Biological control using rhizobacteria for plant disease management presents a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides. However, these bacteria demonstrate vulnerability to harsh environmental conditions, resulting in unstable colonization efficiency. This study identified Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens DA3-5 exhibiting broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The DA3-5 fermentation extract (RFE) demonstrated inhibition of mycelial growth in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans (FOC) through disruption of cell wall and membrane function. Analysis revealed that RFE contains phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) at a concentration of 3.52 μg mL-1, which effectively inhibits FOC mycelial growth. This study proposes a polymeric hydrogel (PMH) composed of carboxymethyl chitosan, sodium alginate, and calcium chloride for DA3-5 encapsulation. This hydrogel system enhances both biological control efficiency and rhizosphere colonization effectiveness in cabbage. The developed microbial encapsulation strategy shows promise in protecting sensitive microorganisms under controlled conditions, offering a potential approach for sustainable agriculture that requires further field validation. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

First report of Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium oxysporum causing brown leaf spot on Chinese cabbage

The antifungal potential and mechanistic action of durian shell water extract against citrus pathogen Fusarium oxysporum.

Volatile profile and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Juniperus phoenicea L. and its combination effect with sodium chloride, used in traditional preparation of Djeld of Bouhezza.

Structurally specialised metabolites with antimicrobial and enzyme inhibitory activities from Hadal Trench-derived Nigrocephalum sp. SCSIO41049.

Band steaming is an emerging sustainable technology for controlling weeds and soilborne diseases in horticultural crops. In California, lettuce production faces increasing challenges due to weed competition, soilborne pathogens, rising labor costs for hand weeding, and strict regulations on pesticide use. Injecting steam into the soil and raising the temperature to more than 70 °C for 20 min effectively reduces both weed seed viability and pathogen inoculum. However, the parameters for field band steaming are not well defined; for example, optimizing the steam injection width and depth is critical to achieving the desired treatment temperature for optimal reduction in weed seedbank viability and pathogen inoculum densities in commercial applications. The objectives of this study were to optimize steam injector width and depth for reducing weeds and pathogens in lettuce production, and to assess the effectiveness of band steaming in commercial lettuce systems. Experimental and commercial trials were conducted in 2022 and 2023, to evaluate injector width-by-depth configurations ranging from 5 to 10 cm wide and 5 to 15 cm deep. Data collected included soil temperature, weed densities, hand-weeding time, and pathogen densities. Average maximum soil temperatures following steam treatment ranged from 58 to 85 °C across treatments, with higher temperatures and longer heat retention observed in the deeper injector depth treatments. Band steaming reduced weed densities by 80% to 100% across treatments and reduced hand weeding time by at least 74% compared with nontreated controls. The 10 cm wide by 10 cm deep treatment in Trial 1 and the 12.7 cm wide by 12.7 cm deep treatment in Trial 2 had the lowest weed densities and shortest hand weeding times. In experimental fields, steam treatment reduced Pythium spp. densities by up to 100%. In commercial fields, steam treatment reduced Fusarium oxysporum spp. densities by 80% to 95% compared with nontreated controls. These results demonstrate that band steaming is an effective nonchemical alternative for managing weeds and soilborne pathogens in lettuce production, offering a practical solution for improving crop health and reducing reliance on chemical inputs.

Background/Objective. The production and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) crops are severely reduced by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent of fusarium wilt. Chemical fungicides are conventionally applied, although in cases of severe infection, the entire harvest is lost. Favorable environmental conditions increase the incidence, infection rate, and spread of this pathogen. Biological control is a useful strategy for combating this type of pathogen. The objective of this research was to determine the incidence of fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) in field-grown tomato plants treated with Trichoderma asperellum Jc01 and Bacillus subtilis ANT01. Experimental development. Trichoderma asperellum Jc01 and Bacillus subtilis ANT01 either alone or in combination, were weekly applied to the drip zone of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). Disease incidence was periodically sampled in both treated and untreated plants to monitor its progression over 15 weeks. Additionally, the number of flowers and fruits produced on the experimental plants was recorded. Results. At the end of the field trial, plants treated with B. subtilis ANT01 showed 60% less incidence compared to the control and a total of 47.9 fruits produced per plant, while plants treated with Trichoderma asperellum Jc01 or the combination of both microorganisms showed 16 and 28% less incidence than the control, and 18.0 and 27.3 fruits produced per plant, respectively. Conclusion. The results show at least partial evidence of the potential of the ANT01 strain as a biocontrol agent of F. oxysporum in tomato plants.

Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB)-a soil-borne disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), particularly the tropical race 4 (TR4)-poses a significant threat to the banana industry. The strain Bacillus velezensis T25 has been shown to significantly inhibit the growth of Foc TR4. In dual culture plates, strain T25 exhibited strong inhibition of mycelial growth and induced hyphal wrinkles, ruptures, and deformities in vitro cultures. In pot experiments conducted in a greenhouse, treatment with T25 resulted in an 84.21% reduction in the disease incidence among banana seedlings. Furthermore, T25 treatment significantly enhanced the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and callose within banana leaves while markedly increasing the activities of key defense-related enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). To analyze the effects of strain T25 on banana plants before and after treatment, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis following T25 treatment revealed 882 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when compared to control samples. Among the genes, 303 genes were up-regulated, and 579 genes were down-regulated. Notably, key upregulated defense-associated genes comprise PR1, GLT1, PTI6, and IAA, among others. These findings demonstrate that B. velezensis T25 can be utilized as a viable option for managing FWB through the induction systemic resistance, underscoring its significant potential as a biocontrol agent against this devastating disease.

Genomic and functional analysis of compost-isolated Bacillus strains with antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

The antimicrobial activity of multicomponent, magnetron-sputtered glass coatings was evaluated against phytopathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Cladosporium fulvum, Alternaria solani) and the chromista Phytophthora infestans, with Aspergillus fumigatus included as a model opportunistic pathogen. Fourteen Cu-based multicomponent coatings were deposited on glass using multi-alloy targets composed of Sn, Zn, Al, Ni, Fe, Ti, Mn, Nb, or Co in two high-transmittance variants (≥85% and ≥88%). Antimicrobial activity was assessed in two assays: (A) spore survival after 24–72 h contact, and (B) hyphal growth over 7 days following coating exposure under light and dark conditions. Spore viability decreased after incubation on high-Cu coatings, which showed inhibition for most strains, particularly B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, and P. infestans. The effects on spore germination were independent of the direct transmittance value of the coated glass. Hyphal growth was generally less affected by a high Cu content for most strains. Hyphal growth of F. oxysporum, C. fulvum, A. solani and B. cinerea was reduced by up to 30% on selected multicomponent coatings. For most strains, hyphal growth showed no inhibition after light incubation on coatings. However, light-dependent effects were observed for A. solani, A. fumigatus and P. infestans, while B. cinerea and C. fulvum showed reduced sensitivity during the first two days. High-Cu coatings were most effective at inhibiting spore germination, whereas hyphal growth on multicomponent coatings may respond to different ions. Therefore, high-Cu, two-component coatings may be recommended for practical greenhouse applications.

Temporal dynamic and GhGLR4.8-mediated reorganization of 3D chromatin architecture during Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum infection in cotton.

Microbiome-guided crop protection increasingly emphasizes the chemical basis of disease suppression. Here, we identify Streptomyces aurantiacus YS-4, a rhizosphere-enriched actinobacterium selectively recruited by resistant cultivars of Salvia miltiorrhiza, as a producer of metacycloprodigiosin, a previously reported secondary metabolite that is reported for the first time in this strain and further investigated for its role in suppressing Fusarium oxysporum-induced root rot in S. miltiorrhiza. Metacycloprodigiosin inhibited Fusarium oxysporum growth by 81.66% at 200 μg mL-1 and induced extensive cellular and transcriptional changes related to membrane function and virulence-associated pathways. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed severe hyphal damage, while transcriptomic profiling revealed broad downregulation of virulence-associated genes. Pot experiments demonstrated that YS-4 application alleviated root rot symptoms and enhanced plant biomass. Collectively, these findings establish a direct link between metabolite chemistry and pathogen suppression, advancing molecular understanding of plant-fungal interactions and highlighting metacycloprodigiosin as a promising biocontrol agent for sustainable management of crops.

In the present study, novel isoxazole-based hybrid compounds 5a–h were synthesized with satisfactory yields. Their structure was confirmed by FT-IR, NMR (1H, 13C, 2D), and HRMS. The antimicrobial properties of this class of compounds were thoroughly investigated in vitro against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as different fungi, both yeast and molds. Their antioxidant ability was also assessed by molybdate reduction assay. The compounds showed excellent antifungal activity, particularly against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum, equivalent to that of fluconazole. Among the series, 5d was the most potent antibacterial agent against Escherichia coli (minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC = 2.582 µmol mL−1), whereas the highest potency against Bacillus subtilis was found for 5h (MIC = 0.083 µmol mL−1) which was comparable to the efficacy of ampicillin. With respect to the antifungal activity, 5h showed the lowest MIC value against Candida albicans (MIC = 0.083 µmol mL−1) and A. niger (MIC = 0.083 µmol mL−1), and 5g was the most effective against Aspergillus flavus (MIC = 0.044 µmol mL−1). All hybrids were more effective as compared to fluconazole against F. oxysporum (MIC range: 0.43–0.94 µmol mL−1). Furthermore, assessment of their antioxidant potential shows that compounds 5e and 5g exhibit excellent reducing potency. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations demonstrated that compounds 5a–h, especially 5d, interact strongly and stably with key bacterial and fungal proteins, forming hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and water bridges, with minimal root-mean-square fluctuations (RMSF), confirming the structural integrity of the complexes. Additionally, in silico predictions of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADME-Tox) analysis predicted 5d to possess an optimal profile, with high gastrointestinal absorption and minimal toxicity, highlighting it as the lead candidate for the development of broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs.

Abstract Several methods for synthesizing stable cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS NPs) using fungus for reduction and coating have been studied; however, the metabolites involved have been scarcely studied. The aim of the present study was to characterize the biomolecules obtained using methanol from the biomass of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici and to evaluate their role as reducing and stabilizing agents in CdS nanoparticle synthesis. The reducing power of the fungal biomass methanolic supernatant was assessed by FRAP and ABTS, along with NADH, protein and sulfhydryl (–SH) groups content, and a metabolomic profile by UPLC-MS. CdS NPs characterization included fluorescence and UV–VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, zeta potential as a function of pH, TEM and EDS, and DLS. Analyses of the supernatant showed 1104.1 ± 0.86 µmol Fe 2+ /mL of FRAP, 29.6% of ABTS reduction complex, 0.51 ± 0.03 mmol/L NADH, 0.24 ± 0.004 mg/mL of proteins and 130.35 ± 7.58 µmol/L of –SH groups. Metabolomic profile revealed secondary metabolites within 136 to 600 Da. FTIR results evidenced the presence of vibrations corresponding to Cd-S bonds at 779 and 585 cm −1 . Spectroscopy analysis of NPs showed their resonance plasmon absorption at 320 nm and the emission peak at 515 nm. The synthesis of CdS NPs was performed with an average size of 1.73 ± 0.77 nm in a stable colloidal solution with a zeta potential value of − 28.1 mV at pH 8.78. DLS analysis showed an average hydrodynamic diameter of 147.7 nm with a PDI of 0.061, indicating a narrow size distribution in colloidal solution . Results strongly suggest the effect of zeta potential of the colloidal nanoparticle solution by both the electrical charges and functional groups of the biomolecules at pH 8.78.

Members of the genus Streptomyces are prominent inhabitants of the plant rhizosphere and endosphere and are increasingly recognized for their roles in plant growth promotion and disease suppression. In this study, we isolated genetically distinct Streptomyces from the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) rhizosphere, designated as TOM isolates, and assembled them into a defined 12-member TOM consortium. Application of the TOM consortium significantly promoted root and shoot growth in tomato. RNA-seq analysis revealed coordinated local and systemic transcriptional responses characterized by a predominance of down-regulated genes in both roots and leaves. In roots, differential gene expression reflected selective attenuation of defense- and cell wall-related processes, alongside increased expression of genes associated with phytoalexin biosynthesis, phosphate starvation responses, and hormonal regulation. In leaves, transcriptional reprogramming was dominated by reduced stress-related responses together with activation of metabolic and growth-associated functions. The TOM consortium also reduced disease severity caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici by approximately 60% compared to infected controls. To further characterize functional traits of individual consortium members, isolates were evaluated in vitro for antifungal activity and five strains displaying inhibition were selected for hybrid whole-genome sequencing. Genome analyses revealed diverse taxonomic affiliations and a rich repertoire of biosynthetic gene clusters, including clusters associated with known antimicrobial metabolites as well as numerous low-similarity clusters indicative of substantial unexplored biosynthetic potential. Collectively, this study provides new insights into plant interactions with beneficial Streptomyces, while revealing molecular signatures involved in Streptomyces-mediated plant growth promotion and pathogen suppression.

Fusarium wilt of lettuce, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae, is a significant disease impacting lettuce production worldwide. Symptoms include leaf yellowing, stunting, wilting, vascular discoloration, and plant death. This report evaluates the efficacy of Miravis Prime, SP2700, and Bio-Tam at controlling Fusarium wilt of lettuce. This trial was conducted in 2020 on three lettuce cultivars Lactuca sativa ‘Desert Eagle’, ‘Tamarack’, and ‘El Guapo’. Findings will provide more disease management options to control Fusarium wilt on lettuce.

The GPI-anchored protein FocGPI1 plays a crucial role in regulating pathogenicity in the banana wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is associated with wilting in banana cultivation. The soil-dwelling phytopathogenic fungus has caused devastating consequences worldwide. The races that affect bananas are 1, 2 and 4, the latter very feared because of the epidemics caused since its identification, and because to date an effective control against the pathogen has not been determined. Therefore, the objective of the research was to isolate and characterize morphologically using four culture media, and molecularly the fungus in order to evaluate its pathogenicity with in vitro and greenhouse tests. 20 symptomatic samples were collected from an apple variety banana plantation. Subsequently, isolations were made from vascular tissue. The morphological identification of the isolates obtained was decisive to use a single strain for subsequent analysis and trials due to the similarity of the isolate’s strains. These strains were characterized by a cottony white mycelium that gradually changed to purple. Microscopy identified macroconidia, microconidia and chlamydospores. Molecular analysis was performed through the genes: translation elongation factor TEF1α, and Rpb2. The strain (Fus banana) was identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, accessions TEF1α (PV682586), Rpb2 (PV682587). The results were expressed in terms of incidence and severity. The medium malt extract registered a higher incidence reaching 99%. Regarding the distribution of severity, a progressive pattern in the intensity of symptoms was observed. The results obtained constitute consistent scientific support for future studies that are oriented towards the development of reliable diagnostic tools, the evaluation of pathogenicity in banana materials and the design of integrated management strategies against this pathogen with high economic and phytosanitary impact.

Integrated fertilization using reduced chemical fertilizers and bio-organic fertilizers can maintain soil fertility with lower chemical inputs, yet its systemic effects on disease control, soil microbes, yield, and quality are not fully clear. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Z2 and Trichoderma harzianum T22, alone or combined, on suppressing Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum) and promoting cucumber growth in pot experiments; and (2) assess the field efficacy of reduced chemical fertilizer (75% N) plus microbial bio-organic fertilizer (25% N) for disease control, growth enhancement, and yield and quality improvement. To achieve these objectives, pot experiments were first conducted, followed by field experiments. Pot results indicated that individual and combined inoculants notably decreased the disease index (DI) by 40.48-68.75%, and significantly increased cucumber fresh shoot biomass by 16.86-26.75%, with the combined inoculants exhibiting the greatest effect. Field experiments indicated that the synthetic microbial bio-fertilizer has a greater advantage in promoting cucumber growth and disease suppression compared to a single bacterial bio-organic fertilizer. Specifically, the application of combined bio-fertilizers exhibited the best performance in decreasing cucumber DI by 51.54%, improving cucumber fresh shoot biomass by 12.19%, and enhancing cucumber yield by 21.02%, along with significantly improving fruit vitamin C content by 21.17% and increasing fruit total amino acids by 26.23% compared with the control. Rhizosphere soil analysis revealed that the application of combined bio-fertilizers enriched beneficial bacterial families (JG30-KF-AS9 and Sphingomonadaceae) and fungal genera (Chaetomiaceae and Condenascus) with known biocontrol functions and suppressed the proliferation of Fusarium. Overall, the integrated use of reduced chemical fertilizer combined with synthetic bio-organic fertilizer effectively suppresses cucumber wilt, optimizes microbial community structure, and improves cucumber yield and quality, furnishing a valuable foundation for microbial-assisted sustainable crop production.

The banana Fusarium wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense ( Foc ), is a major threat to banana production globally. In India, Foc race 1 and tropical race 4 (TR4) are reported from multiple banana-growing states where it causes severe yield losses. To develop integrated approaches, in the present study the effect of organic amendments, water logging and paddy rice cultivation on Fusarium wilt development was assessed. Cavendish cv. Grand Nain (AAA) bananas were grown in small plots and pots in soils with organic amendments. Of the organic amendments, groundnut and gingelly cakes applied at 300 g per plant fully suppressed Fusarium wilt caused by Foc TR4, with an internal wilt disease score of 0 on a 0–5 scale, while groundnut and neem cake strongly suppressed the disease, with disease scores of 0.3-0.33 at the same concentration in plants infected with Foc race 1. Plant growth parameters (height, girth, number of leaves, and leaf area) were also significantly increased for plants treated with groundnut cake ( Foc TR4 - inoculated plants) and neem cake ( Foc race 1-inoculated plants). The neem cake application significantly increased the fungal (up to 7x10 10 cfu/g), bacterial (up to 33x10 10 cfu/g of soil) and actinomycetes (up to 4x10 6 cfu/g) numbers in soil compared to soil without the organic amendment. In vitro evaluation of 49 bacterial and 14 fungal isolates identified six Bacillus and five Trichoderma spp. as highly suppressive to Foc TR4, with enhanced protease and cellulase activities and IAA production, indicating both pathogen suppression and plant growth–promoting mechanisms. Waterlogging and paddy rice cultivation under micro-plot conditions for 4 months reduced Fusarium wilt (TR4) severity to score of 2.2 and 1.13, respectively, on a 0–5 rating scale, compared with the control treatment, which recorded severity scores of 3.4 and 3.5, respectively. qPCR analysis revealed that pot soils amended with groundnut cake reduced Foc TR4 and race 1 DNA by 90.6% and 81.2%, respectively, while mustard and gingelly cakes reduced Foc TR4 by 86.9% and 84.5%, respectively, and neem cake reduced Foc race 1 by 85.1%. The waterlogging for 4 months and paddy rice cultivation in micro plots resulted in even greater reductions of Foc TR4 DNA by 98.1% and 97.8%, respectively. These results suggest that organic amendments, flooding, and paddy rice cultivation could be effective strategies for managing Fusarium wilt of banana in the field.