Research Topic: Biological control agents

Bacteria from the Amphibian Skin Inhibit the Growth of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Control Postharvest Rots

Researchers discovered that bacteria living on frog skin can effectively prevent fungal diseases that rot fruits after harvest. These bacteria work by producing toxic compounds and releasing protective gases that stop fungi like green mold from growing. When applied to citrus, tomatoes, and blueberries, the bacteria significantly reduced fruit rot, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for food preservation.

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The Function of Chitinases CmCH1 and CmCH10 in the Interaction of Coniothyrium minitans and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Scientists studied two enzyme genes in a fungus that eats other harmful fungi. When they removed one gene at a time, the fungus still worked fine. But when they removed both genes together, the fungus grew slower and couldn’t attack its target fungus as effectively. This shows that these genes work together as a team to help the fungus do its job as a natural pest control agent.

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Streptomyces-Based Bioformulation to Control Wilt of Morchella sextelata Caused by Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola

Researchers discovered two beneficial bacteria called Streptomyces that can protect morel mushrooms from a harmful fungus causing wilt disease. When applied to morel cultivation fields, these bacteria not only prevented disease but also increased mushroom yields by about 30% compared to untreated fields. This natural biocontrol approach offers farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments while boosting their harvests.

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Characterization of a bacterial strain T226 and its efficacy in controlling post-harvest citrus anthracnose

Researchers identified a beneficial bacterium called Lysobacter enzymogenes (strain T226) that effectively prevents citrus fruit rot caused by anthracnose fungus. This bacterium was isolated from soil and showed stable antimicrobial properties even after repeated culture transfers. When applied to citrus fruits, it reduced disease incidence by over 61% under natural storage conditions, performing better than the chemical fungicide prochloraz, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative for protecting stored citrus.

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

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.

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

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.

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