ABSTRACT Plant diseases severely constrain agricultural productivity, exacerbating food insecurity, economic instability, and environmental degradation. Global trade and climate change further intensify pathogen spread, emergence, and host shifts. While traditional diagnostics and targeted assays, such as polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, improve specificity, they depend on prior knowledge and are limited in detecting novel or mixed infections. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has emerged as a transformative, unbiased platform that allows comprehensive detection of known and unknown pathogens through metagenomics and transcriptomics. By generating large-scale genomic data, HTS supports pathogen discovery, epidemiological surveillance, quarantine systems, and genome-informed disease management. It underpins advanced strategies, including Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins editing and RNA interference, and accelerates the breeding of resistance. Despite challenges – such as bioinformatics standardization, cost, and data interpretation – HTS, when integrated with classical diagnostics and biological validation, represents a foundational technology for sustainable, proactive plant health management and global phytosanitary resilience.
ABSTRACT Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp., Beauveria sp., and Cordyceps sp. are among the most frequently reported endophytic fungi in sugarcane, a crop severely affected by the sugarcane weevil, Sphenophorus levis. This study aimed to isolate endophytic fungi from commercial sugarcane fields and evaluate their pathogenicity against S. levis. Two sampling campaigns were conducted in 2022 in three municipalities of São Paulo State, Brazil (Sertãozinho, Araras, and Paraguaçu Paulista). Leaf and root samples were surface-sterilized, disinfected, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), followed by incubation at 26 ± 1°C for five days. Isolates were initially characterized based on macroscopic traits and subsequently identified using molecular techniques. Pathogenicity bioassays were performed with adult S. levis (10–40 days old) in a completely randomized design consisting of five treatments (four conidial concentrations: 1×106, 1×107, 1×108, and 5×108 conidia/mL, plus a sterile water control), five replicates per treatment, and five insects per replicate. Mortality was recorded daily for seven days and analyzed by analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test (p 0.05). The identified species included Beauveria bassiana, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Trichosporon asahii, Aspergillus sojae, and Fusarium andiyazi. Among them, F. oxysporum exhibited the highest pathogenicity, causing significantly greater mortality at all tested concentrations. These findings highlight the potential of sugarcane-associated endophytic fungi as promising biological control agents against S. levis.
ABSTRACT Dieback caused by fungi of the genus Lasiodiplodia is a significant disease of acerola in the semi-arid region of Brazil. Information regarding the influence of fungicides on Lasiodiplodia species associated with acerola remains unknown. Therefore, the effective concentration to reduce mycelial growth by 50% (EC50) of seven Lasiodiplodia species was estimated in vitro for the fungicide thiophanate-methyl. The optimal temperature, salinity, and fitness components were also measured for these species. The EC50 for the fungicide ranged from 0.742 to 2.702 µg·mL-1. Among the seven species studied, L. pseudotheobromae and L. iraniensis showed the highest sensitivity to thiophanate-methyl, followed by L. brasiliense, L. gonubiensis, L. euphorbicola, and L. hormozganensis, which are classified as moderately sensitive on a relative sensitivity scale; finally, L. theobromae was the species least sensitive to the fungicide. At extreme temperatures (10 and 40 °C), the Lasiodiplodia species did not develop. The optimal temperature for the mycelial growth of Lasiodiplodia species isolated from acerola was 25.3 °C. The species L. brasiliense, which is moderately sensitive to thiophanate-methyl, exhibited greater adaptability under salt-stress conditions.
This text aims to provide readers with an overview of the artificial intelligence that powers conversational agents and has become commonplace in recent years, after the launch of ChatGPT[1]. Also, we outline some benefits and potential risks associated with the misuse of this technology in the scientific research ecosystem. Finally, we suggest ways to mitigate these risks. [1] https://chatgpt.com
ABSTRACT The World Association for Buiatrics (WAB), founded in 1962, is a global scientific network connecting approximately 70 affiliated countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. This essay marks the beginning of a new WAB leadership – the first presidency exercised by a Brazilian and the first outside the traditional North America – Europe axis – and proposes a practical agenda for international technical integration. Buiatrics, conceived as the health and production management of production ruminants, is a structural component of food security: it supports herd health, sanitary credibility, and the safety of products reaching consumers. In a multipolar production landscape shaped by environmental pressures and intensified trade, the essay argues for scientific neutrality, ethical integration across the value chain, and operational mechanisms that convert expertise into measurable sanitary impact. Brazil’s experience with structured brucellosis and tuberculosis control is presented as a replicable model for other contexts. A global talent network is proposed as an instrument for knowledge transfer, capacity building, and sustained cooperation under a modern One Health framework.
The study of biodiversity in soils, whether used for agricultural purposes or not, represents a promising area for ecological research. Agroecosystems are typically established as monocultures, and the associated practices lead to modifications in the soil microbiota structure, including nematodes. Nematodes are widely distributed organisms in the soil, exhibiting a great diversity of species and feeding habits. Due to differences in life cycles, reproductive rates, and persistence capabilities among members of these groups, nematode communities are being extensively studied using trophic structure and taxonomy data as biological indicators to measure changes resulting from the adoption of ecosystem-specific management practices, such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Agricultural exploitation tends to favor nematodes that can survive and reproduce in environments subjected to frequent disturbances, particularly certain plant-parasitic nematodes, which, with increasing populations in the soil, can lead to phytosanitary issues. Therefore, the objective of this review is to report on studies conducted regarding the use of nematodes as bioindicators of land use worldwide, as well as research carried out in Brazil, which has vast land areas and diverse agroecosystems. Understanding the soil nematofauna, along with its trophic diversity and how it can be utilized as an indicator of healthy soil use, is of great value for the adoption of management practices and the consequent increase in agricultural production.
Biological nematicides have become the predominant treatment of sugarcane fields infested by nematodes, although there are few studies evaluating the effects of these products on this crop. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of Bacillus subtilis + B. licheniformis (®Quartz) and Pochonia chlamydoporia (®Rizotec) on nematode control and on sugarcane yield, comparing with a chemical nematicide, when applied on furrow. Eight experiments were carried on in São Paulo State infested areas, in which four treatments [check - no nematicide; carbosulfan 700EC 4 L ha-1 - standard treatment; Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus licheniformis (®Quartzo) 0.16 kg ha-1 and P. chlamydoporia (®Rizotec) 1 kg ha-1)] were applied on furrow. Carbosulfan was the most efficient treatment in Pratylenchus spp. control, reducing populations at least until four months after planting and contributing to average increases of 11% in yield. P. chlamydosporia reduced populations of Pratylenchus spp. four months after planting and promoted a productivity increase of 6% in relation to the control. The treatment with B. subtilis + B. licheniformis was less effective in nematodes control than the other treatments, and the plots treated with this biological product produced 5 % more than check.
Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) is one of the main Brassicaceae crops cultivated in Brazil. Among the major pests of this crop in the country are the aphids Brevicoryne brassicae, Myzus persicae, and Lipaphis erysimi. Although Lipaphis pseudobrassicae has been reported on kale, no studies have yet investigated its bioecology on this host. Successful pest management requires knowledge of the biological and population parameters of the species in the environment where it occurs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biological and population parameters of the aphid that infests kale. Aphids were collected, screened, and mounted on permanent slides for taxonomic identification. Subsequently, a laboratory colony was established for biological studies and for the construction of the life table. For the life table, kale leaf discs were infested with two nymphs (0–24 h old) and monitored throughout the biological cycle. The parameters evaluated were the net reproductive rate (Ro), mean generation time (T), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), and doubling time (DT). Lipaphis pseudobrassicae was the only species collected, showing a high biotic potential and population growth rate on Brassica oleracea under the studied conditions, with Ro = 92.61, T = 11.32, rm = 0.39, and λ = 1.49.
ABSTRACT The parasitoid Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is a natural enemy of lepidopteran pests, and several studies have been conducted to evaluate its efficiency on eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Functional response is an important parameter for assessing the potential of parasitoids. The objective of this work was to evaluate the harvesting behavior and the functional response of T. remus on eggs of S. frugiperda. We conducted the experiment in an acclimatized chamber at 25 ± 2°C, relative humidity 70% ± 10% and photophase of 12 hours. For harvesting behavior, we observed that a female takes 2.4 minutes, from the placement to the first cleaning, which is 44.7 seconds, to parasite one egg. The value of the quadratic coefficient was negative (P1 < 0.0005), so it can be assumed that the functional response of T. remus to eggs of S. frugiperda was type III. The results of attack rate (a’), handling time (Th ), and number of eggs parasitized at 24 hours by T. remus were, respectively, 0.00664 and 0.5649·h-1. The sex ratio of the parasitoid was influenced by host densities, with a ratio of 0.5 at 10 and 30 egg densities, but values were not differentiated from the density of 15 eggs. Our results can be helpful for developing field studies, enhancing the knowledge and possibilities for integrated pest management.
ABSTRACT The genus Solenopsis, commonly known as fire ants, includes 196 species. These ants are considered pests due to the damage they cause in urban areas and agricultural systems. Their painful stingers hinder manual harvesting, and they feed on crops and engage in mutualistic interactions with aphids. As a result, there is considerable interest in identifying biological control agents and developing effective laboratory methods for evaluating their virulence. Such efforts are hindered by the fact that most available methodologies were originally designed for chemical insecticides. This study aimed to evaluate six different laboratory methodologies for testing the virulence of biological agents against Solenopsis spp. The tested approaches were: spraying water into trays with approximately 35 worker ants; pipetting water into containers with 30 worker ants; spraying water into containers with 30 worker ants; using a Potter spray tower to apply water, and treat containers with 30 workers; pipetting water onto distinct developmental stages of ants in Petri dishes; and applying water to microcolonies in Petri dishes. Additionally, various concentrations of culture media were assessed to determine their suitability for bacterial assays. Among the methods tested, the last two mentioned approaches presented fewer logistical challenges and were more likely to generate reliable data for fire ant control. The 25% Luria-Bertani medium was associated with the lowest worker mortality and is recommended as a negative control in bacterial experiments.
ABSTRACT Acerola cultivation has been expanding in Brazilian Northeast region. However, diseases caused by Botryosphaeriaceae fungi, such as dieback, may affect acerola orchards. This study aimed to standardize sporulation and inoculation methods, to assess Lasiodiplodia sp. aggressiveness in three hosts, and resistance of acerola genotypes to dieback. Five substrates obtained from host species and five Botryosphaeriaceae isolates were used to induce sporulation, and three inoculation methods were assessed. The aggressiveness of eight Lasiodiplodia strains isolated from acerola was compared in mango, acerola, and grapevine seedlings and fruits. The resistance of 34 acerola genotypes was assessed after inoculation with an aggressive Lasiodiplodia strain. Sporulation was higher in the mango leaf and acerola branch, and the cork-borer method was the easiest and fastest one. Acerola was the most susceptible host, and there was a difference in the aggressiveness among Lasiodiplodia sp. strains. There was a difference in susceptibility to dieback among acerola genotypes. This study provides alternative methodologies for sporulation and inoculation of Botryosphaeriaceae fungi and resistant acerola genotypes to dieback for further use in breeding programs.
ABSTRACT Clostridium botulinum is a strictly anaerobic spore-forming bacterium found in soil and sediments, producing botulinum neurotoxins that cause botulism. Type C botulism spores are widely present in wetland sediments and can even be found in tissues of the inhabitants of these environments. The spores germinate in conditions of a lack of oxygen, high temperatures, and the presence of a decomposing organic source, in addition to the presence of a bacteriophage that carries the gene for toxin production. Botulism in waterfowl is mainly caused by C. botulinum type C, and the standard laboratory diagnosis for toxin detection is serum neutralization in mice. However, we tested the application of polymerase chain reaction for the detection and typing of C. botulinum type C with success in three samples from birds.
The application of herbicides, at pre-emergence of weeds and crops, is an effective and increasingly necessary strategy, due to the control difficulties, including herbicide-resistant weeds. Thus, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sulfentrazone, alone or in mixtures, applied in pre-emergence of soybean to control Sumatran fleabane (Conyza sumatrensis), sourgrass (Digitaria insularis) and Benghal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis). The number of weeds m−2, weed control, crop injury, and soybean yield were evaluated. This research shows that mixtures with sulfentrazone are especially interesting, as with diclosulam and, metribuzin + imazethapyr, in the control of Sumatran fleabane, in which diuron tends to aggregate when combined. Sulfentrazone mixed with clomazone or metribuzin, plus diuron, are especially valid for Benghal dayflower. While some triple mixtures attract attention, in the control of sourgrass. The mixtures that tend to have a better control spectrum are: sulfentrazone + clomazone + diuron, and sulfentrazone + metribuzin + diuron. Therefore, the mixtures with sulfentrazone evaluated in the experimental conditions verified in this study, are promising in the integrated management of weeds and do not generate losses in soybean yield.
Vesicular stomatitis virus is the causative agent of the vesicular stomatitis disease, which mainly affects cattle, swine, and horses causing significant economic losses. Many other animal species, including humans, can be also affected by the disease. Up to now, the epidemiology of vesicular stomatitis disease is not well understood. Previous epidemiological studies in Central America described the existence of an association between the presence of vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus antibodies and environmental risk factors such as mean annual rainfall, temperature, and elevation. Additionally, molecular epidemiology studies revealed that the phylogenetic relationship between vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus isolates is more related to ecological factors than temporal factors. We have performed a genetic analysis of vesicular stomatitis virus samples isolated from animals in different geographical regions in Venezuela. We sequenced the hypervariable region of the phosphoprotein gene of 51 samples collected over eight years. The virus was found in a wide range of environmental conditions, at high and low altitudes and with variable levels of precipitation and temperatures. In contrast with previous reports, our phylogenetic analysis showed that viruses from different ecological regions did not present significant genetic differences.
