Biopesticides Research Articles

Morphological, Molecular Identification and Virulence of Entomopathogenic Fungi Isolated From Dendroctonus micans (Kugelann,1794) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

In this study, to determine an effective fungal agent against Dendroctonus micans (Kugelann, 1794) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), which causes significant economic losses in forested areas, Picea orientalis (L.) Link in Artvin between 2021-2022. Dendroctonus micans larvae and adults were collected from the trees, and 18 fungi were isolated from larvae and adult insects. Morphological (infection type, colony morphology, spore form) and molecular (ITS1-5.8S ITS2 gene region) characterization determined that the isolates were Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin, 1883 (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), M. robertsii, M. pinghaense and Clonostachys rosea Samuels & Rossman, 1999 (Hypocreales: Bionectriaceae). Isolates M. robertsii (OZM4) and M. pinhaense (OZM9) have been isolated from this pest for the first time. As a result of insecticidal activity tests performed on D. micans larvae and adults of 1x107spore/ml spore suspension, the larvae, M. anisopliae (OZM2), showed a mortality rate of 92% within 7 days and adults mortality was determined 100% at the end of the experiment, and mycosis rates were found to be consistent with mortality rates. These results show that isolates with high virulence are promising in microbial and integrated control applications against important forest pests.

Sampling, quantification and mathematical modeling in agricultural spray drift: A review

An effective spray of agrochemicals is inevitable for crop production for viable agriculture. Spraying inherently suffers from drift, which has always been one of the major concerns in agriculture, affecting the intent of agrochemical spraying and posing serious environmental hazards. Complete elimination of spray drift is impractical under field conditions but can be minimized using precision spraying techniques. Agricultural spray drift has several detrimental effects, such as environmental damage, polluting water bodies, human and animal health risks, chemical exposure, and economic losses, and may also lead to conflicts between neighboring farmers. Hence, the assessment of spray drift is a salient part of the design process of plant protection equipment to achieve maximum deposition in both chemical and biological pesticide applications. The different methods used to study the drift of a sprayer include test bench, wind tunnel and phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA) methods. In the field-level assessment, the fluorometric tracer sampling method conforming to ISO-22866:2005 was used. Plume dispersion, particle tracking and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are the major mathematical modeling approaches for spray drift simulation studies. Among various methodologies and techniques, an appropriate method for spray drift assessment should be adopted in accordance with factors such as crop parameters, mode of application, and environmental conditions.

High-efficiency ZnO:Al/p-GaN epitaxial heterojunction photocatalysts for antimicrobial application

Highly efficient ZnO:Al (AZO) thin-film-type photocatalysts with thicknesses of approximately 400 nm are deposited on (0001) p-GaN at deposition temperature of 400 °C via cathodic arc plasma evaporation to develop epitaxial heterojunction photocatalysts for antimicrobial applications. AZO films with a multidomain structure are deposited on (0001) sapphire to compare their antimicrobial performances. Their microstructural and electrical properties, depth-resolved cathodoluminescence spectra, and antibacterial activity are investigated. The results of antimicrobial activity analysis indicate that the AZO/p-GaN heterojunction photocatalysts exhibit better antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus than the multidomain AZO films deposited on (0001) sapphire. The improvement in antibacterial activity is attributed to the built-in electric field formed by the AZO/p-GaN heterojunction, which results in enhanced separation between photogenerated electrons and holes under ultraviolet A irradiation. In addition, the AZO/p-GaN heterojunction photocatalysts possess higher concentrations of oxygen vacancies, defect levels, conductivities, and carrier mobilities than the multidomain AZO films. Therefore, they exhibit better antibacterial activity by inhibiting the growth of S. aureus. An excellent antimicrobial thin film-type AZO/p-GaN epitaxial heterojunction photocatalysts is successfully developed in this study for application in the microbial control field.

Elicitors of plant defenses as a standalone tactic failed to provide sufficient protection to fruits against spotted-wing drosophila

Spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), is a globally important invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits including raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Current control measures for this pest primarily rely on calendar-based insecticide sprays; therefore, more sustainable methods are desirable. Adults of D. suzukii use cues derived from fruits and symbiotic microbes to identify optimal sites for feeding, mating, and oviposition. We hypothesized that modifying any of these cues could influence D. suzukii adult behavior, making them less likely to select suitable fruits. One approach involves applying synthetic elicitors of the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) plant defense pathways, which are associated with defenses against pathogens and herbivores, respectively, or the use of crop sterilants, employed for microbial control, to reduce D. suzukii attraction, oviposition, and larval performance in fruits. Here, the preference and performance of D. suzukii was investigated in blueberry fruits treated exogenously with four commercial elicitors of plant defenses – three that primarily activate SA-related defenses (Actigard, LifeGard, and Regalia) and one activator of JA-related defenses (Blush) – and the crop sterilant OxiDate. A series of choice and no-choice experiments were conducted in laboratory, semi-field, and field settings that were performed at various time intervals to assess the residual effects of each treatment. Our results showed no consistent repellent, oviposition deterrent, or larval toxicity activity for any of the products tested. As a result, our findings do not provide sufficient support to recommend the use of these elicitors or the crop sterilant as viable standalone options for D. suzukii management.

Epidemics of Begomoviruses Transmitted by Bemisia tabaci in Habanero Peppers and the Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides

Epidemics of Begomoviruses Transmitted by Bemisia tabaci in Habanero Peppers and the Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides

Microbial Preservation and Contamination Control in the Baking Industry

The required processes and steps for making bread include technological and innovative concepts. The current trend is the use of less toxic compounds and green methods. Besides lactic acid bacteria and yeast, other microorganisms with unique properties, such as enzymes, new aromas and flavors, exopolysaccharides, and vitamins, among other compounds with beneficial properties, could be added to bread manufacture, improving bread quality and health effects for the consumers. The preservation of microbial cultures and starters is crucial in bread-making. New encapsulation methods, cryoprotectants, spray-drying, fluidized bed drying, and vacuum drying are employed for microorganism cultures that will be used as starters or biological additives in fermentation. A development is observed in the antimicrobial methods used as bread preservatives, and studies with plant extracts and essential oils have been proposed and introduced, replacing chemical agents, such as propionate, within the clean-label bread formulations concept. Baking science is a growing research line that incorporates innovative methods, biological additives, new methods, and processes focusing on microbiological protection.

Evaluation of phytotoxicity indicators of cowpea seed treated with selected botanical insecticides

Evaluation of phytotoxicity indicators of cowpea seed treated with selected botanical insecticides

Levels of microbial diversity affect the stability and function of dark fermentation bioreactors

Climate change and pollution drive the need for fossil fuel alternatives. Dark fermentation offers promise through the use of microbial consortia to convert organic matter into hydrogen gas. Persisting challenges like instability and low yields may stem from reduced diversity of the anaerobic digestion communities that serve as inoculum and undergo aggressive pretreatments and culturing conditions. This study explores the impact of diversity loss on function, focusing on biogas production and stability. Two treatments, with and without aggressive pretreatment, were tested on 12 replicate bioreactors each, resulting in differing microbial diversity levels. Microbial communities were assessed via 16S amplicon sequencing, monitoring biogas production, volatile fatty acids, and testing invasion susceptibility. The two treatments exhibited divergent assembly and functional trajectories, although replicates within each treatment ultimately converged into similar compositions and stable levels of biogas production. Heat-treated bioreactors showed a 91.5% biogas increase but exhibited higher invasion susceptibility compared to non-treated. Non-treated bioreactors showed unique species associations with biogas production (e.g. Ethanoligenens harbinense and Enterococcus olivae), distinct from the commonly studied Clostridium group. These findings provide insights into the effects of diversity loss on stability, elucidating differences across taxonomic and functional stability as well as invasion susceptibility. Moreover, the identification of novel bacterial groups associated with hydrogen production suggests promising directions for future research to enhance microbial consortia control and design in dark fermentation.

Study on the mechanism of peanut resistance to Fusarium oxysporum infection induced by Bacillus thuringiensis TG5.

Peanut root rot, commonly referred to as rat tail or root rot, is caused by a range of Fusarium species. A strain of bacteria (named TG5) was isolated from crop rhizosphere soil in Mount Taishan, Shandong Province, China, through whole genome sequencing that TG5 was identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, which can specifically produce chloramphenicol, bacitracin, clarithromycin, lichen VK21A1 and bacitracin, with good biological control potential. Based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry metabonomics analysis and transcriptome conjoint analysis, the mechanism of TG5 and carbendazim inducing peanut plants to resist F. oxysporum stress was studied. In general, for peanut root rot caused by F. oxysporum, B. thuringiensis TG5 has greater advantages than carbendazim and is environmentally friendly. These findings provide new insights for peanut crop genetics and breeding, and for microbial pesticides to replace traditional highly toxic and highly polluting chemical pesticides. Based on the current background of agricultural green cycle and sustainable development, it has significant practical significance and broad application prospects.

Excessive climate warming exacerbates nitrogen limitation on microbial metabolism in an alpine meadow of the Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from soil ecoenzymatic stoichiometry

Soil ecoenzymatic stoichiometry reflects the dynamic equilibrium between microorganism's nutrient requirements and resource availability. However, uncertainties persist regarding the key determinants of nutrient restriction in relation to microbial metabolism under varying degrees of warming. Our long-term and multi-level warming field experiment (control treatment, +0.42 °C, +1.50 °C, +2.55 °C) in a typical alpine meadow unveiled a decline in carbon (C)- and nitrogen (N)-acquired enzymes with escalating warming magnitudes, while phosphorus (P)-acquired enzymes displayed an opposite trend. Employing enzymatic stoichiometry modeling, we assessed the nutrient limitations of microbial metabolic activity and found that C and N co-limited microbial metabolic activities in the alpine meadow. Remarkably, high-level warming (+2.55 °C) exacerbated microbe N limitation, but alleviate C limitations. The structural equation modeling further indicated that alterations in soil extracellular enzyme characteristics (SES) were more effectively elucidated by microbial characteristics (microbial biomass C, N, P, and their ratios) rather than by soil nutrients (total nutrient contents and their ratios). However, the microbial control over SES diminished with higher levels of warming magnitude. Overall, our results provided novel evidence that the factors driving microbe metabolic limitation may vary with the degree of warming in Tibet alpine grasslands. Changes in nutrient demand for microorganism's metabolism in response to warming should be considered to improve nutrient management in adapting to different future warming scenarios.

Bioactivities and Synergistic Effect of Elsholtzia ciliata Essential Oil and Its Main Components against Lasioderma serricorne.

Investigations have shown that storage bugs seriously harm grains during storage. In the interim, essential oils (EOs) have been proven to be a good botanical pesticide. The anti-Lasioderma serricorne properties of Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil, which was obtained by steam distillation, were evaluated using DL-limonene, carvone, and their two optical isomer components using contact, repelling, and fumigation techniques. Simultaneously, the fumigation, contact, and repellent activities of carvone and its two optical isomers mixed with DL-limonene against L. serruricorne were evaluated. The results showed that E. ciliata, its main components (R-carvone, DL-limonene), and S-carvone exhibited both fumigations (LC50 = 14.47, 4.42, 20.9 and 3.78 mg/L) and contact (LD50 = 7.31, 4.03, 28.62 and 5.63 µg/adult) activity against L.serricorne. A binary mixture (1:1) of R-carvone and DL-limonene displayed an obvious synergistic effect. A binary mixture (1:1) of carvone and its two optical isomers exhibited an obvious synergistic effect, too. Furthermore, the repellent activity of the EO, carvone, and its two optical isomers, DL-limonene, and a combination of them varied. To stop insect damage during storage, E. ciliata and its components can be utilized as bio-insecticides.

PELATIHAN MEMBUAT INSEKTISIDA NABATI SEBAGAI PENGENDALI HAMA TANAMAN CABAI RAMAH LINGKUNGAN

Title PKM: Training on Making Botanical Insecticides as Environmentally Friendly Chili Pest Control involving the Taru Mulyo Farmers' Group in Karangpalem village, Kedawung sub-district, Sragen district which cares about environmental preservation, was held on May 27 2023. The purpose of this activity is to provide training in making vegetable insecticides as pest control for chili plants that are environmentally friendly. Thus the environment becomes clean and healthy, and able to make their own vegetable insecticides. Environmentally friendly chili pest control is a good solution in sustainable agriculture. Dependence on chemical pesticides that are not environmentally friendly, can be replaced by making vegetable insecticides. Besides being cheap and easy to manufacture, it also does not cause problems with the environment. This method can be a feature of local wisdom in controlling pests on the plants it cultivates. The output targets are Sinta accredited scientific journals and presentations at Senadimas. To realize the output target, the methods applied include counseling, training, mentoring and at the same time direct practice. In order for this partnership program to be sustainable, regular monitoring and evaluation is carried out.

Characterization of individual spores of two biological insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis and Lysinibacillus sphaericus, in response to glutaraldehyde using single-cell optical approaches.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls) are the most widely used microbial insecticides. Both encounter unfavorable environmental factors and pesticides in the field. Here, the responses of Bt and Ls spores to glutaraldehyde were characterized using Raman spectroscopy and differential interference contrast imaging at the single-cell level. Bt spores were more sensitive to glutaraldehyde than Ls spores under prolonged exposure: <1.0% of Bt spores were viable after 10min of 0.5% (v/v) glutaraldehyde treatment, compared to ~ 20% of Ls spores. The Raman spectra of glutaraldehyde-treated Bt and Ls spores were almost identical to those of untreated spores; however, the germination process of individual spores was significantly altered. The time to onset of germination, the period of rapid Ca2+-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (CaDPA) release, and the period of cortex hydrolysis of treated Bt spores were significantly longer than those of untreated spores, with dodecylamine germination being particularly affected. Similarly, the germination of treated Ls spores was significantly prolonged, although the prolongation was less than that of Bt spores. Although the interiors of Bt and Ls spores were undamaged and CaDPA did not leak, proteins and structures involved in spore germination could be severely damaged, resulting in slower and significantly prolonged germination. This study provides insights into the impact of glutaraldehyde on bacterial spores at the single cell level and the variability in spore response to glutaraldehyde across species and populations.

A Review of Pricing Research on Prefabricated Food Supply Chain Considering Blockchain Technology

As the pace of urban life gradually accelerates, prefabricated foods that balance efficiency and health have come into the public view. Given the rapid development of the prefabricated food industry in China, studying relevant issues in the prefabricated food supply chain is of great significance. This article conducts a literature review by searching for keywords such as prefabricated foods, supply chain pricing, and blockchain technology, analyzing trends, and summarizing findings. It is found that research on prefabricated foods, both domestically and internationally, mainly covers aspects such as raw material processing, product quality, microbial contamination prevention and control, and nutritional value assessment. Regarding pricing decisions in food supply chains, the literature discusses the impact of food loss, inventory strategies, market demand, and pricing on profits. Additionally, researchers have explored the application of blockchain technology in food supply chains, including the influence of conditions and parameters on pricing decisions. Although existing research provides important insights into prefabricated food supply chain management, there are still some limitations. Future research directions include sustainability and environmental factors, emerging markets and international trade, and the application of digital and intelligent technologies. These studies will provide theoretical guidance and practical recommendations for the sustainable development and innovation of prefabricated food supply chains, supporting the establishment of efficient shared cooperative relationships.

Biological strategies to control caterpillars in soybean, cotton and maize in the main producing regions of Brazil

Soybean, cotton and maize crops represent some of the main agricultural commodities grown during the hot season in Brazil. In order to provide more effective control options to producers, it is essential to deepen studies on management strategies using biological insecticides. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of the bioinsecticide Ocimum basilicum, in controlling the caterpillar complex, notably the looper (Chrysodeixis includens) in soybeans, the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize and the cotton leafworm caterpillar (Alabama argillacea) in cotton, as a control alternative aimed at mitigating damage and contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Experiments were carried out in each culture in various environments in the states of MT, MS, SP and PR in Brazil. A randomized block design with four replications was used in all the experiments. Agronomic traits, insect pest incidence and insecticide efficiency were evaluated for each of the crops. The data were subjected to after being subjected to stratified analysis of variance for each experimental phase. The interaction significant interactions were broken down to simple effects using Tukey's multiple comparison test of means at 5% probability. Subsequently, Scott-Knott mean grouping was used at 5% probability. Management using 1L per hectare of basil extract (Ocimum basilicum L) demonstrated satisfactory efficacy in controlling the caterpillar complex, approaching the results obtained with traditional chemical control.

Efficacy of some botanical insecticides against &lt;em&gt;Aphis gossypii&lt;/em&gt; Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on chrysanthemum

An evaluation of various botanical insecticides to control Aphis gossypii and its impact on aphid population dynamics on chrysanthemum plants was investigated. In order to control A. gossypii on chrysanthemum, the effectiveness of several botanical insecticides extracted from Melia azedarach, Toona sinensis, and Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium was investigated in the current study. The research was carried out in the experimental field of the Indonesian Ornamental Crops Research Institute under plastic house conditions. Five concentrations, i.e., 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 g/L of three plant extracts, M. azedarach, T. sinensis, and C. cinerariaefolium, were sprayed on chrysanthemum cultivar White Fiji after 28 to 84 days after planting. A. gossypii had a dynamic population that changed according to the plant’s developmental stages. In vegetative growth, the alate adult and nymphal stages were dominant, and the population of nymphs increased along the plant ages. The insect colonized young leaf surfaces in the terminal apices. During the reproductive stages, the population of alate adults diminished, and the distribution of the insect extended to mature, old leaves, flower buds, and bloomed flowers. The application of several botanical insecticides revealed various responses of aphid populations. Among the tested insecticides, C. cinerariaefolium extract at 3.0 and 3.5 g/L demonstrated the highest average percentage efficacy (76 and 72%) and was the most consistent in suppressing the population. The results of this study indicate the potential efficacy of botanical insecticides against A. gossypii suggesting a different approach to efficient and environment-friendly chrysanthemum pest management.

Two new chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Tripterygium wilfordii

Tripterygium wilfordii has been historically employed as a conventional botanical insecticide and a plant of medicinal significance. A new dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene (1) and a new acyclic compound (2), along with seven known compounds (3–9), have been isolated from the aerial parts of Tripterygium wilfordii. The identification of the structures of novel compounds were accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, encompassing HRESIMS, NMR, UV, IR, and a comparative analysis with spectroscopic data from compounds previously characterised. In in-vitro bioassay, compound 8 exhibited significant inhibitory activity for NO release in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with an IC50 value of 15.7 μM.

Biorationals and Synthetic Insecticides for Controlling Fall Armyworm and Their Influence on the Abundance and Diversity of Parasitoids

Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW) is a significant economic pest of maize in Uganda. Many Ugandan maize farmers employ synthetic insecticides as their main form of control despite the negative impacts of these chemicals. We tested the effectiveness of Beauveria bassiana; General Biopesticide Cocktail (mixture of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, Isaria fumosoroseus, Lecanicillium lecani and Purporeocillium lilacanus three strains of Metarhizium anisopliae, Nimbecidine® (azadirachtin 0.03%EC), and Roket® (cypermethrin 4% and profenofos 40%); and Amdocs® (emamectin benzoate 2% and abamectin 1%) on fall armyworm and parasitoids, respectively, in 2020 and 2021. The treatments with the greatest decrease in leaf damage and infestation were Amdocs® and Roket®, followed by Nimbecidine®. The biopesticides were not always more effective than the untreated control, though; their efficacy was often lower than that of the synthetic and botanical pesticides. We recovered one egg parasitoid, Telenomus remus, and seven egg and egg-larval parasitoids (Coccygidium luteum, Coccygidium sp., Cotesia icipe, Chelonus sp., Micranisa sp., Charops cf. diversipes, and an unidentified Tachinidae). Among these, C. cf diversipes, Chelonus sp., C. luteum, C. icipe and the Tachinidae were the most abundant. Parasitism was low, averaging 10% for egg masses and 5.3% for larvae. Application of synthetic pesticides and Nimbecidine® often resulted in higher yield when compared with the untreated control. In general, a low population of parasitoids was observed. Although the parasitoid population reduced in plots treated with Amdocs® and Roket®, the percentage of parasitism of FAW was not affected. In some instances, higher yields were realized in untreated control when compared with the treated plots. Pest management practices more compatible with biological control need to be considered for the management of fall armyworm.

Toxicological, biological, and biochemical impacts of the egyptian lavender (Lavandula multifida L.) essential oil on two lepidopteran pests

The use of essential oils as an eco-friendly tool in pest management stems from their natural origin and the presence of bioactive compounds that exhibit pesticidal properties, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. This study explores the toxicity of Lavandula multifida (lavender) essential oil (EO), as a botanical pesticide against two widespread and destructive Noctuidae pests, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel). GC-MS was employed to characterize 23 compounds in the EO, with 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (eucalyptol) (39.84%), being the primary component. The leaf dipping technique was utilized to assess the toxicity of the EO to both insects. At 96 hours post-treatment, the LC50 of lavender EO to S. littoralis and A. ipsilon larvae were 2.350 and 2.991 mg · ml–1, respectively. Concerning its biological effect, both concentrations of the EO (LC15 and LC50) significantly shortened the duration of the larval (to 15.24 and 14.23 days) and pupal (to 11.19 and 10.55 days) stages of S. littoralis. Biochemical assays revealed that the LC50 of lavender EO significantly inhibited α-esterase activity in S. littoralis at 72- and 96 hours post-treatment (0.031 and 0.063 mmol · min–1 · mg–1), and A. ipsilon at 96 hours post-treatment (0.129 mmol · min–1 · mg–1 protein). Given its significant toxicological, biological, and biochemical effects on S. littoralis, it is suggested that lavender EO could be considered for use in integrated pest management strategies while ensuring its safe application to protect non-target organisms.

Biosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles from Acacia cornigera and Annona purpurea and Their Insecticidal Effect against Tribolium castaneum

Diverse studies have showed that the pesticides can cause important damages in ecosystem. Therefore, the development of bio pesticides through nanotechnology can increase efficacy and limit the negative impacts in the environmental that traditionally seen through the use of chemical pesticides. Nanoparticles obtained from plants’ extracts can be used for effective pest management as a combined formulation of metal and some other organic material present in the plants. In the present study, our evaluated biosynthesis of nanoparticles of copper used two plant extracts (Acacia cornigera and Annona purpurea), and the Taguchi method was adopted for the synthesis optimization of the following variables of biosynthesis: temperature, pH, extract concentration, and reaction times to maximize the insecticidal activity on Tribolium castaneum. Our results showed that the nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Acacia cornigera and Anona purpurea extract under optimum conditions under Taguchi L 9 orthogonal design, where copper nanoparticles were obtained with a size of 63–153 nm for using A. cornigera extract, 87–193 nm for A. purpurea extract, and a zeta potential of 9.6 mV and −32.7 mV, respectively. The nanoparticles of copper from A. cornigera showed effective insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum, and 90% mortality compared to the 76.6% obtained from nanoparticles of copper from A. purpurea. The results suggest that Cu-nanoparticles derived from both plants could be used as a biocontrol agent of Tribolium castaneum, a pest of stored grain with great economic importance.