biocontrol – Page 10

Advances in submerged liquid fermentation and formulation of entomopathogenic fungi

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This paper reviews how scientists are improving the production of natural fungal pesticides that kill insect pests. Instead of growing fungi on grains in bags, researchers are using large fermentation tanks similar to those used in food and beverage production. These tanks can produce beneficial fungal cells more quickly and efficiently, with better quality control and safety. The paper discusses different types of fungal cells produced, how to make them stable for storage and field use, and how this technology could replace older production methods worldwide.

Identification of a Novel Pathogen of Peanut Root Rot, Ceratobasidium sp. AG-A, and the Potential of Selected Bacterial Biocontrol Agents

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Scientists in China discovered a new fungal disease causing peanut root rot, identified as Ceratobasidium sp. AG-A. They tested three types of beneficial bacteria as natural pest control agents and found they effectively inhibited the disease-causing fungus while promoting peanut plant growth. These findings offer farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managing this newly identified threat to peanut crops.

Volatile Metabolome and Transcriptomic Analysis of Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 During Competitive Interaction with Sclerotium rolfsii Reveals New Biocontrol Insights

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Researchers studied how a beneficial bacterium called K. cowanii fights against a harmful soil fungus (S. rolfsii) that damages crops like chili peppers. The bacterium produces special smelly compounds (VOCs) that kill the fungus. When these compounds are present, the bacterium activates specific genes that help it produce substances to protect itself and inhibit fungal growth. This research could help farmers use natural biocontrol instead of chemical fungicides.

Enzymatic, cellular breakdown and lysis in treatment of Beauveria brongniartii on Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775)

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Scientists tested a natural fungus called Beauveria brongniartii as a pest control solution for tobacco cutworms (Spodoptera litura), which damage crops. The fungus was highly effective at killing the pest at all life stages, with 98% success against eggs and 96% against larvae. Importantly, the fungus was safe for earthworms and other non-target organisms, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides that harm beneficial species and the soil.

Identification of an antifungal lipopeptide from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 inhibiting the growth of Fusarium graminearum using preparative chromatography and 2D-NMR

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Researchers identified a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 that naturally produces fengycin, a powerful antifungal compound. This compound can kill disease-causing fungi like Fusarium graminearum that contaminate animal feed and produce harmful toxins. The bacteria also breaks down dangerous toxins called zearalenone, making it a potential natural solution for protecting livestock feed from fungal contamination.

Mycorrhizal symbiosis and application of vitamin B3-treated Trichoderma Harzianum HE24 additively trigger immunity responses in faba bean plants against Rhizoctonia root rot and promote the plant growth and yield

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Researchers found that combining a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum with vitamin B3 and mycorrhizal fungi can effectively protect faba bean plants from root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani. This combined treatment boosted the plant’s natural defense systems and significantly improved plant growth and seed production. The approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling this destructive plant disease.

Abscisic Acid Metabolizing Rhodococcus sp. Counteracts Phytopathogenic Effects of Abscisic Acid Producing Botrytis sp. on Sunflower Seedlings

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Researchers discovered that a beneficial soil bacterium (Rhodococcus sp.) can protect sunflower plants from a harmful fungus (Botrytis sp.) by breaking down a plant stress hormone (ABA) that the fungus produces to weaken plant defenses. Unlike other protection methods that kill the fungus or boost immune responses, this bacterium works by removing the fungus’s chemical weapon. This discovery suggests new ways to protect crops from diseases.

Microbe-induced gene silencing of fungal gene confers efficient resistance against Fusarium graminearum in maize

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Scientists developed a new method called microbe-induced gene silencing (MIGS) to protect maize crops from a destructive fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which causes stalk rot. They engineered a beneficial fungus (Trichoderma harzianum) to produce small RNA molecules that target and disable a critical gene in the pathogenic fungus, weakening its ability to infect plants. When maize seedlings were grown with this engineered beneficial fungus, they showed significantly better growth and reduced fungal infection compared to untreated plants. This approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and does not require genetically modifying the crop itself.

Biocontrol of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae on Indonesian Local Garlic Plants (Lumbu Hijau) Using a Consortium of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B1 and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

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Researchers in Indonesia developed a natural way to protect garlic plants from a serious fungal disease using a combination of beneficial bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and fungi (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi). When applied together, these microorganisms reduced disease by 84% while also making the garlic plants grow taller and produce more biomass. This provides farmers with an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Impact of Oxalic Acid Consumption and pH on the In Vitro Biological Control of Oxalogenic Phytopathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists studied how bacteria that eat oxalic acid can control a destructive plant fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fungus produces oxalic acid to damage crops, but when special bacteria consume this acid, they change the soil pH to become more alkaline, which the fungus cannot tolerate. This research shows that pH changes are just as important as removing the acid itself for controlling this pathogenic fungus in agriculture.

Research Topic: biocontrol