sustainable agriculture – Page 3

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.

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.

Synergistic curative effects of Trichoderma hamatum and Rumex dentatus against Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of tomato leaf spot disease

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This research discovered that combining a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma hamatum with an extract from Rumex dentatus plant effectively controls tomato leaf spot disease. When used together, these natural treatments reduced disease by over 88% and even outperformed commercial fungicides. The combined treatment also boosted plant health by increasing growth and natural defense mechanisms, offering farmers an affordable and environmentally safe alternative to chemical pesticides.

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.

Maize Cultivation in Sun Mushroom Post-Harvest Areas: Yield, Soil Chemical Properties, and Economic Viability

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This research shows that farmers can grow maize right after harvesting sun mushrooms, using the leftover mushroom material as natural fertilizer. This approach reduces the need for expensive chemical fertilizers while maintaining good crop yields. The system is particularly beneficial for small-scale farmers in Brazil, as it allows them to grow food year-round on the same land while saving money on fertilizer costs.

In Vitro and Field Effectiveness of the Combination of Four Trichoderma spp. Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Its Impact on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Crop Production

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This study tested whether four types of beneficial fungi (Trichoderma species) could control white mold disease on potato plants in Mexico. Both laboratory tests and field trials showed these fungi were very effective at killing the disease pathogen and stopping mold formation. Potatoes treated with the fungal mixture produced higher yields than those treated with chemical fungicides alone, suggesting this natural approach could replace many chemical pesticides.

Nocardia mangyaensis NH1: A Biofertilizer Candidate with Tolerance to Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Antibiotics

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Scientists studied a soil bacterium called Nocardia mangyaensis NH1 as a potential natural fertilizer for farms. The bacteria can survive exposure to common pesticides and heavy metals in contaminated soils, making it useful for sustainable agriculture. It has few antibiotic resistance genes, which is important for preventing the spread of resistant bacteria, and its genome is relatively stable and lacks harmful genes, making it safe for agricultural use.

Microbial-mediated induced resistance: interactive effects for improving crop health

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This research explores how beneficial microbes like Trichoderma fungi and Bacillus bacteria can help plants naturally defend themselves against diseases. These microbes trigger the plant’s built-in immune system through chemical signals and molecular processes similar to how our immune system responds to threats. The approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting crops, though effectiveness varies depending on environmental conditions.

Dietary Pineapple Pomace Complex Improves Growth Performance and Reduces Fecal Odor in Weaned Piglets by Modulating Fecal Microbiota, SCFAs, and Indoles

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Pineapple pomace, a leftover byproduct from pineapple processing, was tested as a feed ingredient for young piglets. When added at 2% to their diet, it significantly improved their growth rate and feed efficiency better than expensive imported fish meal. The pineapple pomace also made the pigs’ manure smell better by reducing foul-smelling compounds, while increasing beneficial gut bacteria that improve digestion and health.

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.

Research Topic: sustainable agriculture