Reduced Disease Severity Research Articles

The Effects of Bioinoculants on Enhancement Growth in Nanjanagud Rasabale Tissue Culture Banana

Bio-hardening is a process where micro propagated plantlets are inoculated with suitable strains of microorganisms in order to enhance their acclimatization. Trials were taken to expose banana plantlets to useful microbes that encourage growth and mutual association during 2022 at UHS, Bagalkot. It promotes host plant growth, plant nutrient uptake, inhibits pathogen growth, reduces disease severity, enhances tolerance to environmental stress etc. In the present study, twenty treatments were imposed with different bioinoculants by two methods of application (1) powder formulation and (2) liquid formulation. Among these treatments, M1T13- VAM and fusicont significantly increased the survivability per cent (58.80%), plant height (6.46 cm), pseudo stem girth (5.42 cm), number of leaves (4.07) and leaf area (33.15 cm2). Thus, the artificial inoculation of bioinoculants through the powder formulation enhances the growth during primary hardening.

Combining cyclic lipopeptides and cinnamon extract enhance antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum strains pathogenic to banana and delay Fusarium wilt under greenhouse conditions

AbstractFusarium wilt of banana (FWB) caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a widely distributed disease that generates devastating losses in banana production. Foc belongs to the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) which includes several evolutionary lineages. Nine of them are pathogenic to banana such as F. phialophorum, F. grosmichelli, F. duoseptatum and the most aggressive F. odoratissimum tropical race 4 (TR4). No control method has been successfully implemented to manage FWB, then enhancing the potential of management approaches can avoid or delay disease epidemics and reduce disease severity. Here we determined the antifungal effect of different plant-based extracts against Foc in vitro, and whether the combination of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) extract and Bacillus tequilensis EA-CB0015 cyclic lipopeptides had an additive effect against different Foc lineages in vitro and against FWB in banana plants in greenhouse. We found, from 17 plant-based natural extracts, that cinnamon was highly active against Foc strain IB (race 1). Furthermore, cinnamon and cyclic lipopeptides inhibited different strains of various evolutionary lineages of Foc belonging to race 1 and TR4, and their combination increased in 1.4-fold the effect of the single extracts in vitro. Our results showed that soil concentration of F. odoratissimum TR4-II5 decreased by 1000-fold when treated with the combination of 488 mg L−1 cinnamon and 128 mg L−1 lipopeptides in a soil microcosm system after 5 days of incubation, followed by a partial population recovery after 21 days. In greenhouse experiments, the combination reduced external but not internal FWB symptoms, and cinnamon extract had a significant impact on internal plant symptoms. Taken together, the effect of cyclic lipopeptides with cinnamon extract on Foc supports their function towards delaying the effect of disease progression and suggests that the combination enhances the effect of the single extracts.

Emerging Synthetic Drug Approaches for COVID-19 Treatment: An Extensive Review of Recent Findings

Background: The ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19 has underscored the urgent need for effective treatment strategies to mitigate its impact on public health. Amidst this crisis, researchers have turned to synthetic drug approaches as potential therapeutic interventions. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the recent developments in synthetic drug treatments for COVID-19, exploring their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and challenges. Objective: This review seeks to consolidate and evaluate the emerging synthetic drug approaches for COVID-19 treatment that have been investigated in recent studies. The objective is to present an upto- date overview of the landscape of synthetic drug interventions and their potential implications in combating COVID-19. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, utilizing keywords related to COVID-19 treatment and synthetic drugs. Studies published from May 2020 to July 2023 were included, focusing on experimental and clinical investigations of synthetic compounds with potential antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The review highlights a range of synthetic drug approaches that have shown promise in COVID-19 treatment. Notably, certain antiviral agents and repurposed drugs have demonstrated inhibitory effects against viral replication and reduced disease severity. Additionally, the review underscores the significance of computational approaches in identifying potential drug candidates and optimizing their interactions with viral proteins. While several synthetic drug candidates are under investigation, challenges such as drug resistance, safety concerns, and global accessibility remain critical considerations. Conclusion: This extensive review sheds light on the emerging synthetic drug approaches that hold potential for COVID-19 treatment. As the scientific community collaboratively addresses the challenges posed by this pandemic, the insights gleaned from these recent findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to identify effective therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.

Soybean inoculation with Azospirillum argentinense improves nodulation, grain yield, and alleviates the incidence of Fusarium at field with drought stress

ABSTRACT The efficacy of Azospirillum argentinense REC3, applied by seed inoculation, in enhancing soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) nodulation with native rhizobia, improving grain yield, and protecting against Fusarium fungi was studied. In La Cruz, Tucumán, Argentina, 23 fungal isolates were identified as F. oxysporum (2 strains), F. solani (2), and F. tucumaniae (19). Following soil infestation, only F. tucumaniae was confirmed as a phytopathogen, with REC3 inhibiting its mycelial growth. Greenhouse trials, for a duration of 30 days, showed significant reductions in disease severity (78.2%), root rot (32.3%), and disease incidence (50.9%) in plants susceptible to sudden death syndrome (SDS) when REC3 was applied. Field experiments (2018–2019; January-April) under drought stress conditions, displayed increased nodulation (37.2%) and grain yield (2077 ± 272.8 kg ha−1, p < 0.05) in REC3-treated plants compared to controls (1516 ± 272.8 kg ha−1, p < 0.05). Additionally, a low disease incidence (0.90%) was observed only in the SDS-susceptible soybean variety without REC3 treatment. Overall, the findings showed the significant potential of REC3 inoculation as a biotechnological strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity, managing diseases, and improving crop resilience under challenging environmental conditions. This integrated approach, combining the use of a partially SDS-resistant soybean variety with REC3 inoculation, showed promise in protecting soybean cultivation against SDS and other fungal diseases, thereby ensuring more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

Bioproducts of Pseudomonas chlororaphis Suppress DMI Fungicide-Induced CsCYP51A and CsCYP51B Gene Expression in Colletotrichum siamense and Generate Synergistic Effects with Metconazole and Propiconazole.

Mixtures of fungicides with different modes of action are commonly used as disease and resistance management tools, but little is known of mixtures of natural and synthetic products. In this study, mixtures of metabolites from the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain ASF009 formulated as Howler EVO with below-label rates (50 µg/ml) of conventional sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides were investigated for control of anthracnose of cherry (Prunus avium) caused by Colletotrichum siamense. Howler mixed with metconazole or propiconazole synergistically reduced disease severity through lesion growth. Real-time PCR showed that difenoconazole, flutriafol, metconazole, and propiconazole induced the expression of DMI target genes CsCYP51A and CsCYP51B in C. siamense. The addition of Howler completely suppressed the DMI fungicide-induced expression of both CYP51 genes. We hypothesize that the downregulation of DMI fungicide-induced expression of the DMI target genes may, at least in part, explain the synergism observed in detached fruit assays.

Ammonium enhances rice resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae through H2O2 accumulation

Nitrogen (N) is essential for the physiological processes of plants. However, the specific mechanisms by which different nitrogen forms influence rice blast pathogenesis remain poorly understood. This study used hydroponic assays to explore how ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) affect rice after inoculation with Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae). The results showed that NH4+, compared to NO3−, significantly reduced disease severity, fungal growth, fungal hyphae number, the expansion capacity of infectious hyphae, and disease-related loss of photosynthesis. Additionally, NH4+ enhanced the expression of defense-related genes, including OsPBZ1, OsCHT1, OsPR1a, and OsPR10. NH4+-treated rice also exhibited higher hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, susceptibility to rice blast disease increased when H2O2 was scavenged, while a reduction in susceptibility was observed with the application of exogenous H2O2. These results suggest that ammonium enhances rice resistance to M. oryzae, potentially through H2O2 accumulation. The findings provide valuable insights into how different nitrogen forms affect plant immunity in rice, which is crucial for controlling rice blast and ensuring stable food production.

MicroRNA miR-27a-5p reduces intestinal inflammation induced by Clostridioides difficile flagella by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Clostridioides difficile is a major cause of nosocomial post-antibiotic infections, often resulting in severe inflammation and watery diarrhea. Previous studies have highlighted the role of C. difficile flagellin FliC in activating the TLR5 receptor and triggering NF-κB cell signaling, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the microRNAs (miRNAs) mediated regulatory mechanisms underlying the FliC-induced inflammatory response remain unclear. miRNA expression levels were analyzed in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells following FliC stimulation, infection with the epidemic C. difficile R20291 strain, or its unflagellated mutant by RT-qPCR. Chemical inhibitors were used to block NF-κB signaling, and their impact on miR-27a-5p expression was assessed. Knockdown and overexpression experiments with miRNA inhibitor and mimic were conducted to elucidate miR-27a-5p's functional role in FliC-induced inflammatory responses. Additionally, a mouse model of C. difficile infection was treated with miR-27a-5p to evaluate its therapeutic potential in vivo. miR-27a-5p showed significant FliC-dependent overexpression in Caco-2 cells. Inhibition of NF-κB signaling suppressed miR-27a-5p overexpression. Knockdown of miR-27a-5p increased NF-κB activation and TNF-α and IL-8 cytokine production, while its overexpression had the opposite effect. Moreover, miR-27a-5p was overexpressed in the caeca of C. difficile-infected mice, correlating with intestinal IL-8 levels. Treatment of infected mice with miR-27a-5p mimic reduced disease severity and intestinal inflammation. miR-27a-5p plays a crucial role in regulating C. difficile-induced inflammation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for controlling severe infection. These findings offer valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for managing C. difficile infection and associated inflammatory complications.

Intranasal Multiepitope PD-L1-siRNA-Based Nanovaccine: The Next-Gen COVID-19 Immunotherapy.

The first approved vaccines for human use against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are nanotechnology-based. Although they are modular, rapidly produced, and can reduce disease severity, the currently available vaccines are restricted in preventing infection, stressing the global demand for novel preventive vaccine technologies. Bearing this in mind, we set out to develop a flexible nanovaccine platform for nasal administration to induce mucosal immunity, which is fundamental for optimal protection against respiratory virus infection. The next-generation multiepitope nanovaccines co-deliver immunogenic peptides, selected by an immunoinformatic workflow, along with adjuvants and regulators of the PD-L1 expression. As a case study, we focused on SARS-CoV-2 peptides as relevant antigens to validate the approach. This platform can evoke both local and systemic cellular- and humoral-specific responses against SARS-CoV-2. This led to the secretion of immunoglobulin A (IgA), capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, including variants of concern, following a heterologous immunization strategy. Considering the limitations of the required cold chain distribution for current nanotechnology-based vaccines, it is shown that the lyophilized nanovaccine is stable for long-term at room temperature and retains its in vivo efficacy upon reconstitution. This makes it particularly relevant for developing countries and offers a modular system adaptable to future viral threats.

Glomus mosseae AND Pseudomonas fluorescens AGAINST Soybean mosaic virus UNDER DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Glomus mosseae and Pseudomonas fluorescens enhance soybean resistance to SMV.- Ten-day drip irrigation stop at bloom stage boosts seed yield and weight.- Treatment reduces disease severity and increases P. fluorescens population.- Water-saving irrigation method improves soybean performance in dry seasons.- Combining G. mosseae and P. fluorescens increases soybean productivity. ABSTRACTSoybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] require much water, especially in the early stages of growth, flowering, and pod formation and filling. Drought stress on soybeans will increase with global climate change. The research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Glomus mosseae and Pseudomonas fluorescens in inducing systemic resistance to control Soybean Mosaic Virus (SMV) and the performance of soybean plants with drip irrigation in the dry season. The drip irrigation was stopped for ten days at the beginning of bloom, full bloom, beginning pod, and regular drip irrigation. The application of G. mosseae inoculants used 100 g of sterile compost mixed with 30 spores. The liquid inoculum of P. fluorescens was applied on cotyledonary leaves using the watering method. The plants were inoculated with SMV 6 and 12 days after the P. fluorescens treatment. The symptoms of SMV were recorded two weeks after inoculation, and Indirect ELISA detected the virus. The results showed the combination of G. mosseae and P. fluorescens under drip irrigation stopped at the beginning of bloom for ten days on ELISA absorbance values and disease severity of 0.259 and 3.72 %, respectively. Moreover, this treatment showed the highest values for the 100-seed weight, seed yield, and fresh weight of leaves. The technique of giving water by stopping drip irrigation at the beginning of bloom for ten days will help save water and increase the P. fluorescens population optimally in Alfisols with a pH of between 4.5 and 5.1 with incredibly low fertility. The combination of G. mosseae and P. fluorescens population resulted in a significant increase in the number of G. mosseae’s spores by stopping drip irrigation at the beginning of bloom for ten days.

Harnessing Mirror Neurons: A New Frontier in Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation-A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Rehabilitation utilizing mirror neurons leverages the brain's capacity for action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) to enhance motor function. This approach involves patients imitating movements observed in therapists or videos, aiming to improve gait, coordination, and overall quality of life. Mirror neuron activation facilitates motor learning and may decelerate disease progression, thus enhancing patient mobility and independence. Methods: This scoping review aimed to map current evidence on PD therapies employing mirror neuron-based rehabilitation. Databases searched included PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that examined the effects of AO and MI in PD rehabilitation. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing various rehabilitation techniques focusing on AO and MI. These studies consistently demonstrated positive outcomes, such as reduced disease severity and improved quality of life, gait, and balance in PD patients. The activation of mirror neurons through AO and MI was shown to facilitate motor learning and contribute to improved functional mobility. Conclusions: Although the included studies support the beneficial impact of AO and MI techniques in PD rehabilitation, numerous questions remain unresolved. Further research is necessary to evaluate the potential integration of these techniques into standard physiotherapy routines for PD patients. This review highlights the promise of AO and MI in enhancing motor rehabilitation for PD, suggesting the need for more comprehensive studies to validate and refine these therapeutic approaches.

Lack of Evidence for Vaccine-Associated Enhanced Disease From COVID-19 Vaccines Among Adults in the Vaccine Safety Datalink.

Vaccine-associated enhanced disease (VAED) is a theoretical concern with new vaccines, although trials of authorized vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have not identified markers for VAED. The purpose of this study was to detect any signals for VAED among adults vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this cross-sectional study, we assessed COVID-19 severity as a proxy for VAED among 400 adults hospitalized for COVID-19 from March through October 2021 at eight US healthcare systems. Primary outcomes were admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and severe illness (score ≥6 on the World Health Organization [WHO] Clinical Progression Scale). We compared the risk of outcomes among those who had completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series versus those who were unvaccinated. We incorporated inverse propensity weights for vaccination status in a doubly robust regression model to estimate the causal average treatment effect. The causal risk ratio in vaccinated versus unvaccinated was 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.94) for ICU admission and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.25-0.76) for severe illness. Among hospitalized patients, reduced disease severity in those vaccinated against COVID-19 supports the absence of VAED.

The Efficacy of Colchicine as an Adjunct Therapy in Non-hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The therapeutic potential of oral colchicine administration may help combat COVID-19 infection due to reduced disease severity and mortality risk. This randomized trial aimed to assess the effect of colchicine treatment on the inflammatory and hematologic markers as well as clinical features in non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. In the present placebo-controlled randomized trial, 80 non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients were enrolled and followed for 14 days. Subjects randomly received oral colchicine or placebo tablets once a day for two weeks. The fever and cough clinical signs, as well as Creactive protein (CRP) and lymphopenia, were evaluated through the follow-up. No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of the duration of clinical symptoms, CRP, and lymphopenia at 0, 7, and 14 days of intervention. Although the proportion of participants with fever, cough, positive CRP, and lymphopenia was higher reduced in the colchicine group than the placebo during treatment, no significant differences were found between groups. Due to no adverse effects detected in this trial, colchicine therapy was well-tolerated and safe. Our findings revealed that colchicine adjuvant therapy had no beneficial effect on clinical and para-clinical parameters in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients during 14 days of intervention. The present trial does not support colchicine as a potential treatment against COVID-19 disease.

The Hidden Costs of Psoriasis: A Population-Based Study Evaluating How Psoriasis Severity Impacts Work Absenteeism.

Psoriasis patients experience physical and emotional burdens, which may lead to work-related productivity loss. This loss carries professional and financial repercussions. It is unknown whether the extent of psoriasis affects work absenteeism. This study aims to compare work absenteeism between employed adults with mild versus moderate-to-severe psoriasis. A national, cross-sectional study using the 2009 to 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey evaluated 5,209,956 (weighted) adults aged &ge; 22 years. Work absenteeism was compared between adults with mild (4,521,687 weighted) and moderate-to-severe psoriasis (688,269 weighted). Work absenteeism, as measured by the average number of episodes per year that someone was absent from work for at least a half day, was significantly higher in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis than in patients with mild disease (4.4 episodes vs 2.8 episodes, P=0.002). Multivariable logistic regression models showed moderate-to-severe patients were 2.68 times more likely (95% CI:1.72-4.21; P&lt;0.001) to take a half-day or more off from work than those with mild disease after adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, poverty, cognitive limitations, insurance, education, and comorbidities. Disease severity directly impacts work absenteeism in psoriasis patients. Early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate therapies are needed to reduce disease severity and limit economic loss and professional ramifications associated with psoriasis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):640-644.&nbsp; doi:10.36849/JDD.7550.

Microbiota transfer early after birth modulates genetic susceptibility to chronic arthritis in mice

Genetics is central to the susceptibility or resistance to autoimmunity, and mounting evidence indicates that the intestinal microbiota also plays an essential role. In murine arthritis models, short-chain fat acid supplementation reduces disease severity by modulating tryptophan-metabolizing bacteria. Common microbiota transfer methods modulate arthritis severity, however, they are not practical for chronic models such as pristane-induced arthritis (PIA). PIA-resistant (HIII) and PIA-susceptible (LIII) mice harbor diverse intestinal microbiomes, which might be implicated in their divergent susceptibility. To investigate this hypothesis, we used cross-fostering to stably transfer the microbiota. In this study, we show that extreme susceptibility to arthritis can be modulated by early microbiota transfer, with long-lasting effects. HIII and LIII pups were cross-fostered and injected with pristane after weaning. PIA severity in cross-fostered LIII mice was significantly reduced in the chronic phase. Metagenomic analyses showed that HIII and LIII microbiomes were partly shifted by cross-fostering. Microbial groups whose abundance was associated with either HIII or LIII mice presented similar composition in cross-fostered mice of the opposite strains, suggesting a role in PIA susceptibility. Identification of bacterial groups that modulate chronic arthritis will contribute novel insights on the pathogenesis of human rheumatoid arthritis and targets for replication and functional studies.

Using a static magnetic field to attenuate the severity in COVID-19-invaded lungs

Two important factors affecting the progress of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are the S-protein binding function of ACE2 receptors and the membrane fluidity of host cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of static magnetic field (SMF) on S-protein/ACE2 binding and cellular membrane fluidity of lung cells, and was performed in vitro using a Calu-3 cell model and in vivo using an animal model. The ability of ACE2 receptors to bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on host cell surfaces under SMF stimulation was evaluated using fluorescence images. Host lung cell membrane fluidity was tested using fluorescence polarization to determine the effects of SMF. Our results indicate that 0.4 T SMF can affect binding between S-protein and ACE2 receptors and increase Calu-3 cell membrane fluidity, and that SMF exposure attenuates LPS-induced alveolar wall thickening in mice. These results may be of value for developing future non-contact, non-invasive, and low side-effect treatments to reduce disease severity in COVID-19-invaded lungs.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: The Advantage of Mucosal Vaccine Delivery and Local Immunity.

Immunity against respiratory pathogens is often short-term, and, consequently, there is an unmet need for the effective prevention of such infections. One such infectious disease is coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which is caused by the novel Beta coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that emerged around the end of 2019. The World Health Organization declared the illness a pandemic on 11 March 2020, and since then it has killed or sickened millions of people globally. The development of COVID-19 systemic vaccines, which impressively led to a significant reduction in disease severity, hospitalization, and mortality, contained the pandemic's expansion. However, these vaccines have not been able to stop the virus from spreading because of the restricted development of mucosal immunity. As a result, breakthrough infections have frequently occurred, and new strains of the virus have been emerging. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 will likely continue to circulate and, like the influenza virus, co-exist with humans. The upper respiratory tract and nasal cavity are the primary sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection and, thus, a mucosal/nasal vaccination to induce a mucosal response and stop the virus' transmission is warranted. In this review, we present the status of the systemic vaccines, both the approved mucosal vaccines and those under evaluation in clinical trials. Furthermore, we present our approach of a B-cell peptide-based vaccination applied by a prime-boost schedule to elicit both systemic and mucosal immunity.

Human gut microbiota interactions shape the long-term growth dynamics and evolutionary adaptations of Clostridioides difficile.

Clostridioides difficile can transiently or persistently colonize the human gut, posing a risk factor for infections. This colonization is influenced by complex molecular and ecological interactions with human gut microbiota. By investigating C. difficile dynamics in human gut communities over hundreds of generations, we show patterns of stable coexistence, instability, or competitive exclusion. Lowering carbohydrate concentration shifted a community containing C. difficile and the prevalent human gut symbiont Phocaeicola vulgatus from competitive exclusion to coexistence, facilitated by increased cross-feeding. In this environment, C. difficile adapted via single-point mutations in key metabolic genes, altering its metabolic niche from proline to glucose utilization. These metabolic changes substantially impacted inter-species interactions and reduced disease severity in the mammalian gut. In sum, human gut microbiota interactions are crucial in shaping the long-term growth dynamics and evolutionary adaptations of C. difficile, offering key insights for developing anti-C. difficile strategies.

Exploring the biocontrol and plant growth-promoting potential of Streptomyces kronopolitis isolate SA18 against durian foliar blight and dieback disease

Abstract. Kraivuttinun P, Pirapak K, Pinnak P, Pirapak W. 2024. Exploring the biocontrol and plant growth-promoting potential of Streptomyces kronopolitis isolate SA18 against durian foliar blight and dieback disease. Biodiversitas 25: 2661-2669. Actinomycetes have been extensively studied for their potential as plant growth promoters and biocontrol agents against fungal plant pathogens. In Thailand, durian is a highly valuable fruit crop, celebrated for its delectable fleshy arils. Rhizoctonia solani destruction causes foliar blight and dieback, a severe disease on durian plantations. Our investigation objective was to isolate, select, and identify actinomycetes that exhibit antagonistic properties and could improve the growth of durian. This study revealed that 37 actinomycete isolates were obtained, comprising 14 endophytic isolates and 23 soil-derived actinomycete isolates from durian plantations in Thailand's Uttaradit and Sukhothai Provinces. All actinomycete isolates demonstrated the ability to inhibit pathogen growth through in vitro antagonistic bioassay. Isolate SA18 exhibited the highest percentage inhibition of radial growth against R. solani isolate 01, achieving an impressive 92% inhibition. Furthermore, isolate SA18 demonstrated the capacity to produce 5.91 ?g/mL of indole acetic acid after seven days of culture, increasing to 45.72 ?g/mL after 14 days. This isolate also exhibited phosphate solubilization ability. In the detached leaf bioassay, isolate SA18 effectively controlled the spread of fungal pathogens, reducing disease severity significantly from 93.75% in the control treatment to 53.75% with a concentration of 108 spores/mL of isolate SA18. Morphological examination and 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that isolate SA18 formed smooth-surfaced spores in chains and showed a close relationship with Streptomyces kronopolitis based on the 16S rDNA sequence. This study is the first to report the presence of S. kronopolitis in soil samples collected from durian orchards in Thailand. This isolate can improve plant growth and control R. solani in bioassays. S. kronopolitis isolate SA18 can potentially be a biocontrol agent for durian plantations.

Exploring the influence of rapeseed cultivar and pathogen isolate on Acremonium alternatum's efficacy in clubroot disease control

Clubroot disease, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, ranks among the most significant diseases affecting rapeseed cultivars, leading to substantial annual yield losses. Current control methods are limited to a small selection of chemical or biological treatments. Using biocontrol organisms presents a promising strategy for reducing disease severity and promoting plant vigour. However, their efficacy is strongly dependent on biotic and abiotic factors during the growing season, as well as the specific application conditions. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the biocontrol fungus Acremonium alternatum in reducing clubroot disease symptoms across different susceptible and resistant rapeseed cultivars (Brassica napus) under various experimental greenhouse settings employing different types of P. brassicae inoculum: a uniform single spore isolate e3 and two German field isolates P1 and P1 ( +). We found that A. alternatum can reduce clubroot disease symptoms in susceptible rapeseed cultivars Visby, Ability and Jenifer, but not cv. Jumbo, when inoculated with the aggressive single spore isolate P. brassicae e3 at moderate (106 spores mL−1) and high (107 spores mL−1) densities. A. alternatum enhanced plant vitality and shoot biomass in cv. Visby inoculated with field isolates P1 or P1 ( +) but did not considerably reduce clubroot severity there. The clubroot-resistant cv. Mentor displayed a reduction in clubroot symptoms after A. alternatum treatment. In conclusion, A. alternatum holds some promise in managing moderate P. brassicae levels in the soil and could serve as an option in integrated pest management of clubroot disease when combined with resistant cultivars.

Antifungal Effect of Leaf Extracts on the Groundnut Late Leaf Spot Pathogen Cercosporidium personatum

Late leaf spot of groundnut is caused by the fungal pathogen of Cercosporidium personatum. Efforts to prevent this disease generally use synthetic fungicides that can cause environmental pollution. This study aims to identify the fungal pathogen of groundnut late leaf spot and study the antifungal effect of leaf extract of some plants for leaf spot intensity suppression. Late leaf spot pathogen was identified based on morphological characteristics of hyphae and conidia. The leaf extracts of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia), basil (Ocimum gratissimum), and sugar apple (Annona squamosa) at a concentration of 25% against C. personatum were evaluated in vitro based on growth inhibition. The growth and intensity of groundnut disease attacks were assessed for seven weeks by inoculating C. personatum and application of the leaf extracts. Results showed that the pathogen was identified as C. personatum with conidia characteristics of cylindrical to obclavate, short and slightly curved with four septa, and 35.75 × 7.11 µm in size. The percentage of inhibition of C. personatum in vitro reached 94.03% by leaf extract of C. ternatea, 88.56% by T. diversifolia, 87.20% by O. gratissimum, and 84.10% by A. squamosa. Treatment of C. ternatea increased plant height up to 12.85% and reduced the most optimal percentage of the infected leaves up to 61.53%. C. ternatea leaf extract was found to be the most effective extract to suppress C. personatum infection by 77.94%, while T. diversifolia, O. gratissimum, and A. squamosa reduced disease severity by 70.15%, 65.43%, and 57.76%, respectively.