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.
Researchers isolated a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis from medicinal plants that can fight against a dangerous fungus causing banana wilt disease. Through laboratory and computer studies, they identified two natural compounds produced by this bacteria that stop the fungus from growing by damaging its cell walls. This discovery offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting banana crops worldwide.
A fungus called Talaromyces pinophilus shows promise as a natural pest controller against Fusarium culmorum, which damages wheat crops worldwide. When applied early to wheat seeds, this beneficial fungus produces enzymes that break down the harmful fungus’s cell walls, completely preventing damage and toxin contamination. However, timing is critical—if applied too late, it can paradoxically increase toxin production, suggesting it works best as a preventative treatment before infection occurs.