Biocontrol of plant Diseases

Potato is affected by numerous diseases. Among those diseases, late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and rhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia solani) have a strong economic impact. Organic farming doesn't have efficient protection products to control those diseases and to guarantee yield and production quality. Furthermore, we observe that organic food chain propose the same cultivars as the traditional food chain and those cultivars are generally susceptible to late blight. Regarding to the trials managed to propose new cultivars to Swiss cultivars recommendation list, there are numerous new cultivars with interesting resistance profile. Among 141 cultivars tested, 30 could be proposed to the organic food chain. Indeed, those cultivars are less susceptible to late blight and rhizoctonia and can cover the whole range of potato utilization from boiled potato to French fries and crisps.

T he exponential growth of the global human population led to an increasing demand for food production. Addressing the increasing demand for food production in the face of a growing global population is a complex issue that requires collaboration between governments, organizations, and individuals. In order to attain the goal of ensuring food security, it is imperative to tackle Abstract | Synthetic fungicides, while effective at controlling plant diseases, have brought about a range of adverse consequences i.e., environmental implications, the emergence of fungicide-resistant microbes and food poisoning posing a significant challenge in the realm of plant disease control. The persistent need for eco-friendly disease management strategies has arisen as a direct consequence of the detrimental effects associated with the usage of synthetic fungicides, on both food safety and environmental sustainability. Chemical fungicides have had significant and far-reaching consequences on the environment. Perhaps most notably, they have left traces of harmful residues in the food we consume, posing a significant health risk to consumers. To combat these issues, alternative disease management strategies have emerged. Several approaches are categorized as ecofriendly. Among these, the utilization of weed extracts, derived from various plant sources, has gained prominence for their role as natural fungicide in reducing growth of fungi without harming the environment. These strategies collectively aim to alleviate the adverse consequences of synthetic pesticides, promote safe food production, and ensure a more sustainable future for agriculture. Research activities conducted have generated very encouraging data however When compared to traditional techniques, the initial investments needed to implement sustainable approaches may be more. Practitioners and communities may need to adapt and undergo a transition period when switching from traditional techniques to sustainable alternatives.

Das Kirschenblattrollvirus (Cherry leaf roll virus, CLRV) infiziert eine Vielzahl von Bäumen und Sträuchern, zu denen auch wirtschaftlich bedeutende Obst-und Forstgehölze gehören. Symptome einer CLRV-Infektion können zu ökonomischen Schäden führen. Zur Vermeidung einer schnellen Virusverbreitung in vorhandenen Beständen sowie durch infiziertes Pflanzoder Saatgut ist ein empfindlicher und effizienter Nachweis von CLRV notwendig. Für die Detektion des Virus stehen unterschiedliche serologische und molekulare Verfahren zur Verfügung, die nachfolgend vorgestellt und bewertet werden. 2 Vorkommen und Bedeutung des Cherry leaf roll virus in Gehölzen Cherry leaf roll virus ist weltweit sowohl in Gehölzen als auch in krautigen Pflanzen verbreitet (BANDTE und BÜTTNER 2001). In Deutschland tritt das Virus vor allem an Holunder, Birke, Kirsche und Walnuss auf. Verursachte Symptome an diesen Pflanzenarten sowie in weiteren holzigen Wirten wurden von OBERMEIER et al. (2003) zusammengestellt. Trotz der weiten Verbreitung ist CLRV in Deutschland bisher von geringer ökonomischer Bedeutung, während es in den USA sowie in Süd-und Osteuropa an Walnuss die "blackline disease" mit erheblichen Schäden verursacht (BROOKS & Jahrbuch der Baumpflege 2007 297 Möglichkeiten zur Detektion des Kirschenblattrollvirus in Gehölzen

The antifungal effect of three plants extracts viz., Tamarix mannifera, Ceratophyllum demersum and Alhagi camelorum were evaluated against Rhizoctonia solani. This study conducted in vitro. Aerial part, leaf and whole plant were used to prepared extract. Plant materials were mixed with distilled water at 10:90 (w/v) and placed in blender, mixed for 15 min then extracts were filtered. Two experiments conducted for antifungal activity of the plant extracts, first to determine plant antifungal activity for three plants T.mannifera, C. demersum and A. camelorum, all plants extracts showed inhibition for mycelial growth (61, 57, 83) respectively, then the most potent plant extract was selected from the in vitro test (Experiment l) and prepared 5 concentrations 0% distilled water as control treatment 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of plant extract (A. camelorum). The effective concentration inhibiting the growth of mycelium formation of the pathogen by the plant extract of Alhagi camelorum was at 2...

Background: Tomato production in Iraq is subject to significant decline due to contamination of agricultural field soils with soil-borne pathogenic fungi, particularly Rhizoctonia solani. Rhizobacteria are the best alternative to chemical fungicides in controlling the disease. Methods: Dual culture approach was employed to assess the antifungal activity of 324 rhizobacterial isolates against R. solani in vitro. Superior antigenic isolates were identified using 16S rRNA, gyrA, gyrB and rpoB gene sequencing. Physiological characteristics such as hydrogen cyanide, protease, chitinase, siderophore and nitrogen fixation of the antigenic isolates were screened. Result: A total of 324 rhizobacterial isolates were extracted from rhizosphere samples, with four isolates demonstrating strong antifungal activity above 66% against R. solani. The isolates were identified as Leclercia adecarboxylata DKS3, Bacillus halotolerans DMC8, Bacillus subtilis NAS1 and Paenibacillus polymyxa TRS4. These isolates demonstrated notable biocontrol and plant growthpromoting traits in vitro, including nitrogen fixation and the generation of protease, chitinase, hydrogen cyanide and siderophores, as well as the solubilization of potassium and phosphate. These attributes are essential for enhancing plant growth and resilience to pathogenic stress. This research highlights the ability of these rhizobacteria to function as effective biocontrol agents and promoters of plant growth in sustainable agriculture.

Biochar (BC) is known to enhance plant growth and may activate plant resistance to various soil borne pathogens. In this experiment, the rice husk (RH) BC was combined with biocontrol agents (BCAs), Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum against Meloidogyne incognita in tomato and the efficacy of BC and BCAs in boosting overall plant biomass assessed side by side. BCAs along with 3% RH BC were applied to potting soil, tomato plants were transplanted, and then the soil was inoculated with second stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita. Bacillus subtilis +3% RH BC improved overall plant growth and reduced M. incognita damage. To unravel the resistance at the molecular level, root samples were taken 6-and 12-days post inoculation (dpi) to measure the expression of two resistance genes, PR-1b and JERF3, with the help of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of PR-1b was upregulated 6 dpi for only BCAs while JERF3 remained unchanged except in only Bacillus subtilis treated plants. Similarly, the expression of both genes was found to be upregulated in some combined treatments at 12 dpi. The results suggested that the 3% BC application with BCAs effectively manages root-knot nematode, enhances overall plant biomass, and triggers defense related genes in tomato plants.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) is an important spice with medicinal value worldwide. Three foliar diseases, such as small leaf spots, gray leaf blight and leaf blight were recorded from September 2022 to August 2023 at three different locations in Bangladesh. Disease incidence of gray leaf spots recorded from the location of Savar was highest in about 48% and small leaf spots from Dhaka (68%) and leaf blight disease from the location of Savar (88%). A total of six species of fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium sp., Rhizomucor miehei and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were recorded from small leaf spots symptom. Highest frequency of occurrence of the fungus was R. miehei (66.67%) followed by C. gloeosporioides was 62.50%. Four fungal species such as A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger and Pestalotiopsis palmarum were isolated from gray leaf spots symptom of the leaves of Cinnamomum verum. Highest frequency recorded from P. palmarum was 83.33 %. Five fungal species were isolated from leaf blight disease symptoms of C. verum were A. fumigatus, A. niger, C. gloeosporioides, Fusarium sp. and R. miehei. Frequency percentage of C. gloeosporioides was highest 75.00% and Fusarium sp. was lowest 8.33%. Among the fungi isolated from three disease symptoms, three fungi such as C. gloeosporioides, P. palmarum and R. miehei were capable to produce symptoms of leaves. Seven species of fungi viz. A. flvaus, A. niger, C. gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium sp., P. palmarum, Rhizopus sp. and one sterile fungus were recorded from associated with the different disease symptoms of cinnamon leaf in moist chamber methods.

Efficacy of seven fungicides and seven plant extracts were evaluated against two pathogenic species of fungi isolated from Senna alata L. in vitro. The isolated fungi were Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. and Pestalotiopsis guepinii (Desm.) Stay. Seven fungicides Acrobate MZ, Bavistin 50 WP, Indofil M-45, MC Sulphur 80 WP, Ridomil MZ Gold, Sulcox 50 WP and Tall 25 EC at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm concentration were evaluated against the fungi. Tall 25 EC completely inhibited the radial growth of the test fungi at all the concentrations used. Antifungal properties of ethanol leaf extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., Azadirachta indica L., Citrus medica L., Datura metel L., Mangifera indica L. Senna alata L. and Tagetes erecta L. at 5, 10 and 20% concentrations was evaluated on C. gloeosporioides and P. guepinii. All the selected plant extracts completely inhibited radial growth of the test fungi at 20% concentration.

Rice sheath rot, caused by Sarocladium oryzae, is a devastating disease threatening rice production worldwide, with yield losses ranging from 9.6 per cent to 85 per cent. Conventional reliance on synthetic fungicides has raised concerns about environmental sustainability and health safety, prompting the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the in vitro efficacy of native antagonistic bio-agents, specifically Trichoderma spp. and Pseudomonas spp., against Sarocladium oryzae. Rhizospheric soil samples were collected to isolate and identify bio-agents, which were then tested using the dual culture method. Results revealed significant pathogen inhibition, with Trichoderma isolate Tr-1 achieving the highest inhibition rate (76.72%) among the Trichoderma isolates and in Pseudomonas isolates Ps-1 (61.21%) showed the significant inhibition. These findings highlight the potential of native bio-agents as sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides, offering a promising strategy
for integrated disease management in rice cultivation and advancing organic farming practices.

Ralstonia solanacearum is Gram-negative bacterial phyto-pathogens, which cause bacterial wilt disease in several vegetable crops of Solanaceae family. The bacterium is mainly soil and water borne in nature and spread through running water between different agricultural fields. In environment it can survive as VBNC (Viable But Not Culturable) state. Reverse Transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) targeting housekeeping genes is a promising and reliable technique used to detect the VBNC forms of the pathogen. In present investigation three housekeeping genes namely, 16S rRNA, RpoS, and Omp, were evaluated for their specificity. Further to access the viability of the cells 16srDNA (16S rRNA) gene transcript was determined along with pathogenicity test. Strains of R. solanacearum DIBER-117 showed a 20% decrease in 16SrDNA gene transcriptome after 480 days. Among the three sets of primers tested, the primer targeting 16s rDNA is found to have better specificity.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is high value oilseed crop grown throughout the world as well as in few soybean growing pockets in India. The hot and humid weather conditions during the soybean cropping season favours the attack by various fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, thereby lowering the crop productivity. Rhizoctonia aerial blight or web blight disease, caused by Rhizoctonia solani is considered one of the most economically important disease of soybean in India. It causes yields losses ranging from 35-60% which might reach a devastating level of 80% under favourable environmental conditions. In India, the disease has been reported from most of the soybean growing states of Uttrakhand, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Assam. Epidemiological studies prove to be very important in managing the disease as the disease severity highly depends on the weather variables prevailing in the growing season. The present review...

Minor tropical fruits are grown on a small scale and provide income to smallholder farmers. The cultivation of these fruit crops indirectly contributes to the economy of producing countries as well as to food and crop security. Dragon fruits, guava, passionfruit, lychee, longan, mangosteen, durian, and rambutan are common minor fruit crops. In recent years, the international trade of some of these minor tropical fruits, particularly dragon fruit, passionfruit, guava, and lychee, has increased due to their nutritional value, with various health benefits. Similar to other crops, minor fruit crops are susceptible to fungal and oomycete diseases. These diseases negatively affect the yield and quality of fruit crops, leading to substantial losses. In this context, the knowledge of disease types and causal pathogens is fundamental to develop suitable disease management practices in the field as well as appropriate post-harvest treatments.

Mechanism of parasitism of Trichoderma harzianum on Fusarium oxysporum on Acacia mangium seedlings. Fusarium oxysporum is one of the most important soil-borne fungi the causal agent of damping-off disease. Detailed information it needed to know how the pathogen can be inhibited by Trichoderma harzianum. The objective of this research was to investigate the inhibition mechanism of T. harzianum on F. oxysporum in vitro and in planta. Green Flourescent Protein (GFP) T. harzianum was used as biocontrol agent of F. oxysporum. An in vitro inhibition test of T. harzianum was performed using dual culture method. In the in planta inhibition tests, seedlings of A. mangium were applied with GFP T. harzianum two days before inoculation of F. oxysporum; GFP T. harzianum was simultaneously applied with F. oxysporum and GFP T. harzianum was applied two days after inoculation of F. oxysporum. The inhibition effect of T. harzianum GFP was observed at seven days incubation, indicated by attachment of...

Rice is a staple crop for a large part of the world population including Vietnam. Although its export is ranged of second place over the world just after Thailand, rice production in Vietnam is challenging by various issues. The most significant is application of agrochemicals, which are not eco-friendly, leading to side effects on the ecosystem and human health. Endophytic bacteria (EB) possess different beneficial traits such as Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) and antagonistic activities against plant pathogens. In this study, a collection of 150 EB strains have been isolated from upland rice roots grown on the mountain-farm in the Tung village, Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province, Vietnam. 119/150 isolates showed siderophoreproduction ability including 12 isolates showed the halo orange zone surrounding colonies of 1 – 10 mm in diameter (Dh), considering them as low level of siderophore production, 80 strains exhibited the moderate activity, Dh of 11 – ...

Objective: Study the diversity of cultivable rhizospheric bacteria associated to Agave americana, and select native strains with potential as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Design/methodology/approach: The isolated bacteria were phenotypically characterized. The genetic diversity and identity of the strains were revealed by genomic fingerprints and by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Plant growth promoting ability and plant inoculation assays were evaluated to know the potential as PGPB. Results: A total of 235 strains were isolated from A. americana rhizosphere and were classified within of 10 different bacterial genera. Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter had high potential as PGPB. Study limitations/implications Cultivable approach was used to study rhizobacteria. A metagenomic study could expand the knowledge about the structure and diversity of bacterial community associated to A. americana. Findings/conclusions Rhizosphere bacteria have potential use as biofertilizer fo...

Pathogen-host interactions involve competition, synergistic or cooperation and coexistence interactions. Host plant can also regulate niche battle among pathogens by defense response which target one or more pathogens either actively or passively. However, in general, virulent pathogens overcome the host defense strategies to infect it. Plant-pathogen interactions are mainly focused on single host-single disease model of infection. However, microbes occur in complex communities in nature and plant infections generally include more than one genotypes and show complexities which cannot be explained by single host-single disease model. Here, we discuss recent understandings about the host-multi-pathogen interactions and their effects on host resistance as well as susceptibility. Here we highlight the recent insights on co-infection systems and identify their future implications in plant disease epidemiology and management.

Species of genus Trichoderma may benefit as plant pathogen control agent (mycofungicide) and plant growth promoter (biofertilizer) and their application may lower the production costs and environmental impact. Direct effects of these fungi on plant growth and development are crucially important for agricultural uses and for understanding the roles of Trichoderma in natural and managed ecosystems. The Trichoderma potential as bioagent is utilized through the commercial production of Trichoderma-based product. Commercial products of Trichoderma-based biofungicides account for about 60% of the biofungicide market, while the availability and dispersion of Trichoderma-based biofertilizers are more widespread than commonly known with a tendency to expand due to the easier registrations. Limiting factors for availability of commercial products are expensiveness of registration requirements as they must be registered as pesticides, especially patenting, efficacy testing, toxicological, and biosafety testing. This chapter intends to give insight into agricultural importance of Trichoderma and current status of implementation of Trichoderma products in developing and in the developed countries.

Plant health is essential for food security, and constitutes a major predictor to safe and sustainable food systems. Over 40% of the global crops' productions are lost to pests, insects, diseases, and weeds, while the routinely used chemical-based pesticides to manage the menace also have detrimental effects on the microbial communities and ecosystem functioning. The rhizosphere serves as the microbial seed bank where microorganisms transform organic and inorganic substances in the rhizosphere into accessible plant nutrients as plants harbor diverse microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses, and protists among others. Although, the pathogenic microbes initiate diseases by infiltrating the protective microbial barrier and plants' natural defense systems in the rhizosphere. Whereas, the process is often circumvented by the beneficial microorganisms which antagonize the pathogens to instill disease resistance. The management of plant health through approaches f...

The parasitic wasp, Lariophagus distinguendus is an ectoparasitoid of several beetle species that feed on durable stored products. The potential using L. distinguendus for the biological control of S. zeamais was assessed in maize stored in storage cylinders. The host finding ...

Trichoderma spp berpotensi digunakan untuk pengendalian patogen non tular tanah C. gloeosporoides yaitu dengan memanfaatkan metabolit sekunder yang bersifat antijamur yang dihasilkannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan isolat Trichoderma yang terbaik dalam menghasilkan metabolit sekunder untuk penghambatan pertumbuhan C. gloeosporoides penyebab penyakit antraknosa pada cabai. Metode produksi metabolit sekunder dari Trichoderma spp terdiri dari perbanyakan tunggal (Trichoderma) dan ganda atau dual culture (Trichoderma + C. gloeosporoides).Rancangan yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak lengkap dengan 6 perlakuan dan 4 ulangan. Perlakuannya adalah filtrat dari T. harzianum,T. viride, T. koningii, Trichoderma PP2, Trichoderma PP3 and kontrol. Parameter yang diamati : luas koloni, diameter koloni, pembentukan konidia dan daya kecambah konidia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semua filtrat Trichoderma spp mampu menghambat pertumbuhan C. gloeosporoides. Filtrat dari Trichoderma PP2 dan T. koningii merupakan yang terbaik dalam menghambat pertumbuhan, pembentukan dan daya kecambah konidia C.gloeosporoides.

These studies aim to identify a group of pathogens and design an integrated control program reducing the infection in Guava Psidium guajava and Pomegranate Punica granatum by cross inoculation method. Almost eight fungi were collected from governorate Ismaelia and Behera in 2019. Alternaria alternate, Fusarium spp, Phomopsis psidii, Macrophomina spp., Cercospora spp. Botrytis cineria and Pestalotia spp. were the most frequencies isolated fungi on all fruits. In the Original Research Article

Pokahbung was one of some problems in Sugarcane cultivation. This experiment was aimed to test antagonist agent (Trichoderma sp and Gliocladium sp. ) to control Fusarium moniliforme. This study was conducted at screen house,at Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan from March to October 2016th. It was done by using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) factorial with two factors and three replications. First factor was using antagonist agent(Trichoderma sp, Gliocladium sp., and combination of Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp.) and the second factor was the concentration of antagonist agent 106, 105, 104. The result showed: the best treatment was combination of Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp. and with concentration 105and 106. Salah satu permasalahan yang dihadapi dalam budidaya tebu adalah tingginya serangan penyakit pokahbung. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menguji daya antagonisme jamur Trichoderma sp. dan Gliocladium sp. dalam mengendalikan Fusarium moniliforme p...

Studies were carried out in Sindh (Pakistan) for survey, identification, incidence and chemical control of leaf spot disease in okra. The disease incidence percent ranged between 53.5-61.5% at different locations. The maximum incidence (61.5%) was recorded at Hyderabad, followed by Tando Muhammad Khan (58.4%), Tando Allah Yar (55.1%) and Matyari (53.5%). The fungus, Alternaria alternata was isolated and identified as cause of okra leaf spot disease. Severity of leaf spot was significantly reduced in plants sprayed with Ridomil MZ, Dolomile, Topsin-M, Diesomil, protest and Tahfuz as compare to control plants sprayed with water. The results also showed that the mean infected leaves ranged from 4.7-5.9 when the data was recorded before application of fungicides while it was between 2.0-6.4 after two application of tested fungicides. However, significant maximum reduction % in severity of leaf spot disease was recorded in case of Ridomil MZ (2.8), followed by Dolomile (1.9), Topsin-M (1.7), Diesomil (1.6), protest and Tahfuz (1.5). Okra plants infected with leaf spot and sprayed with water (control) showed highly significant reduction in plant height (61.53cm) whereas, the tall plants (95.10) were recorded from plot sprayed with Ridomil M Z followed by Dolomile (91.25 cm), Topsin-M (86.60 cm), Diesomil (78.40 cm), Protest (72.75 cm) and Tahfuz (68.38 cm). Significantly lowest number of fruits per plant of okra (10.50) was recorded in control (sprayed with water), while, highest number of fruits per plant (14.90) were obtained from plot treated with Ridomil M Z, followed by Dolomile (13.90), Diesomil (12.70), Protest (12.20), and Tahfuz (11.50). The data also showed highly significant difference between treatments for fruit yield of okra infected with leaf spot. The maximum fruit yield (955 kg per acre) was observed in plot treated with Ridomil MZ, followed by Dolomile (845 kg), Topsin-M (790 kg), Diesomil (738 kg), Tahfuz (594 kg) and Protest (681 kg); whereas minimum fruit yield (495 kg) per acre was recorded in plants not sprayed with fungicides.

ABSTRAKBenih merupakan komponen dasar dalam menentukan produktivitastanaman kakao. Benih yang sehat dapat merupakan faktor penting dalammenentukan keberhasilan produktivitas kakao. Benih kakao mempunyaikadar air cukup tinggi sehingga berpotensi terinfeksi cendawan, yangdapat menurunkan mutu benih dan produksi kakao. Penelitian bertujuanuntuk mengisolasi dan mengidentifikasi beberapa cendawan terbawa benihpada kakao hibrida. Penelitian dilakukan di Kebun Induk Benih PusatPenelitian Kopi dan Kakao Indonesia, Jember, Laboratorium Mikro-biologi, Balai Penelitian Bioteknologi Perkebunan Indonesia, danLaboratorium Pengendalian Hayati IPB Bogor pada bulan Juni sampaiOktober 2008. Penelitian menggunakan benih kakao hibrida dari hasilpersilangan buatan antar TSH 858 dengan Sca 6, dan percobaan disusundengan rancangan acak lengkap dengan 3 ulangan. Benih ditumbuhkanpada 3 media, yaitu water agar (WA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), dankertas saring (KS). Tingkat infeksi pada benih diamati setiap...

A disease complex involving Meloidogyne incognita-Rhizoctonia solani was studied on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. Pusa Ruby) under glasshouse conditions to determine their concomitant effect on plant growth variables. Biofertilizers Nerium indicum and Trichoderma harzianum were tested against both pathogens individually as well as concomitantly and found its role in minimizing disease severity. Inoculation of M. incognita and R. solani resulted a significant reduction in plant growth variables over control. The plant growth variables reduction was more pronounced by M. incognita as compared to R. solani. However, T. harzianum exhibited their potential against the disease complex but was less effective than N. indicum. A manifold improvement in plant growth parameters was observed when plants were treated with biofertilizers, N. indicum and T. harzianum simultaneously. The present work has revealed that the combined application of N. indicum and T. harzianum may be a better option for the management of disease complex M. incognita-R. solani on tomato. Application of these biofertilizers after field trials may be suitable module of organic farming.

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are beneficial microorganisms that play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil fertility, improving nutrient uptake, and promoting plant growth and resilience. In Indonesia, rice (Oryza sativa) stands as a vital staple crop, essential for food security and economic stability. However, rice production faces significant challenges, prominently including rice blast disease caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. A systematic literature review is conducted, showing that this disease severely impacts yield and quality, threatening food security in the region. The aim of this review is to explore the potential of PGPRs in managing rice blast disease and enhancing rice production in Indonesia. The scope includes examining the mechanisms of action of PGPRs, presenting case studies on their application, discussing challenges and opportunities for wider adoption, and proposing future research directions to optimize their effectiveness in sustainable rice cultivation.

Mycotoxins are produced under specific environmental circumstances during/after the invasion of plants by microbes and are found virtually in all crops. The most investigated plant pathogenic genera that can produce toxins are Alternaria, Fusarium, Claviceps, and Aspergillus spp. Fusarium is a phytopathogenic fungus that is one of the most economically significant genera. Innumerable Fusarium species are capable of contaminating cereals. Trichothecenes, Zearalenones, and Fumonisins are the most common toxin-producing groups by Fusarium. In addition to the most frequent Fusarium toxins, several developing Fusarium toxins have been observed in large quantities. Enniatins, Beauvericin, Fusaproliferin, and Moniliformin are among the newly discovered mycotoxins that should be investigated. Fusarium mycotoxins also proved to be an important biocontrol agent against various diseases. Certain nonpathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum exhibiting different modes of action against pathogenic strains and Beauvericin (BEA) having various bioactivities have been exploited as biocontrol agents. In recent years, experiments conducted in the field as well as in laboratory conditions have produced substantial evidence regarding the effective use of microorganisms in controlling diseases. Many renowned scientists are working to find a solution to reduce the use of synthetic antifungal substances and replace them with more ecologically responsible and healthier bioweapons to combat fungal propagation and mycotoxin production. In this chapter, we examine current bioactive agents against different infections and their toxins. The varied mechanisms of the most often studied biological control agents have also been discussed.

Soil-borne pathogens, above all Verticillium sp. cause plant losses and yield decreases in many Austrian strawberry fields, also in organic farming systems; in a research project possibilities to resolve this problem were examined. In a field trial, which was started 1998, organically managed and differently fertilized plots (green compost, manure, hornchips) were compared to an unfertilised control plot and to two mineral fertilized and conventionally treated plots; the differences in field characteristics of strawberries in 2004 and 2005 were low, but differences in storage and biochemical characteristics could be seen in 2005. Some new cultivars tested as alternative to the very sensitive 'Elsanta' planted in 2005 on several farms showed a higher tolerance to diseases and good yield and fruit quality characteristics. Brassica sp. planted as an intercrop before strawberries reduced the amount of microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae in highly infested soils, nevertheless the system has to be optimised and adapted to our climatic and husbandry conditions in further trials.

Soil-borne pathogens, above all Verticillium sp. cause plant losses and yield decreases in many Austrian strawberry fields, also in organic farming systems; in a research project possibilities to resolve this problem were examined. In a field trial, which was started 1998, organically managed and differently fertilized plots (green compost, manure, hornchips) were compared to an unfertilised control plot and to two mineral fertilized and conventionally treated plots; the differences in field characteristics of strawberries in 2004 and 2005 were low, but differences in storage and biochemical characteristics could be seen in 2005. Some new cultivars tested as alternative to the very sensitive 'Elsanta' planted in 2005 on several farms showed a higher tolerance to diseases and good yield and fruit quality characteristics. Brassica sp. planted as an intercrop before strawberries reduced the amount of microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae in highly infested soils, nevertheless the system has to be optimised and adapted to our climatic and husbandry conditions in further trials.

Soil-borne pathogens, above all Verticillium sp. cause plant losses and yield decreases in many Austrian strawberry fields, also in organic farming systems; in a research project possibilities to resolve this problem were examined. In a field trial, which was started 1998, organically managed and differently fertilized plots (green compost, manure, hornchips) were compared to an unfertilised control plot and to two mineral fertilized and conventionally treated plots; the differences in field characteristics of strawberries in 2004 and 2005 were low, but differences in storage and biochemical characteristics could be seen in 2005. Some new cultivars tested as alternative to the very sensitive 'Elsanta' planted in 2005 on several farms showed a higher tolerance to diseases and good yield and fruit quality characteristics. Brassica sp. planted as an intercrop before strawberries reduced the amount of microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae in highly infested soils, nevertheless the system has to be optimised and adapted to our climatic and husbandry conditions in further trials.

Soil-borne pathogens, above all Verticillium sp. cause plant losses and yield decreases in many Austrian strawberry fields, also in organic farming systems; in a research project possibilities to resolve this problem were examined. In a field trial, which was started 1998, organically managed and differently fertilized plots (green compost, manure, hornchips) were compared to an unfertilised control plot and to two mineral fertilized and conventionally treated plots; the differences in field characteristics of strawberries in 2004 and 2005 were low, but differences in storage and biochemical characteristics could be seen in 2005. Some new cultivars tested as alternative to the very sensitive 'Elsanta' planted in 2005 on several farms showed a higher tolerance to diseases and good yield and fruit quality characteristics. Brassica sp. planted as an intercrop before strawberries reduced the amount of microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae in highly infested soils, nevertheless the system has to be optimised and adapted to our climatic and husbandry conditions in further trials.

Pathogenic fungi significantly damage crops in both vegetable and fruit cultivation. Trichoderma asperellum is a biocontrol fungus that suppresses these pathogens and promotes plant growth. However, its effectiveness in controlling such pathogens is limited. This study aimed to enhance the biocontrol efficacy of T. asperellum against cropdamaging fungi through metabolic adaptation. Serial transfer experiments were conducted in potato dextrose broth (PD broth) containing 3% sugar, followed by plating with anthracnose to compare the inhibitory effects of the wild-type strain and its evolved variant. The evolved strain, T. asperellum TIS-11T, demonstrated significantly improved growth and sugar utilization, reaching a biomass of 0.5 g/mL within 48 hours. Additionally, the evolved strain exhibited complete inhibition (100%) of anthracnose on PDA culture plates within 5 days. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference (p<0.01) increase in growth inhibition by the T. asperellum TIS-11T strain compared to the wild-type. In conclusion, T. asperellum TIS-11T is a highly effective biocontrol agent against anthracnose and has strong potential for industrial applications in pathogen management.

Abstract:- Pathogenic fungi significantly damage crops
in both vegetable and fruit cultivation. Trichoderma
asperellum is a biocontrol fungus that suppresses these
pathogens and promotes plant growth. However, its
effectiveness in controlling such pathogens is limited.
This study aimed to enhance the biocontrol efficacy of
T. asperellum against crop-damaging fungi through
metabolic adaptation. Serial transfer experiments were
conducted in potato dextrose broth (PD broth)
containing 3% sugar, followed by plating with
anthracnose to compare the inhibitory effects of the
wild-type strain and its evolved variant. The evolved
strain, T. asperellum TIS-11T, demonstrated
significantly improved growth and sugar utilization,
reaching a biomass of 0.5 g/mL within 48 hours.
Additionally, the evolved strain exhibited complete
inhibition (100%) of anthracnose on PDA culture plates
within 5 days. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant
difference (p<0.01) increase in growth inhibition by the
T. asperellum TIS-11T strain compared to the wild-
type. In conclusion, T. asperellum TIS-11T is a highly
effective biocontrol agent against anthracnose and has
strong potential for industrial applications in pathogen management.

Background The indiscriminate application of pesticides has depleted soil fertility. Marine algae are regarded
as excellent sources of bioactive compounds that can stimulate plant growth and also enhance their resistance
against biotic and abiotic stressors. Compounds derived from the marine algae Chaetomorpha antennina (Cladophoraceae)
were analysed for their biocontrol efficiency against the tomato disease pathogen Alternaria solani
as an alternate technique to preserve agricultural output sustainability.
Results The active fraction from the methanol extract of C. antennina (CA-F8) proved effective against the pathogen
in vitro by affecting A. solani’s spore germination (92.13%) along with their mycelial growth thereby decreasing their
dry weight (44.71%). GC–MS examination revealed the presence of fatty acids (defence pathway activators), terpenes
(antimicrobial compound) and antioxidants (deactivators of pathogen enzymes). Seaweed compounds also elicited
polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (78.8%) and peroxidase (PO) (54.6%) synthesis, along with stimulating the accumulation
of foliar phenols (67.5%) that are components of jasmonic acid defense pathway, higher compared to control plants.
Salicylic acid was detected only in treated plants, thereby offering efficient disease control.
Conclusions By triggering natural systemic defences, salicylate (SA) and jasmonate (JA) mediated pathways;
the study demonstrates the elicitor potentials of chemicals from C. antennina that was efficient in controlling early
blight (EB) disease. In addition to providing a different method for crop protection to reduce or replace the demand
for chemical pesticides, this study reveals unique projections

Background: Xanthomonas axonopodis or X. axonopdis is the devastating causal organism of citrus canker, widely spread bacterial disease of plants from both epidemiological and economic points of view. Furthermore, the situation is worsening by the advent of increased antibiotic resistance among this bacteria. The major interests of this study were isolation, identification and in vitro antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the causal organism. Besides, herbal sensitivity of those organisms was also tested. Methods: In this study, 9 isolates of the organism were identified based on morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. All the isolates were tested for antibiotic sensitivity against 5 commonly used antibiotics namely, cefotaxime, bacitracin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and gentamycin.

Consistent agricultural production needs a package of methods starting from the improved crop varieties to agronomic practices to fulfil the food demand worldwide. Agricultural productivity is mainly restricted due to poor seed quality coupled with several biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, enhancement of agricultural production through improved quality of seed needs additional practice to achieve sustainable growth of farm income. In this context, biopriming could serve as a viable approach to enhance crop productivity as it improves the performance of plants under sub-optimal conditions. In biopriming, the bacterial inoculum is used during the imbibition process that bypasses the need for hazardous agrochemicals linked with crop management practices. The use of microbial solution on the planting material is an economically and environmentally safe method for uniform crop establishment. Alongside biotic stress amelioration, biopriming also serves as a viable solution to enhance the nutrient use efficiency in crop plants. Overall, the introduction of biopriming in agricultural practices allows farmers to achieve better production with a minimum investment of costly inputs.

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites, toxic to humans and animals. Toxigenic fungi often grow on edible plants, thereby contaminating food and feed. The most common mycotoxins are produced by the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium. While Fusarium species are plant pathogens producing mycotoxins (trichothecenes, fumonisins and zearalenone), before or after harvest, species of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium are frequent contaminants of food during processing and storage. The most toxic mycotoxins produced by the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus are aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. Their occurrence is not only associated with plant commodities, but they are also found in products of animal origin. Plants, as living organisms, can alter the chemical structure of mycotoxins as part of their defence against xenobiotics. The extractable conjugated or non-extractable bound mycotoxins formed remain present in the plant tissue, but are currently neither routinely screen...

Consistent agricultural production needs a package of methods starting from the improved crop varieties to agronomic practices to fulfil the food demand worldwide. Agricultural productivity is mainly restricted due to poor seed quality coupled with several biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, enhancement of agricultural production through improved quality of seed needs additional practice to achieve sustainable growth of farm income. In this context, biopriming could serve as a viable approach to enhance crop productivity as it improves the performance of plants under sub-optimal conditions. In biopriming, the bacterial inoculum is used during the imbibition process that bypasses the need for hazardous agrochemicals linked with crop management practices. The use of microbial solution on the planting material is an economically and environmentally safe method for uniform crop establishment. Alongside biotic stress amelioration, biopriming also serves as a viable solution to enhanc...

Modern training and production systems of plum allow a more efficient production. The aim of this experiment was to optimize the crop load and fruit quality of some new plum cultivars (&#39;Cacac beauty&#39; and &#39;Hanita&#39;) by using chemical fruit thinning (ATS, Armothin and Etephon- Amid). Amonium-thio-sulphate (ATS) can be recommended for fruit thinning of plum cultivars &#39;Cacac beauty&#39; and &#39;Hanita&#39; in the full bloom. The concentration of 1%, 5% ATS has proved to be enough good according to strongly improvement of fruit quality and reducing of crop load. Armothine, applied in the full bloom can be used for thinning of the examined plum cultivars. As a good concentration could be recommended concentration of 1 and 5 % according fruit quality and affecting the fruit dropping. It was observed a significant better improvement of fruit quality in the cultivar &#39;Hanita&#39; than in &#39;Cacac beauty&#39; cultivar. Ethephon-Amid, compared to ATS and Armothin appea...

At higher concentrations (100 mg/mL), the oil demonstrated limited inhibition compared to standard antibiotics and antifungal agents. While the oil exhibited some antimicrobial properties, particularly against gram-positive bacteria and fungi. it was not as potent as conventional antibiotics. These findings suggest Raphanus sativus oil may have limited but potential use in antimicrobial applications.

In 14-jährigen Parzellenversuchen zu Winterweizen mit differenzierter Stickstoffdüngung und verschiedenen Sorten wurden zu vier Terminen die oberirdische Biomasse und die Stickstoffaufnahme bestimmt. Darüber hinaus wurden zu den gleichen Terminen die Pflanzenreflexion erfasst und aus diesen Daten verschiedene Vegetationsindices berechnet. Es wurde versucht, aus diesen Daten den Kornertrag zu schätzen. Manche Vegetationsindices (z. B. NDVI) zeigten eine nur mäßige Beziehung zum Kornertrag, während andere Vegetationsindices (z. B. REIP, SR1) sehr gute Beziehungen zeigten. Die Beziehung Vegetationsindex und Kornertrag unterlag jedoch großen Jahrgangsschwankungen, so dass eine Ableitung des absoluten Kornertrags mit großen Unsicherheiten behaftet ist. Die Ableitung relativer Kornerträge und damit die Abgrenzung von Ertragspotenzialzonen war jedoch mit hoher Genauigkeit möglich. Bei Kenntnis des absoluten Kornertrags für den Schlag kann so über den Relativertrag der Teilflächen auf deren absoluten Kornertrag geschlossen werden.

Isolation and characterization of fungal endophytes from various parts of epiphyte fern, Asplenium nidus was done. Thirteen fungal endophytes have been successfully isolated from A. nidus from which eight was from the leaf, three from midrib and two from the root. Macroscopic and microscopic identification revealed that the isolates was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger, two isolates from genus Penicillium, one isolate each from the genus Phoma, Fusarium, Pestalotopsis and Drechslera. Four isolates were unable to be identified at the genus level. However they can be classified as members from Family Dematiaceae, Class Sphaeropsidales, sterile mycelium and phylum Deutromycota respectively. Screening for antibacterial activity of the fungal endophytes was also done. Only A. terreus, Phoma sp. and isolate of Phylum Deutromycota produced inhibition zones against the tested bacteria. The diversity of endophytes from A. nidus was shown in this study with some of th...