Fusarium species contaminate cereals with mycotoxins, including fumonisins (FUM), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN). This study evaluated two yoghurt-derived Bacillus subtilis strains, RYPB1 and MYPB1, for suppression of toxigenic Fusarium spp., reduction of F. verticillioides FQD-20 growth and mycotoxin production in maize kernels, and removal of parent ZEN in liquid medium. In dual-culture assays, B. subtilis RYPB1 and MYPB1 inhibited mycelial growth of 19 Fusarium isolates by 22.7–61.1
Increasing demand for sustainable crop protection has intensified the search for effective biological alternatives to chemical fungicides. The present study evaluated native Bacillus subtilis strains isolated from Iranian soils for their biocontrol potential against major potato pathogens (Fusarium, Alternaria, Phytophthora, and Sclerotinia). Among 45 bacterial isolates, two strains (BS1-Kaolin and BS2-Maharloo) were molecularly identified as B. subtilis and selected for their superior antifungal activity. In vitro assays demonstrated that BS1 strongly inhibited fungal growth (48
The Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, is a major pest of cotton and various crops worldwide. Baculoviruses, highly specific insect viruses, are significant from both an evolutionary and practical perspective when utilized as biocontrol agents. This study compares the virulence of two baculoviruses isolates: Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate AN1956 (SpliNPV-AN1956) and Spodoptera littoralis granulovirus isolate EG24 (SpliGV-EG24) in a single and mixed-infection toward first-instar larvae of S. littoralis. Here, we test the hypothesis that mixed infection with SpliNPV-AN1956 and SpliGV-EG24 may results in enhanced virulence, indicating a synergistic interaction compared to single-virus infections. Larval bioassays were conducted using insect diet mixed with specific virus concentration ranged from 103 to 5 × 105 OBs/mL, where neonate larvae were exposed to virus-treated diet for a defined period, with each treatment replicated three times to ensure statistical robustness. Mortality data were corrected using Abbott’s formula and subjected to probit regression analysis to estimate LC₅₀ values with corresponding 95
Abstract Background Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) popularly known as the fall armyworm, is a highly polyphagous invasive insect pest that has caused substantial yield losses since its spread outside the Americas. The growing development of resistance to insecticides, coupled with environmental concerns, has increased interest in biological control agents, including parasitoids and entomopathogens such as: bacteria, fungi, virus and nematodes, as sustainable components of integrated pest management. Results A systematic search (2016–October 2025) returned 327 unique records; after screening and full-text assessment, 31 studies comprising 63 trials met the eligibility criteria and were synthesized qualitatively and quantitatively. Fungi and nematodes comprised 12 and 8 of the reviewed studies, respectively, while entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolates were largely represented by Beauveria bassiana (12 trials) and Metarhizium anisopliae (7 trials). Meta-analysis revealed significant overall pooled effects for EPFs as a whole (pooled effect ≈ 27.14; 95% CI: 17.08–37.21), as well as for bacterial pathogens (Bacillus spp., pooled effect = 25.23; 95% CI: 12.97–37.50), although heterogeneity across studies was very high for many subgroups (e.g., I² > 95% for EPF). Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) elicited sizeable mean effect magnitudes on average across the studies that reported pooled effect sizes. However, species-level variability was great, and extreme heterogeneity between studies was commonplace. Parasitoids, in particular Trichogramma spp., Telenomus remus and Chelonus spp., also demonstrated promise for yield increases, largely in laboratory or small-scale field conditions, though evidence for consistent benefit remains limited. Conclusion The evidence supports the potential of EPFs, EPNs, Bacillus spp., and selected parasitoids as components of sustainable FAW management. However, high heterogeneity, variable field translation, formulation challenges, and geographic bias resultant from a concentration of studies in Egypt, Asia, and parts of Africa reduce certainty. Standardized bioassays, expanded field validation, and coordinated international research are needed to optimize agent selection, formulation, and IPM integration.
Abstract Background Diapause is an adaptative strategy that enables insects to survive unfavorable environmental conditions, and its regulation is critical for large-scale production and storage of natural enemies used in biological control. The green lacewing Chrysopa formosa Brauer (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is an important generalist predator with high potential for pest management, yet its practical application requires effective diapause manipulation to ensure continuous supply of high-quality individuals. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of different cold storage durations (60–240 days) at 5 °C on diapause termination, post-diapause development and reproduction of C. formosa. Results Cold storage duration significantly affected diapause termination and subsequent performance. Storage for 100–120 days effectively terminated diapause, with pupation rates exceeding 89%, comparable to the non-diapause control. Short-term chilling (60 days) resulted in a lower termination rate (75%), whereas prolonged storage (240 days) caused a significant decline in pupation (< 60%) and vitality. The time to pupation and adult emergence decreased and became more synchronized with increasing storage duration. Adult emergence exceeded 65% across the 100–240 day treatments, but longevity declined significantly when storage exceeded 180 days. Moderate storage (~ 120 days) optimized reproductive performance, producing a shorter pre-oviposition period, prolonged oviposition duration, and higher fecundity. However, egg viability decreased markedly after 180 days (< 60%) but remained comparable to controls in the 120-day treatment (73.3%). Conclusion Overall, 100–120 days of cold storage achieved a good balance between effective diapause termination and post-diapause fitness in C. formosa. However, extended chilling (> 180 days) impaired adult performance, indicating a practical storage limit for large-scale production. These results establish a flexible diapause management window for C. formosa, facilitating its long-term preservation and year-round utilization in augmentative biological control programs.
Abstract Background The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) is extensively used in biological control programs, yet quantitative comparisons of its efficacy against different pest species remain limited. This study systematically quantified and compared the functional and numerical responses of N. californicus to two economically significant pests: the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch and western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), across egg and first-instar larvae under controlled laboratory conditions. Results N. californicus exhibited a Type II functional response to all prey stages (R² = 0.955–0.994). Attack rates were 1.2–1.7 times higher for T. urticae (0.72–0.76 day⁻¹) than F. occidentalis (0.45–0.59 day⁻¹). The most pronounced difference was handling time: 7.6–9.3× times shorter for spider mites (3.7–3.9 min.) than thrips (29.5–34.7 min.), resulting in maximum predation rates of 370–385 vs. 41–49 prey day⁻¹. At operational densities (15–30 prey/arena), predation efficiency was 72.4% for spider mites vs. 53.5% for thrips. Oviposition rates were 1.39× times higher on T. urticae (2.50 ± 0.27 eggs female⁻¹ day⁻¹) than F. occidentalis (1.80 ± 0.22 eggs/ female/ day). An integrated performance index was 2.89× times higher for spider mites, with optimal predator deployment densities at 18.7 and 22.3 prey per arena for T. urticae and F. occidentalis, respectively. Conclusion N. californicus demonstrates greater predatory and reproductive performance against T. urticae compared to F. occidentalis, driven by more efficient prey handling and enhanced reproductive output under laboratory conditions. These results suggest predator: prey ratios of 1:6–1:10 as a theoretical baseline for spider mite management. These ratios represent a theoretical starting point for hypothesis generation; field validation is required before operational application. For thrips control, N. californicus should be integrated with complementary approaches. These laboratory-derived parameters provide a quantitative foundation for designing future field studies and informing the development of release strategies.
Bacterial speck, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), is a major constraint to tomato production worldwide and the limited efficacy of chemical control indicates that there are sustainable alternatives. This study aims to evaluate the antagonistic potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from healthy tomato tissues as biocontrol agents against Pst in order to identify effective candidates for sustainable disease management. In vitro screening of 15 isolates revealed that strains KAU7 and KAU11 exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of approximately 1.33 and 1.23 cm, comparable to streptomycin. Biochemical characterization showed that both isolates produced siderophores, solubilized phosphate and synthesized indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indicating their ability to promote plant growth and suppress pathogens. Molecular identification confirmed that KAU7 and KAU11 were Bacillus halotolerans and Bacillus paralicheniformis, respectively. In greenhouse trials, both strains significantly reduced disease severity and B. paralicheniformis achieved the highest reduction (32–45
Banana is a major global fruit crop, increasingly threatened by Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4). This soilborne pathogen poses a severe risk due to its persistence, lack of efficient chemical control, and rapid spread. This study assessed Foc TR4 distribution in South Lebanon and evaluated under laboratory, pot and field conditions the efficacy of several biological control agents alongside the disease response and yield performance of five banana cultivars, including Cavendish types commonly grown in the region. Survey of Lebanon’s southern coast found Foc TR4 in 30
Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) poses a significant threat to maize cultivation, particularly during the Rabi season in tropical agro-ecosystems. Conventional Farmer Practices (FP) often fails to provide consistent control, requiring ecologically sound and economically feasible alternatives such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This study evaluated the long-term impact of IPM on FAW dynamics under varying climatic conditions in Warangal, Telangana, India. A three-year multi-location, on-farm comparative evaluation (Rabi 2022–2024) was conducted across 20 locations in the erstwhile Warangal district. Treatments compared IPM and FP under real-world conditions. Data on pest incidence, larval population, maize yield, economic returns, and weather parameters were collected and analyzed using two-way ANOVA, paired t-tests, effect size estimation (Cohen’s d), mixed-effects modeling, MANOVA (Wilks’ Lambda), regression analyses, CART, centroid, and bi-plot analysis. Technology adoption was assessed through spider plots, the technology gap and the technology index. IPM significantly reduced FAW incidence (6.8
The proposal concerned with field evaluations of the four native entomopathogenic nematodes(EPNs), two Heterhabditids indica(EGAZ2 and EGAZ3) and two Steinernema carpocapsae(EGAZ9 and EGAZ10) at different concentrations (300IJs/ml, 400IJs/ml, and 500IJs/ml) against Zeuzera pyrina (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)on willow trees in the field. Larval mortality of Z. pyrina was measured as results of the treatments. Different nematode species and concentrations had varying effects on larval mortality. The percentage of larval mortality was increased by increasing the concentration of nematodes species. The highest mortality rate (76.8
Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an important parasitoid of various lepidopteran pests with promising applications in biological control. However, its large-scale application has been hindered by the challenges associated with rearing it on natural hosts. This study investigates the use of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as a suitable alternative host for M. pulchricornis. While parasitoids reared on P. interpunctella showed slight reductions in body size (3.87 vs. 4.60 mm), fecundity (17.10 vs. 26.70 eggs) and adult longevity (16.63 vs. 17.73 days) compared to those reared on the natural host Spodoptera frugiperda, key performance indicators—such as parasitism rate (48.00 vs. 50.00
The broomrape, Orobanche crenata Forsk. (Orobanchaceae) is a noxious root parasite weed which seriously damages the productivity of many crops, particularly in the Legumes such as faba bean Vicia faba. The parasitism caused by this weed leads to significant yield losses in infested fields. This study investigated the natural occurrence and infestation dynamics of the fly, Phytomyza orobanchia Kalt. in faba bean fields naturally infested by the parasitic weed O. crenata. The study was conducted during three successive faba bean seasons, 2020–2023 during, February, March, and April in two locations; Abies and Nubaria farms. The fly populations were generally low in the three seasons in February, increase to its maximum in late March in the 1st season and in April during the 2nd and 3rd seasons. In Nubaria farm, most larvae and puparia of Ph. orobanchia fly were found within the seed capsules of the O. crenata, with significantly lower proportions in plant base and stem parts. The fly preferred to attack the middle and upper fruits than lower ones. In contrast, at Abies farm, most of Ph. orobanchia flies were significantly found at plant base followed by seed capsules, and the lowest proportion was in the plant stem. Infestation with Ph. orobanchia fly is efficient in reducing Orobanche seed yield so it has a great effect in the reduction of Orobanche seed bank. The findings suggested that the fly, Ph. orobanchia could serve as a promising biological control agent for Orobanche spp. in Egypt, especially when combined with cultivation of resistance faba bean cultivars and the application of mass rearing and release program in infested areas.
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a legume of significant nutritional and economic value. Fungal diseases, especially damping-off, greatly reduce its yield and threaten sustainable production. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of algal inoculants individually and in combinations as a biological control approach for managing seedling damping-off diseases and enhancing the growth of common bean crops. The virulence of four Rhizoctonia solani isolates were tested on common bean (cv. Nebraska) under greenhouse conditions, and all isolates caused damping –off with varying degrees. The species isolated from Beni-Suef was the most virulent, causing the highest pre-emergence damping-off (66.6
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a vital legume crop in Ethiopia, but its production is severely constrained by anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. The disease is particularly important in southern Ethiopia, where information on its distribution, pathogen characteristics, and biological control options is limited.Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the occurrence, incidence and severity of common bean anthracnose, to characterize the causal pathogen, and to evaluate the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma species against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in Gedeo and West Guji Zones. The survey revealed significant variation in anthracnose intensity, with the highest disease incidence (61.23
Invasive species are alien ones that are not a significant pest in their origin under the pressure of natural enemies; however, they cause economic damages by increasing their population in the introduced region. In areas newly introduced to invasive species, population growth leads to ecological imbalance and significant economic losses, particularly in agriculture and natural ecosystems. Orosanga japonica, Melichar, 1898) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) being one of invasive species, was introduced to the Black Sea Region of Türkiye from the neighbouring country Georgia in the early 2000s and became an agenda item as both an agricultural pest and an urban pest until 2020. Orosanga japonica has been on the agenda in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye between 2010 and 2020, especially in July and August. However, despite public pressure, chemical control was not carried out against the pest, and cultural control methods were applied. In October 2019, Beauveria bassiana, an important entomopathogen fungus, was detected on nymphs and adults of O. japonica on leaves and shoots of kiwi plants in the Kemalpaşa district of the Artvin province. It spread throughout the region within three years of detection. It reduced the population of the pest and eliminated it as a concern for the region. Orosanga japonica was firstly recorded in Türkiye in 2009, and many research studies have been carried out on the pest with the increase in the pest’s spread and population. Almost all of these studies are related to biology, cultural, mechanical, and biological control of the pest in addition to chemical control. The most important reason for this is that tea is intensively cultivated in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye, where the pest is transmitted and spread. Chemical pesticides are not used on tea plantations; only chemical fertilizers are applied. In addition, the abundant rain and humidity of the region create suitable conditions for entomopathogens in biological control. In this review, the process of avoiding chemical control against this species, placing the pest under natural enemy pressure, and several suggestions for these processes are given. It is thought that this study, which includes some suggestions based on experience, can be an important model for the development of control strategies that should be applied against similar invasive pest species.
The production of olives is of great significance to the world, given their economic importance and nutritional benefits. However, olive cultivation faces many threats from various fungal pathogens, which cause serious diseases affecting fruits, leaves, and the entire canopy. Several fungal pathogens were reported to affect leaves and fruits of olive, including species of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Didymella and Fusarium. The aim of this study is to investigate the biocontrol potential of the endophytic fungus Aureobasidium pullulans Aljabal-Oman-A isolated from olive leaves in Oman, against some olive pathogens. The pathogenic fungi used in this study, included Alternaria arborescens, A. tenuissima, A. alternata, Cladosporium delicatulum, Didymella sp., and Fusarium equiseti were isolated from olive leaves with leaf spot symptoms. Four isolates of the endophytic fungus Aureobasidium pullulans were isolated from asymptomatic olive leaves and fruit samples in Western Al Hajar Mountains, northern Oman, identified through phylogenetic analysis of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The isolate A. pullulans Aljabal-Oman-A was found effective against the above-mentioned olive spot pathogens in dual culture and detached leaf assays, confirmed the hyphal deformation through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The isolate “Aljabal-Oman-A” was further tested for the production of antifungal metabolites and screened for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The dual culture tests indicated varying degrees of fungal growth inhibition, with Alternaria tenuissima being very sensitive. The inhibition percentages ranged from 19
Modern agriculture faces the dual challenge of meeting global food demands while ensuring environmental sustainability in the face of population growth. A major constraint on agricultural productivity is crop loss caused by pests and diseases. Biological control strategies offer environmentally friendly alternatives that reduce reliance on agrochemicals and minimize the risks of biomagnification. The effectiveness of biological control strategies depends on their biocontrol agents. Various factors influence the survival of biocontrol agents in their habitats, including their functional ecological role, habitat management and the microorganism associations. Predatory ladybirds are recognized as effective natural enemies in pest suppression and serve as key agents in biological control programs. This review explores various factors influencing their survival, focusing on foraging behavior, habitat preference, crop management practices and symbiotic interactions. Specifically, the roles of intraguild predation, habitat complexity and prey preferences in shaping ladybird behavior are discussed. Further, it was examined the impact of agricultural practices such as cropland heterogeneity and farming systems (organic vs. conventional) on ladybird persistence. Additionally, the study considered how endosymbiotic interactions, including ectoparasites and soil fungi, contributed to or hinder ladybird survival in agroecosystems. The insights gathered in this review highlight the importance of ecological and agricultural contexts in enhancing the effectiveness of various predatory ladybirds, such as the dominant species, i.e., Coccinella transversalis, Cheilomenes sexmaculata and Harmonia axyridis. These findings can inform more targeted and sustainable pest control strategies, particularly within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) frameworks.
The tomato leaf miner, Phthorimaea absoluta (formerly Tuta absoluta), is a highly destructive invasive pest that threatens global tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, crop production. Larvae feed on the mesophyll, causing necrosis, reduced photosynthetic capacity, defoliation, fruit damage, and significant yield losses. For decades, synthetic chemical insecticides have been the primary means of control. However, their continued use has raised concerns due to adverse effects on human health, environmental contamination, pest resistance development, and the degradation of ecosystem integrity. In response to these challenges, this review highlights sustainable and integrated, eco-friendly management strategies, including biological control agents, pheromones, and tolerant cultivars. Among these, Bacillus thuringiensis strain Ta1, an entomopathogenic bacterium highlighted in the review, presents strong potential for use in the integrated management programs targeting P. absoluta due to its ability to produce lepidopteran-specific toxic proteins. This review summarises the pest control methods previously employed by farmers and identifies biological control agents as the most effective control measures from the farmers’ perspective, which can effectively reduce their overreliance on chemical pesticides. The review concludes with recommendations for future research priorities to support sustainable control of this globally significant pest.
The parasitoid species Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is one of the most important biological control agents against pests in family Pyralidae, which associated with stored food products. This study was conducted between 2023 and 2025 under laboratory conditions in Idlib Governorate. Life cycle of the parasitoid and life table parameters were studied when reared on three hosts: Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella Hübner, fig moth Cadra cautella Walker and wax moth Galleria mellonella Linnaeus. Showed that all hosts were suitable for rearing the parasitoid, with the average developmental duration of immature stages being (12.36, 12.16, 11.54) days on fig moth, Indian meal moth, and wax moth, respectively. The highest daily net reproductive rate (R0) (female/female) of the parasitoid was observed when reared on the wax moth, reaching 49.73. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) (female/female/day) for the parasitoid was observed on the wax moth, with a value of 0.22. The shortest generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) for the parasitoid were recorded when reared on the wax moth, with values of 17.58 and 3.12 days, respectively. The highest finite rate of increase (λ) (female/female/day) for the parasitoid was recorded when reared on the wax moth, with a value of 1.25, followed by the Indian meal moth with 1.21, and the fig moth with 1.19, while the lowest value was found in the pest, at 1.09. The study demonstrated that H. hebetor can successfully develop on all three tested hosts under laboratory conditions. However, G. mellonella (wax moth) proved to be the most suitable host, as evidenced by its shorter developmental duration, highest reproductive and population growth parameters (R₀, rₘ, λ), and shortest generation and doubling times. These findings suggest that the wax moth is the optimal host for mass rearing H. hebetor, enhancing its potential for use in biological control programs targeting pyralid pests in stored product environments.
Contamination of stored wheat grains by Aspergillus flavus poses serious food safety risks due to aflatoxin production. This study aimed to identify and evaluate wheat-associated bacterial isolates for their potential to biologically control A. flavus. Two promising strains, Bacillus sp. B3 and Bacillus sp. Mn1, were selected based on a strong antifungal activity against A. flavus, on dual culture assays. Dual-culture and co-cultivation assays confirmed that both strains significantly inhibited A. flavus mycelial growth and sporulation. Additionally, both strains exhibited facultative mycophagy, utilizing fungal biomass under nutrient-limited conditions. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by these bacteria suppressed fungal growth in vitro and on wheat grains without direct contact. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling revealed that Bacillus sp. B3 primarily emitted nitrogenous and oxime-related compounds, while Bacillus sp. Mn1 produced diverse volatiles including fatty acids, hydrazine derivatives, and trigonelline. Both strains significantly reduced fungal colonization on treated grains. The strains were characterized through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, alongside biochemical and enzymatic profiling, to aid taxonomic placement and provide insight into their functional potential. Bacillus sp. B3 and Mn1 demonstrated robust antifungal potential through multiple antagonistic mechanisms including diffusible metabolites, mycophagy, and VOC-mediated inhibition. These findings support their use as sustainable, residue-free biocontrol agents to mitigate A. flavus contamination and enhance the safety of stored wheat.
