sustainable agriculture – Page 5

One-Health Approach to Managing Aflatoxin-Producing Aspergillus flavus Using Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus spp

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This study shows that leftover substrate from growing oyster and red mushrooms can work together with a common antifungal fungicide to better prevent harmful Aspergillus fungi from contaminating corn. The combination of mushroom waste and fungicide was more effective than using either alone, and could potentially reduce the amount of chemicals needed in agriculture while protecting the environment and preventing drug resistance.

Native Bacteria Are Effective Biocontrol Agents at a Wide Range of Temperatures of Neofusicoccum parvum, Associated with Botryosphaeria Dieback on Grapevine

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Researchers from Chile identified native bacteria (specifically Pseudomonas strains) that effectively prevent a destructive fungal disease affecting grapevines. These bacteria can work across a wide range of temperatures and significantly reduce fungal growth both in laboratory tests and in actual vineyard conditions. This discovery offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting grapevines, particularly important as younger vines appear more vulnerable to infection.

Response of Chaetomium sp. to Nitrogen Input and Its Potential Role in Rhizosphere Enrichment of Lycium barbarum

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Goji berries grow better when treated with a beneficial fungus called Chaetomium, especially when combined with proper nitrogen management. This fungus helps regulate nitrogen cycling in the soil and promotes plant growth more effectively than nitrogen fertilizer alone. The research suggests that farmers can reduce nitrogen fertilizer use while maintaining or improving crop productivity by using this fungal inoculant, which is better for the environment.

Algae and Cyanobacteria Fatty Acids and Bioactive Metabolites: Natural Antifungal Alternative Against Fusarium sp.

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Fusarium fungi cause serious crop diseases that farmers traditionally treat with chemical fungicides, but these chemicals harm the environment and create resistant fungi. Scientists are finding that algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce natural compounds like fatty acids that can fight these fungi effectively. This research shows promising results for developing natural, environmentally-friendly fungicides that could help farmers protect crops without chemical damage.

Efficient conversion of tea residue nutrients: Screening and proliferation of edible fungi

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Researchers developed an environmentally friendly method to convert tea waste into nutritious fungal protein using edible mushrooms. By testing six different fungal species, they found that Monascus kaoliang B6 was most efficient at breaking down the complex fiber structures in tea residue and converting them into fungal biomass. This sustainable process eliminates the need for chemical treatments and harsh conditions, turning agricultural waste into valuable food ingredients.

Sunlight-sensitive carbon dots for plant immunity priming and pathogen defence

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Scientists developed special tiny carbon particles that respond to sunlight by producing molecules that strengthen plant defenses against fungi. When sprayed on plants like tomato and tobacco, these particles trigger the plant’s natural immune system, reducing fungal diseases by 12-44% without harming the plant. At higher concentrations with continuous sunlight, the particles can directly kill fungal pathogens. This eco-friendly approach offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides while maintaining crop yields.

Trichoderma brevicompactum 6311: Prevention and Control of Phytophthora capsici and Its Growth-Promoting Effect

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Researchers isolated a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma brevicompactum from pepper plant soil that can fight a serious disease affecting peppers worldwide. This fungus not only kills the disease-causing pathogen but also helps pepper plants grow better. The study shows this fungus works through multiple mechanisms including wrapping around harmful fungi and producing growth-promoting compounds. This offers farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting their pepper crops.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part II

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This research tested six common culinary essential oils to see if they could prevent fungi from growing on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified four types of harmful fungi that cause banana rot and tested how well oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, cinnamon, and basil oils could stop them. The results showed that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils were most effective at stopping fungal growth, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that consumers want to avoid.

Hass Avocado (Persea americana Mill) Peel Extract Reveals Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties against Verticillium theobromae, Colletotrichum musae, and Aspergillus niger Pathogens Affecting Musa acuminata Colla Species, in Ecuador

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Researchers tested whether avocado peel waste could help protect banana crops from fungal diseases. They extracted beneficial compounds from avocado peels and tested them against three harmful fungi that affect bananas. The results showed the extract worked best against one type of fungus and had good antioxidant properties, suggesting avocado peel could be a natural and sustainable way to protect banana crops.

Native Fungi as a Nature-Based Solution to Mitigate Toxic Metal(loid) Accumulation in Rice

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Researchers tested whether beneficial fungi from contaminated rice paddies could help reduce toxic metal buildup in rice plants. When rice was grown in heavy metal-contaminated soil under alternate wet and dry conditions and treated with native fungi, arsenic levels dropped dramatically by up to 75%. This nature-based approach offers a sustainable way to grow safe food in polluted soils without expensive chemical treatments.

Research Topic: sustainable agriculture