Research Topic: sustainable agriculture

Study of the Herbicidal Potential and Infestation Mechanism of Fusarium oxysporum JZ-5 on Six Broadleaved Weeds

Scientists isolated a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum from diseased weeds and tested whether it could help farmers control unwanted plants naturally. The fungus showed strong promise against several common weeds, especially henbit deadnettle, while remaining safe for important crops like barley, wheat, and potatoes. Electron microscope observations revealed that the fungus invades weeds through tiny pores on leaves and spreads across the leaf surface. This discovery offers farmers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical herbicides for sustainable agriculture.

Read More »

Bio-stimulants for plant growth promotion and sustainable management of Rhizoctonia Solani causing black scurf of potato tubers

Researchers tested natural treatments called bio-stimulants to help potato plants fight black scurf disease caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani. They found that combining mycorrhizal fungi with seaweed extract was the most effective at reducing disease and improving potato quality. These natural treatments can enhance plant growth and tuber yield while reducing the need for chemical fungicides, making them valuable for sustainable potato farming.

Read More »

Evaluating Beauveria bassiana Strains for Insect Pest Control and Endophytic Colonization in Wheat

Scientists tested three strains of a beneficial fungus called Beauveria bassiana to control crop-damaging insects and promote wheat growth. The best-performing strain, CBM1, successfully killed multiple types of pest insects and colonized wheat plants when applied to the soil. Wheat plants colonized with this fungus grew taller with longer roots and showed significantly better protection against fall armyworms, suggesting this fungus could be a valuable tool for sustainable, pesticide-free crop protection.

Read More »

Biocomposites Based on Mould Biomass and Waste Fibres for the Production of Agrotextiles: Technology Development, Material Characterization, and Agricultural Application

Researchers developed a new biodegradable material for agriculture made from mould mycelium and waste plant fibres. This eco-friendly crop cover can be used instead of synthetic plastic sheets that damage soil and pollute it with microplastics. The material breaks down naturally in soil within 10 days and can help seeds germinate better, offering farmers a sustainable alternative for protecting their crops.

Read More »

Bacillus subtilis ED24 Controls Fusarium culmorum in Wheat Through Bioactive Metabolite Secretion and Modulation of Rhizosphere Microbiome

A beneficial bacteria called Bacillus subtilis ED24 was found to effectively protect wheat plants from a destructive fungal disease called Fusarium culmorum. When applied to wheat seeds, this bacteria improved seed germination and plant growth better than a commercial chemical fungicide, while also promoting helpful microorganisms in the soil around the plant roots. The bacteria works by producing special chemical compounds that kill the harmful fungus and by enriching the soil microbiome with beneficial organisms.

Read More »

In Vitro Mycorrhization for Plant Propagation and Enhanced Resilience to Environmental Stress: A Review

This review examines how beneficial fungi called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be grown alongside plants in laboratory conditions to improve plant growth and stress tolerance. These fungi form partnerships with plant roots, helping them absorb more nutrients and water while protecting them from diseases and environmental stress. By combining this mycorrhizal inoculation with plant tissue culture techniques, scientists can produce large numbers of healthier, more resilient plants for agriculture.

Read More »

Identification and potential of the hyperparasite Acremonium persicinum as biocontrol agent against coffee leaf rust

Coffee plants are severely damaged by a fungal disease called coffee leaf rust that destroys leaves and can reduce harvests by over 70%. Scientists in China discovered a beneficial fungus called Acremonium persicinum that acts as a natural enemy to the rust-causing fungus, essentially eating and destroying it. Laboratory tests showed this beneficial fungus prevented rust infection in 91% of cases and completely stopped the disease from spreading when applied to infected coffee leaves. This natural biological control offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting coffee crops.

Read More »

Isolation and characterization of a new Leptobacillium species promoting tomato plant growth

Researchers discovered a new beneficial fungus called Leptobacillium that lives inside tomato plant roots without causing harm. When tomato seeds were treated with this fungus, the plants grew better, had more chlorophyll in their leaves, and produced tastier fruits with higher levels of lycopene, a beneficial compound in tomatoes. This discovery suggests the fungus could be used to improve tomato crop production naturally, reducing the need for chemical inputs and helping plants cope with heat stress.

Read More »

Research on Development and Challenges of Forest Food Resources from an Industrial Perspective—Alternative Protein Food Industry as an Example

As the global population grows, we need new sources of protein to feed everyone sustainably. Scientists are developing four main types of alternative proteins from forests: edible insects, plants, microorganisms like mushrooms and yeast, and lab-grown meat. While these technologies show tremendous promise and are already appearing in stores, they still face challenges like high costs, safety concerns, and consumer hesitation. Solving these problems will require better research, clearer safety standards, and coordinated efforts across industries and governments.

Read More »

Fermentation of cocoa pod husks with Pleurotus salmoneo-stramineus for food applications

Researchers found a way to transform cocoa pod husks, a major waste product from cocoa production, into a nutritious food ingredient by fermenting them with a special mushroom fungus. The fermented product had nearly triple the protein content of the original husks and maintained high fiber levels, making it comparable to meat in protein quality. This innovation could help cocoa farmers create additional income while reducing waste and supporting more sustainable cocoa production.

Read More »
Scroll to Top