The escalating challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds, exemplified by Euphorbia heterophylla L. (wild poinsettia), threatens agricultural sustainability in Brazil. Overreliance on synthetic herbicides has led to environmental degradation and increased production costs, necessitating eco-friendly alternatives. This study explores the phytotoxic potential of aqueous extracts (decoction and infusion) from Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil. (yerba mate) as a bioherbicide against E. heterophylla. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified nine major compounds in aqueous extracts (decoction and infusion), with caffeine and neochlorogenic acid being the most abundant. In vitro assays demonstrated that both decoction and infusion extracts at concentrations 4% and 6% completely inhibited seed germination and seedling formation of E. heterophylla, with lower concentrations (2%) significantly reducing germination speed and increasing mean germination time. Glasshouse experiments revealed mild to moderate leaf damage (scales 2-3) from 4% extracts, without affecting height or true leaf emergence. Field trials indicated temporal stability in development, with extracts promoting slight biomass increases (root/shoot ratio) and modulating antioxidants and pigments (chlorophyll A, cholorphyll B, carotenoids), showing positive correlations with growth traits and less severity than glyphosate. Aqueous extracts of I. paraguariensis exhibit strong allelopathic potential against E. heterophylla, particularly during germination, offering a biodegradable bioherbicide option for integrated pest management. While less toxic to mature plants, their selectivity and scalability warrant further field optimization to enhance sustainable agriculture, reducing environmental impacts and herbicide resistance. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of some nanostructures (Cu2O and TiO2) as resistance inducers and antifungal agents against Alternaria solani, which is responsible for early blight in potatoes. The induction of resistance by these nanostructures in potatoes was demonstrated by comparing the expression of defense genes and free amino acid content in treated and untreated plants. However, the direct antifungal activity of these nanostructures was evaluated by assessing their ability to inhibit Alternaria solani growth in vitro and reduce early blight severity in the field. The results revealed that the tested nanostructures demonstrated their high ability to inhibit the growth of Alternaria solani with inhibition percentages reaching 97% and 100% compared to the untreated control. Under field conditions, potato plants treated with the tested nanostructures showed a significant reduction in pathogen severity reaching 60% compared to the untreated control. The results of the stimulatory effect of the tested nanostructures showed a marked increase in the expression of defense and pathogen-associated genes (pathogen-associated protein 1b and 12-oxo-phytodiinoate reductase 3) in the treated compared to untreated plants. Furthermore, potato plants treated with the tested nanostructures exhibited a higher content of free amino acids compared to untreated control. Finally, the tested nanostructures significantly improved potato growth characteristics and yield compared to the untreated control. Using these nanostructures may be a new strategy to manage this pathogen in potatoes, but more research should be done on their impact on humans and the environment. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ralstonia solanacearum poses a severe threat to global agriculture due to its broad host range, high dispersal capacity, and limited chemical control options. Plant immune inducers provide an effective strategy for controlling bacterial wilt disease. This study demonstrated a natural-derived compound esculetin (ES) serves as a novel plant immune inducer against tobacco bacterial wilt. Foliar application of ES exhibits considerable control effect on tobacco bacterial wilt, with control efficacy is high as 45.41%-68.69%, significantly higher than positive control treatment-benzothiadiazole (BTH). ES activates systemic acquired resistance (SAR) by upregulating transcriptional level of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, enhancing defense-related enzyme activity and salicylic acid (SA) accumulation. Transcriptomic analyses reveal that ES induces expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, SA biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid pathway and brassinosteroid biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, ES confers broad-spectrum resistance against other diseases like tobacco target spot, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), wildfire disease and tobacco black shank. The study reveals a novel plant immunity inducer ES that confers broad-spectrum resistance against R. solanacearum by activating the SA-mediated SAR pathway, which provides a sustainable application of ES on bacterial wilt and other plant diseases in the future. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

A preliminary screening identified a multiple herbicide-resistant waterhemp, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer, accession (A101) exhibiting resistance to 2,4-D and atrazine despite no prior exposure to these herbicides. Therefore, our objective was to characterize resistance to 2,4-D, atrazine, glyphosate, fomesafen, and mesotrione in A101, along with two additional multiple herbicide-resistant accessions (A75 and A103). A101 exhibited low to medium levels of resistance to all five herbicides evaluated (ranging from 1.8-fold for mesotrione to 8.5-fold for fomesafen). Both A75 and A103 also had multiple resistance to glyphosate and atrazine, with A75 and A103 additionally resistant to 2,4-D and fomesafen, respectively. Amplification of EPSPS and the P106S substitution accounted for some of the glyphosate resistance, and some of the fomesafen resistance was explained by the G210 deletion in the target enzyme. Moreover, the use of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) inhibitors indicated that non-target-site resistance (NTSR) mechanisms also contribute to at least some of the resistance traits. Metabolic resistance to 2,4-D and atrazine suggests that the use of other herbicides may have contributed to the selection of enhanced P450s and GSTs activity in A101 accession. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P450s associated with atrazine resistance in A. tuberculatus globally. A101 is the first confirmed case of A. tuberculatus resistance to hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase inhibitors in Wisconsin, exhibiting a low-level resistance likely associated with P450s and GSTs activity. Our results suggest the coexistence of target-site resistance and NTSR mechanisms associated with glyphosate resistance in A101. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is a major quarantine pathogen causing pine wilt disease (PWD) and severe losses in pine forests across Asia and Europe. Trunk injection is a key control strategy, but field performance could be achieved by broadening injectable formulation options, incorporating complementary modes of action, and extending the practical application window to include the pine growth season. Therefore, developing new, highly effective trunk-injection formulations is an important step toward improving PWD management. To this purpose, we developed a novel trunk-injection agent, code-named 'Federal-3', as the focus of this investigation. It features a synergistic fluopyram-abamectin core that is innovatively enhanced with a small-molecule vaccine and a specialized adjuvant. Comprehensive evaluation demonstrated that Federal-3 formulations showed significantly higher nematicidal activity than the single-ingredient formulations. Penetration and translocation of the formulation were evaluated across four pine species under relatively low (7-10 °C) and relatively high (25-35 °C) temperature conditions. Federal-3 showed improved penetration efficiency under relatively high-temperature conditions, achieving complete absorption within 16 h under relatively high temperatures, translocation to treetops within 24 h, and uniform distribution throughout canopy within 30 days. In 3-year field trials, the Federal-3 formulation maintained effective residues. By integrating a triple-action strategy of 'synergistic formulation, optimized translocation, and immune activation', Federal-3 improves penetration efficiency under relatively high temperatures and enables rapid uptake, efficient systemic movement, and sustained protection. This agent represents an efficient and reliable innovative solution, advancing PWD management towards proactive prevention and sustainable control. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phytopathogen attacks threaten plant biodiversity and food production worldwide and are expected to worsen due to climate change. To reduce agricultural dependence on synthetic pesticides, eco-friendly alternatives must be developed. We have recently shown that aqueous extracts from dried leaves of young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. had promising in vitro antibacterial activity against phytopathogens. However, its in vivo effectiveness remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the extract against tomato seeds and plants infected with Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Jones et al.) Constantin et al. (Xeu), as well as to assess the plant's physiological responses upon biopesticide application. For this, Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Roma seeds were inoculated with a Xeu suspension, incubated with the extract (0, 15, and 30 g L-1), and left for germination for 10 days. The treatment of inoculated seeds with the extract increased radicle length and reduced the incidence of symptomatic cotyledons. Parallely, 1-month-old tomato plants were foliar-infected with a Xeu suspension and treated with various concentrations of the extract. Disease symptoms were monitored weekly over 3 weeks, showing a dose-dependent decrease following extract application. After 21 days, the extract at both concentrations equally reduced the leaf bacterial population compared to infected plants. The application of the extract at 15 g L-1 to infected plants improved their physiological status by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and photosynthetic performance. Overall, these findings suggest that the extract can be used as an effective tool against Xeu and contribute to reducing pesticide application. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

The long-term application of herbicides has led to the emergence of resistance, which significantly undermines the efficacy of weed control. Abutilon theophrasti Medic is a problematic weed in agricultural fields and poses an increasing threat to corn yield security in northern China. Previously, we found a population of Abutilon theophrasti had evolved resistance to S-metolachlor; however, the mechanism underlying this resistance remained unclear. In this study, the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and other metabolic genes that play a role in the herbicide resistance mechanisms of the Abutilon theophrasti population were investigated. The results indicated that the population (JL-10) exhibited a high resistance level to S-metolachlor. It also exhibited a significant cross-resistance to acetochlor, another very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor. Sensitivity to S-metolachlor was reestablished in JL-10 after the application of glutathione S-transferase inhibitor 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-Cl). High-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS) detected that the metabolic efficiency of the resistant (R) population (JL-10) to S-metolachlor was higher than the susceptible (S) population (JL-9). In addition, the activities of GSTs in R population were elevated in comparison to those in S population. Subsequently, ten candidate genes associated with non-target-site resistance (NTSR), including two GSTs, three UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), two ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and three stress-resistance-related genes, were identified through RNA-sequencing and validated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). GSTs and other metabolic genes reduce the sensitivity of Abutilon theophrasti to S-metolachlor by enhancing metabolism and altering herbicide detoxification. Leveraging these resistance mechanisms, future development of novel regulators or combination formulations could improve herbicidal efficacy while delaying resistance evolution. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Plants release many kinds of metabolites in the rhizosphere, which recruit both pathogenic agents and beneficial microbes (improve plant growth or resist pathogens). Phytophthora sojae is a notorious plant pathogenic oomycete which causes the destructive Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRR) of soybean. However, it is not clear which beneficial biogenic metabolites are released from the resistant soybean that recruit beneficial microbes to defend Phytophthora sojae. We compared the rhizosphere components of a pair of soybean near-isogenic lines the susceptible Williams (W) and the resistant Williams82 (W82) pre-inoculation and post-inoculation with Phytophthora sojae, and analyzed the impact of the pathogen on plant rhizosphere composition. It is expected to screen the beneficial metabolites and microbes controlling PRR from the differential components of the resistant soybeans. Rhizosphere soil of W82 and W post Phytophthora sojae inoculation had stronger inhibition effects on Phytophthora sojae infection to soybean than that of W82 and W. But there was no significant difference in α-diversity of rhizosphere microbiome between soybean pre-inoculation and post-inoculation. Some specialists in W82 rhizosphere induced by Phytophthora sojae, such as metabolites apigenin, and microbes Bacillus sporothermodurans had great inhibition effects on PRR. PRR incidence of apigenin treatment (41.3%) and Bacillus sporothermodurans (48%) treatment were significantly lower than control (equal volume of sterilized water with LB medium) (53-54%). Apigenin had the strongest inhibition effect on the mycelial growth of Phytophthora sojae among these metabolites and it was extremely related to the microbiome construction and the population of Bacillus in the rhizosphere. Apigenin in the rhizosphere inhibits Phytophthora sojae directly and participates in the microbiome assembling in the rhizosphere and mediating the recruitment of Bacillus sporothermodurans to help soybean to resist PRR. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nanopesticides are deemed to significantly reduce the adverse effects of traditional chemical pesticides on the environment and organisms, but scientific evidence is lacking to support this claim. Herein, nano-lignin (LGN) coated avermectin (AVM@LGN) exhibited reduced toxicity to Harmonia Axyridis compared with AVM (AVM: LC50 = 8.940 mg/L, LC30 = 6.305 mg/L; AVM@LGN: LC50 = 23.158 mg/L, LC30 = 14.849 mg/L), while significantly enhancing its predatory ability, individual development, fecundity, and population growth. Meanwhile, its insecticidal activity against Megoura crassicauda did not differ significantly from that of AVM. Analysis of stress-related enzymes activity revealed that AVM@LGN induced a moderate physiological metabolic response in H. axyridis compared to AVM. Transcriptome diversity suggested that the gene expression levels among the different treatments shared a similar trend. Besides affecting the expression of genes involved in longevity regulation and insect hormone biosynthesis, AVM treatment also altered genes related to signal transduction and metabolic detoxification, whereas the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by AVM@LGN were mainly associated with the penetration resistance of H. axyridis. In summary, we demonstrate that AVM@LGN significantly relieved adverse effects of AVM posed to H. axyridis. These results provide a reference for future biosafety assessments of nano-lignin coated pesticide formulations and offers theoretical support for the promotion and application of AVM@LGN. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

The invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda and other lepidopteran migratory pests significantly threaten maize production in tropical Asia, a key year-round breeding region and source of spring or summer migrants across the broader Asian region. The strategic deployment of genetically modified maize expressing pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins offers a promising approach for managing multiple pests and delaying resistance evolution in this region. This study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of Bt maize (LP026-2 event, Cry1Ab + Cry2Ab + Cry1Fa) against six major lepidopteran pests: S. frugiperda, Mythimna separata, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera litura, Helicoverpa armigera, and Ostrinia furnacalis. Total Bt protein levels in Bt-(Cry1Ab + Cry2Ab + Cry1Fa) maize followed the order: leaf > silk > kernel, with Cry2Ab as the dominant toxin, comprising 84.49% (188.75 μg g-1) in leaves and 64.12% (16.12 μg g-1) in kernels. Bioassays demonstrated its high efficacy, with corrected mortality >90% against all six pests in leaf and kernel assays after 5 days. Pest susceptibility ranked as H. armigera > S. frugiperda > O. furnacalis > M. separata > S. exigua > S. litura, with efficacy highest in leaf, followed by kernel and silk tissues (silk mortality 69.15-98.94%). Field trials further validated the efficacy of Bt maize, showing significant reduction in larval densities, plant damage, along with 4.52-25.41% yield increase over the non-Bt maize. These findings demonstrate that Bt-(Cry1Ab + Cry2Ab + Cry1Fa) maize provides effective multi-pest control and yield benefits, supporting its integration into the migratory pest management strategies for tropical maize production systems. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.