a natural, environment-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting rapeseed crops.

Insecticidal Action of Local Isolates of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Bactrocera oleae Pupae

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Olive farmers in Mediterranean countries struggle with the olive fruit fly, which damages olives and reduces oil production. Researchers tested special fungi that naturally infect and kill insects to see if they could control this pest at the soil stage when fly pupae are developing underground. Several fungal species, especially Beauveria bassiana, were effective at reducing survival of emerged adult flies by about 40% compared to untreated flies. This offers a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides that can harm olive oil quality and lose effectiveness over time.

Research Keyword: biological control