sustainable agriculture – Page 2

Essential Oil of Xylopia frutescens Controls Rice Sheath Blight Without Harming the Beneficial Biocontrol Agent Trichoderma asperellum

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Researchers discovered that oil extracted from leaves of a Brazilian plant called Xylopia frutescens effectively kills the fungus that causes rice sheath blight, a serious disease that can destroy rice crops. The oil contains two main compounds that work against the fungus and can be applied before or after infection to prevent or treat the disease. Importantly, the oil doesn’t harm beneficial fungi like Trichoderma asperellum that farmers use as natural pest control, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Chitosan-mediated copper nanohybrid attenuates the virulence of a necrotrophic fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina

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Researchers developed tiny copper particles coated with chitosan (a natural compound from shellfish) that effectively kill a destructive fungus called Macrophomina phaseolina, which damages hundreds of plant species worldwide. When used at the right concentration, these nanoparticles completely stopped the fungus from growing while causing minimal damage to plants. This innovation offers a promising natural alternative to traditional chemical fungicides for protecting crops while being more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Emerging Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Sustainable Agriculture: From Biology to Field Application

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are microscopic fungi that naturally partner with plant roots to help them grow stronger and healthier. These fungi can improve crop productivity without chemical fertilizers by helping plants absorb water and nutrients, resist drought and salty soils, and fight off diseases. Scientists are now developing commercial products containing these beneficial fungi to help farmers grow crops more sustainably and organically.

Enhancing the Nutritional Value and Antioxidant Activity of Auricularia polytricha Through Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Waste

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Researchers successfully grew Auricularia polytricha mushrooms using agricultural waste like cotton, coix seed, and wheat straw instead of expensive wood chips. The mushrooms grown this way not only matured 16 days faster but also contained significantly more nutrients including proteins, minerals, and beneficial compounds with antioxidant properties. This approach provides an affordable, environmentally friendly solution while producing healthier mushrooms.

Rice varietal intercropping mediates resistance to rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) through core root exudates

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Growing different varieties of rice together can help protect susceptible rice plants from blast disease. When resistant and susceptible rice varieties are planted together, the resistant plants release special chemicals from their roots that help the susceptible plants fight off the fungal disease. Scientists identified four key chemicals—azelaic acid, sebacic acid, betaine, and phenyl acetate—that work together to boost the immune system of susceptible rice plants and directly kill the blast fungus.

Slime molds (Myxomycetes) causing a “disease” in crop plants and cultivated mushrooms

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Slime molds are not true plant diseases but can harm crops by covering leaves and blocking sunlight and water loss. These organisms prefer wet, organic-rich environments and are particularly problematic in mushroom farming. Farmers can prevent problems by managing moisture, improving ventilation, and removing affected materials, with chemical sprays available as backup options when needed.

Leucocalocybe mongolica Fungus Enhances Rice Growth by Reshaping Root Metabolism, and Hormone-Associated Pathways

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Researchers discovered that a special fungus called Leucocalocybe mongolica, when added to soil, significantly improves rice plant growth without requiring chemical fertilizers. Plants grown in fungus-treated soil developed more branches (tillers), had longer roots, and contained more chlorophyll, making them greener and healthier. The study revealed that the fungus works by altering soil nutrients and triggering specific genes in rice roots that boost growth-promoting hormones and improve how plants process energy.

Bioprospecting and mechanistic insights of Trichoderma spp. for suppression of Ganoderma-induced basal stem rot in oil palm

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Scientists discovered that a fungus called Trichoderma afroharzianum can effectively fight a serious disease in oil palm trees caused by another fungus, Ganoderma. This beneficial fungus works by producing natural chemicals and enzymes that kill the harmful pathogen and also helps the plants grow better. The research shows this could be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting oil palm plantations, especially as climate changes and farming conditions vary.

Biotechnological Applications of Mushrooms under the Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Crucial Aspects and Prospects from Farm to Pharmacy

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Mushrooms are emerging as a powerful solution for solving global food, water, and energy challenges. Scientists are using biotechnology to produce tiny healing particles from mushrooms, clean up polluted soil and water, create renewable energy, and extract beneficial compounds for medicine and health. This review shows how integrated mushroom farming can help achieve sustainable development goals while reducing waste and supporting human wellbeing.

The Biological Product Agricultural Jiaosu Enhances Tomato Resistance to Botrytis cinerea

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Agricultural Jiaosu is a fermented product made from plant waste that effectively controls gray mold disease in tomatoes through two mechanisms: it directly kills the fungus with organic acids, and it strengthens the plant’s natural defenses. When applied as a spray to tomato leaves once a week, it reduced disease by 55%, made plants grow taller and stronger, and boosted the plants’ protective enzymes. This natural alternative to chemical fungicides offers a sustainable and safe way to protect tomato crops while maintaining environmental health.

Research Keyword: sustainable agriculture