Inhibition Of Mycelial Growth Research Articles

Antifungal Potentials of Asian Plants: Ethnobotanical Insights and Phytochemical Investigations.

Ethnomedicinal plants in Asia offer a promising, low-side-effect alternative to synthetic drugs for treating fungal infections, one of the most widespread communicable diseases caused by pathogenic fungi. Despite being underexplored, the region's rich plant diversity holds the potential for developing effective antifungal drugs. Research is increasingly focused on bioactive compounds from these plants, which show strong antifungal properties and may serve as leads for new drug development. This comprehensive review included 257 articles which arepeer-reviewed and written in english language with reported phytochemicals exerting antifungal potentials. In this review, we have discussed twenty-seven (27) Asian medicinal plants that contain sixty-seven (67) responsible phytochemicals deciphering promising antifungal action. This finding revealed that Asian plant diversity can be helpful in treating fungal invasion against several fungal species. Inhibition and reduction of mycelial growth and zoospore germination, fungistatic and fungicidal activities, and inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis are some common mechanisms reported in this review. Thus, this Asian plant diversity can provide a ray of hope as a modern therapeutic approach to bypass antimicrobial resistance issues noticed in recent days. Further research is still recommended to ascertain their exact mode of action, required dose, and safety and efficacy profile.

Feruloyl-amides as natural antimicrobials for crop and food protection

BackgroundPlants have developed multiple chemical defence responses against pathogen attacks. The main mechanism of defence is based on a rapid transcriptional reprogramming of genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes that synthesize specific secondary metabolites. Increasing evidence indicates phenylamides (PAs) as an important group of bioactive compounds in food plants.ResultsWe synthesized a small collection of ferulic acid-derived phenylamides by chemoenzymatic approaches. The compounds were tested against fungal and bacterial pathogens to assess their antimicrobial potential. The treatment with the synthesized phenylamides showed modest inhibition of the fungal growth (up to 25%) and had no significant influence on spore germination, whereas some of the compounds gave a considerable inhibition of Pyricularia oryzae appressorium formation, up to 94%. They also exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against six foodborne bacterial pathogens. Monitoring of six growth parameters (taking into account growth rate, time and absorbance) measured during 24 h incubation showed that the synthesized molecules, assayed at four concentrations between 12.5 and 100 mg/L, produced a stronger average antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive pathogenic strains than against Gram-negative ones.ConclusionsThe obtained results evidenced that the effect of this class of compounds is mainly related to blocking fungal virulence mechanisms, mediated by a significant effect on appressorium maturation, rather than to mycelium growth inhibition. Together with the observed in vitro antibacterial activity against foodborne bacterial pathogens, we conclude that PAs are promising candidates for future developments in the agri-food sector.Graphical

FUNGICIDAL ACTIVITY OF CHITOSAN IN SYNERGY WITH Trichoderma harzianum AND Bacillus subtilis FOR THE CONTROL OF CHILI WILT DISEASE

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) wilt disease is considered one of the main diseases of this crop. It is caused by a complex of phytopathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotium rolfsii. These fungi have developed resistance to fungicides, resulting in environmental contamination that harms human health. These factors motivate the search for environmentally safe and efficient products to control this disease without causing adverse effects to ecosystems. Chitosan, which is innocuous and has antagonistic activity, favors the growth of some beneficial microorganisms. In this study, the compatibility of chitosan at eight concentrations (75, 150, 300, 600, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600 ppm) with Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis was evaluated, as well as its combined inhibitory effect against the causal agents of chili wilt disease (F. oxysporum, R. solani, and S. rolfsii). T. harzianum and B. subtilis were found to be compatible with chitosan. However, at concentrations of 2400 ppm and above, their growth and sporulation were affected. In the inhibition tests, low concentrations (75–600 ppm) stimulated greater mycelial growth of Trichoderma and had greater inhibition of mycelial growth of the phytopathogens, while concentrations of 600–1200 ppm stimulated their parasitism against F. oxysporum and R. solani. Similarly, the presence of chitosan in the culture medium favored greater growth of B. subtilis and higher inhibition percentages (91.65, 71.04, and 68.55 %) for S. rolfsii, F. oxysporum, and R. solani, compared to the treatment with B. subtilis without chitosan. Therefore, the combination of these microorganisms with chitosan could be considered as an alternative for the control of this disease.

Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma spp. against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris through Culture Filtrate Technique

Aims: To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of culture filtrates of native Trichoderma isolates in inhibiting the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris causing chickpea wilt disease. Study Design: This study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with treatments comprising culture filtrates of seven Trichoderma isolates tested at two concentrations (10% and 25%). Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Department of Plant Pathology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India, between 2022-23. Methodology: Culture filtrates from seven Trichoderma spp. isolates (T. ovalisporum, T. asperellum1, T. pseudokoningii, T. longibrachiatum, T. harzianum1, T. asperellum2, and T. harzianum2) were prepared and applied to the fungal pathogen at 10% and 25% concentrations. Mycelial growth (mm) and mycelial growth inhibition (%) of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris were recorded and statistically analyzed. A control group (without filtrate) was maintained for comparison. Results: At 10% concentration, T. pseudokoningii showed the highest inhibition (63.89%) with mycelial growth reduced to 27.50 mm, followed by T. harzianum1 (49.01%) and T. asperellum1 (48.58%). At 25% concentration, T. pseudokoningii achieved 73.02% inhibition, reducing mycelial growth to 19.83 mm, followed by T. harzianum1 (61.68%). The control group exhibited the highest mycelial growth (76.16 mm at 10% and 73.50 mm at 25%). Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments (CD (p=0.05) = 1.755 and 1.392 for 10% and 25% concentrations, respectively. Next best effective treatments were T. harzianum1 and T. ovalisporum, both of whom showed substantial inhibition rates of 61.68% and 58.96%, respectively at 25% concentrations. Conclusion: Culture filtrates from T. pseudokoningii demonstrated superior antifungal activity at both tested concentrations, highlighting its potential as a biocontrol agent. These findings suggest the feasibility of utilizing native Trichoderma isolates as eco-friendly alternatives for managing chickpea wilt. Further field validation and exploration of underlying biochemical mechanisms are recommended.

The Combination of α-Fe2O3 NP and Trichoderma sp. Improves Antifungal Activity Against Fusarium Wilt.

Soil-borne plant pathogens are the most damaging pathogens responsible for severe crop damage. A conventional chemotherapy approach to these pathogens has numerous environmental issues, while biological control agents (BCAs) are less promising under field conditions. There is an immediate need to develop an integrated strategy for utilizing nanoparticles and biocontrol to manage soil-borne pathogens, such as Fusarium wilt, effectively. Simulation of BCA metabolites to nanoparticle biocontrol metabolites is considered the most effective biocontrol approach. Combining Fe2O3 nanoparticles and Trichoderma in nursery and field conditions manages pathogens and increases plant growth characteristics. The present study evaluated the commercial biocontrol strains and the use of NPFe in combination with Trichoderma harzianum to enhance the biocontrol potential of T. harzianum against soil-borne pathogens. The effectiveness of (NPFe + T. harzianum) was evaluated under in vitro conditions where combination was found most effective upto (87.63%) mycelial growth inhibition of pathogen and under field conditions lowest pooled Fusarium wilt incidence (19.54%) was recorded. Nanocomposites are beneficial for agricultural sustainability and environmental safety by upregulating the expression of genes linked to these processes, Fe NPs can activate plant defense mechanisms and increase plant resistance to pathogenic invasions. Additionally, as iron is a necessary component for plant growth and development, Fe NPs promote better nutrient uptake.

Nanostructured Chitosan Coating with a Coffee Residue Extract for the Preservation of Tomato and Controlling Pre- and Postharvest Disease Caused by Rhizopus stolonifer

The antifungal efficacy of coffee residue extract (CRE) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) alone and in combination (CNPs-CRE) against the growth of Rhizopus stolonifer was assessed. Two nanostructured edible coatings (ECs), one consisting of chitosan nanoparticles (CCNP) and another consisting of coffee residue extract encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CCNP-CRE), were elaborated, characterized, and applied on inoculated Naples tomatoes to evaluate their fungicidal activity and their effect on fruit quality. The tests consisted of evaluating physicochemical variables in tomato previously sprayed with CCNP and CCNP-CRE for 30 days preharvest and 14 days at 10 °C postharvest. CNPs with a particle size of 2.4 ± 0.24 nm with a Z potential of −1.62 mV were observed, while CNPs-CRE showed a size of 3.9 ± 0.55 nm with a Z potential of −0.89 mV. The FTIR spectrum showed the integration of CRE into the CCNP-CRE. A synergistic effect between CNPs and 1% CRE was observed, obtaining the greatest inhibition of mycelial growth (43%). In the preharvest trials, both ECs showed differences with respect to the control in the variables of color, total carotenoids and ethylene. In the postharvest test, they showed differences in color and CO2 production. The severity of the infection decreased by 33% in tomatoes with coatings. The ECs evaluated represent a emergent technological advancement in the conservation of the tomato.

Biological management of stem rot of clusterbean under <i>in vitro </i>and <i>in vivo </i>conditions

Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride demonstrated significant inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii mycelial growth, with 63.62 and 57.12 per cent inhibition, respectively. In contrast, bacterial bio-agents Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis showed lower efficacy (42.31 and 38.56% inhibition, respectively). Garlic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy across all concentrations, with 66.67, 68.61 and 75.19 per cent inhibition at 5, 10 and 15% concentrations, respectively. Panchgavya, a cow product, showed promising results, with 34.81, 53.06, and 74.96 per cent inhibition at 5, 10, and 15% concentrations, respectively. Treatment T3 [Seed treatment with (T. harzianum + P. fluorescens) @ (5 g + 5 g) kg-1 + Soil application of (T. harzianum + P. fluorescens) @ (5 kg + 5 kg) ha-1] consistently emerged as the most effective, showing high disease control and low incidence rates with highest seed and straw yield. Combinations of bio-agents and bio-products exhibited superior disease control, with cow urine and cow dung-based treatments showing promise for organic disease management in clusterbean cultivation. Treatment T10 [Seed treatment with cow dung + Foliar application of Buttermilk] was least effective and consistently yielded the minimum seed and straw across all treatments.

Cadmium Tolerance and Detoxification Mechanisms of Lentinula edodes: Physiology, Subcellular Distribution, and Chemical Forms.

Lentinula edodes has a strong cadmium-enrichment ability, posing a potential threat to human health. However, the cadmium tolerance and detoxification mechanisms of Lentinula edodes are not understood. We investigated the physiological responses, subcellular distribution, and chemical forms of cadmium in two Lentinula edodes strains (1504 and L130) with contrasting cadmium tolerance. The results showed that appropriate, low-level cadmium promoted mycelial growth, and higher cadmium exposure induced obvious inhibition of mycelial growth by damaging the cell wall and membrane structure and triggering the overproduction of ROS. Antioxidant enzymes played an important role in cadmium detoxification, as well as functional group modulation. Cadmium was predominantly distributed in the cell wall fraction, and NaCl-extractable cadmium was the main chemical form. Enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced cadmium accumulation, and increased HAc-extractable cadmium with less toxicity promoted stronger cadmium tolerance and detoxification abilities in L130 compared to 1504. Thus, this study provides new insights into cadmium tolerance and detoxification in Lentinula edodes.

Influence of Extraction Time and Circadian Rhythm on the Content, Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oils from Callistemon viminalis (Myrtaceae) Leaves

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the circadian rhythm and hydrodistillation time on the content and chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of Callistemon viminalis, as well as their antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum karstii and Botrytis cinerea. The EOs from C. viminalis leaves showed yields ranging from 0.54 to 1.67%, with eucalyptol identified as the predominant component in all samples. During the circadian rhythm, samples collected at different times exhibited variations in chemical composition. The EOs from leaves collected at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. showed higher antifungal potential against B. cinerea, with a 100% inhibition of mycelial growth (500 µL mL-1), while samples from 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. showed effects against C. gloeosporioides with inhibition percentages of 52.3 and 55.9%, respectively (500 µL mL-1). The 6 a.m. sample showed the best inhibition potential against C. karstii, with an inhibition percentage of 68.9% at a concentration of 600 µL mL-1.

Synergistic Antifungal Activity of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Fungicide Against Rhizoctonia solani Causing Rice Sheath Blight Disease.

The biosynthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using leaf extract of medicinal plants is a promising substitute for the traditional chemical method. This work aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles using a green approach from local "Dholkolmi" (Ipomoea carnea) leaf extract which is a medicinal plant growing outside the roads of different regions of Bangladesh. The biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, particle size analyzer, zeta-potential, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results of UV-visible spectrophotometers observed an absorption peak at 373 nm wavelength, which confirmed the synthesis of ZnONPs in the solution. ZnONP sizes determined by XRD, DLS, and TEM are approximately ~37 nm, 105.61 nm, and 19.66 nm, respectively. ZnONPs were present because of the strong oxygen and zinc signals in the EDX profile. Additionally, this research assessed the antifungal activity of the biosynthesized ZnONPs and as well as folicur-incorporated ZnONPs against Rhizoctonia solani by the poison bait technique. According to the result of this study, ZnONPs synthesized from Ipomoea carnea leaf extract showed no promising result against Rhizoctonia solani mycelial growth reduction. But folicur-incorporated ZnONPs revealed a significant finding with a maximum 100% inhibition of mycelial growth at 1:1 and 3:1 ratio of ZnONPs with folicur fungicide under in vitro conditions. In the net house experiment, folicur-incorporated ZnONPs at a 1:1 ratio of ZnONPs with folicur showed considerable disease inhibition (26.96% RLH) as compared to disease control (52.83% RLH). In the case of rainfed transplanted Aus (March-June), the highest percentage of RLH was recorded in disease control (64.61%), and the lowest RLH was found in folicur (24.79%) followed by a 1:1 ratio of ZnONPs with folicur (32.10%) in field condition. On the other hand, the highest percentage of RLH was recorded in disease control (65.31%) and the lowest RLH was found in folicur (18.14%) followed by a 1:1 ratio of ZnONPs with folicur (21.39%) in rainfed transplanted Aman (July-November) season. The findings of the in vitro and in vivo studies provided evidence that ZnONPs and folicur had a strong synergistic antifungal impact and may be employed as a possible rice sheath blight disease management agent.

Inhibition of fungal mycelial growth and mycotoxin production using ZnO@mSiO2 nanocomposite during maize storage

Inhibition of fungal mycelial growth and mycotoxin production using ZnO@mSiO2 nanocomposite during maize storage

High Quinone Outside Inhibitor (QoI) Resistance Risk in Colletotrichum Species Causing Strawberry Crown Rot in Korea

Anthracnose crown rot caused by Colletotrichum spp. is one of the most important diseases of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) in Korea. Single spore isolates of 72 Colletotrichum species collected in 2018, 2020, and 2023 from different locations in Chungbuk, Chungnam, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Jeolla regions were characterized using a multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of four genetic loci (GAPDH, ACT, TUB2, and ITS). Isolates were identified as C. fructicola (n=64) and C. siamense (n=8). Quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs) active ingredient pyraclostrobin is utilized to manage anthracnose crown rot in the field. Sensitivity to pyraclostrobin were assessed on potato dextrose agar using a mycelial growth inhibition assay at 20, 4, 0.8, 0.16, and 0.032 μg/ml fungicide concentrations. Our results demonstrated that all the 72 Colletotrichum spp. isolates were not inhibited by pyraclostrobin at all the tested fungicide concentrations, with EC50 ranging between 13 and >100 μg/ml. Sequences of the partial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene flanking the mutation site revealed the presence of the G143A mutation in all the isolates. No other site modifications were detected in the cyt b gene. Cross resistance assays with 10 selected isolates involving EC50 values of pyraclostrobin, mandestrobin, trifloxystrobin, and kresoxim-methyl showed positive correlations among these fungicides. These findings suggest a high risk of resistance development associated with using QoI fungicides to control the anthracnose crown rot of strawberries in Korea.

Efficacy of Trichoderma longibrachiatum SC5 Fermentation Filtrate in Inhibiting the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Growth and Development in Sunflower.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a destructive pathogen responsible for sunflower sclerotinia rot, resulting in substantial yield and economic losses worldwide. Trichoderma species have demonstrated the capacity to inhibit plant pathogen growth through the production of secondary metabolites. However, there are fewer recent studies focusing on the application of Trichoderma metabolites in inhibiting S. sclerotiorum growth and development and controlling sunflower sclerotinia rot disease. Our results showed that five Trichoderma strains (SC5, T6, TN, P6, and TS3) exhibited mycelial growth inhibition higher than 60% in dual culture assays out of the 11 tested strains. The Trichoderma SC5 fermentation filtrate exhibited superior efficacy compared to other strains, achieving a 94.65% inhibition rate of mycelial growth on S. sclerotiorum, 96% inhibition of myceliogenic germination of sclerotia, and 81.05% reduction in the oxalic acid content of S. sclerotiorum, while significantly increasing the cell membrane permeability. In addition, the Trichoderma SC5 fermentation filtrate significantly decreased the activities of polygalacturonase and pectin methyl-galacturonic enzymes and even caused S. sclerotiorum hyphae to swell, branch, twist, lyse, and inhibited the production and development of sclerotia. Moreover, the Trichoderma SC5 fermentation filtrate downregulated genes expression that associated with the growth and infection of S. sclerotiorum. The control efficacies of the protective and curative activities of the Trichoderma SC5 fermentation filtrate were 95.45% and 75.36%, respectively, on detached sunflower leaves at a concentration of 8 mg/mL. Finally, the Trichoderma SC5 was identified as Trichoderma longibrachiatum through morphological and phylogenetic analysis. Our research indicates that the T. longibrachiatum SC5 can be considered a promising biological control candidate against S. sclerotiorum and controlling the sunflower sclerotinia rot disease, both in vitro and in vivo.

Silver nanoparticles green synthesized using leaf extract of Piper spp. reduce Phytophthora capsici infection in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is vulnerable to the devastating disease foot rot caused by the oomycete, Phytophthora capsici. Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts provides an eco-friendly, and economical method for plant disease management. Leaf extracts from two genotypes of pepper plants - one susceptible to foot rot disease (P. capsici) - Piper nigrum, and the other, resistant - Piper colubrinum, were used for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These green synthesized AgNPs were characterized and evaluated for their anti-oomycete effects against P. capsici and ability to suppress foot rot disease in black pepper. UV Spectroscopic analysis confirmed typical absorption characteristics of AgNPs, while field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed sizes ranging from 39 to 69 nm for both samples. In vitro poisoned food assay demonstrated that the green synthesized AgNPs at 500 and 750 ppm showed highest inhibition on the mycelial growth of the pathogen. Among the treatments,71% and 77% inhibition in mycelial growth of pathogen was observed with 500 ppm and 750 ppm of Pn-AgNPs respectively, and 65% and 73% inhibition in growth of mycelia of pathogen with 500 ppm and 750 ppm of Pc-AgNPs respectively. Copper Oxychloride at 0.2% completely inhibited mycelial growth. In a detached leaf assay with black pepper variety Panniyur-1, significant reduction in lesion development was observed on leaves treated with the green synthesized AgNPs compared to those treated with commercial AgNPs and chitosan nanoparticles. No lesion developed on leaves treated with 750 ppm concentration of green synthesized AgNPs. Leaf extracts were ineffective in disease suppression and pathogen growth. Mild symptoms were observed on leaves treated with the biocontrol agent (Pseudomonas fluorescens, 2%), while no symptoms were found on leaves treated with the fungicide. Spraying of AgNPs green synthesized using leaf extracts of pepper genotypes reduced foot rot disease incidence in susceptible pepper genotype P. nigrum, efficiently. Green nanotechnology for foot rot management can benefit farmers by providing an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution that reduces dependency on chemical fungicides and minimizes environmental impact.

Comparative effectiveness of some novel fungicides and different biocontrol agents against two Colletotrichum musaeisolates under laboratory condition

Colletotrichum musae, is aggressive and devastating threat and causing huge losses in banana production globally. The use of various fungicides and as well as biocontrol agents can help to manage the crop. However, five different fungicides, namely., Antracol, Defeater plus, Ridomil gold, Kocide, and Topsin M at five different concentrations viz., 10 ppm, 100 ppm, 200 ppm, 500 ppm, and 1000 ppm were used to check the growth inhibition of the two isolates (CM02 and CM11) of C. musae by food poison technique. The topsin M fungicide at all concentrations (10-1000 ppm) was highly effective, which yielded 72-98% inhibition, followed by Ridomil gold 1000 ppm caused 82.11% and 79% inhibition of both isolates. Ridomil gold at 500 ppm causes 75.13% and 69.44% mycelial growth inhibition of CM02 and CM11. In comparison, Kocide at 1000 ppm caused more than 60% inhibition of both strains. However, we observed that, as the concentration decreased the mycelial growth of the pathogen increased. Furthermore, during the present investigation, three biocontrol agents, viz., Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma polysporum and Paecilomyces variotii were used for their antifungal activity against (CM02 and CM11) by dual assay test. T. harzianum proved highly effective biocontrol agents and cause (18.88% and 20.11%) mycelial inhibition of both strains, followed by T. polysporum (13.33% and 15%) and P. variotii (9.11% and 8.75%) on 3rd, 4th and 7th day of inoculation by dual assay test. In conclusion, among all tested fungicides, Topsin M was found highly effective against both strains of Colletotrichum musae. Therefore, biological control especially with Trichoderma species are promising method to control this pathogen quickly. Both isolates of C. musae showed high sensitivity against Trichoderma species on the third and fourth day of inoculation.

Characterization of bacterial endophytes of King chilli for biocontrol potential and plant growth promotion

Bacterial endophytes associated with host plants provide various beneficial effects. This study assessed the diversity of bacterial endophytes in King chilli, focusing on their biocontrol potential and plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities. The survey was carried out in King chilli-growing regions and identified anthracnose and fruit rot diseases as significant contributors to economic yield loss. A total of 20 bacterial endophytic isolates were obtained using the sterility check method and identified as Pseudomonas through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In in-vitro studies, isolates P. fluorescens KEB15, P. putida KEB5, and P. putida KEB7 exhibited notable mycelial growth inhibition rates of 66.67 %, 69.26 %, and 66.30 % against Pythium, Fusarium, and Colletotrichum, respectively. Of the 20 isolates, 5, 16, and 17 isolates demonstrated positive production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ammonia (NH3), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), respectively. The efficacy of crude antibiotics from the best-performing antagonistic endophytes was tested against the linear growth of Fusarium, with KEB11 showing the largest inhibition area of 35.14 mm. Sequence analysis using the maximum likelihood method revealed close relationships among the potent Pseudomonas isolates, identifying KEB5 and KEB7 as P. putida and KEB15 as P. fluorescens. Field evaluations indicated that KEB7 was most effective in controlling bacterial wilt, anthracnose, and dieback diseases, achieving a maximum plant height of 85.10 cm and a yield of 3683.67 kg/ha. This study demonstrates that bacterial endophytes can effectively exhibit antifungal activity and promote plant growth in King chilli.

Assessment of Native Wild Macromycete Strains for Mycoremediation of Copper-Contaminated Soils in Coffee Plantations

This study evaluates the mycoremediation potential of wild mushroom species from Chiapas, Mexico, specifically for high copper concentrations. Nine fungal carpophores were collected from tropical forests near coffee plantations. The morphological characteristics of the fungal strains and fruiting bodies were analyzed. Each specimen was identified through sequencing using the ITS1 and ITS4 primers. The ability to tolerate different concentrations of copper was evaluated by determining the fungal mycelial growth inhibition potential. Copper bioaccumulation by the fungi was quantified using biosorption assays with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The enzymatic activity of laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase from the fungal species was also determined in the presence of copper. Phylogenetic analysis identified the fungal species as Agaricus bisporus, A. subrufescens, Calvatia fragilis, Ganoderma coffeatum, G. lucidum, Pleurotus djmor, P. floridanus, Trametes elegans, and T. versicolor, all classified within the Agaromycetes class. The nine fungal species exhibited varying abilities to tolerate Cu2+ concentrations from 30 to 100 mg L−1. At 30 and 60 mg L−1 Cu2+, the G. lucidum H14-35 strain demonstrated the highest biosorption capacity, reaching 76.97%. Overall, the mushrooms in this study showed strong Cu2⁺ tolerance and biosorption, making them promising biomaterials for remediating copper-contaminated soils.

Assessment of Insecticide Compatibility with Metarhizium anisopliae for Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) Management in Maize

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an invasive pest of maize, which are kept under control by mostly chemical insecticides. The environmental impact and potential for resistance development due to continuous use of insecticides has resulted in the search for alternatives for the management of FAW. Metarhizium anisopliae, an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), is a promising biological control agent that has been recorded effective against several lepidopteram pests including S. frugiperda. An array of insecticides have been recommended for the management of FAW, while simultaneous studies pertaining to evaluation of EPF are made to target the pest through non chemical approaches. However, the compatibility between insecticides and the entomopathogenic fungus M. anisopliae has not been studied at large. The present study focuses on the compatibility of insecticides with EPF in the management of FAW. Six insecticides, representing different chemical classes, were tested at their field recommended doses for their inhibitory effects on M. anisopliae fungal colony growth, at various concentrations (50%, 75%, and recommended concentrations). Mycelial growth inhibition was measured at 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation (DAI). Results showed that most insecticides exhibited varying degrees of compatibility with M. anisopliae, with growth inhibition ranging from 6.25% to 51.88% at 7 DAI. The lowest growth inhibition occurred with Emamectin benzoate 5 SG and Novaluron 5.25 + Emamectin benzoate 0.9 SC, showing minimal suppression of fungal growth. In contrast, Spinetoram 11.7 SC and Thiodicarb 75 WP caused significant inhibition at higher concentrations, with the latter showing up to 51.88% inhibition at 7 DAI. At 14 and 21 DAI, the growth inhibition generally decreased across treatments, with Chlorantraniliprole 9.3 + Lambda-cyhalothrin 4.6 ZC and Emamectin benzoate 5 SG demonstrating the best compatibility. Overall, the results suggest that most insecticides tested were compatible with M. anisopliae, with Spinetoram and Thiodicarb being exceptions, particularly at higher concentrations. This study provides valuable insights into selecting insecticide-fungus combinations for integrated pest management.

The Role of Potato Glycoside Alkaloids Mediated Oxidative Stress in Inducing Apoptosis of Wolfberry Root Rot Pathogen Fungi

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) is a vital economic tree species in northwest China, but root rot caused by Fusarium solani occurs frequently, which seriously endangers the quality and yield of wolfberry. In this study, potato glycoside alkaloids (PGAs), a plant-derived active substance, were used as materials to explore its inhibitory effect on F. solani. By analyzing the changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, antioxidant capacity, and apoptosis, the role of PGAs-mediated oxidative stress in inducing apoptosis of F. solani was revealed. The findings suggest that PGAs treatment inhibited mycelium growth, reduced biomass and sporulation, and delayed spore germination in F. solani. The concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC50) was 1.85 mg/mL. PGAs treatment induced an increase in caspase-3 activity, disrupting the cell membrane of fungi. In addition, PGAs treatment activated NADH oxidase (NOX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), promoted hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−) accumulation, and decreased ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) activities as well as oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reduced glutathione (GSH), and electron donor NADPH content. In summary, PGAs has a strong inhibitory effect on F. solani, and its inhibitory effect may be related to the promotion of ROS accumulation by PGAs, causing the disorder of intracellular redox balance of fungi, the decrease of total antioxidant capacity, and finally the induction of apoptosis. This study provides a new insight into the antifungal mechanism of PGAs against F. solani.

Bioprospecting of rhizobacteria with antagonistic activity against Fusarium spp., a parasite of cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Objective: To identify bacteria of genus Bacillus which, isolated from the tomato and cucumber rhizosphere, have an antagonistic effect against Fusarium spp. isolated from cucumber plants in Culiacan, Sinaloa. Design/Methodology/Approach: Both the in vitro and in vivo antagonisms of rhizobacterial isolates against Fusarium spp. on cucumber plants were evaluated. Bacteria with the highest antagonistic effect were identified based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. Results: Isolates FA15 and FA16 showed the highest in vitro biological efficacy against Fusarium spp., with 50.0% and 61.36% inhibition of mycelial growth, respectively. Rhizobacterium FA15 achieved the highest biological efficacy (88.89%) against Fusarium spp. in cucumber plants, while rhizobacterium FA16 recorded a 59.27% efficacy. The morphological and molecular characterization of isolates FA15 and FA16 confirmed a 100% molecular identity between FA15 and Bacillus velezensis and FA16 and B. subtilis. Study Limitations/Implications: The rhizobacteria identified in this study inhibited the mycelial growth of the phytoparasite. Therefore, further studies about these rhizobacteria should be carried out to determine the potential antibiosis that may cause the inhibitory effect. Findings/Conclusions: During the search for native beneficial rhizobacteria, two bacteria that exercise a biologically-effective control over Fusarium spp were identified in Culiacan: Bacillus velezensis and B. subtilis. This finding offers an opportunity in the agricultural biotechnology field to study beneficial native species that could provide an alternative to the use of chemicals.