Eco-friendly Management Strategies Research Articles

Non-chemical management of fungal diseases in berries: A review

Abstract Organically grown berries are highly valued for their significant economic and nutritional benefits, playing a crucial role in fostering sustainable agriculture. However, meeting the escalating demand for organic berries while sustaining profitable yields of top-quality produce remains challenging, primarily due to the obstacles presented by plant diseases and significant insect pests acting as vectors. Globally, significant losses in organic berry agriculture stem from pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, and parasitic plants. Although chemical pesticides have historically served as effective control measures, their high costs and potential environmental and health risks necessitate exploring alternative approaches. Consequently, there have been groundbreaking advancements in biological methods for disease management, driven by an enhanced understanding of the intricate interactions between plant pathogens and the plant immune system. This comprehensive analysis elucidates the common pests and diseases affecting organic berry crops, with particular emphasis on fungal pathogens posing the greatest risk. The review documents efficient management strategies to mitigate the harm caused by fungal infections, focusing on biological control using antagonistic microorganisms. Thanks to years of intensive research, numerous commercially available products showcasing the effectiveness of biological control in combating pathogenic threats in organic berry crops have emerged. Furthermore, our review provides insights into recent advancements in the diagnosis and detection of plant diseases, encompassing both time-tested approaches from the previous generations and important methods currently in use. Ultimately, this review aims to help organic berry growers implement successful eco-friendly management strategies to safeguard their crops and boost yields by offering an overview of the latest developments in disease management.

Effect of Pesticides on Human Health and Biodiversity: A Comprehensive Insight

Pesticides, whether naturally occurring or chemically synthesized, serve to combat various pests across sectors such as food production, forestry, agriculture, and aquaculture, but they also pose risks of toxicity to ecosystems. The World Health Organization classifies pesticides based on their harmful effects, underscoring the importance of public health considerations. By employing them judiciously and understanding their categorization, their usage can be minimized for the benefit of both human health and the environment. This review examines global perspectives on pesticides, including their distribution and environmental impacts, while literature highlights their potential uses, classification and adverse effects on natural systems, water, plants, human health and food preservation. Additionally, eco-friendly management strategies, like bacterial degradation, myco-remediation, phytoremediation, and microalgae-based bioremediation, are discussed as green solutions to mitigate pesticide pollution. The identification of potent microbes, novel genes and biotechnological applications for pesticide waste management is crucial for fostering a sustainable environment.

Occurrence and ecotoxicological impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa: Options for sustainable and eco-friendly management strategies

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent contaminants used as flame retardants in electronic products. PBDEs are contaminants of concern due to leaching and recalcitrance conferred by the stable and hydrophobic bromide residues. The near absence of legislatures and conscious initiatives to tackle the challenges of PBDEs in Africa has allowed for the indiscriminate use and consequent environmental degradation. Presently, the incidence, ecotoxicity, and remediation of PBDEs in Africa are poorly elucidated. Here, we present a position on the level of contamination, ecotoxicity, and management strategies for PBDEs with regard to Africa. Our review shows that Africa is inundated with PBDEs from the proliferation of e-waste due to factors like the increasing growth in the IT sector worsened by the procurement of second-hand gadgets. An evaluation of the fate of PBDEs in the African environment reveals that the environment is adequately contaminated, although reported in only a few countries like Nigeria and Ghana. Ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and Soxhlet extraction coupled with specific chromatographic techniques are used in the detection and quantification of PBDEs. Enormous exposure pathways in humans were highlighted with health implications. In terms of the removal of PBDEs, we found a gap in efforts in this direction, as not much success has been reported in Africa. However, we outline eco-friendly methods used elsewhere, including microbial degradation, zerovalent iron, supercritical fluid, and reduce, reuse, recycle, and recovery methods. The need for Africa to make and implement legislatures against PBDEs holds the key to reduced effect on the continent.

Comparative analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity and defence responses in root‐knot nematode resistant and susceptible carrot cultivars

AbstractRoot‐knot nematodes (RKNs) are one of the most serious pests of carrot plants. Resistance cultivars are a cost‐effective and ecofriendly management strategy for nematodes. To develop these, it is essential to understand the genetic, molecular and biochemical aspects underpinning RKN infection. Here, Meloidogyne javanica penetration and development, defence reactions and antioxidant enzyme activity were investigated in a resistant carrot cultivar (TN‐99‐129) compared to the susceptible cultivar TN‐99‐62. No significant difference was found in the number of J2s penetrating the roots of both cultivars. At 2 days post‐inoculation (DPI), necrosis symptoms were observed around the head of penetrated nematodes. Cell death also increased in the roots of the nematode‐infected TN‐99‐129 cultivar. Callose deposition happened at 6 DPI, and lignin content increased with delay (21 DPI) in the inoculated resistant cultivar. In addition, the reactive oxygen species metabolism process in resistant and susceptible cultivars was significantly different. In TN‐99‐129, catalase activity inhibition was observed at the early (2 DPI) phases of infection, and increasing superoxide dismutase activity and a relative decrease in catalase activity during nematode development. The activity of guaiacol peroxidase also increased significantly in the resistant cultivar, but no significant difference was observed in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase. This study explains the process of defence reactions in the TN‐99‐129 carrot cultivar during RKN penetration and development. The exhaustive characterization of the defence mechanism of a novel source of resistance to RKN in carrots constitutes a significant step toward their use in crop breeding.

Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Chemically Induced Defense Activation in Maize against Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight Disease.

Maize is the third most vital global cereal, playing a key role in the world economy and plant genetics research. Despite its leadership in production, maize faces a severe threat from banded leaf and sheath blight, necessitating the urgent development of eco-friendly management strategies. This study aimed to understand the resistance mechanisms against banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) in maize hybrid "Vivek QPM-9". Seven fungicides at recommended doses (1000 and 500 ppm) and two plant defense inducers, salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) at concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm, were applied. Fungicides, notably Azoxystrobin and Trifloxystrobin + Tebuconazole, demonstrated superior efficacy against BLSB, while Pencycuron showed limited effectiveness. Field-sprayed Azoxystrobin exhibited the lowest BLSB infection, correlating with heightened antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, POX, β-1,3-glucanase, PPO, PAL), similar to the Validamycin-treated plants. The expression of defense-related genes after seed priming with SA and JA was assessed via qRT-PCR. Lower SA concentrations down-regulated SOD, PPO, and APX genes but up-regulated CAT and β-1,3-glucanase genes. JA at lower doses up-regulated CAT and APX genes, while higher doses up-regulated PPO and β-1,3-glucanase genes; SOD gene expression was suppressed at both JA doses. This investigation elucidates the effectiveness of certain fungicides and plant defense inducers in mitigating BLSB in maize hybrids and sheds light on the intricate gene expression mechanisms governing defense responses against this pathogen.

A novel biocontrol strain Pseudomonas canadensis FRPC18 against box blight (causative agent Calonectria pseudonaviculata)

BackgroundRecent box blight epidemics caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Cps) have created the need for finding eco-friendly management strategies, especially in natural habitats. In the present research, the biocontrol activity of 26 bacterial isolates against Cps was investigated under laboratory and greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design (n = 3; P < 0.05).ResultsStrains FRPC18, FRPF4, and FRPF6 showed the most efficiency in the inhibiting Cps colony by 72.4, 46.8, and 34.2% through a dual culture test, respectively. The superior strain, FRPC18, identified belonged to Pseudomonas canadensis. FRPF6 volatile and FRPC18 non-volatile antifungal compounds resulted in the highest inhibition rate of 27.67 and 59.43%, respectively. Strain FRPC18 could also produce the maximum amount of chitinase, significantly, while the highest amount of siderophores was detected in FRPF4. There were non-significant differences among the bacterial strains in producing protease and pectinase. In the greenhouse, FRPC18 reduced box blight severity by 30% and had non-statistically significant differences with Serenade® as a biofungicide (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that P. canadensis may be a new biocontrol agent for controlling box blight in disease hotspots during epidemics in boxwood forests.

Bio-efficacy of Xanthium strumarium L. Essential Oil against Castor Semilooper, Achaea janata L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Background: Although use of synthetic insecticides causes excellent control of insect pests, it leads to adverse effects on non-target organisms as well as the environment. The present study determining the chemical composition and insecticidal activities of essential oil extracted from the leaves of rough cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium and its bioefficacy against the castor semilooper, Achaea janata shall show a new dimension in formulating an ecofriendly management strategy towards castor crop. Methods: Xanthium strumarium leaf essential oil was isolated through hydro-distillation method using Clevenger apparatus and the chemical composition was analysed using GC-MS. The ovicidal and insecticidal activity of the essential oil was determined by dipping and topical application methods, respectively. Larval feeding deterrence and growth inhibitory properties of the essential oil was evaluated through the diet incorporation method. Result: GC-MS analysis of the X. strumarium essential oil revealed the presence of 14 chemical compounds, of which the majority are the terpenes (94.48%). The LC50 values in terms of ovicidal and insecticidal activities were recorded to be 69.70 µL/mL and 0.30 µL/larvae, respectively. The fifty per cent larval feeding deterrence (DC50) and growth inhibitory properties (EC50) were recorded to be 1.88 µl/cm² and 213.94 µL/mL, respectively.

Exploring host plant resistance in chilli (Capsicum spp) against Southeast Asian thrips (Thripsparvispinus Karny)

Southeast Asian thrips (Thrips parvispinus Karny), poses a significant threat to chilli crop production causing severe economic losses. They feed heavily on leaves, flowers and young fruits causing severe damage to the crop. Exploring host plant resistance is the best ecofriendly management strategy to combat this pest. Large-scale field screening of 481 germplasm accessions, followed by further screening of selected accessions under polyhouse conditions led to identification of fourteen accessions that showed resistance against Southeast Asian thrips. Among the screened accessions, IIHR-B-HP-79 showed the highest level of Southeast Asian thrips resistance with significantly low leaf and fruit damage scores of 0.28 and 0.13, respectively. Further, screening of selected fourteen field resistant accessions was performed through whole plant bio-assay where in four accessions i.e., IIHR-B-HP-79 (C. frutescens), IIHR 4550, IIHR 4501 & IIHR 4410 (C. chinense) showed good level of resistance. Multi-choice leaf disc assay, demonstrated that IIHR-B-HP-79 exhibited a high level of resistance with the lowest percent of scraping damage during both the vegetative (10.98) and flowering stages (15.31). The identified resistant accession IIHR-B-HP-79 (C. frutescens), has the potential to be a valuable genetic resource as donor in breeding for Southeast Asian thrips resistance.

Trichopria anastrephae: A Promising Neotropical-Native Parasitoid for Drosophila suzukii Control

Trichopria anastrephae: A Promising Neotropical-Native Parasitoid for Drosophila suzukii Control

Optimization of green silver nanoparticles as nanofungicides for management of rice bakanae disease

Rice bakanae, a devastating seed-borne disease caused by Fusarium species requires a more attractive and eco-friendly management strategy. The optimization of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as nanofungicides by targeting Fusarium species may be a rational approach. In this study, Azadirachta indica leaf aqueous extract-based AgNPs (AiLAE-AgNPs) were synthesized through the optimization of three reaction parameters: A. indica leaf amount, plant extract-to-AgNO3 ratio (reactant ratio), and incubation time. The optimized green AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet–visible light (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The optimal conditions for producing spherical, unique, and diminutive-sized AgNPs ranging from 4 to 27 nm, with an average size of 15 nm, were 2 g AiLAE at a 1:19 ratio (extract-to-AgNO3) and incubated for 4 h. Fusarium isolates collected from infected soils and identified as F. fujikuroi (40) and F. proliferatum (58 and 65) by PCR were used for seed infestation. The AgNPs exhibited concentration-dependent mycelial growth inhibition with EC50 values ranging from 2.95 to 5.50 μg/mL. The AgNPs displayed exposure time-dependent seed disinfectant potential (complete CFU reduction in F. fujikuroi (40) and F. proliferatum (58) was observed at a concentration of 17.24 μg/mL). The optimized green AgNPs were non-toxic to germinating seeds, and completely cured bakanae under net-house conditions, suggesting their great nano-fungicidal potency for food security and sustainable agriculture.

Different Preharvest Diseases in Garlic and Their Eco-Friendly Management Strategies.

garlic reproduces mainly through clove planting, as sexual reproduction via seeds is uncommon. Growers encounter challenges with pathogens due to the larger size and vegetative nature of seed cloves, as well as the storage conditions conducive to fungal growth. Some Phyto-pathogenic fungi, previously unrecognized as garlic infections, can remain latent within bulb tissues long after harvest. Although outwardly healthy, these infected bulbs may develop rot under specific conditions. planting diseased seed cloves can contaminate field soil, with some fungal and bacterial infections persisting for extended periods. The substantial size of seed cloves makes complete eradication of deeply ingrained infections difficult, despite the use of systemic fungicides during the preplanting and postharvest phases. Additionally, viruses, resistant to fungicides, persist in vegetative material. They are prevalent in much of the garlic used for planting, and their host vectors are difficult to eliminate. To address these challenges, tissue-culture techniques are increasingly employed to produce disease-free planting stock. Key scientific concepts of the review: garlic faces a concealed spectrum of diseases that pose a global challenge, encompassing fungal threats like Fusarium's vascular wilt and Alternaria's moldy rot, bacterial blights, and the elusive garlic yellow stripe virus. The struggle to eliminate deeply ingrained infections is exacerbated by the substantial size of seed cloves. Moreover, viruses persist in garlic seeds, spreading through carrier vectors, and remain unaffected by fungicides. This review emphasizes eco-friendly strategies to address these challenges, focusing on preventive measures, biocontrol agents, and plant extracts. Tissue-culture techniques emerge as a promising solution for generating disease-free garlic planting material. The review advocates for ongoing research to ensure sustainable garlic cultivation, recognizing the imperative of safeguarding this culinary staple from an array of fungal and viral threats.

Identification of Oryza glaberrima as a potential resistance source to rice root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola

Abstract The root-knot nematodes (RKN) (Meloidogyne graminicola) are a devastating threat to rice worldwide. The cultivated germplasm is either susceptible or moderately resistant to rice RKN. Therefore, there is a need to identify resistance sources against M. graminicola as an eco-friendly management strategy. The present study evaluated the host response of Oryza sativa genotypes comprising basmati, non-basmati improved varieties, their advanced breeding lines (83) and Oryza glaberrima accessions (42) against M. graminicola in the nematode-infested plot for two consecutive years. All O. sativa genotypes exhibited susceptible responses, while O. glaberrima accessions showed variable levels of resistance. Three of the O. glaberrima accessions (IRGC102196, IRGC102538 and IRGC102557) were highly resistant. M. graminicola significantly affected plant growth parameters in susceptible genotypes compared to resistant O. glaberrima accessions. The results were supported by histopathological studies that showed apparent giant cell formation in PR121 while penetration and development of M. graminicola juveniles were low in the O. glaberrima acc. IRGC102196. In silico analysis indicated that none of the reported nematode resistance genes from different crops had homology with the rice genome. The two anti-nematode genes (Oryzacystatin-I and Oryzacystatin-II) from O. sativa japonica revealed homology with O. sativa cv. PR121 and O. glaberrima acc. IRGC102206. Comparative analysis of these genes between PR121 and O. glaberrima acc. IRGC102206 resulted in the identification of SNPs/InDels that could be associated with nematode resistance. The identified SNPs/InDels could be validated, and further molecular studies are needed to provide insights into the resistance mechanism against rice RKN.

Eco-friendly management strategies of insect pests: long-term performance of rosemary essential oil encapsulated into chitosan and gum Arabic

ABSTRACT This study focused on encapsulation of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EO) on chitosan and gum Arabic matrix in various ratios and with varying essential oil concentrations. Additionally, UV/VIS spectroscopy was used to determine cumulative-release profiles. The insecticidal activity was tested against Tribolium castaneum and Oryzaephilus surinamensis, both pests of stored products. In terms of encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and loading capacity (LC%), capsules had EE at 45.8% and LC at 2.31%. Furthermore, many minor compounds were lost after encapsulation, until identifying only 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and camphor after 60 d of storage. The fumigant tests demonstrated that encapsulated EO exhibited an effective control against insect pest during storage periods, namely, 30, 45, and 60 d with 99, 66, and 46% mortality for T. castaneum and 100, 84, 82% mortality for O. surinamensis.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Eco-Friendly Management Approaches for Controlling Wheat Yellow Rust and Their Impact on Antioxidant Enzymes.

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a destructive disease that causes significant yield losses in wheat production worldwide, including in Egypt. The use of biocontrol agents is among the best eco-friendly management strategies to control this disease, as they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional chemical control methods. In a comparative analysis, antioxidant enzyme activity and various management approaches were compared with two bacterial biocontrol agents, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida. This study showed the remarkable efficacy of endophytic bacteria, B. subtilis and P. putida, in mitigating wheat stripe rust infection across three wheat varieties, namely Misr1, Gimmeiza11, and Sids12. B. subtilis exhibited superior performance compared to P. putida, resulting in infection types of 1 and 2.66, respectively, following inoculation. The highest reduction rate was observed with Tilit fungicide (500 ppm), followed by B. subtilis and Salicylic acid (1000 ppm), respectively. Variations in wheat varieties' response to Pst infection were observed, with Misr1 exhibiting the lowest infection and Sids12 showing high susceptibility. Among the tested inducers, Salicylic acid demonstrated the greatest reduction in disease infection, followed by Indole acetic acid, while Oxalic acid exhibited the lowest decrease. Additionally, the study evaluated the activities of five antioxidant enzymes, including Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX), in the wheat-stripe rust interaction under different integrated management approaches. The wheat variety Misr1 treated with Tilit (500 ppm), B. subtilis, Salicylic acid, Montoro (500 ppm), and P. putida exhibited the highest increase in all enzymatic activities. These findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of B. subtilis and P. putida as biocontrol agents for wheat stripe rust control in Egypt, emphasizing their potential role in sustainable, integrated, and environmentally friendly management practices.

Evaluation of potential entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, for controlling the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Taiwan

Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), a coffee berry borer (CBB), is a serious pest of coffee fruits and causes economic losses in the coffee industry. With the concerns of chemical control, an alternative eco-friendly management strategy such as microbial control has emerged as the times require. Herein, a total of thirty-three fungi were isolated from CBB cadavers. Two entomopathogenic fungal isolates, NCHU-271 and NCHU-272, which showed fast insect-killing activity, were subjected to molecular identification and named “Beauveria bassiana-NCHU-271” (Bb-NCHU-271) and “Beauveria bassiana -NCHU-272” (Bb-NCHU-272). Moreover, a virulence test of Bb-NCHU-271 and Bb-NCHU-272 against CBBs was also performed. Both Bb-NCHU-271 and Bb-NCHU-272 caused 100% mortality at 8 days post inoculation (d.p.i.) and a LT50 of Bb-NCHU-271 by spraying 108 conidia/ml was less than Bb-NCHU-272. Therefore, histological evidence of Bb-NCHU-271 infected CBBs was provided to proven the infection process of B. bassiana in CBBs. Furthermore, an infestation test was performed to evaluate the differences in CBB control efficacy between the treatments of “Borers exposed to EPF first” or “Berries exposed to EPF first”. The results revealed that the “Borers exposed to EPF first” of Bb-NCHU-272 caused significantly lower survival rates and higher mycosis rates than those of Bb-NCHU-271. Only slight control effects of Bb-NCHU-271 and Bb-NCHU-272 were also observed in the “Berries exposed to EPF” treatment. In conclusion, Bb-NCHU-271 and −272 showed controlling ability to the CBBs either before or after CBB infestation into coffee berries, while application of EPFs before the CBBs bored into coffee fruits could enhance the control effect.

Nematicidal Properties of Medicinal Plants against Root-Knot Nematode - A Systematic Review

Plant parasitic nematodes are small roundworms that feed on plants and damage them. The most serious among them was root-knot nematodes that found in cultivated crops throughout the world. Root-knot nematode infection in plants has become the biggest issue nowadays due to the significant agricultural losses. The greatest barrier to environment-friendly crop production in modern agriculture is the reliance on chemical nematicides for crop protection. Instead of using hazardous chemical nematicides, it should be encouraged to apply plant-based nematicides. The mechanism of root-knot nematode infection and eco-friendly management strategies were covered in this review. This information should be done in this area so that eco-friendly and cost-effective controlling measures against root-knot nematodes.

Sustainable Management for Spiralling Whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Infesting Guava and Its Effects on the Natural Enemies’ Complex

The spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is one of the most notorious insect pests among tropical fruits and vegetables. A common pest management technique is the application of chemical insecticides. However, this has led to environmental degradation, natural enemy reduction, development of pesticide resistance and increased cost of production. This study, therefore, evaluated the efficacy of a sustainable and eco-friendly management strategy against the spiralling whitefly infesting guava (Psidium guajava L). The experiment was carried out with seven treatments replicated five times following the randomized complete block design. The treatments were negative control (T1), 0.8% soybean oil (T2), 1.6% liquid dishwashing (T3), 1.6% neem oil (T4), 0.4% soybean oil + 0.8% liquid dishwashing (T5), 0.8% neem oil + 0.8% liquid dishwashing (T6) and chemical control (Thiamethoxam 25 WG at 2g/L-1) (T7). Results showed that 1.6% liquid dishwashing was superior among treatments against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd nymphal instars with an average mortality of 84.28, 85.22 and 81.81%, respectively. Application of 0.8% soybean oil showed the highest efficacy against the eggs, 4th instar and adult population with an average mortality of 75.50, 81.36 and 93.50%, respectively. Application of these treatments showed no adverse effects on the natural enemies’ complex associated with guava. Integration of other eco-friendly pest management strategies against the invasive spiralling whitefly is recommended for future research.

This tree is on fire: a review on the ecology of Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight disease

AbstractFire blight represents a great threat to apple and pear production worldwide. The ability of its causal agent, Erwinia amylovora, to spread rapidly in the host plants makes this devastating disease difficult to manage. Copper and antibiotics are still the most effective solutions to control fire blight, although their application contribute to environmental pollution and to the development of E. amylovora resistant populations. Thus, there is an urgent need to find new alternatives to such plant protection products. In this review, we summarized what is known on E. amylovora biology, as the knowledge of the plant pathogen biology is essential to develop eco-friendly management strategies. Notably, the presence of E. amylovora alone does not necessarily result in the disease development as it is the final outcome of multiple interactions established between E. amylovora cells, flower microbiota, plant host, insect vectors and environment. For instance, specific humidity and temperature create the suitable conditions for E. amylovora to grow and reach the specific cell density needed for plant infection. Once fire blight develops, insects act as potential vectors of E. amylovora, playing a role in the dispersal of the disease. The host plant represents an important factor as its susceptibility varies among the species belonging to the Rosaceae family. Recent studies showed apple flower microbiota might promote or hinder the infection progress, thus representing a possible source of new biocontrol agents effective in controlling E. amylovora.

In vitro bioefficacy of Trichoderma species against two Botryosphaeriaceae fungi causing Eucalyptus stem canker disease in Ethiopia

Phytopathogenic fungi, which are leading to significant economic and production losses, pose a serious threat to global forestry. Field surveys were carried out on Eucalyptus trees in Ethiopia between 2019/20 and 2020/21. The E. camaldulensis predominantly grew in the surveyed fields and was severely affected by progressive stem canker disease. The diseased stems and branches exhibiting symptoms were collected, and the Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum fungal pathogens were identified via morphological and DNA sequence analyses of ITS1 and ITS2 from rDNA. The objective of this research was to assess the in vitro growth inhibition potential of Trichoderma species against Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum fungal species. Researchers are now exploring alternate eco-friendly management strategies due to the hazardous effects chemical fungicides have on human and environmental health. The use of biocontrol agents, such as Trichoderma species, is one of the potential approaches employed today. The antagonistic activities of Trichoderma asperellum (T4), Trichoderma asperellum (T5), Trichoderma atroviride (T1), Trichoderma atroviride (T11), Trichoderma longibrachiatum (T3), and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (T31) were tested in vitro against Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum that cause canker disease symptoms in E. camaldulensis. In all antagonism tests, T. asperellum and T. longibrachiatum effectively inhibited the growth of L. theobromae and N. parvum. This implies that the Trichoderma species could be useful to control E. camaldulensis canker disease.

Diamondback Moth Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae); A Real Menace To Crucifers And Its Integrated Management Tactics

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a severe and most destructive pest of cruciferous vegetables in many parts of the world, including Nepal. The natural history and ecology of the diamondback moth are summarized here, along with appropriate management options. Caterpillar is the most devastating stage of DBM that matures and causes “windowing” damage, leaving only the epidermis. Biological control, cultural practices, effective chemical control, botanical pesticides, and host plant resistance are the most viable options. Insecticide abuse and resistance concerns are likely to persist, as numerous research-based outcomes have proven that none of these measures will suffice independently. However, these techniques can complement each other and result in a better long-term management system when combined. This review highlights the integrated eco-friendly management strategies for DBM and other cruciferous insect pests. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which focuses on sustainable production, has shown promising results. Modern management techniques include genetic modification, use of parasitoids, modified cultural methods, the precautionary application of chemicals, resistant cultivars, fungal, bacterial (Bt. based biopesticides), and viral entomopathogens, etc., which are found to be more effective and eco-friendlier.