Biopesticides Research Articles

UJI KONSENTRASI EKSTRAK DAUN SIRIH HUTAN BERPELARUT ORGANIK TERHADAP WERENG COKLAT

Rice is one of the priority food crop in Indonesia. The main problem faced by rice cultivation is the attack of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stall.), this pest is one of the most important pest in rice cultivation, because it can cause a production decrease up to 100% by causing hopperburn symptoms and becoma a desease vector. Botanical pesticide of spiked pepper (Piper aduncum L.) can be the safe alternative to controling brown planthopper. This research aims to obtain effective concentration to controling brown planthopper. The research was conducted at The Plant Pest Laboratory Faculty of Agriculture and Organic Chemistry and Natural Materials Laboratory Faculty of Engineering, Riau University, from November 2020 to Januari 2021, using completely randomized design (CRD) consist of 6 treatments 4 replications. The treatment application consisted of concentrations of 0%, 0.20%, 0.40%, 0.60%, 0.80%, and 100% spiked pepper leaf methanol solvent extract. The result showed that different concentration significantly affected to the death of brown planthopper. Concentrations starting from 0.20% has good performance in killing pest, but the effective concentration to control brown planthoppers is 0.60% concentration of spiked pepper leaf methanol extract, with a total mortality of 82.50%, initial time of death 3.25 hours, and 50% time of death at 10 hours after application.

Multigenerational expression of antimicrobial peptides in Aedes aegypti exposed to Metarhizium anisopliae: Is trans-generational immune priming involved?

We assessed, for the first time, a multigenerational expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Aedes aegypti larvae exposed to the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, and correlated it with a possible involvement in trans-generational immune priming (TGIP). Aedes aegypti larvae were first exposed to blastospores or conidia of M. anisopliae CG 489 for 24 and 48 h, and the relative expression of AMPs were measured using quantitative Real-Time PCR. A suspension of conidia was prepared, and two different survival tests were conducted with different larval generations (F0, F1, and F2). In the first bioassay, the survival curves of the three generations were conducted separately and compared with their respective control groups. In the other bioassay, the survival curves of the F0, F1, and F2 generations were compared simultaneously against a naïve group exposed to Tween 80. In both survival tests, the F0 generation was more susceptible to M. anisopliae than subsequent generations. For molecular analyses related to TGIP, F0, F1, and F2 larvae were exposed to conidia, and their expression of AMPs was compared with their control groups and a naïve group. There was no differential expression of cecropin, defensin A or cathepsin B between generations. Lysozyme C, however, showed an increase in expression across generations, suggesting a role in TGIP. These discoveries may help us develop biological insecticides against mosquito larvae based on entomopathogenic fungi.

MicroRNA bmo-miR-31-5p inhibits apoptosis and promotes BmNPV proliferation by targeting the CYP9e2 gene of Bombyx mori.

Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV), as a typical baculovirus, is the primary pathogen that infects the silkworm B. mori, a lepidopteran species. Owing to the high biological safety of BmNPV in infecting insects, it is commonly utilized as a biological insecticide for pest control. Apoptosis is important in the interaction between the host and pathogenic microorganisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) influence immune responses and promote stability of the immune system via apoptosis. Therefore, the study of apoptosis-related miRNA in silkworms during virus infection can not only provide support for standardizing the prevention and control of diseases and insect pests, but also reduce the economic losses to sericulture caused by the misuse of biological pesticides. Through transcriptome sequencing, we identified a miRNA, miR-31-5p, and demonstrated that it can inhibit apoptosis in silkworm cells and promote the proliferation of BmNPV in BmE-SWU1 cells. We identified a target gene of miR-31-5p, B. mori cytochrome P450 9e2 (BmCYP9e2), and demonstrated that it can promote apoptosis in silkworm cells and inhibit the proliferation of BmNPV. Moreover, we constructed transgenic silkworm strains with miR-31-5p knockout and confirmed that they can inhibit the proliferation of BmNPV. These data indicate that miR-31-5p may exert functions of inhibiting apoptosis and promoting virus proliferation by regulating BmCYP9e2. The findings demonstrate how miRNAs influence host cell apoptosis and how they are involved in the host immune system response to viruses, providing important insights into the applications of biological insecticides for pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inactivation of Salmonella, Enterococcus faecium and natural microbiota on dry food matrices with microwave-driven plasma-processed air

This study explores the efficacy of plasma-processed air (PPA) as a non-thermal treatment for decontamination of dry food surfaces, such as wheat grains, black peppercorns, and onion flakes. We compared the effect of various inoculum types of Enterococcus faecium, revealing a higher resistance of the powder form compared with liquid and slurry inocula on black peppercorns. Furthermore, Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 appeared to be a suitable control indicator for Salmonella. The PPA efficacy varied across matrices, being higher on medium agar (7.0 ± 0.5 log10), followed by wheat grains (2.1 ± 0.2 log10), black peppercorns (1.5 ± 0.1 log10), and no reduction on onion flakes. Variation was also found across microorganisms, as the natural microbiota was reduced on wheat grains (1.6 ± 0.6 log10 for mesophilic count and 0.8 ± 0.3 log10 for spores), while on black peppercorns this was only achieved after upscaling (1.3 ± 0.2 log10 for mesophilic and 1.5 ± 0.1 log10 for spores). The findings of this study give guidance to further optimize the application of PPA treatment by changing the technical parameter settings of the plasma setup to increase the microbial efficacy and/or combining the PPA treatment with other methods to enhance microbial control.

A comprehensive review on impact of post-harvest management and treatment practices on the quality of garlic (Allium sativum L) during storage

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) plays a crucial role in global agriculture due to its culinary and medicinal uses, but it faces significant post-harvest losses due to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and pest infestations. Proper storage and handling practices can mitigate these losses, yet conventional methods like curing, dehydration, cryopreservation, and vacuum sealing still result in 25–40 % losses during storage. This review investigates the types, factors, and causes of garlic losses, focusing on biological factors such as microbial infections pest infestations, and premature sprouting which cause decay and deformities. Physical factors such as mechanical damage, inadequate curing, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and prolonged light exposure also contribute to deterioration. This review explores practices and treatments to minimize losses, detailing their mechanisms, benefits, and commercial potential. It compares thermal and non-thermal technologies such as irradiation, ozone treatment, nanotechnologies, edible coatings, and films. Irradiation is effective against pathogens but may lead to nutrient loss, ozone treatment provides microbial control with minimal residue. Nanotechnologies, edible coatings, and films help extend shelf life by reducing microbial growth and moisture loss, with considerations for safety and consumer acceptance. The review highlights the need for innovative solutions to reduce losses and preserve the nutritional value and safety, contributing to sustainable garlic production and food security. Additionally, it evaluates the implications of these management practices for sustainability and circular economy. The findings highlight the need for further research to enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of post-harvest technologies to ensure the long-term viability and profitability of garlic production.

Shewanella putrefaciens as an emerging pathogen of hepatopancreas necrosis disease in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis.

Shewanella putrefaciens has been recognized as an emerging important pathogen in aquaculture. However, scarce information is available on the characterization and microbial control of S. putrefaciens as a causal agent of hepatopancreas necrosis disease in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. In this study, a multi-resistant S. putrefaciens isolate (DZ-A) was identified as a causal pathogen of hepatopancreas necrosis disease in Chinese mitten crabs. It showed a lethal dose (LD50) of 2.20 × 105 CFU ml-1 in Chinese mitten crabs, and multiple resistance to aminoglycoside, chloramphenicol, macrolide, penicillin, peptide, and tetracycline antimicrobials. In addition, Bdellovibrio powder exhibited a significant antibacterial effect against the pathogenic S. putrefaciens, and conferred significant protection to challenged Chinese mitten crabs with relative percentage survivals of 80.00% to 93.33% via significant improvement in their immune response and antioxidant capability. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the phenotypic characterization and biological control of pathogenic S. putrefaciens in Chinese mitten crabs.

Effects of Meyerozyma guilliermondii PJ15 on the biocontrol of Penicillium crustosum causing postharvest decay in Orah and its influence on the microbial diversity of Orah

Abstract Objectives Isolate biocontrol microorganisms that inhibit Penicillium crutosum, and explore their effects on the microbial control and microbial diversity change of Penicillium crustosum causing postharvest decay in Orah. Materials and Methods The biocontrol effect was verified by confrontation experiment. The microbial diversity was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing technology. Metabolomics analysis was performed using LC-MS/MS. Results a strain of Meyerozyma guilliermondii PJ15 that strongly inhibited Penicillium crustosum was isolated from grape surface, which could effectively inhibit the mycelium growth and green spore production of Penicillium crustosum. PJ15 could reduce the sourness and nutrient loss of Orah caused by Penicillium crutosum. Compared with the control, PJ15 treatment increased pH by 11.32%, soluble protein by 154.51%, ascorbic acid by 160.99%, and soluble total sugar by 203.53%. Microbial diversity analysis showed that PJ15 has a relatively small impact on the bacterial composition and diversity on the surface of Orah, but has a significant impact on the fungal composition and diversity. It can increase the fungal diversity of Orah invaded by Penicillium crustosum, increase the density of fungal interaction networks, and form a stronger coexisting survival interaction network. The vaccination of PJ15 downregulated differential metabolites 5,6-Epoxytetraene, which showed a positive correlation with Penicillium crustosum and a negative correlation with PJ15. Conclusions Meyerozyma guilliermondii PJ15 has a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of Penicillium crustosum, and has a significant impact on the fungal composition and diversity on the surface of Orah. It has the potential for biocontrol of Penicillium crustosum causing postharvest decay in Orah.

Design, Synthesis, and Antifeedant Activity Evaluation of 13/14-Arylthioether Matrine Derivatives.

Introducing a sulfur atom into active agricultural molecules is an important strategy for pesticide development. Matrine, an environmentally friendly botanical pesticide, has the advantage of being easily degraded and has drawn attention in the agricultural field. To explore the novel matrine-type pesticides, in this study, we designed and synthesized 13/14-arylthioether matrine derivatives by introducing various aryl sulfide motifs into bioactive matrine. Most of the synthesized arylthioether matrines exhibited good antifeedant activity against Spodoptera exigua. Among them, compound 2q showed the best antifeedant effect with an EC50 value of 0.038 mg/mL, which is approximately 125-fold more activity than matrine and reached the activity level of commercial standard azadirachtin A. Furthermore, compound 2q exhibited an inhibitory effect on antifeedant-related enzyme carboxylesterase (CarE) from S. exigua. In short, the high activity of arylthioether matrines offers new insights into developing new antifeedants.

Interventions promoting resilience through climate smart agricultural practices for women farmers: A systematic review.

Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural production worldwide, with developing countries being particularly vulnerable to its negative impacts. Agriculture, which is a crucial factor in ensuring food security and livelihoods, is particularly vulnerable to changes in climate patterns, such as increased temperatures, drought, and extreme weather events. One approach to addressing these challenges is by promoting the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices among farmers. CSA combines traditional agricultural practices with innovative techniques and technologies to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. infrastructure. By adopting CSA practices, farmers can enhance their resilience to climate variability and improve their productivity. This review examines the effectiveness of interventions promoting CSA to enhance farmers' knowledge of the benefits of CSA approaches, subsequent adoption of CSA, and disadoption of harmful agricultural practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We searched 39 academic and online databases, websites, and repositories and screened over 19,000 experimental and quasi-experimental publications to identify studies promoting CSA practices to women farmers. We conducted a citation tracking process on included studies and contacted experts to ensure a thorough search. The review focused on studies that included interventions promoting climate-smart agricultural approaches. Using EPPI Reviewer 4, two review authors independently screened the impact evaluation using a standardized screening tool. Information about participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, control conditions, research design, sample size, bias risk, outcomes, and results were gathered. Data collection and quantitative analysis were conducted using standard Campbell Collaboration methods. Eight impact evaluations were found (two randomized controlled trials) evaluating the effects of CSA practices on farmer's knowledge gains of the benefits of CSA practices and subsequent adoption. Knowledge dissemination approaches such as Farmer Field Schools and weather and climate information services were found to positively impact farmers' knowledge and adoption of specific CSA practices. However, the evidence supporting this claim is uncertain as a high risk of bias was assessed for five of the eight included studies. However, we found no effects on the disadoption of harmful practices such as pesticide overuse. The evidence base for studies promoting climate-smart agricultural approaches (CSA) to farmers in LMICs is small, and there is a lack of studies reporting sex-disaggregated data and studies explicitly targeting women farmers. The review suggests that knowledge dissemination techniques are significantly effective in improving CSA knowledge and adoption, including integrated pest management techniques and their benefits, adoption of climate-resilient rice seed varieties (STRVs), and use of botanical pesticides by farmers. More and better confidence studies are needed to inform policy and programming, including those that look at a wider range of interventions, including changing norms, values, and institutional arrangements.

Labor-saving control of tomato gray mold using microbial pesticides with overhead spray equipment

Labor-saving control of tomato gray mold using microbial pesticides with overhead spray equipment

Optimizing plasma-activated water for enhanced microbial control in agricultural produce processing

The study utilized a pinhole plasma jet discharge system to generate plasma-activated water (PAW) for the removal of microbes on bird's eye chili. Optimal conditions for PAW generation were determined using response surface methodology, achieving maximum microbial inactivation. The novelty of this study lies in designing a PAW system model for agricultural cooperatives using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology, which integrates customer and engineer/designer perspectives. The results demonstrate a maximum 82.54% microbial removal rate on bird's eye chili under optimal conditions (e.g., exposure time = 20 min, Ar gas flow rate = 5 L/min, and O2 mixture = 2% Ar gas), indicating effective antimicrobial activity of plasma-activated water. Furthermore, a model of the PAW system for agricultural cooperatives, including cost and electrical power usage estimates, is proposed based on the correlation matrix of QFD. This conceptual PAW model for agricultural cooperatives warrants further investigation to assess its consistency in sterilization efficiency and long-term effects on treated agricultural products.

Synergistic mechanism of botanical pesticide camptothecin encapsulated in a nanocarrier against fall armyworm: Enhanced stability and amplified growth suppression

Botanical pesticides are one of the most promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides for green pest management. However, their efficacies must be further improved to meet real needs. Here we designed a nanoscale camptothecin (CPT) encapsulated in a star polycation (SPc) and determined its bioactivity against a devastating agricultural pest, Spodoptera frugiperda. The self-assembly of CPT/SPc complex was mainly driven by hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals forces to decrease the particle size from 789 to 298 nm. With the help of SPc, the contact angle of CPT decreased from 116° to 92° on maize leaves, and its retention was increased from 5.53 to 11.97 mg/cm2. The stability of SPc-loaded CPT was also improved in an alkaline environment, which is beneficial for its acting in lepidopteran insect guts. The CPT/SPc complex had stronger larvicidal activity and ovicidal activity against S. frugiperda than CPT alone, led to more complex transcriptomic changes in larvae, and had obvious adverse impacts on the activities of two digestive enzymes. Our findings demonstrated that the encapsulation of CPT by SPc-based nanodelivery system enabled better insecticidal activities against S. frugiperda, which holds great promise for the development of more efficient and sustainable pest control strategies to meet the demands of modern crop protection.

Bio Efficacy of Bio Pesticides against Spotted Pod Borer (Maruca vitrata Geyer) Infesting Black Gram

The study entitled “Bio-efficacy of bio-pesticides against spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata Geyer) infesting black gram” at Organic Research Farm, Karguan Ji, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.) during kharif 2023 containing nine treatments viz, Neem oil 5%, Garlic bulb extract 5%, Bacillus thuringiensis 2.50 ml/l, Verticillium lecanii 5 ml/l, Panchagavya 10%, NSKE 5%, Castor oil 5%, Beauveria bassiana 5 ml/l and untreated control in RBD with three replications aiming to evaluate their efficacy of bio-pesticides against spotted pod borer. To evaluate the efficacy, two applications of treatments were carried out, and the spotted pod borer infestation on selected plants were evaluated after three, seven, and fourteen days after spraying. The outcomes showed that In the management of the spotted pod borer after the first and second spray, the Beauveria bassiana 5 ml/l (2.14) was superior and best effective in controlling larval population, followed by Bacillus thuringiensis 2.50 ml/l (2.34), and neem oil 5% (2.59), and the maximum yield 13.85 qt/ha and C: B ratio 1:1.71 was obtained from the Beauveria bassiana treated plot followed by Bacillus thuringiensis and neem oil by that obtained 12.89 qt/ha and 12.55 qt/ha yield, moreover 1:1.64 and 1:1.52 C: B ratio respectively.

Biocontrol potential of Bacillus velezensis QF-2 isolated from rhizosphere soil of Vickifunkia tianschanica

Plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi result in substantial losses of human, material, and financial resources annually. The common practice of chemical control often leads to the development of drug resistance in target organisms and carries adverse environmental impacts. As an alternative, researchers are exploring the potential of microbial control agents found in the rhizosphere.Previous studies have identified numerous promising microbial strains that could be utilized as effective, ecologically-friendly, and sustainable solutions to manage plant diseases. In the present investigation, a bacterial strain designated QF-2 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Vickifunkia tianschanica. Through dual culture experiments and molecular biological analysis, the taxonomic status of this strain was clearly established, and its antagonistic activities against seven plant pathogens were observed. Furthermore, the researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of the QF-2 genome. Concurrently, five secondary metabolites (1–5) produced by QF-2 were studied, isolated, and identified.

Chemical Composition of Five Lamiaceae Essential Oils and Their Insecticidal and Phytotoxic Activity.

The Lamiaceae family is widely distributed worldwide. In this study, we investigated the insecticidal activity of five Lamiaceae essential oils against Thrips flavus Schrank and the phytotoxic activity against Glycine max (L.) Merr., Zea mays L., Portulaca oleracea L., and Echinochloa oryzoides (Ard.) Fritsch. Then, the chemical composition of the five essential oils was analyzed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The five Lamiaceae essential oils were melissa, basil, rosemary, negundo chastetree, and salvia. The main constituents of the five Lamiaceae essential oils were preliminarily determined to be as follows: α-pinene and 1,8-cineole in the rosemary essential oil; β-pinene, γ-terpinene, and d-limonene in the negundo chastetree essential oil; β-cadinene and isolongifolen-5-one in the melissa essential oil; 5-allylguaiacol in the basil essential oil; and isopropyl myristate, linalyl acetate, and linalool in the salvia essential oil. Using a bioassay, it was found that, among the five essential oils, the melissa essential oil exhibited the lowest LC50 value, which was 0.18 mg/mL, and the salvia essential oil exhibited the highest LC50 value, which was 0.42 mg/mL. The control efficacy of the five essential oils significantly increased with time and concentration in pot experiments. The negundo chastetree, basil, rosemary, and salvia essential oils at 900.00 g a.i.·hm-2 showed high control efficacy against T. flavus, with values higher than 90%. Female thrips were attracted to the negundo chastetree essential oil. The five essential oils were also tested for their effects on the germination rate, germination potential, germination index, and shoot length of G. max, Z. mays, P. oleracea, and E. oryzoides. The basil essential oil significantly inhibited the germination of P. oleracea, with germination at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL being only 11.11 ± 5.09%. This study provides a reference for the development of botanical pesticides to control T. flavus, crops, and weeds.

Contact Toxicity and Repellent Effects of Essential Oils from Toddalia asiatica Against Two Stored-Product Insects.

Insect infestations continually endanger stored goods, underscoring the significance of discovering eco-friendly insecticides for pest management. Essential oils (EOs) from different parts of Toddalia asiatica (leaf, fruit and branch) were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Carvene, p-cymene and muurolene are the principal compounds of T. asiatica leaf (TAL), T. asiatica fruit (TAF) and T. asiatica branch (TAB) EO respectively. Our work aimed to assess the contact toxicity and repellent effects of EOs on two storage pests, Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne. All tested EOs exhibited obvious contact toxicity, especially, TAL EO against T. castaneum (33.48 μg/adult) and TAF EO against L. serricorne (16.42 μg/adult). Repellency tests revealed that TAL and TAF EOs, at a concentration of 78.63 nL/cm2, achieved nearing 100 % efficiency against T. castaneum. These results suggest that EOs of T. asiatica could be used as effective botanical insecticides for managing stored-product insects.

Garlic as a Botanical Pesticide against Army Worm <i>Spodoptera litura</i> (F) on Lettuce

Army worm Spodoptera litura (F) is one of the potential pests that attack lettuce plants and can cause yield losses. Botanical pesticides from garlic are an alternative to control this. This study aims to determine the most effective concentration and the LC50 value of garlic-based botanical pesticides on the mortality of army worms. This study used a one-factor completely randomized design (CRD) method in the form of botanical pesticides treatment of neem leaf extract (M) with 5 concentration levels with 5 replications; P1 = control, P2 = 10% garlic extract (30 ml extract mixed with 270 ml water), P3 = 20% garlic extract (60 ml extract mixed with 240 ml water), P4 = 30% garlic extract (90 ml extract mixed with 210 ml of water). The treatment of botanical pesticides from garlic caused death of army worms, the most effective concentration was P2 with a mortality of 68% and a mortality rate of 2.5 larva/ hr. The LC50-48, LC50-60 and LC50-72 hr values were 28.09%, 24.09% and 19.10%, respectively.

Host Preference and Developmental Dynamics of Fall Armyworm <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> (J E Smith)

The invasive fall army worm Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) is a major global agricultural pest, originally from tropical and subtropical America, now affecting over 80 plant species across Africa, Asia, and beyond. This study examines its host preferences and developmental dynamics, focusing on four host plants: Zea mays L., Glycine max L., Carica papaya L., and Brassica oleraceae var. acephala L. Using a complete randomized design, mortality and developmental rates of larvae were evaluated. These results revealed that C. papaya and B. oleraceae leaves resulted in maximum larval mortality (80 and 65%, respectively). This can be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites like tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which exhibit toxic and antifeedant properties. This study highlights the armyworm's ability to adapt to alternative hosts like G. max and B. oleraceae, even surviving on C. papaya leaves, typically used as a botanical pesticide.

Comparison of different attract-and-kill device densities to control the adult population of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Popillia japonica Newman is a scarab beetle native to Japan that is considered a serious pest outside its native range. It can feed on more than 400 host plants and spread about 10 km per year in invaded territories, therefore it is considered the second most important quarantine pest in Europe. Both chemical and biological insecticides have been used for control, with variable results. Despite ongoing efforts, P. japonica remains a threat in invaded countries, and it is necessary to test more effective and sustainable solutions in the context of integrated pest management. Here we present a study on long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) assembled in semiochemical-baited attract-and-kill devices (A&Ks) as a means to control adults of P. japonica with low environmental impact. This study complements previous ones in which we first evaluated the effectiveness of the LLINs in the laboratory and then tested both effectiveness and duration in field-exposed A&Ks against P. japonica. In the present work we compared the effectiveness of three different densities of A&Ks per hectare in areas where the population of P. japonica was numerically homogeneous. The different densities of A&K (1, 2, 4 A&Ks per ha) resulted in an overall reduction of the population of P. japonica by about two thirds in comparison to the control area. This study suggests that the use of one A&K per hectare, requiring minimal management effort, is an effective ratio for reducing local populations of P. japonica. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Advances in Hydrogel Polymers for Microbial Control in Water Systems.

Every year, contaminated water is responsible for over one million deaths globally. Microbiology leads other fields in the development of solutions to water contamination to reduce these deaths while advancing the achievement of SDG 6, which aims to ensure universal access to water and sanitation. This article explores hydrogel polymers as a solution to water contamination through microbial control. Using a systematic approach, this study collects, reviews, analyzes, and synthesizes the findings of studies on the structure, properties, and mechanisms used by hydrogel polymers in pathogen control in water systems, emphasizing recent advances in microbiology that have improved the antimicrobial properties of hydrogel polymers, enhanced their synthetic properties, and improved their overall ability to control the spread of pathogens in water. Other additional notable findings, including the applications of hydrogel polymers in water systems, the environmental implications of using the method to decontaminate and purify water for various purposes, and the regulatory standards needed to reinforce the viability and effectiveness of the adaptation of hydrogel polymers for the control of harmful or unwanted microorganisms in water systems, inform the presented inferences on the future of hydrogel technologies and new opportunities for the expansion of their commercial use.