Before 60 years, J. E. Van der Plank hypothesized that quantitative resistance measurements in host plant may reflect expression of pathogen’s aggressiveness criteria. However, little data about this concept is available for Fusarium head blight (FHB), one of the most noxious diseases causing the greatest worldwide damage to small grain cereals, especially wheat and barley. To this end, the possibility to use pathogenic reactions to differentiate quantitative traits in FHB-wheat and barley pathosystem was explored under diverse experimental conditions. We used eight bread wheat, durum wheat and barley cultivars of Syrian origin, as plant materials, infected with 16 FHB isolates differing in their phenotypical characters of four Fusarium species, as fungal materials. At the earliest and latest growth stages, nine pathogenic responses, i.e., area under disease progress curve, latent period, and coleoptile length reduction determined in vitro, disease severity (DS) and disease incidence (DI) determined utilizing a detached head test in a growth chamber, and DI determined utilizing a spike artificial infection and DS determined utilizing a spikelet artificial infection in the growth chamber, DI and DS determined utilizing a spike artificial infection in the filed over three consecutive growing seasons, were evaluated to explore the nature of quantitative traits in host plants and fungi under in vitro, growth chamber and field conditions. Although significant cultivar-by-isolate interactions were observed by two-factorial experimental design; the nine tested components were able to distinguish the several levels of aggressiveness in FHB isolates and resistance among the wheat and barley cultivars. The scores of pathogenic reactions were stable under different experimental conditions, suggesting that a given pathogenic response may accurate and correctly describe the whole quantitative traits in our pathosystem. This study demonstrates that experimental measurement of quantitative resistance traits in host plants referred to aggressiveness components in Fusarium pathogens; this concept aligns with Van der Plank’s theory in pathogen-host interactions.
Wheat production is significantly influenced by the leaf rust, is a destructive disease present all over the world. To reduce the crop losses, present investigation was conductive during the two consecutive crop seasons2023-2025 in the Research Area of Department of Plant Pathology, University of Layyah. A susceptible wheat variety namely Sehar-06, was cultivated in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications to identify the relationship between disease severity (%) and grain yield. Disease pressure was developed by artificial inoculation, and the epidemiological stress was calculated by using the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). Results from linear regression analysis showed a negative association between grain yield and AUDPC as indicated by their R2 value ranging from 91.6-92.7%. Similarly, a negative correlation was between AUDPC and 1000-grain weight as demonstrated by their R2 value ranging from 92.1-96.7%. Pooled data analysis confirmed that, for avoidable yield loss (AYL) AUDPC proved a robust predictor indicated a 94% variance in it. Findings of present investigation showed that, for estimating the economic impact of leaf rust and optimizing fungicide application timing AUDPC is a reliable diagnostic framework.
The efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) alone and combined together, with two fungal pathogens: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, against two species, Tribolium castaneum, and Oryzaephilus surinamensis, which are important pests of stored grains worldwide. Many previous studies confirmed the high efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae strain (Met52) and Beauveria bassiana against the adults of T. castaneum and O. surinamensis. The mortality of adult Tribolium castaneum and Oryzaephilus surinamensis was examined under different fungal formulations and concentrations. The current study was commenced to discover possible additive or synergistic interactions between the two fungi in adults of the stored-grain beetles, T. castaneum and O. surinamensis. It was applied using a spray with conidial concentrations of 3 × 107 spores/ml of fungi B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, and a cocktail of the two fungi at temperatures of 25°C and 25°C. The effects of formulations at conidial concentrations, and their combination, on the death of T. castaneum under laboratory conditions were determined and compared. A combined treatment of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana [Fungi Cocktail (FC)] was highly effective against both T. castaneum and O. surinamensis, inducing 100% adult mortality at a conidia concentration of 3 × 104 spores/ml after 10 days, noticeably outperforming the single-fungi formulations. However, at all conidial concentrations, mortalities were relatively low with B. bassiana and the beetle T. castaneum compared to the highest adult mortality observed with O. surinamensis and the M. anisopliae formulation. In all tests, the outcomes showed that 25°C and 35°C had an important effect on the adult’s mortality caused by M. anisopliae and B. bassiana.There was a slight difference for each fungus on the adult mortality stage between the infections. On the other hand, the result of infecting the beetles with a combined formulation showed significant differences between the separate fungal infections under laboratory conditions. In all cases, combining entomopathogenic fungi improved the mortality of O. surinamensis and T. castaneum. The findings indicate that the mixed formulation is a promising tool for managing T. castaneum, O. surinamensis, and potentially other arthropod species.
Molecular biology has completely revolutionized plant pathogen diagnostic technology, breaking through the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods that rely on morphological and chemical characteristics. This review sorts out the development of molecular markers following the order of technological iteration, and sequentially introduces SSRs, the technologies that support the implementation of NGS, and NGS-driven WGS. The latter is capable of detecting two types of high-resolution markers: SNPs and SVs. Technological advances enable high-precision isolation of plant pathogenic strains that are closely related genetically. This review focuses on cutting-edge technologies reshaping agricultural diagnostics, with a key introduction of the high-speed, ultra-sensitive CRISPR-Dx technology, which can detect Fusarium oxysporum and Tomato yellow leaf virus, and holds great potential to revolutionize on-site plant protection. This paper points out that portable nanopore sequencing technology, which enables direct genomic analysis to be carried out in field settings, has attracted widespread attention across the academic community. The core development of this technology relies on interdisciplinary support including artificial intelligence (AI), which fully underscores the core value of genomics as a foundational tool across research fields. This review further notes the ongoing interest in the development of new applications, such as the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for pathogen surveillance, and lines of research with a future potential to impact plant epigenetic studies. Although costs and protocol standardization remain key challenges, integrated approaches leveraging multi-omics data should lead to a new era of global food security that combines and leverages systems-level plant-pathogen-environment interactions.
Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most destructive soil-borne diseases limiting tomato production in tropical regions. The identification of tolerant genotypes remains the most sustainable strategy for managing the disease, particularly in endemic zones of South-Western Nigeria. This study evaluated eleven tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes comprising seven NIHORT accessions, one commercial hybrid (F1 Cobra 26), and three local varieties for tolerance to bacterial wilt under controlled screenhouse conditions. The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 11 factorial and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Plants were artificially inoculated using a standardized bacterial suspension adjusted to 2 × 10⁹ CFU ml⁻¹. Disease incidence was calculated as a percentage of symptomatic plants per genotype. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among genotypes for disease incidence and wilting severity. Disease incidence ranged from 16.0% in F1 Cobra 26 to 53.4% in NHTO 0199 under inoculated conditions, with susceptible genotypes exhibiting severe wilting symptoms. On the other hand, selected NIHORT accessions demonstrated comparatively lower disease severity and delayed symptom expression, indicating partial tolerance to R. solanacearum. The findings reveal substantial genetic variability in response to bacterial wilt and highlight the potential of specific improved accessions as candidate materials for breeding and cultivation in wilt-endemic regions. Adoption of tolerant genotypes is strongly recommended as a core component of integrated bacterial wilt management strategies.
Canker is a major yield limiting bacterial disease of citrus orchards causing considerable quantitative and qualitative losses. Presently canker control is relied upon chemical application which is not feasible due to environmental deterioration, expenditures and bacterial resistance. The present study was aimed at cost-effective management strategies that are sustainable and eco-friendly. To perform the microclimate modifications; 64 plants were selected and 5 factors i.e. pruning, alternate furrow irrigation (AFI), mulching, irrigation time and reflective gypsum were used at 2 levels by opting fractional factorial design and interactions were reduced with experimental scale. Disease quantification data comprising Disease severity index (DSI), incidence (DI%), lesion density, fruit canker severity, and twig canker incidence were recorded fortnightly over eight months (March-October 2025), along with microclimate variables (relative humidity, leaf wetness duration, soil moisture, light penetration, wind speed). The individual effect of pruning on disease suppression was significant with 53.1% reduction at (p < 0.001), followed by mulching (34.6%) and AFI (29.4%). Morning irrigation provided marginal benefit (9.7%, p < 0.01), while reflective gypsum showed no significant effect (p > 0.05). The two-way interaction of pruning and AFI; pruning and mulching were also effective in disease suppression. The three-way combination of pruning, AFI, and mulching achieved 82% DSI reduction. These ecological modifications result in minimum humidity in tree canopy, decreased leaf wetness duration, and reduced spread of Xac. Cost-benefit analysis using local Sargodha market prices estimated a net benefit of 2237 PKR per tree for the recommended three-intervention package. It was concluded that pruning, AFI, and wheat straw mulching comprised an effective, cost-effective, eco-friendly combination for sustainable canker management in Sargodha. Reflective gypsum is ineffective and not recommended. These findings provide the first empirical evidence for microclimate-based canker suppression tailored to Pakistan's citrus-growing region.
Seeds are a critical component for achieving optimal crop yields. However, the presence of seed-borne pathogens can lead to significant losses by reducing germination rates and facilitating the transmission of diseases to crops. Biological seeds treatments for seed and seedling diseases often the grower an alternative to chemical fungicide while biological seed treatment can be highly effective. The objective of our study is the integrated antagonistic agent by using Trichoderma harizanium, Trichoderma gamsi, two bacterial strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens and aqueous and methanolic extract of H.scoparium to control Ascochyta pisi a destructive pathogen of the field pea (Pisum sativum L.). All the tested antagonists had an antifungal effect against Ascochyta pisi . These antagonists significantly reduced mycelial growth of Ascochyta pisi with (P < 0.01). The isolate Pf2 was the most antagonistic and presented high percentage of inhibition in mycelia growth of 72.34%. The four antagonists showed very significant inhibition of sporulation, ranging from 76 to 88%. The aqueous extract and methanolic extract were highly inhibited the mycelial growth, germination and sporulation rate compared to control. The results of the study on the effect of biological treatments on pea seed germination show a significant improvement in germination rates for all treated seeds compared to untreated controls. An optimal germination rate of 100% was observed with the treatments. Furthermore, seeds are treated with Pf2. showed a germination rate reaching 95%. Seeds treated with the methanolic extract showed a germination rate of 93%. The methanolic extract showed the best protection against A pisi with the reduction of disease with 67%, followed by T. harzianum (64%) and P. fluorescens (58%).The differences were statistically significant P < 0.001. Our results showed that the T. harzianum, P. fluorescens and plant extract affected positively the growth of pea seedlings and inhibited the development of Ascochyta pisi.
Citrus scab is a destructive disease that deteriorates the quality of the produce and makes it unfit for marketing and export. It also reduces fruit yield considerably. This study was planned to assess the role of epidemiological factors in the development of citrus scab disease in major citrus growing areas of Sargodha (Punjab-Pakistan). A prominent growing region (Silanwali Tehsil) was selected for survey of citrus orchards. Data on disease intensity irrigation sources and cultural practices was recorded with. The results indicated that orchards that were irrigated with canal water and that had weeds, dense canopies, and intercrops were highly infected with scab pathogens. There was a very strong relationship between disease incidence and severity; similarly, disease intensity increased with rise in temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. The study concludes that integrated management options with controlled irrigation and cultural practices are vital for sustainable, climate-resilient control of citrus scab.
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an essential industrial crop extensively grown in tropical and subtropical areas; yet, its yield is significantly hindered by red rot disease caused by Colletotrichum falcatum. This study aimed to examine the antagonistic capabilities of native rhizobacterial isolates against the red rot pathogen under in vitro conditions. Rhizosphere soil samples were obtained from healthy sugarcane plants in the Tandojam district, and bacterial isolates were extracted via serial dilution and grown on Nutrient Agar medium. Five bacterial strains were extracted and identified using morphological, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics, revealing the presence of two distinct strains of the same species in the rhizosphere. Namely Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Moraxella osloensis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Their antagonistic efficacy against C. falcatum was assessed with the dual culture method. The isolates' ability to inhibit fungal mycelial growth varied significantly. Following MAK-2 and MAK-4, the isolate MAK-1 showed the strongest inhibitory effect, limiting fungal growth to 13.30 mm as compared to the untreated control (29.14 mm). The inhibitory potential of these rhizobacteria may be associated with the production of antifungal metabolites, lytic enzymes, and competition for nutrients and ecological niches. The findings demonstrate that native rhizobacterial isolates possess considerable potential as biological control agents against sugarcane red rot. The integration of such beneficial microbes into disease management strategies could provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides while supporting sustainable sugarcane production systems.
Bacterial Wilt (BW), caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, remains one of the most destructive constraints to tomato production in Southwestern Nigeria, resulting in severe yield losses and economic hardship for smallholder farmers. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge, perception, and management practices regarding BW in Iwo, Akure, and Ibadan. A descriptive survey design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 220 tomato farmers through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The findings showed that BW is endemic across the study areas, with 61.8% of respondents experiencing disease outbreaks every production season and 45.5% reporting severe to complete yield loss. Although general awareness of wilting disease was high, 57.7% of farmers were unable to accurately distinguish BW from fungal wilt diseases or water-stress symptoms. Monocropping was widely practiced (64.1%), while the adoption of certified resistant tomato varieties remained very low (20.9%). Farmers relied mainly on informal knowledge sources such as fellow farmers and personal experience rather than extension services. The study established that the persistent prevalence of BW is primarily driven by structural and institutional limitations rather than a lack of farmer awareness. Limited access to resistant varieties, inadequate extension support, and high production costs continue to hinder effective disease management. The study therefore recommends improved distribution of resistant tomato varieties, strengthened farmer-oriented extension programs, and practical training on disease identification and integrated management strategies to enhance sustainable tomato production in Southwestern Nigeria.
Maize (Zea mays) supports food, feed, and industrial uses, yet Aspergillus flavus infection can lower grain quality and create aflatoxin risk. This work tested aqueous leaf extracts of Cannabis sativa, Anagallis arvensis, and Convolvulus arvensis, together with the fungal antagonists Trichoderma harzianum and Aspergillus oryzae, against A. flavus. Leaf powders were extracted in distilled water at 10 g/100 mL, and antifungal activity was examined by poisoned food, agar disc diffusion, agar well diffusion, and dual culture assays at 28 ± 1 °C. Pot trials used A. flavus-infested soil containing 1 × 10⁶ spores/mL. In vitro, A. arvensis gave the strongest plant-extract response at day 7, with estimated inhibition of 61.2% in poisoned food, 45.2% in agar disc diffusion, and 78.0% in agar well diffusion assays. In dual culture, T. harzianum reduced A. flavus radial growth by about 80.0%. Under pot conditions, C. sativa produced the highest leaf length among plant extracts (21.50 cm; p = 0.006), while T. harzianum and A. oryzae also improved seedling growth under pathogen stress (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Aflatoxin was not measured directly, so the results describe fungal-growth inhibition and seedling disease suppression. The change in ranking between agar and pot assays probably reflects soil dilution, extract stability, and host response. T. harzianum and C. sativa are therefore promising candidates for field validation.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is often threatened by early blight caused by Alternaria alternata, a destructive fungus responsible for substantial yield and quality losses. To promote safer and more sustainable disease control, this study evaluated the antifungal activity of aqueous leaf extracts from avocado (Persea americana Mill.) through complementary in vitro and in vivo assays. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the poisoned food method. Four extract concentrations (12.5–100 mg mL⁻¹) were incorporated into PDA, and mycelial growth inhibition was calculated after 7 days of incubation relative to untreated controls. Four extract concentrations (12.5–100 mg mL⁻¹) were tested for their effects on mycelial growth inhibition. At the 100 mg mL⁻¹ concentration, the aqueous extract achieved an inhibition rate of 82.36%, with no statistically significant difference compared with the commercial fungicide according to Dunnett’s HSD test (p > 0.05), indicating statistically similar antifungal activity under the experimental conditions Greenhouse experiments further demonstrated both protective and curative effects on tomato foliage, with no phytotoxic symptoms observed. LC–MS/MS analysis identified phenolic acids primarily coumarinic (83.9%), salicylic (9.3%), and gallic (4.1%) acids as the dominant constituents, accompanied by minor flavonoids that likely contributed to antifungal activity. These findings indicate that P. americana leaf extract represents a promising bio-based alternative for managing A. alternata, supporting the development of environmentally sustainable strategies for tomato cultivation.
Huanglongbing (HLB) disease is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which is a bacterium that affects citrus metabolism, impacting fruit quality and yield. This study determined the effectiveness of a bio- enzyme that was prepared in the lab to help correct the metabolic disturbances that HLB causes in six varieties of Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis. The volatile and non-volatile metabolites were analysed by GC-MS, and significant changes in metabolites, such as limonene, linalool, alpha-terpineol or other stress factors like methyl salicylate, aldehyde and others, were found. Changes in the levels of metabolites by HLB infection were quantified by qPCR analysis. Bio-enzyme treatment resulted in a reduction in CLas titers and partially corrected metabolic stability by increase of defence associated metabolites, such as γ-terpinene, β-caryophyllene, ferulic acid, naringenin and chlorogenic acid. The principal component analysis showed a clear separation between treated and untreated plants, while ANOVA showed significant differences between cultivars and treatments (p < 0.05). Based on these results, it can be concluded that bioenzymes can be used as a mutation for better citrus plant tolerance toward HLB-infection that can be considered as a sustainable management practice.
This study investigates the microbiome of dried grapes (White Kishmish raisins) and vineyards in Uzbekistan, focusing on mycotoxin-producing micromycetes. Microbiological analyses identified Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Uncinula as dominant genera. These micromycetes synthesize secondary metabolites, including hazardous mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins, which pose serious health risks to humans and animals. The research involved microbiological and genetic analyses, including MALDI-TOF and 16S rRNA sequencing, to accurately identify fungal strains. The study confirmed the presence of Aspergillus carbonarius UZB-1, Alternaria tenuissima UZB-5, Fusarium equiseti UZB-6, and Uncinula necator UZB-3, all of which were registered in the NCBI database. The results highlight the significant contamination of stored raisins and vineyard soils, emphasizing the necessity of developing biological control strategies. Chemical treatments are not recommended for organic grape production. Instead, biopreparations based on antagonistic microorganisms should be applied to prevent fungal proliferation. The findings contribute to the development of eco-friendly solutions for grape and raisin production, ensuring food safety and reducing economic losses due to fungal contamination.
This study provides the first comparative evaluation of methanolic and ethanolic leaf extracts from red- and white-flowered Eucalyptus sideroxylon subspecies collected from four Algerian regions, focusing on regional and solvent-dependent variation in their phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and antifungal potential. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents were quantified using spectrophotometric colorimetric methods. Antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH radical-scavenging assay, while antifungal efficacy was evaluated in vitro using the agar well diffusion method against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata. Results revealed significant variability in phytochemical content and biological activities depending on both subspecies and geographic origin. The highest total phenol content was observed in Boughezoul region (458.71 mg GAE/g) for white-flowered in methanolic extracts, while in ethanolic extracts, the highest value was recorded in Miliana (305.22 mg GAE/g for red-flowered). Condensed tannin peaked in Boughezoul (702.16 mg CE/g in white-flowered), and flavonoid content was highest in Medea's red-flowered samples. Methanolic extracts of the white-flowered subspecies showed the strongest antioxidant activity, particularly in Médéa (IC50 = 0.0929 mg/ml). The white-flowered ethanolic extract from Médéa showed the highest antifungal activity, with inhibition zones of 21.5 ± 0.2 mm against A. alternata and 17.0 ± 0.3 mm against B. cinerea, exceeding Nystatin’s effect. The white-flowered methanolic extract from Boumerdes also exhibited notable antifungal activity (19.0 ± 0.5 mm and 15.0 ± 0.5 mm, respectively), likely reflecting environmental influences on metabolite accumulation. These findings support the use of white-flowered Eucalyptus sideroxylon extracts as a sustainable, natural biofungicide for integrated crop protection.
Cucumber is an important vegetable being affected by Fusarium wilt disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (FOC), which is a soil borne disease, that transmits through soil and water and it is one of the most destructive diseases of cucumber plants under high plastic tunnel conditions worldwide including Balochistan, Pakistan. The current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of four biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma harzianum, T. hamatum, T. viride, and Paecilomyces sp., using a dual culture assay under in vitro and naturally infested tunnel conditions in Balochistan in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications. The results under in vitro revealed that all the biocontrol agents significantly inhibited the radial growth of FOC as compared to control. The highest inhibition was demonstrated by T. harzianum (77%), followed by Paecilomyces sp. (75%), T. hamatum (72%), and T. viride (70%). Based on in vitro findings, three most effective agents such as T. harzianum, T. hamatum, and Paecilomyces sp. were further evaluated under high plastic tunnel conditions using soil drench method. The results under tunnel revealed that T. harzianum and T. hamatum demonstrated the highest effectiveness, reducing the disease incidence (13.2% and 17.0%), plant mortality (10.2% and 21.3%), and root infection (13.97% and 18.00%) compared to the untreated plants, moreover, with respect to the growth parameters, the both bioagents considerably enhanced the shoot and root growth, leading to increase the fresh and dry biomass of the plants. It was concluded from the findings of current study that the T. harzianum and T. hamatum could be effective biological agents for managing the Fusarium wilt of cucumber in high tunnels.
Elsinoë fawcettii, a fungus, is the cause of citrus scab. The disease is economically significant and common, and potential threat to citrus groves worldwide, particularly in areas present in warm and humid regions. The study was planned on the objective to evaluating the fungicides efficacy for the identification of most efficient fungicide to citrus scab. The study was conducted in three consecutive years (2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20) on 20 years old Kinnow plants, which were planted at a spacing of 6.1 m x 6.1 m. The foliar spray was applied before flowering in March, after fruit setting in April and in the months of August. Various chemicals including Azoxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin+Metiram, Difenoconazole+Azoxystrobin, Copper Oxychloride +Cymoxanil, Copper hydro oxide, Tebuconazole+Trifloxystrobin, Fluoxstrobin, Bordeaux mixture 1%, Azoxystrobin + Chlorothalnil, and Chlorothalonil+Thiophenate methyl were evaluated and results were compared with control. Diseased data for citrus scab disease was recorded after fifteen days of the last spray. The results revealed the superior efficacy of Difenoconazole+Azoxystrobin (1 ml/L of Water) and Bordeaux mixture (1%) in controlling citrus scab in Kinnow. These systemic fungicides offer significantly better disease suppression and yield improvement than other chemicals. A systemic chemical Fluoxstrobin (1 ml/L of Water) and control (non-treated with chemicals) were inferior to other treatments in controlling citrus scab incidence. Integrating these fungicides with timely applications, for Kinnow disease management programs, can substantially improve fruit quality and farmer profitability.
Bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia syzigii subsp. indonesiensis is an important disease of chili plants that can reduce yields up to 90%. Utilization of Bacillus spp. consortium in the form of a formula is an alternative control that is cheap and environmentally friendly. The study aimed to obtain a better storage period of Bacillus spp. consortium solid waste formula for the control of R. syzygii subsp. indonesiensis and increase the growth and yield of chili plants. The study was structured in to two distinct phases, namely: 1). Formulation of solid waste-based carrier for Bacillus spp. consortium. 2). The CFU count and biological control efficacy of the Bacillus spp. consortium in the solid waste carrier were assessed at different storage intervals against R. syzigii subsp. indonesiensis. Phase 2 of the study was conducted using CRD (completely randomized design) consisting of 19 treatments and 4 replications. The formulated solid waste based Bacillus spp. consortium was applied to chili seeds and seedlings at the time of sowing and transplanting respectively. Inoculation with R. syzygii subsp. indonesiensis was performed after 35 days of planting. The observed variables include the viability of solid waste formula of Bacillus spp. consortium, disease development, seedling and plant growth and yield of chili plants. The results showed that 9 solid formulas of Bacillus spp. consortium that has the potential to control Ralstonia syzigii subsp. indonesiensis disease are Bran + Sugarcane Dregs (4 weeks’ storage), Bran + Rice Straw (4 weeks’ storage), Bran + Rice Straw (6 weeks storage), Bran + Sugarcane Dregs + Rice Straw (4 weeks storage). Additionally, some formulations have potential the potential to increase the growth and yield of chili plants are Bran + Sugarcane Dregs (stored 4 weeks), Bran + Sugarcane Dregs (stored 6 weeks), Bran + Rice Straw stored (4 weeks), Bran + Rice Straw (stored 6 weeks), Bran + Rice Straw (stored 8 weeks), Sugarcane Dregs + Rice Straw (stored 4 weeks), Sugarcane Dregs + Rice Straw (stored 8 weeks).
Mung bean crops are frequently threatened by seed-borne pathogens, which can significantly affect plant growth and yield. This study evaluates the effectiveness of biochar and biocontrol agents in controlling these pathogens. Seeds from six different mung bean varieties, AZRI Mung 2021, Mung NM-1, JUMBU Mung, Mung NM-16, Abbas Mung, and Mung 2021, were obtained from the Pulses Program at the Crop Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. Seed infection percentages were assessed across these varieties to identify the most susceptible one. The most vulnerable variety was selected and sown in 40 pots using eight different treatments, each replicated five times. The treatments included biochar derived from cannabis leaves and biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis. Both laboratory and field evaluations were conducted to assess the effectiveness of these treatments on parameters including plant growth, disease incidence, and severity. The results demonstrated that biochar and biocontrol agents significantly reduced disease incidence and enhanced plant health. This study highlights the potential of these eco-friendly and sustainable approaches for managing seed-borne pathogens in mung bean cultivation, contributing to improved crop performance and yield.
Plant-parasitic nematode of the genus Pratylenchus pose a significant threat to global agriculture by seriously reducing yields across numerous crops. During, a recent survey conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, several plant parasitic nematode (PPN) species from root and soil samples. Among these, nematodes from the genus Pratylenchus were frequently encountered. The study showed several notable findings: three species of Pratylenchus acuticaudatus Braasch & Decker, 1988, P. ekrami Bajaj & Bhatti, 1984, and P. mulchandi Nandakumar & Khera, 1970 are reported as new records of Pakistan. Additionally, Pratylenchus wescolagricus Corbett, 1983 was found in the rhizosphere of coconut (Cocos nucifera), representing a new host record for this species in the country.
