Control Agents Research Articles

Surgical Management for Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

The incidence of primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is increasing, particularly in younger patients, in part, because of increased prescription of anticoagulants. The ICH incidence rate from 2016 to 2018 in the United States was nearly 79 per 100,000 person-years and as high as 367 per 100,000 person-years among those 75 years or older. Worldwide, ICH comprises 28% of all new strokes, but a higher disease burden than ischemic stroke because of its higher morbidity and mortality. While mortality seems to be decreasing, functional outcomes are not improving. After negative trials of open surgical evacuation, recent trials of medical management strategies including intensive blood pressure control and prothrombotic agents intended to reduce hematoma expansion failed to demonstrate efficacy. Concomitantly, continued interest in minimally invasive surgical approaches arose from appreciation of secondary iatrogenic injury incurred to subcortical white matter tracts from open surgical techniques. A positive trial of minimally invasive surgery for lobar hemorrhage has recently been reported, bringing new optimism and demanding a reconsideration of surgical management of ICH. In this narrative review, we summarize the landmark studies, review recent literature, and consider the outstanding questions surrounding surgical management of ICH.

Acyl hydrazone derivatives with trifluoromethylpyridine as potential agrochemical for controlling plant diseases.

Crops are consistently under siege by a multitude of pathogens. These pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, result in substantial reductions in quality and yield globally by inducing detrimental crop diseases, thus posing a significant challenge to global food security. However, the biological activity sepectrumof commercially available pesticides is limitedand the pesticide efficacy is poor, necessitating the urgent development of broad-spectrum and efficient strategies for crop disease prevention and control. The bioassay results revealed that certain target compounds demonstrated outstanding in vivo antiviral efficacy against cucumber mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus. In particular, compound D6 showed remarkable antiviral activity against CMV, significantly higher than that of the control agent ningnanmycin. Mechanism of action studies have shown that compound D6 could enhance the activity of defense enzymes and upregulate the expression of genes related to disease resistance, thereby enhancing the antiviral effects in plants. In addition, these compounds displayed superior inhibitory activity against plant bacterial diseases. For Xoo, compound D10 showed an excellent inhibitory effect that was better than that of the control agent bismerthiazol. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence double-staining experiments revealed that compound D10 effectively inhibited bacterial growth by disrupting the cell membrane. A series of trifluoromethyl hydrazone derivatives were designed and synthesized, and it was found that they have control effects on plant viruses and bacterial diseases. In addition, this study revealed the mechanism of action of the active compounds and demonstrated their potential as multifunctional crop protectants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Host-specific effects of a generalist parasite of mosquitoes

Microsporidians are obligate parasites of many animals, including mosquitoes. Some microsporidians have been proposed as potential agents for the biological control of mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit due to their detrimental impact on larval survival and adult lifespan. To get a more complete picture of their potential use as agents of biological control, we measured the impact of Vavraia culicis on several life-history traits of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae. We measured the infection dynamics and clearance rate for the two species, and we assessed sexual dimorphism in infection dynamics within each species. Our results show differences in infection dynamics, with Ae. aegypti life-history traits being more affected during its aquatic stage and exhibiting higher clearance of the infection as adults. In contrast, An. gambiae was unable to clear the infection. Additionally, we found evidence of sexual dimorphism in parasite infection in An. gambiae, with males having a higher average parasite load. These findings shed light and improve our knowledge of the infection dynamics of V. culicis, a microsporidian parasite previously recognized as a potential control agent of malaria.

Explainable data-driven Q-learning control for a class of discrete-time linear autonomous systems

Explaining what a reinforcement learning (RL) control agent learns play a crucial role in the safety critical control domain. Most of the approaches in the state-of-the-art focused on imitation learning methods that uncover the hidden reward function of a given control policy. However, these approaches do not uncover what the RL agent learns effectively from the agent-environment interaction. The policy learned by the RL agent depends in how good the state transition mapping is inferred from the data. When the state transition mapping is wrongly inferred implies that the RL agent is not learning properly. This can compromise the safety of the surrounding environment and the agent itself. In this paper, we aim to uncover the elements learned by data-driven RL control agents in a special class of discrete-time linear autonomous systems. Here, the approach aims to add a new explainable dimension to data-driven control approaches to increase their trust and safe deployment. We focus on the classical data-driven Q-learning algorithm and propose an explainable Q-learning (XQL) algorithm that can be further expanded to other data-driven RL control agents. Simulation experiments are conducted to observe the effectiveness of the proposed approach under different scenarios using several discrete-time models of autonomous platforms.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle using Bacillus licheniformis culture-supernatant for combating pathogenic biofilms

Bacterial biofilms pose a significant threat to healthcare due to their recalcitrance to antibiotics and disinfectants. This study explores the anti-biofilm potential of Bacillus licheniformis cell-free culture supernatant (CFS) and its derived silver nanoparticles (bSNPs) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The CFS exhibited potent anti-biofilm activity against both bacterial species, even at low concentrations, while devoid of significant bactericidal effects, mitigating resistance risks. Characterization studies revealed the non-proteinaceous nature and thermal stability of the CFS's anti-biofilm agent, suggesting a robust and heat-resistant structure. Green synthesis of bSNPs from CFS resulted in nanoparticles with significant anti-biofilm properties, particularly against P. aeruginosa, indicating differences in susceptibility between the bacterial species. Epifluorescence microscopy confirmed bSNPs' ability to inhibit and partially disrupt biofilm formation without inducing cellular lysis. The study highlights the potential of B. licheniformis CFS and bSNPs as promising biofilm control agents, offering insights into their mechanisms of action and broad-spectrum efficacy. Further research elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms and identifying specific bioactive compounds is warranted for the translation of these findings into clinically relevant applications for combating biofilm-associated infections.

Galling by Trichilogaster sp. suppresses the growth of Acacia auriculiformis saplings

Pre-release efficacy assessments (PREAs) are used in weed biological control to predict the potential impact of prospective agents. These assessments enable the most damaging agents to be prioritised for host testing and release. Further, the inclusion of this information in release applications enables regulators to consider the benefits of an agent alongside any risks. We conducted a PREA to evaluate the efficacy of Trichilogaster sp., a galling wasp that is being considered for release in Florida to control invasive earleaf acacia, Acacia auriculiformis. This species is multivoltine and primarily galls vegetative buds. We performed a glasshouse trial exposing A. auriculiformis saplings to one generation of the gall wasp to determine the effect of galling on plant performance. We monitored the growth parameters and development of exposed and unexposed saplings every three weeks for twelve weeks. Above-ground and below-ground biomass were measured at the completion of the trial. One generation of galling reduced sapling height by 37.44 % (±5.57), above-ground biomass by 32.19 % (±4.00), and below-ground biomass by 38.26 % (±7.47). Galling also significantly reduced the other key growth parameters of stem weight, leaf weight, total branch length, and the number of nodes, shoot tips, and leaves. This Trichilogaster species significantly damages juvenile A. auriculiformis plants and could be an effective classical biological control agent if released in Florida, especially if it is not limited by a specialist third trophic level.

Electrophysiological Responses of Trissolcus japonicus, T. basalis, and T. oenone (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) to Volatile Compounds Associated with New Zealand Stink Bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Parasitoid biological control agents rely heavily on olfaction to locate their hosts. Chemical cues associated with hosts and non-hosts are known to influence the expression of host preferences and host-specificity. A better understanding of how and why parasitoids attack some species and not others, based on volatile organic compounds associated with potential hosts, can provide key information on the parasitoid's host preferences, which could be applied to pre-release risk assessments for classical biological control agents. Electrophysiological techniques such as electroantennography (EAG) and GC-EAD (gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection) are widely used to identify bioactive semiochemicals. But the application of these techniques to understanding how chemical ecological cues mediate parasitoid host specificity has not been as thoroughly explored. We conducted GC-EAD and EAG studies to identify olfactory-active compounds associated with adult females of nine stink bug species from Aotearoa/New Zealand on the antennae of three closely related parasitoid species: Trissolcus japonicus Ashmead, a pre-emptively (= proactively) approved biocontrol agent against brown marmorated stink bug; T. basalis (Wollaston), a biocontrol agent introduced against Nezara viridula L. in 1949; and T. oenone Johnson, a native Australasian pentatomid parasitoid. Eight compounds associated with stink bugs elicited antennal responses from all three parasitoids, and we were able to identify seven of these. (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-4-oxo-2-hexenal, (E)-2-octenal and (E)-2-decenal generally elicited stronger responses in the three parasitoids, while n-tridecane, n-dodecane, and (E)-2-decenyl acetate elicited weaker responses. We discuss how and why the results from electrophysiological experiments can be applied to non-target risk assessments within biological control programmes.

The synergistic effect of biosynthesized CuONPs and phage (ϕPB2) as a novel approach for controlling Ralstonia solanacearum

BackgroundAs a vital soil-borne pathogenic bacterium, Ralstonia solanacearum can cause wilt disease in multiple Solanaceae plants. Several phages, such as ϕPB2, could infect R. solanacearum acting as a potential biological control agent in soil. In addition, some nanoparticles, especially copper preparation, also showed high toxicity on R. solanacearum with low toxicity on plant. However, whether they can be administered in combination and how effective they are in inhibiting the plant disease caused by R. solanacearum is known very little.ResultsIn this work, the characterization of CuONPs using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction ascertained the presence of CuONPs which were nanometer particle of 83 nm. Then it was found that combined application of CuONPs with phage (ϕPB2) was superior to that of ϕPB2 or CuONPs alone in controlling tobacco bacterial wilt, with the CuONPs (250 mg/mL) and phage (106 PFU/mL) ratio being the best, at 79.1%. The combination of CuONPs and ϕPB2 also showed no obvious toxicity on tobacco growth than control like single application of CuONPs or ϕPB2. Furthermore, the transcriptome changes of R. solanacearum analysis indicated that the combination application and single allocation of CuONPs could inhibit “biofilm formation”, molecular function, biological processes, cellular components, metabolic process, and so on. In addition, the combination application showed higher inhibition of motility and biofilm, and better enhancement of cell membrane permeability, protein leakage, MDA concentration, and enzyme activity of their respiratory chain dehydrogenase than single application of CuONPs or phage (ϕPB2). Transcriptomes analysis also supported that the addition of ϕPB2 enhanced the toxicity of CuONPs by influencing the ABC transporters and quorum sensing, metabolic processes, and cellular biosynthetic processes of R. solanacearum.ConclusionIn total, our work not only proposed a novel way to increase the bactericidal effect of nanomaterials by adding phage, but also discovered the influence, synergistic effects, and mechanisms, which is useful to design novel way to combat phytopathogenic bacteria in the complicated environment.Graphical abstract

Social Control Agents’ Effectiveness in Capital Markets: The Role of Analysts’ Political Ideology

Social Control Agents’ Effectiveness in Capital Markets: The Role of Analysts’ Political Ideology

Optimizing sustainable control of Meloidogyne javanica in tomato plants through gamma radiation-induced mutants of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus velezensis

This study investigates the efficacy of Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp., as well as their gamma radiation-induced mutants, as potential biological control agents against Meloidogyne javanica (Mj) in tomato plants. The research encompasses in vitro assays, greenhouse trials, and molecular identification methodologies to comprehensively evaluate the biocontrol potential of these agents. In vitro assessments reveal significant nematicidal activity, with Bacillus spp. demonstrating notable effectiveness in inhibiting nematode egg hatching (16–45%) and inducing second-stage juvenile (J2) mortality (30–46%). Greenhouse trials further confirm the efficacy of mutant isolates, particularly when combined with chitosan, in reducing nematode-induced damage to tomato plants. The combination of mutant isolates with chitosan reduces the reproduction factor (RF) of root-knot nematodes by 94%. By optimizing soil infection conditions with nematodes and modifying the application of the effective compound, the RF of nematodes decreases by 65–76%. Molecular identification identifies B. velezensis and T. harzianum as promising candidates, exhibiting significant nematicidal activity. Overall, the study underscores the potential of combined biocontrol approaches for nematode management in agricultural settings. However, further research is essential to evaluate practical applications and long-term efficacy. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable alternatives to chemical nematicides, with potential implications for agricultural practices and crop protection strategies.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0159 showed a high capacity to inhibit OTA-producing Aspergillus species.

The use of yeast to biologically control the production of ochratoxin A, which is caused by filamentous fungal growth, in coffee farms is a promising alternative to conventional methods. However, yeast strains, environmental field conditions, and the chemical composition of grains / fruits can influence the effectiveness of biological control agents. We tested the efficiency of different yeast strains in controlling three species of ochratoxigenic fungi in a coffee-based medium. The reasons and mechanisms behind the varying sensitivities of different Aspergillus species to biological control remains unclear. Aspergillus carbonarius rapidly assimilated carbon sources, giving it an advantage over yeasts in substrate colonisation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0159 inhibited all three fungal species, achieving efficiencies of 74.4%, 100%, and 80.9% against A. carbonarius, A. westerdijkiae, and A. ochraceus, respectively. The strategies employed by S. cerevisiae CCMA 0159 to inhibit the growth of ochratoxigenic fungi included competition, production of fungicidal volatile compounds, and alteration of the substrate's physicochemical properties. Our results indicate that among the yeast isolates tested, S. cerevisiae CCMA 0159 is the most effective in inhibiting ochratoxigenic fungi in coffee, including the more resistant A. carbonarius.

Mitigasi Penyebab Risiko Usahatani Kopi Arabika (Studi Kasus pada Kelompok Tani Hutan Giri Senang, Kampung Legok Nyenang, Kecamatan Cilengkrang, Kabupaten Bandung)

The Giri Senang Forest Farmer Group (KTH) has experienced a significant decline in arabica coffee production over the past few years. This indicates the existence of risks that need to be addressed immediately. The research was conducted with the aim of identifying the causes of risks in arabica coffee farming, understanding the mitigation actions that have been taken by KTH Giri Senang, and proposing mitigation actions that can be implemented to overcome these problems. The research was carried out using descriptive qualitative analysis with a case study research technique. The causes of risk were identified using a Fishbone Diagram and analyzed with the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method. Based on the results of the research, there are 7 priority risk causes out of 26 total causes: unfavorable weather, leaf rust disease, insufficient or excessive rainfall, leaf spot disease, coffee berry borer pests, weather changes due to the La Nina-El Nino phenomenon, and lack of pruning. Mitigation actions that have been taken include making a holding pond, using pesticides, traps, pest control agents, harvesting spoils, and sanitation to eradicate pests and diseases, as well as forming a Pest Control Team. Proposed mitigation actions that can be implemented include organizing agricultural insurance, subsidizing insurance premiums, making holes or roraks, switching to organic farming, using spare harvest bags, collaborating with educational or research institutions, holding discussion forums for farmers, and creating video tutorials and educational content as alternative extension activities.

Regional diversity and leaf microbiome interactions of the fungal maize pathogen Exserohilum turcicum in Switzerland: A metagenomic analysis.

The spread and adaptation of fungal plant pathogens in agroecosystems are facilitated by environmental homogeneity. Metagenomic sequencing of infected tissues allowed us to monitor eco-evolutionary dynamics and interactions between host, pathogen and plant microbiome. Exserohilum turcicum, the causal agent of northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) in maize, is distributed in multiple clonal lineages throughout Europe. To characterize regional pathogen diversity, we conducted metagenomic DNA sequencing on 241 infected leaf samples from the highly susceptible Swiss maize landrace Rheintaler Ribelmais, collected over 3 years (2016-2018) from an average of 14 agricultural farms within the Swiss Rhine Valley. All major European clonal lineages of E. turcicum were identified. Lineages differ by their mating types which indicates potential for sexual recombination and rapid evolution of new pathogen strains, although we found no evidence of recent recombination. The associated eukaryotic and prokaryotic leaf microbiome exhibited variation in taxonomic diversity between years and locations and is likely influenced by local weather conditions. A network analysis revealed distinct clusters of eukaryotic and prokaryotic taxa that correlates with the frequency of E. turcicum sequencing reads, suggesting causal interactions. Notably, the yeast genus Metschnikowia exhibited a strongly negative association with E. turcicum, supporting its known potential as biological control agent against fungal pathogens. Our findings show that metagenomic sequencing is a useful tool for analysing the role of environmental factors and potential pathogen-microbiome interactions in shaping pathogen dynamics and evolution, suggesting their potential for effective pathogen management strategies.

CAN THE RETURN TO THE NATURAL CONDITIONS OF IN VIVO PARASITIZATION INCREASE THE INFECTIVITY PERFORMANCE OF EPNS?

Experiments are in progress in Apulian asparagus fields for the control of Parahypopta caestrum (Hübner) (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) with microbial control agents (MCAs), mainly entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi.Different bioassays were carried out in laboratory and field conditions to prove the efficacy of native and commercial strains of the EPNs Steinernema feltiae (Filipijev), S. carpocapsae (Rhabditida, Steinernematidae) and Heterorhanditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida, Heterorhabditidae), and EPF Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae). Among the field experiments, one was planned with the release of Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) cadavers previously infected with native strains of EPN Steinernema feltiae and the comparison was carried out with a commercial strain of the same nematode species. Key Words: Parahypopta caestrum, Beauveria, Heterorhanditis, Steinernem

A benefit-risk analysis for biological control introductions based on the protection of native biodiversity.

The release of biological control agents has been an important means of controlling invasive species for over 150 years. While these releases have led to the sustainable control of over 250 invasive pest and weed species worldwide, a minority have caused environmental harm. A growing recognition of the risks of biological control led to a focus on risk assessment beginning in the 1990s along with a precipitous decline in releases. While this new focus greatly improved the safety of biological control, it came at the cost of lost opportunities to solve environmental problems associated with invasive species. A framework that incorporates benefits and risks of biological control is thus needed to understand the net environmental effects of biological control releases. We introduce such a framework, using native biodiversity as the common currency for both benefits and risks. The model is based on interactions among four categories of organisms: (1) the biological control agent, (2) the invasive species (pest or weed) targeted by the agent, (3) one or more native species that stand to benefit from the control of the target species, and (4) one or more native species that are at risk of being harmed by the released biological control agent. Conservation values of the potentially benefited and harmed native species are incorporated as well, and they are weighted according to three axes: vulnerability to extinction, the ecosystem services provided, and cultural significance. Further, we incorporate the potential for indirect risks to native species, which we consider will result mainly from the ecological process of agent enrichment that may occur if the agent exploits but does not control the target pest or weed. We illustrate the use of this framework by retrospectively analyzing the release of the vedalia beetle, Novius (= Rodolia) cardinalis, to control the cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi, in the Galapagos Islands. While the framework is particularly adaptable to biological control releases in natural areas, it can also be used in managed settings, where biological control protects native species through the reduction of pesticide use.

Evolution of Morphology, Particle Size and Oxidation Resistance of Recycled Ti-6Al-4V Powders Prepared by Planetary Ball Milling

AbstractPlanetary ball milling is a high-energy ball milling technique that is widely used for the synthesis of alloy and composite powders with micrometer or nanometer particle sizes. The effect of process control agent (PCA) content (wt%) and milling time on the morphology, particle size and distribution, crystallite structure, apparent density and oxidation resistance of recycled T-6Al-4V alloy powders from lathe chips is investigated in this study. To investigate the effect of the PCA on the properties of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy particles, methanol is used as the PCA in various amounts of 0.5, 1 and 2 wt%. The milling is carried out using 20:1 of ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) and 400 rpm of milling speed. A morphological change from scrap form to flake-like shape, from flake-like morphology to irregular and semispherical shape and finally from semispherical form to spherical morphology is observed with increase in milling time for all PCA ratios. The results showed that the average particle sizes (D50) are 20, 18.1 and 21.8 μm after milling of 360 min with 0.5 wt%, 1 wt% and 2 wt% PCA, respectively. Results show that the most suitable recycled Ti-6Al-4V powders for powder-based manufacturing techniques are produced between 180 and 360 min of milling with 2 wt% PCA.

Potential of entomopathogenic fungi to control insect pests and disease at lettuce and arugula crops

The lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) (Asteraceae) and arugula (Eruca sativa Miller) (Brassicaceae) crops are attacked by various pests and diseases, but the control is usually done with agrochemicals. We evaluate the control of pests and diseases by systematic applications of the entomopathogenic fungi strains Metarhizium anisopliae IBCB425 and Beauveria bassiana IBCB66 both 300g c.p. in the planting groove and 200 g c.p. ha-1 on the foliage, in weekly applications at lettuce and arugula crops planted in association. For the evaluation of pests and diseases, 15 plants were evaluated at random in three beds per treatment. In the lettuce crop occurred the presence of aphids (Myzus persicae Hemiptera:Aphididae), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), thrips (Frankliniella schultzei Thysanoptera:Thripidae), leafhoppers Agallia albidula (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and septoria disease (Septoria lactucae). In the arugula crop the same pests occurred, but with any disease. The fungi B. bassiana and M. anisopliae controlled F. schultzei and S. lactucae at lettuce crop, B. tabaci in both crops, but did not control M. persicae and A. albidula in both crops. The fungus B. bassiana decreased the mean number of leaves per plant and the mean of dry mass weight of arugula plants in relation to the control treatment, but the sample size may have interfered with these results. The two fungi could be used as biological control agents of pests and diseases at lettuce and arugula crops, especially in organic farming.

Host range of a parasitoid wasp is linked to host susceptibility to its mutualistic viral symbiont.

Parasitoid wasps are one of the most species-rich groups of animals on Earth, due to their ability to successfully develop as parasites of nearly all types of insects. Unlike most known parasitoid wasps that specialize towards one or a few host species, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is a generalist that can survive within multiple genera of tephritid fruit fly hosts, including many globally important pest species. Diachasmimorpha longicaudata has therefore been widely released to suppress pest populations as part of biological control efforts in tropical and subtropical agricultural ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the role of a mutualistic poxvirus in shaping the host range of D. longicaudata across three genera of agricultural pest species: two of which are permissive hosts for D. longicaudata parasitism and one that is a nonpermissive host. We found that permissive hosts Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera dorsalis were highly susceptible to manual virus injection, displaying rapid virus replication and abundant fly mortality. However, the nonpermissive host Zeugodacus cucurbitae largely overcame virus infection, exhibiting substantially lower mortality and no virus replication. Investigation of transcriptional dynamics during virus infection demonstrated hindered viral gene expression and limited changes in fly gene expression within the nonpermissive host compared with the permissive species, indicating that the host range of the viral symbiont may influence the host range of D. longicaudata wasps. These findings also reveal that viral symbiont activity may be a major contributor to the success of D. longicaudata as a generalist parasitoid species and a globally successful biological control agent.

Supplementary sugars enhance the production efficiency and parasitism performance of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma dendrolimi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae).

Trichogramma spp. wasps are egg parasitoids with a long history of mass rearing for augmentation biocontrol programs in field crop and orchard landscapes. Supplementary nutrition can improve the longevity, fecundity, and biocontrol efficacy of parasitoids. To improve the production efficiency and parasitism performance of Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), the present study screened and examined the potential supplementary nutrients for this biological control agent. Dietary supplementation with a 10% sucrose solution significantly increased wasp longevity and parasitism potential of T. dendrolimi on host eggs, but provision of pollen did not provide additional benefits. Laboratory and greenhouse cage tests demonstrated that wasp access to soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) honeydew, comprised primarily of melezitose and trehalose, improved T. dendrolimi longevity and parasitism. In conclusion, provision of a 10% sucrose solution to adult wasps will enhance the mass-rearing efficiency of T. dendrolimi; furthermore, field release of T. dendrolimi by plant vectors bearing honeydew-producing aphids holds promise for improving the biocontrol efficacy of T. dendrolimi.

Peanut Rhizosphere Achromobacter xylosoxidans Inhibits Aspergillus flavus Development and Aflatoxin Synthesis by Inducing Apoptosis through Targeting the Cell Membrane.

Contamination of crop seeds and feed with Aspergillus flavus and its associated aflatoxins presents a significant threat to human and animal health due to their hepatotoxic and carcinogenic properties. To address this challenge, researchers have screened for potential biological control agents in peanut soil and pods. This study identified a promising candidate, a strain of the nonpigmented bacterium, Achromobacter xylosoxidans ZJS2-1, isolated from the peanut rhizosphere in Zhejiang Province, China, exhibiting notable antifungal and antiaflatoxin activities. Further investigations demonstrated that ZJS2-1 active substances (ZAS) effectively inhibited growth at a MIC of 60 μL/mL and nearly suppressed AFB1 production by 99%. Metabolomic analysis revealed that ZAS significantly affected metabolites involved in cell wall and membrane biosynthesis, leading to compromised cellular integrity and induced apoptosis in A. flavus through the release of cytochrome c. Notably, ZAS targeted SrbA, a key transcription factor involved in ergosterol biosynthesis and cell membrane integrity, highlighting its crucial role in ZJS2-1's biocontrol mechanism. Moreover, infection of crop seeds and plant wilt caused by A. flavus can be efficiently alleviated by ZAS. Additionally, ZJS2-1 and ZAS demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on various Aspergillus species, with inhibition rates ranging from 80 to 99%. These findings highlight the potential of ZJS2-1 as a biocontrol agent against Aspergillus species, offering a promising solution to enhance food safety and protect human health.