Sustainable Disease Control Research Articles

Future Prediction of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): An Industrial Perspective

The global livestock industry is significantly threatened by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The re-emergence of FMD outbreaks in Indonesia is one example of the epidemiological cycle in a region. This study aimed to analyze the future industry of foot-and-mouth disease. This qualitative study used a secondary data processing that includes the collection, analysis, and interpretation of information to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities that may emerge by using the foresight industry analysis approach and the Generic Foresight Process (GFP) stage framework. Industry foresight analysis identified changing trends of technological, regulatory, geopolitical, demographic, and lifestyle. Several possibilities were identified through the GFP framework, which was conducted by identifying several possibilities based on looking and analyzing what is happening, what is really happening, what might happen in the future, what we would like to happen, and what we might need to do. The results of the industry foresight analysis showed that an FMD vaccine was essential for farmers to open international market access and as a sustainable disease control strategy. The technology aspect played a vital role as the key to competition in the industry in the future. The industry will compete to create an FMD vaccine that best suits the existing market challenges. The results of the GFP framework analysis showed that eradicating FMD worldwide still requires a long and extensive process and is predicted to continue until 2050.

Genetic Signatures of Contrasted Outbreak Histories of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus", the Bacterium That Causes Citrus Huanglongbing,in Three Outermost Regions of the European Union.

In an era of trade globalization and climate change, crop pathogens and pests are a genuine threat to food security. The detailed characterization of emerging pathogen populations is a prerequisite for managing invasive species pathways and designing sustainable disease control strategies. Huanglongbing is the disease that causes the most damage to citrus, a crop that ranks #1 worldwide in terms of fruit production. Huanglongbing can be caused by three species of the phloem-limited alpha-proteobacterium, "Candidatus Liberibacter," which are transmitted by psyllids. Two of these bacteria are of highest concern, "Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus" and "Ca. Liberibacter africanus," and have distinct thermal optima. These pathogens are unculturable, which complicates their high-throughput genetic characterization. In the present study, we used several genotyping techniques and an extensive sample collection to characterize Ca. Liberibacter populations associated with the emergence of huanglongbing in three French outermost regions of the European Union (Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion). The outbreaks were primarily caused by "Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus," as "Ca. Liberibacter africanus" was only found at a single location in Réunion. We emphasize the low diversity and high genetic relatedness between samples from Guadeloupe and Martinique, which suggests the putative movement of the pathogen between the two islands and/or the independent introduction of closely related strains. These samples were markedly different from the samples from Réunion, where the higher genetic diversity revealed by tandem-repeat markers suggests that the disease was probably overlooked for years before being officially identified in 2015. We show that "Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus" occurs from sea level to an altitude of 950 m above sea level and lacks spatial structure. This suggests the pathogen's medium- to long-distance movement. We also suggest that backyard trees acted as relays for disease spread. We discuss the implications of population biology data for surveillance and management of this threatful disease.

Evaluation of high school-based dengue solution model in Southern Thailand: a community participatory action research

IntroductionBy the time the globe started to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, Southeast Asian countries had faced an increased dengue incidence, which has eventually become an important public health problem. However, effective and sustainable disease control measures in the area are still lacking. Therefore, the current study is aimed to evaluate the development and implementation of high school-based dengue solution model in Southern Thailand.MethodsIntegrated community participatory action research (CPAR) was employed using preparation, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Data was collected using quantitative and qualitative methods from high school students. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, chi-square and fisher’s exact test were used to summarize and compare quantitative data before and after intervention. Similarly, qualitative data was collected through interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) and then analyzed through thematic analysis.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty-nine (96.3%, n = 239/248) and 232 (93.5, n = 232/248) participants were included in the interventions before and after, respectively. School-based dengue prevention was developed with input from a variety of stakeholders, including students, community leaders, health educators, district officials, and community health volunteers. As demonstrated by pre- to post-test results, students understanding of dengue and the larval indices surveillance system has increased. Students who received the training were not only inspired but created a sense of community responsibility with a high commitment to teaching and sharing information in their circle to enhance overall community wellbeing. Being female and higher educational attainment was associated with students understanding of dengue and larval indices surveillance.ConclusionThis participatory action research not only improved students' understanding of dengue but also empowered them to be proactive in various community health initiatives. The positive correlation between educational attainment and students understanding of dengue solution and larval indices surveillance underscores the need for tailored educational interventions that address diverse learning needs within the community. Collaborative efforts to establish dengue health information center based at primary schools and above can better improve reduction of dengue incidence.

Sustainable Disease Control of Phytophthora cactorum in a Strawberry Nursery by Adapting the Growing System

The Netherlands is one of the most important countries for the production of strawberry transplants in Europe. Regulations for pesticide use and water quality become more strict each year, which is a challenge for this sector. Strawberry plants are grown from tips and raised in trays on a trayfield. One of the main plant diseases in strawberry is caused by Phytophthora cactorum. The dispersal of the disease is facilitated by sporangia and zoospores splashing from the surface of the trayfield onto the transplants in the trays. In this research, we compared, in three consecutive years, the traditional growing system with a new system in which the trays are elevated and splashes from the trayfield reaching the transplants are minimized. In two of the three years, we show that the new growing system without the use of any fungicide against P. cactorum performs as well as or even better than the traditional system with the use of the permitted pesticides. Data about Phytophthora occurring in air samples and in splash water collected at different heights support the hypothesis that the decrease in splash dispersal underlies the success of the elevated trayfield. This shows the potential of re-designing growing systems to become less dependent on pesticide use.

Nanocarrier-Based Eco-Friendly RNA Pesticides for Sustainable Management of Plant Pathogens and Pests.

The production of healthy agricultural products has increased the demand for innovative and sustainable plant protection technologies. RNA interference (RNAi), described as post-transcriptional gene silencing, offers great opportunities for developing RNA pesticides for sustainable disease and pest control. Compared with traditional synthesized pesticides, RNA pesticides possess many advantages, such as strong targeting, good environmental compatibility, and an easy development process. In this review, we systematically introduce the development of RNAi technology, highlight the advantages of RNA pesticides, and illustrate the challenges faced in developing high-efficiency RNA pesticides and the benefits of nanocarriers. Furthermore, we introduce the process and mechanism of nanocarrier-mediated RNAi technology, summarize the applications of RNA pesticides in controlling plant pathogens and pests, and finally outline the current challenges and future prospects. The current review provides theoretical guidance for the in-depth research and diversified development of RNA pesticides, which can promote the development and practice of nanocarrier-mediated RNAi.

Nanotechnology-based Materials for Sustainable Pest and Disease Control in Agriculture

Nanotechnology-based Materials for Sustainable Pest and Disease Control in Agriculture

Indigenous Technical Knowledge Practices for Managing Pests and Diseases in Agricultural Crops

Aims: This study aims to document indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) practices used by farmers in the Tirunelveli district for managing pests and diseases in agricultural crops. It focuses on understanding traditional methods and their relevance in sustainable pest and disease control. Study Design: This is a descriptive field study employing a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review and qualitative data collection from farmers. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India. The research was conducted over three months from January to March. Methodology: The research was conducted in three phases 1) Literature Review: Existing studies on indigenous pest and disease management techniques in the region were reviewed. 2) Data Collection: Interviews and focus group discussions were held with farmers to gather traditional knowledge on pest and disease control practices. 3) Data Analysis: The collected information was analysed for common practices and evaluated for effectiveness. Results: The study uncovered numerous indigenous techniques, including the use of neem leaves, cow urine, and plant-based remedies for pest control. Out of 150 farmers interviewed, 80% used traditional methods, with 60% reporting success in reducing crop damage. These practices were found to be cost-effective and eco-friendly, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. Conclusion: The research highlights the potential of ITK in sustainable agriculture particularly for pest and disease management. It underscores the importance of preserving and promoting these traditional methods as viable alternatives to modern chemical practices.

A comprehensive review of integrated management strategies for damping-off disease in chili.

Damping-off disease in chili (Capsicum annum L.) cultivation is a significant global issue, severely affecting seeds, seedlings, and young plants, regardless of the location of cultivation, whether in greenhouses or open fields. Despite chili being a widely popular vegetable used in various cuisines globally, farmers face challenges in meeting the growing demand due to the extensive damage caused by this disease, ranging from 20 to 85%. The shelf life and quality of mature pods are also severely affected. Damping-off disease is mainly caused by soil-borne fungus from the Pythium species, with additional contributions from Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia species. These pathogens' adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and resistance to synthetic fungicides make controlling damping-off on a commercial scale challenging. However, integrated disease management has shown promising results as a remedial approach. In this review, we discuss the current state of chili diseases, the nature of the pathogens causing damping-off, the epidemiology of the disease, and various control mechanisms. In this review, we broadly discuss the current state of chili diseases, the nature of the pathogens causing damping-off, the epidemiology of the disease, and various control mechanisms. Furthermore, we highlight the importance and efficacy of integrated disease management techniques, along with future prospects in unexplored areas, such as host-pathogen interaction and sustainable disease control measures. The information in this review aims to assist chili growers in understanding the epidemiology and management of damping-off in chili cultivation.

Cestrum tomentosum L.f. Extracts against Colletotrichum scovillei by Altering Cell Membrane Permeability and Inducing ROS Accumulation.

Chili pepper anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is a significant biotic stress affecting chili fruits globally. While fungicide application is commonly used for disease management due to its efficiency and costeffectiveness, excessive use poses risks to human health and the environment. Botanical fungicides offer advantages such as rapid degradation and low toxicity to mammals, making them increasingly popular for sustainable plant disease control. This study investigated the antifungal properties of Cestrum tomentosum L.f. crude extracts (CTCE) against Colletotrichum scovillei. The results demonstrated that CTCE effectively inhibited conidia germination and germ tube elongation at 40 µg/ml concentrations. Moreover, CTCE exhibited strong antifungal activity against C. scovillei mycelial growth, with an EC50 value of 18.81 µg/ml. In vivo experiments confirmed the protective and curative effects of CTCE on chili pepper fruits infected with C. scovillei. XTT analysis showed that the CTCE could significantly inhibit the cell viability of C. scovillei. Mechanistic studies revealed that CTCE disrupted the plasma membrane integrity of C. scovillei and induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in hyphal cells. These findings highlight CTCE as a promising eco-friendly botanical fungicide for managing C. scovillei infections in chili peppers.

Environmental benefits of ozonated water for sustainable grapevine disease control: A life cycle and carbon sequestration analysis

The oxidative capacity of ozone makes it a highly effective biocide, widely used in the food and processing industry, as well as in drinking water plants. In a context of tighter restrictions on the use of synthetic plant protection products at the regulatory level, wineries are looking for alternative methods to control diseases, making the application of ozonated water an option to consider. To determine the environmental sustainability of this alternative vineyard disease control treatment, an environmental impact assessment was conducted using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The assessment was carried out in a vineyard located in the D.O. Rías Baixas of Galicia, located in northwestern Spain. The analysis was conducted on the basis of two functional units: i) 1 kg of grapes and ii) 1 ha of land managed and using a cradle-to-gate boundary system. Ten impact categories were assessed using the ReCiPe method, except for the water scarcity indicator, which was quantified using AWARE.The environmental sustainability of the vineyard was further analyzed by measuring its carbon sequestration potential to obtain a more complete environmental profile. The RothC-26.3 model was chosen to estimate absolute carbon sequestration and annual sequestration rate from 2020 to 2040. Since the ozone-only scenarios lost all harvest, no environmental assessment was performed for such scenarios. For the remaining scenarios, the findings suggest that those using a combination of ozonated water and fungicides have the worst environmental performance due to notable reductions in grape yield and more frequent disease control interventions, particularly in certain scenarios. When evaluating environmental performance per hectare of land managed, the scenario using ozonated water with a limited number of disease control interventions exhibited the most favorable environmental profile, primarily due to reduced use of fungicides and disease control passes. In addition, the main contributors to the vineyard environmental profile identified were diesel fuel combustion during field operations, fertilizer use and production, and irrigation. In addition, the research indicates that the vineyard sequesters carbon annually, but this alone is insufficient to offset its greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is estimated that through the application of more appropriate soil management practices, the vineyard could achieve carbon neutrality and potentially increase soil carbon stocks over time.

Oral administration enhances directly mucosal immune system in intestine of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Aquaculture is notably vulnerable to diseases, with Edwardsiella tarda causing significant mortality across various commercially important fish species in both freshwater and marine environments. In the aquaculture industry, sustainable disease control hinges on the effective development of vaccines. Oral vaccines present an appealing approach to immunization in fish due to their ease of antigen administration, reduced stress compared to non-oral delivery methods, and their potential applicability to both small and large finfish species. In mammals, the exposure of mucosal surfaces to antigens results in the secretion of antigen-specific IgA at these locations. Mammals have a common mucosal immune system, in which stimulation of one epithelium can also give rise to specific IgA or IgM responses in other mucosal organs. Mucosal immunoglobulins are particularly important in developing vaccines that provide mucosal immunity. However, it remains unclear whether fish share a common mucosal system. Moreover, neither Peyer's patches nor intestinal lymph nodes were identified. Nevertheless, oral vaccination remains an attractive method for inducing immunity. We investigated whether the activation of the mucosal immune response was induced by direct injection of the antigen. After oral antigen administration, antigen-specific antibody titers increased in the experimental group (E. tarda FKC vaccine). In the challenge experiment, the cumulative survival rate was 72% (E. tarda). This suggests that oral administration of antigens can activate intestinal mucosal immunity in flounders. Additionally, these results help understand the intestinal mucosal immune system of teleost fish. In the future, research on the signaling mechanisms of these genes is expected to provide helpful information for developing vaccine adjuvants.

Study of dog population dynamics and rabies awareness in Thailand using a school-based participatory research approach

Rabies is a neglected disease primarily related to dog-mediated transmission to humans. Accurate dog demographic and dynamic data are essential for effectively planning and evaluating population management strategies when designing interventions to prevent rabies. However, in Thailand, longitudinal survey data regarding dog population size are scarce. A school-based participatory research (SBPR) approach was conducted to survey owned dogs for one year in four high-risk provinces (Chiang Rai, Surin, Chonburi, and Songkhla) of Thailand, aiming to understand dog population dynamics and raise awareness about rabies. ‘Pupify’ mobile application was developed to collect data on dog population and observe the long-term population dynamics in this study. At the end of the data collection period, telephone interviews were conducted to gain insight into contextual perceptions and awareness regarding both animal and human rabies, as well as the social responsibility of dog owners in disease prevention and control. Among 303 high school students who registered in our study, 218 students reported at least one update of their dog information throughout the one-year period. Of 322 owned dogs from our survey, the updates of dog status over one year showed approximately 7.5 newborns per 100-dog-year, while deaths and missing dogs were 6.2 and 2.7 per 100-dog-year, respectively. The male to female ratio was approximately 1.8:1. Twenty-three students (10%) voluntarily participated and were interviewed in the qualitative study. The levels of rabies awareness and precautions among high-school students were relatively low. The high dropout rate of the survey was due to discontinuity in communication between the researcher and the students over the year. In conclusion, this study focused on using the SBPR approach via mobile application to collect data informing dog population dynamics and raising awareness regarding rabies in Thailand Other engaging platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other popular applications) is necessary to enhance communication and engagement, thereby sustaining and maintaining data collection. Further health education on rabies vaccination and animal-care practices via social media platforms would be highly beneficial. For sustainable disease control, engaging communities to raise awareness of rabies and increase dog owners’ understanding of their responsibilities should be encouraged.

A novel pH-responsive multi-component nanodelivery system with siRNA for plant disease management

At the present time, the control of plant viral diseases is primarily achieved through the use of traditional pesticides. However, the tendency of RNA viruses to mutate and develop resistance to pesticides represents a significant challenge. The development of nanoscale strategies based on RNA interference (RNAi) represents a rapidly evolving approach to sustainable plant disease control. In this study, an siRNA was screened that effectively targets the 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), which is closely associated with plant virus infection and replication. Additionally, a novel nanosystem for hierarchical delivery of siRNA was developed. This consisted of the cellular shuttle peptide (CPP)-modified tetrahedral DNA nanoparticles (TDN) as the core and polydopamine-hybridized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PDA-MSN) as the shell. This was named TDN-siR099@CPP@PDA-MSNs. The results demonstrated that upon entering the leaf tissue through the stomata, TDN-siR099@CPP@PDA-MSNs encountered a weak acidic environment, prompting the PDA-MSN to release TDN-siR099@CPP. This resulted in the intercellular shuttling of TDN-siR099@CPP. The nanoscale dimensions of TDN-siR099@CPP facilitate facile displacement, while the intrinsic properties of CPP enhance the efficacy of long-distance siR099 intercellular shuttling. In this nanosystem, we also demonstrated that PDA-MSN retarded the susceptible degradation of siRNA in vitro and responded to the acidic release of the drug, which improve the utilization efficiency of siRNA in terms of both improving the delivery efficiency and delaying the degradation. It effectively down-regulated 56.2% of HSP70 protein and inhibited the infection of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and potato Y virus (PVY) by 70.2% and 41.0%, respectively. By skillfully constructing a framework for siRNA inhibition of target genes, this technology broadens the application of RNA silencing in plant disease management.

Integrated biofloc technology in red tilapia aquaculture: Salinity-dependent effects on water quality, parental stock physiology, reproduction, and immune responses

The study examines the impact of integrated biofloc technology (BFT), different salinity levels, and their combined effects over 90 days on various physiological parameters. The investigation includes growth performance and feed utilization, water quality, the chemical composition of biofloc and fish, digestive enzymes, reproductive performance, stress and biochemical indicators, and antioxidant-immune responses in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) broodstock. The fish were initially weighed (males: n = 270; 104 ± 0.96 g; females: n = 270; 93.2 ± 0.66 g) and subsequently divided into 12 treatment groups (6 for males and 6 for females) spread across 36 separate tanks (3 tanks per treatment; 45 fish per treatment; 15 fish/tank). The treatments involved three salinity levels (18, 28, and 36 ppt) in both clear water (CW) and BFT systems. The outcomes demonstrated that fish in the 36 ppt salinity with BFT treatment demonstrated significant improvements (P < 0.05) in growth parameters (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio). The condition factor in BFT groups increased in all salinity situations. The survival rates of broodstock were consistently high in all experimental conditions The study found that BFT and salinity significantly impacted (P < 0.05) whole body contents (moisture, protein, lipid, and ash) in both males and females. Water quality parameters showed variations between BFT and CW, with notable impacts (P < 0.05) on dissolved oxygen and pH. The BFT and salinity influenced digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase, and lipase) and reproductive performance (males) and the 36 ppt salinity with BFT recorded the highest values. The hemato-biochemical and antioxidant-immune responses were also impacted by BFT and salinity exposure. The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating BFT into red tilapia aquaculture systems, particularly in optimizing growth, health, and reproductive performance under various salinity conditions, which can enhance sustainable intensification, disease control, and environmental stewardship.

Hormesis in Pathogenic and Biocontrol Fungi: From Inhibition to Stimulation

Hormesis, a biphasic response where low doses of stressors stimulate growth and high doses inhibit it, has significant implications for agricultural chemical use. This review explores the impact of low-dose fungicides or pesticides on pathogenic and biocontrol fungi. This study highlights how sublethal dose exposure can enhance growth and virulence of fungal pathogens, while also potentially increasing their stress tolerance at higher doses. This phenomenon complicates fungicide resistance management strategies. The review focuses on specific fungicides such as dimethachlone, prochloraz, carbendazim, and others, and their hormetic effects on fungal pathogens. Furthermore, the effects of low-dose pesticides and fungicides on beneficial fungi like entomopathogenic and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are discussed. Here, low-dose exposure can stimulate the germination of entomopathogenic fungal conidia and enhance AMF root colonization and phosphorus uptake. However, hormesis can have trade-offs, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences for the organism. A thorough understanding of hormesis and dose-dependent fungicide effects is crucial for optimizing disease management and agricultural practices. This knowledge can inform strategies to minimize pathogen resistance and promote sustainable approaches. Implementing integrated disease management that combines fungicides with different modes of action alongside other control methods can be effective. Careful consideration of fungicide doses and potential hormesis effects is paramount for ensuring sustainable plant disease control and food security.

Mathematical Analysis of Spread and Control of Diphtheria with Emphasis on Diphtheria Antitoxin Efficiency

Diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, remains a significant public health concern worldwide. In this study, we employ mathematical modeling to analyze the spread and control of diphtheria, focusing on the efficacy of Diphtheria Antitoxin in mitigating the disease's impact. Through the development of compartmental models, system of differential equations governing the dynamics was formulated. Due to the complexity and non-linearity of the dynamics, a numerical solutions that utilizes Runge-Kutta Fehlberg order 4 and 5 method. The dynamics of diphtheria transmission and the potential impact of DAT administration on disease outcomes was investigate. Our findings highlight the critical role of Antitoxin efficiency in reducing disease burden, preventing severe cases, and containing epidemic spread. By exploring various scenarios and parameter sensitivities, we provide insights into optimal control strategies and intervention measures to combat diphtheria outbreaks effectively. This research contributes to a better understanding of diphtheria epidemiology and informs public health policies aimed at enhancing vaccination coverage and DAT availability to achieve sustainable disease control and prevention.

Evaluation of an Ozone-Induced Free Radical Solution’s Characteristics and Its Efficacy as an Alternative Pest Control Method

In light of the environmental problems stemming from chemical pesticides, a preparation system for an ozone-induced free radical solution was developed to replace chemical pesticides for disease control. The effective synthesis process parameters for the solution under experimental conditions were determined through a single-factor experiment. The mechanism by which the solution eradicates pathogenic bacteria was investigated using electron microscopy, and a disease prevention and control experiment was conducted. Under slightly acidic conditions, the redox potential of the solution was observed to be high, with an air intake of 0.5 L/min and a liquid intake of 1.45 L/min, while the concentration decayed slowly, with a liquid intake of 0.98 L/min. The solution’s destructive effect on the bacteria’s internal and external structures intensified with prolonged action time and an increased number of free radicals. A 1.5 mg/L solution and 5% imidacloprid effectively reduced pest levels to grades 3 and 4, respectively. When the pH is 3, with air intake at 0.5 L/min and liquid intake at 0.98 L/min, the ozone-induced free radical solution exhibits strong oxidation and stability. At a concentration of 1.5 mg/L, the solution demonstrates a superior control effect on diseases and can partially replace chemical pesticides, offering a promising alternative for environmentally sustainable disease control.

Impact of infectious density-induced additional screening and treatment saturation on COVID-19: Modeling and cost-effective optimal control

This study introduces a novel SI2HR model, where “I2” denotes two infectious classes representing asymptomatic and symptomatic infections, aiming to investigate and analyze the cost-effective optimal control measures for managing COVID-19. The model incorporates a novel concept of infectious density-induced additional screening (IDIAS) and accounts for treatment saturation. Furthermore, the model considers the possibility of reinfection and the loss of immunity in individuals who have previously recovered. To validate and calibrate the proposed model, real data from November–December 2022 in Hong Kong are utilized. The estimated parameters obtained from this calibration process are valuable for prediction purposes and facilitate further numerical simulations. An analysis of the model reveals that delays in screening, treatment, and quarantine contribute to an increase in the basic reproduction number R0, indicating a tendency towards endemicity. In particular, from the elasticity of R0, we deduce that normalized sensitivity indices of baseline screening rate (θ), quarantine rates (γ, αs), and treatment rate (α) are negative, which shows that delaying any of these may cause huge surge in R0, ultimately increases the disease burden. Further, by the contour plots, we note the two-parameter behavior of the infectives (both symptomatic and asymptomatic). Expanding upon the model analysis, an optimal control problem (OCP) is formulated, incorporating three control measures: precautionary interventions, boosted IDIAS, and boosted treatment. The Pontryagin's maximum principle and the forward-backward sweep method are employed to solve the OCP. The numerical simulations highlight that enhanced screening and treatment, coupled with preventive interventions, can effectively contribute to sustainable disease control. However, the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) conducted in this study suggests that boosting IDIAS alone is the most economically efficient and cost-effective approach compared to other strategies. The CEA results provide valuable insights into identifying specific strategies based on their cost-efficacy ranking, which can be implemented to maximize impact while minimizing costs. Overall, this research offers significant insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals, providing a framework to optimize control efforts for COVID-19 or similar epidemics in the future.

A review on endophytic fungi: a potent reservoir of bioactive metabolites with special emphasis on blight disease management.

Phytopathogenic microorganisms have caused blight diseases that present significant challenges to global agriculture. These diseases result in substantial crop losses and have a significant economic impact. Due to the limitations of conventional chemical treatments in effectively and sustainably managing these diseases, there is an increasing interest in exploring alternative and environmentally friendly approaches for disease control. Using endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents has become a promising strategy in recent years. Endophytic fungi live inside plant tissues, forming mutually beneficial relationships, and have been discovered to produce a wide range of bioactive metabolites. These metabolites demonstrate significant potential for fighting blight diseases and provide a plentiful source of new biopesticides. In this review, we delve into the potential of endophytic fungi as a means of biocontrol against blight diseases. We specifically highlight their significance as a source of biologically active compounds. The review explores different mechanisms used by endophytic fungi to suppress phytopathogens. These mechanisms include competing for nutrients, producing antifungal compounds, and triggering plant defense responses. Furthermore, this review discusses the challenges of using endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents in commercial applications. It emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research to enhance their effectiveness and stability in real-world environments. Therefore, bioactive metabolites from endophytic fungi have considerable potential for sustainable and eco-friendly blight disease control. Additional research on endophytes and their metabolites will promote biotechnology solutions.

Multi-Modelling Approach to Support Decision Making in Crop Protection

Abstract A more sustainable control of plant diseases is needed for the development of less intensive farming systems with reduced inputs of chemicals, including pesticides, and reduced use of natural resources. Integrated pest management (IPM) is currently the most effective method for sustainable disease control. IPM has higher complexity than conventional disease management and involves decision making at strategic, tactic, and operational levels, which is often challenging for farmers. Mathematical models are simplified representations of a crop system, which provide dynamic information about the crop status and can support decision making. In an IPM approach, plant disease models must be complemented with other models, such as models for crop growth and development, and models for fungicide dynamics. This case study describes the integration of mathematical models for plant disease, crop development, and plant protection products in a multi-modelling approach able to support multiple decision making in IPM. Downy mildew ( Plasmopara viticola) of grapevines ( Vitis ) is used as a successful story of multiple model combinations through a web-based decision support system. Information © The Author 2024