Search

Bacillus species are among the most studied and commercially exploited biocontrol agents of plant‐parasitic nematodes. These antagonists may control nematodes by producing toxic or repellent substances, inducing systemic resistance in plants and disrupting nematode chemotaxis. Understanding the mechanism of action of antagonists increases the likelihood of success for microbiological nematicides under field conditions. Therefore, the objective of this work was to elucidate the mechanisms of action of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BaNCT02 against Meloidogyne incognita. We assessed the potential of this strain for forming biofilm in roots and producing volatile and non‐volatile toxic substances. BaNCT02 did not induce systemic resistance in tomato plants against M. incognita. Scanning electron microscopy and chemotaxis analyses revealed that the bacteria form a biofilm on soybean roots and 67% of second‐stage juveniles of M. incognita are repelled by common bean roots treated with the antagonist. Additionally, BaNCT02 produces substances with toxic effects against eggs and juveniles of M. incognita, including volatile organic compounds such as 2‐undecanone and 2‐heptanone, as well as non‐volatile metabolites like proteases and chitinases. The suppressive effect of these substances on hatching and mortality of juveniles varied from approximately 70% to more than 90%. We concluded that B. amyloliquefaciens BaNCT02 forms a biofilm on root surfaces and produces volatile and non‐volatile metabolites with nematicidal and repellent effects against M. incognita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This research aimed to identify evidence-based protocols for the safe management of bladder infections and the prevention of UTIs in athletes who have spinal cord injuries (SCI), as they are constantly at high risk of developing UTIs again. Study design: Scoping review Methodology: Four databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct) for pertinent literature. The non-randomized controlled studies (non-RCT) and randomized controlled trials (RCT) that described the application of any particular measure to properly manage bladder and avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs) in people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) were chosen. Results: Forty-nine articles were screened for the effectiveness of weekly oral cyclic antibiotics, bacterial interference, coated catheter types, and patient education in preventing UTIs in SCI were shown in 20 RCT and 29 non-RCT researches. Concerns were raised about cranberry supplements and low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis, which is unreliable and leads to the emergence of germs that are resistant to many drugs. Conclusion: According to the scoping review, WOCA is the most effective antibiotic regimen. The proven methods for treating UTIs in SCI patients include coated catheters, bacterial interference, bladder irrigation, and patient education. Moreover, there is a great deal of variation in the research about the efficacy of cranberries. The best option for safe bladder management and preventing UTIs in SCIs is to use suprapubic and coated intermittent catheters (ICs). When a urine bag is full, it should be changed out for a fresh one, and patients should be told to employ spontaneous voiding if that's not an option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Endophytic fungi in pasture grasses help the plant resist unfavourable biotic and abiotic conditions. Despite some well-documented aspects of how these fungi confer resistance to insects, some mechanisms are not well known. In this work, we measured the effects of such endophytes on aphids, an important pest group. We measured aphid feeding activity and life-history effects to further understand the mode of action of endophyte–perennial ryegrass systems. We were able to demonstrate that, in some cases, fungal endophytes significantly deterred feeding, but in other cases, feeding was not affected, and yet high mortality was observed. This suggests a complex scenario of interactions between compounds in the endophyte–perennial-ryegrass–aphid system. Our study shows that fungal endophytes have the potential to improve sustainable aphid control by decreasing the use of insecticide sprays. The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), is an economically significant pest of pasture grasses, the latter being capable of hosting several fungal endophyte–perennial ryegrass symbiota rich in alkaloids and toxic to vertebrates and invertebrates. Measuring aphid feeding behaviour can provide insights into the effectiveness and mode of action of different fungal endophytes. This study investigated the effects of different Epichloë–perennial ryegrass symbiota on the feeding behaviour of R. padi using the electrical penetration graph technique while also assessing the aphid life history. In most cases, endophytes had significant feeding deterrence and paired fecundity and mortality effects. But, in some instances, endophytes with the highest aphid mortality did not significantly deter feeding, suggesting a more complicated scenario of interactions between the relative concentration of metabolites, e.g., host plant defence response metabolites and alkaloids, and/or physical changes to leaf morphology. Overall, this study sheds light on the mode of action of Epichloë endophytes against aphids and highlights the importance of Epichloë–perennial ryegrass symbiota in the management of insect pests such as aphids in pasture-based grazing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review is devoted to the analysis of modern literature data on rhizosphere bacteria and their role in the vital activity of plants. The structure of the rhizosphere is characterized, the role of plants as centers of formation of microbial communities is shown, data on the taxonomic affiliation of the main groups of microorganisms inhabiting the rhizosphere are presented. The associative relationships of rhizobacteria with a partner plant and the modern concept of a holobiont as a combination of a plant organism and associated microorganisms are considered. The role of rhizobacteria in the processes of azo fixation is discussed in detail. The mechanisms of direct stimulation of plant growth through the synthesis of phytohormones, improvement of phosphorus and nitrogen nutrition and increase in stress resistance, as well as indirect stimulation through antagonism with respect to phytopathogenic microorganisms are presented. The criteria for the selection of rhizobacteria for practical purposes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamide 6 (PA6) fiber has the advantages of high strength and good wear resistance. However, it is still challenging to effectively load inorganic antibacterial agents into polymer substrates without antimicrobial activity. In this work, graphene oxide is used as a carrier, which is modified with an aminosilane coupling agent (AEAPTMS) to enhance the compatibility and antimicrobial properties of the inorganic material, as well as to improve its thermal stability in a high‐temperature melting environment. Cuprous oxide‐loaded aminated grapheme (Cu2O‐GO‐NH2) is constructed by in situ growth method, and further PA6/Cu2O‐GO‐NH2 fibers are prepared by in situ polymerization. The composite fiber has excellent washing resistance. After 50 times of washing, its bactericidal rates against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli are 98.85% and 99.99%, respectively. In addition, the enhanced compatibility of Cu2O‐GO‐NH2 with the PA6 matrix improves the orientation and crystallinity of the composite fibers. Compared with PA6/Cu2O‐GO fibers, the fracture strength of PA6/Cu2O‐GO‐NH2 fibers increases from 3.0 to 4.2 cN/dtex when the addition of Cu2O‐GO‐NH2 is 0.2 wt%. Chemical modification and in situ concepts help to improve the compatibility of inorganic antimicrobial agents with organic polymers, which can be applied to the development of medical textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of overshooting inflammation is critical for orchestrating wound healing. Nitric oxide (NO) has shown great potential in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections and promoting angiogenesis. However, the application of NO has been limited due to insufficient NO storage, burst release of NO reservoir materials, and proinflammatory side effects. Herein, a biomimetic nanodrug consisting of a thiol–disulfide hybrid mesoporous organo silica nanocore and a probiotic membrane shell was developed for the treatment of infected wounds. The biomimetic nanodrug exhibited increased NO storage and sustained NO release due to the framework-doped architecture, thereby potentiating a NO-based therapy. Furthermore, the probiotic membrane coating provided the biomimetic nanodrug with an excellent ability to regulate floral balance and inflammatory reactions at wound sites. Therefore, the biomimetic nanodrug not only accelerated collagen deposition and angiogenesis but also increased the relative abundance of probiotics and reduced the excessive release of inflammatory factors in infected wounds. Our work offers a promising nanoplatform that integrates NO gas therapy and probiotic therapy for the treatment of infected wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible strain sensors need to obtain a stable signal as the target undergoes random and repeated deformation. Therefore, excellent mechanical properties, adhesion properties, and electrical conductivity are essential. In this study, a stretchable, self-adhesive, and conductive ionic hydrogel was designed and synthesized. Zwitterionic hydrogels were synthesized by micellar copolymerization of hydrophobic monomer methacrylate stearic acid (C18) with hydrophilic monomers [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (SBMA) in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant. Compared with traditional chemical cross-linked hydrogels, the elongation at break is increased by 934%. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified with tannic acid (TA) have good dispersibility and stability, which can be added to the hydrogel as a functional filler to enhance the tensile and conductive properties of the sensor. The hydrogel flexible sensor prepared under the synergistic action of various mechanisms has good mechanical properties, bonding properties, and conductive properties. In addition, due to the inherent antibacterial properties of the raw material, the hydrogel has a bactericidal ratio of up to 99% against E. coli and S. aureus under the premise of good biocompatibility in vitro, which has great potential in the field of monitoring human movement and healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaspis echinocacti (Bouché), a globally distributed cochineal scale insect, poses a significant threat to Opuntia spp. in Morocco and worldwide. This study explores the ecological dynamics of D. echinocacti across different Opuntia spp. varieties, employing antixenosis and antibiosis tests in a controlled greenhouse environment (25.3 ºC). In the antixenosis test, Opuntia spp. varieties displayed varying levels of resistance at 6–24 h post-infestation. Marjana and Belara exhibited early resistance with significantly lower numbers of insects (6 h: 4.4, 9.8; 12 h: 3.2, 5.1; 24 h: 2.3, 4.4), while Aakria, Ghalia, and Karama sustained higher susceptibility (6 h: 71.3, 82.1, 85.6; 12 h: 75.2, 89.6, 105.6; 24 h: 105.6, 110.3, 118.0). In the antibiosis test, the life cycle, behavior, and reproductive parameters of D. echinocacti were assessed. Marjana and Belara exhibited longer early nymphal stages compared to Aakria, Ghalia, and Karama. Longevity in both females and males was highest in Ghalia and Karama, while Marjana and Belara showed the shortest duration. Female life cycles ranged from 63.4 to 88.2 days, with Marjana and Belara having the shortest durations and Karama the longest. Fecundity was highest in Karama (152.80 eggs) and lowest in Marjana (12.60 eggs). Population growth parameters highlighted that Karama (r = 0.09, λ = 1.10, R0 = 61.73) and Ghalia (r = 0.09, λ = 1.09, R0 = 56.54) exhibited the highest intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and total reproduction per generation. This study offers essential insights into D. echinocacti dynamics, informing pest management and advancing our understanding of ecological interactions in cactus ecosystems, particularly for breeding programs targeting Opuntia spp. resistance to scale insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population growth and the regular breakout of Nilaparvata lugens pose a significant risk to rice cultivation. Four different N. lugens biotypes have been identified worldwide, with biotype 4 being the most destructive and prevalent throughout Asia, particularly in India. Therefore, a rice variety with multiple resistance genes/alleles is required for effective management of N. lugens. Hence, 191 rice genotypes collected from various parts of India were evaluated for resistance to N. lugens. Further, SSR markers representing 23 different N. lugens resistant (R) genes were assayed to identify genomic regions associated with resistance. The results of the genetic analysis showed that the average genetic diversity value of all markers was 0.165 and polymorphic information content of 0.145 for all the markers used. The population structure and cluster analysis divided the studied genotypes into three distinct groups, with resistant genotypes grouped separately. These findings were confirmed by the principal coordinate analysis, which categorized resistant genotypes, moderately resistant genotypes, and susceptible genotypes into distinct components. Additionally, 90% of the genetic variation was between individuals of populations and 10% between the populations. Marker‐trait association study through mixed linear model and generalized linear model identified six SSR markers such as RM6732 (Bph15), RM314 (Bph6), RM16999 (Bph6), RM7 (QBph3), RM401 (bph4), and RM7102 (Bph1), which were significantly associated with various phenotypic parameters, such as feeding mark, honeydew excretion, percent damage and nymphal survival. The resistant genes identified in these genotypes could help in the marker‐assisted rice variety development with durable resistance against N. lugens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomass Chemical Engineering is the property of Editorial Office of Biomass Chemical Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background The application of plant-beneficial microorganisms as bio-fertilizer and biocontrol agents has gained traction in recent years, as both agriculture and forestry are facing the challenges of poor soils and climate change. Trichoderma spp. are gaining popularity in agriculture and forestry due to their multifaceted roles in promoting plant growth through e.g. nutrient translocation, hormone production, induction of plant systemic resistance, but also direct antagonism of other fungi. However, the mycotrophic nature of the genus bears the risk of possible interference with other native plant-beneficial fungi, such as ectomycorrhiza, in the rhizosphere. Such interference could yield unpredictable consequences for the host plants of these ecosystems. So far, it remains unclear, whether Trichoderma is able to differentiate between plant-beneficial and plant-pathogenic fungi during the process of plant colonization. Results We investigated whether Trichoderma spp. can differentiate between beneficial ectomycorrhizal fungi (represented by Laccaria bicolor and Hebeloma cylindrosporum) and pathogenic fungi (represented by Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata) in different confrontation scenarios, including a newly developed olfactometer “race tube”-like system. Using two independent species, T. harzianum and T. atrobrunneum, with plant-growth-promoting and immune-stimulating properties towards Populus x canescens, our study revealed robustly accelerated growth towards phytopathogens, while showing a contrary response to ectomycorrhizal fungi. Transcriptomic analyses identified distinct genetic programs during interaction corresponding to the lifestyles, emphasizing the expression of mycoparasitism-related genes only in the presence of phytopathogens. Conclusion The findings reveal a critical mode of fungal community interactions belowground and suggest that Trichoderma spp. can distinguish between fungal partners of different lifestyles already at a distance. This sheds light on the entangled interactions of fungi in the rhizosphere and emphasizes the potential benefits of using Trichoderma spp. as a biocontrol agent and bio-fertilizer in tree plantations.

To determine how vulnerable various pea genotypes are to leafminer infestation, a field experiment was conducted. On the basis of the presence of mines on five randomly selected leaflets from the upper, middle and lower parts of the plant, observations of larvae were made throughout the growing season. The total phenols were determined using the method described by Bray and Thorpe (1954, Analysis of phenolic compounds of interest in metabolism. Methods Biochem Anal. 52:1–27) and absorbance at 650 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer. There was a negative correlation between leafminer infestation and total phenol content. The UHF Pea-12 genotype, characterised by the lowest total phenol concentration (20.87 mg/100 g), exhibited the highest level of leaflet infestation (17.33%). Although UHF Pea-1 genotype had the lowest mean leaflet infestation (6.58%), it also had the highest phenol concentration (41.91 mg per 100 g). In context with this, the present study highlights the significance of host-plant resistance (HPR) in pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The two-dimensional nanomaterials are characterized by their ultra-thin structure, diverse chemical functional groups, and remarkable anisotropic properties. Since its discovery in 2004, graphene has attracted significant scientific interest due to its potential applications in various fields, including electronics, energy systems, and biomedicine. In medicine, graphene is used for designing smart drug delivery systems, especially for antibiotics, and biosensing. Skin trauma is a prevalent dermatological condition that increasingly contributes to morbidities and mortalities, thus representing a significant health burden. During tissue damage, rapid skin repair is crucial to prevent blood loss and infection. Therefore, drugs used for skin trauma must possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials possess remarkable physical, chemical, optical, and biological characteristics due to their uniform shape, increased surface area, and surface charge. Graphene and its derivatives, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorous (BP), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), MXene, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are among the commonly used 2D nanomaterials. Moreover, they exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the clinical approaches employed for wound healing treatment and explores the applications of commonly used 2D nanomaterials to enhance wound healing outcomes.

The two-dimensional nanomaterials are characterized by their ultra-thin structure, diverse chemical functional groups, and remarkable anisotropic properties. Since its discovery in 2004, graphene has attracted significant scientific interest due to its potential applications in various fields, including electronics, energy systems, and biomedicine. In medicine, graphene is used for designing smart drug delivery systems, especially for antibiotics, and biosensing. Skin trauma is a prevalent dermatological condition that increasingly contributes to morbidities and mortalities, thus representing a significant health burden. During tissue damage, rapid skin repair is crucial to prevent blood loss and infection. Therefore, drugs used for skin trauma must possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials possess remarkable physical, chemical, optical, and biological characteristics due to their uniform shape, increased surface area, and surface charge. Graphene and its derivatives, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorous (BP), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), MXene, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are among the commonly used 2D nanomaterials. Moreover, they exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the clinical approaches employed for wound healing treatment and explores the applications of commonly used 2D nanomaterials to enhance wound healing outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Cotton–melon aphid (Aphis gossypii) is a highly destructive pest that causes serious yield losses in cucumber production. IL52, a Cucumis hystrix introgression line of cucumber, exhibits resistance to a number of diseases and also shows strong resistance to aphids. To characterize the type of aphid resistance in IL52, we designed a separate leaf‐disc/no‐choice test and free‐choice test to examine antibiosis and antixenosis, respectively. Our results indicated that IL52 displayed antixenosis resistance to aphids. In other words, when planted with other lines such as CCMC, IL52 was not favourable to aphids. To dissect the genetic basis of antixenosis resistance in IL52, we evaluated a mapping population of 155 lines from CCMC × IL52–derived F7:8 RIL using free‐choice test for aphid resistance. A major‐effect QTL on Chr2, designated as qRag2.1 (Resistant to A. gossypii), was identified as being significantly associated with aphid resistance. The QTL qRag2.1 was mapped to an interval flanked by markers UW085197 and SSR11909, spanning a physical location of 15.14–19.07 Mb, which explained 12.74%–14.03% of the phenotypic variance. Analysis of polymorphisms between the parental lines using resequencing data revealed one gene, CsaV3_2G018180, with three nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions and a 6‐bp InDel in its coding sequence (CDS). CsaV3_2G018180 encodes a pectinesterase/pectinesterase inhibitor enzyme, designated as CsPEI, which has been reported to regulate pectin methylesterase activity that is implicated in various biological processes. The relative expression level of CsPEI was induced in IL52 post aphid infestation, suggesting it could be a potential candidate gene for aphid resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of eight field screened Erianthus arundinaceus genotypes against sugarcane shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus was further screened under laboratory conditions along with a ruling variety Co 86032 for their confirmation of resistance and susceptibility. A significant reduction of C. infuscatellus larval and pupal survival; larval and female pupal weight; adult longevity; fecundity rate (eggs/female) and extended larval and pupal duration was recorded in the genotypes IJ 76 370, IJ 76 364 and IK 76 78, respectively. Biochemical parameters viz., total phenols, poly phenol oxidase and proteinase inhibitors and total proteins were highest in the genotypes IJ 76 370 and IJ 76 364 which indicates the presence of antibiosis mechanism of resistance against C. infuscatellus. The total soluble sugars were significantly lower in all genotypes. The genotypes IJ 76 364 and IK 76 84 fed – C. infuscatellus showed lowest larval total carbohydrate and protein content, respectively. The study identified two elite E. arundinaceus IJ 76 370 and IJ 76 364, that could be used as new genetic stocks for the possible utilization in the future resistant breeding programme against sugarcane shoot borer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black rot (Guignardia bidwellii) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) are two major grapevine diseases against which the development of efficient biocontrol solutions is required in a context of sustainable viticulture. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the efficacy and modes of action of bacterial culture supernatants from Bacillus velezensis Buz14 and B. ginsengihumi S38. Both biocontrol agents (BCA) were previously demonstrated as highly effective against Botrytis cinerea in grapevines. In semi-controlled conditions, both supernatants provided significant protection against black rot and downy mildew. They exhibited antibiosis against the pathogens by significantly decreasing G. bidwellii mycelial growth, but also the release and motility of P. viticola zoospores. They also significantly induced grapevine defences, as stilbene production. The LB medium, used for the bacterial cultures, also showed partial effects against both pathogens and induced plant defences. This is discussed in terms of choice of experimental controls when studying the biological activity of BCA supernatants. Thus, we identified two bacterial culture supernatants as new potential biocontrol products exhibiting multi-spectrum antagonist activity against different grapevine key pathogens and having a dual mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a major pest of cassava in Africa. Developing whitefly-resistant cassava can control both whiteflies and viral diseases. The main aim of this study was to identify cassava genotypes resistant to four B. tabaci populations, sub-Saharan Africa 1—subgroups 1, 2, and 3 (SSA1-SG1, SSA1-SG2, and SSA1-SG3) and sub-Saharan Africa 2 (SSA2) that colonize cassava, as well as understand the mechanisms of resistance. Utilizing the antixenosis and antibiosis techniques in the choice and no-choice tests, respectively, to screen for whitefly resistance, we tested 46 cassava genotypes. Of these, 11 (Njule Red, Nase 3, Nase 1, Kibandameno, Sagonja, Aladu, Kiroba, Magana, 72-TME-14, Sauti, and PER 415) exhibited antixenosis, as they were least preferred for oviposition by all four whiteflies population in choice tests. Ten genotypes exhibited antibiosis (nymph mortality) against SSA1-SG1 and SSA1-SG3 in no-choice tests, and these were, Pwani, Nase 14, Kalawe, Eyope, NGA11, CoI2246, Mkumbozi, KBH2002/0066, Yizaso, and PER 608. Eight genotypes—Tongolo, Mbundumali, Colicanana, Orera, Ofumbachai, Nam 130, Tajirika, and MECU72—exhibited both antixenosis and antibiosis mechanisms against SSA1-SG1 and SSA1-SG3. And these can be considered the best sources of resistance for the potential development of whitefly-resistant cassava varieties in African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) comprise a large family of pore-forming toxins produced by Gram-positive bacteria, which are used to attack eukaryotic cells. Here, we functionally characterize a family of 2-component CDC-like (CDCL) toxins produced by the Gram-negative Bacteroidota that form pores by a mechanism only described for the mammalian complement membrane attack complex (MAC). We further show that the Bacteroides CDCLs are not eukaryotic cell toxins like the CDCs, but instead bind to and are proteolytically activated on the surface of closely related species, resulting in pore formation and cell death. The CDCL-producing Bacteroides is protected from the effects of its own CDCL by the presence of a surface lipoprotein that blocks CDCL pore formation. These studies suggest a prevalent mode of bacterial antagonism by a family of two-component CDCLs that function like mammalian MAC and that are wide-spread in the gut microbiota of diverse human populations. Pathogenic bacteria produce cholesterol-dependent cytolysins to form pores in eukaryotic membranes. Here, the authors show that human gut bacteria use a related family of pore-forming toxins for intra- and interspecies antagonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les infections bactériennes graves ont une incidence plus élevée dans la période néonatale qu'à tout autre âge pédiatrique et leur gravité est accrue en l'absence de diagnostic et de traitement précoces. L'incidence est encore plus importante chez les prématurés que chez les nouveau-nés à terme. Les signes cliniques induits sont peu spécifiques et parfois insignifiants, et les biomarqueurs sont peu performants au cours des 24 premières heures de l'infection. Pendant des décennies, cette situation a conduit à traiter trop d'enfants, pendant de longues périodes, avec des antibiotiques à large spectre. Aujourd'hui, le défi consiste à prescrire des traitements ciblés en identifiant les nouveau-nés réellement infectés. Au cours de ces dix dernières années, nous avons assisté à des changements de paradigme majeurs dont il est essentiel de tenir compte. En effet, la prise de conscience croissante de l'impact écologique de l'antibiothérapie précoce, notamment sa contribution à la résistance de certaines bactéries aux antibiotiques, implique de choisir l'antibiotique à spectre le plus étroit et des durées de traitement en adéquation réelle avec les signes d'infection. Parmi les tests biologiques, les plus importants sont les hémocultures. Au moins une hémoculture, réalisée dans des conditions d'asepsie, de volume suffisant (1 à 2 mL) et avec des flacons pédiatriques, doit être effectuée dès que la décision de traiter est prise, avant de débuter toute antibiothérapie. Les bactéries responsables des infections bactériennes néonatales précoces (IBPN) n'ont pas évolué de manière significative au cours des dernières années et restent dominées par les Streptocoques du groupe B et Escherichia coli , qui sont les principales cibles du traitement. Le SGB est largement prédominant chez les enfants nés à terme, mais la proportion d'infections dues à E. coli augmente avec la prématurité. Severe bacterial infections have a higher incidence in the neonatal period than at any other pediatric age. Incidence is even higher in premature babies than in term newborns, and severity is increased in the absence of early diagnosis and treatment. By contrast, clinical signs are nonspecific and sometimes trivial, and biomarkers perform poorly during the first 24 hours of infection. For decades, this has led to having too many children treated for extended periods with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Today, the challenge is to prescribe antibiotics in a targeted way, by identifying truly infected newborns. Over the last ten years, major paradigm shifts have occurred and should be taken into account, as a result of growing awareness of the ecological impact of early antibiotic therapy, notably antibiotic resistance, by choosing the narrowest spectrum antibiotic and stopping antibiotic therapy as soon as the diagnosis of infection has been reasonably ruled out. Among the biological tests, the most important are blood cultures. At least one blood culture, taken under aseptic conditions, of sufficient volume (1 to 2 mL), and using pediatric bottles must be taken as soon as the decision to treat has been made, before starting any antibiotic therapy. The bacteria responsible for early-onset bacterial neonatal infections (EBNI) have not changed significantly over recent years and remain dominated by Group B streptococcus and Escherichia coli , which are the main targets of treatment. GBS is largely predominant in full-term infants, but the proportion of infections due to E. coli increases with prematurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of infected wounds is always of great significance and urgency in clinical and biomedical fields. Recent efforts in this area are focusing on the development of functional wound patches with effective antibacterial, drug delivery, and sensor properties. Here, we present novel hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedle patches with these features by encapsulating aminobenzeneboronic acid‐modified gold nanoclusters (A‐GNCs) for infected wound management. The A‐GNCs loaded microneedle patches were derived from negative‐mold replication and showed high mechanical strength to penetrate the skin. The release of the A‐GNCs was realized by the degradation of HA, and the self‐monitor of the released actives was based on the dynamic bright orange fluorescence emitted from A‐GNCs under ultraviolet radiation. As the A‐GNCs could destroy bacteria membranes, the microneedle patches were with excellent in vitro antibiosis ability. Based on these features, we have demonstrated the bacteria inhibition, residual drug self‐monitoring, and wound healing promotion abilities of the microneedle patches in Escherichia coli‐ or Staphylococcus aureus‐infected wound management. These results indicated the great potential of such A‐GNCs loaded microneedle patches for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries and regions, air pollution has become an environmental problem that cannot be ignored. Therefore, air filters with high efficiency, low resistance and strong antibacterial activity should be developed. In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan was impregnated on the surface of PP melt-blown layer to enhance the adsorption of copper ions on PP non-woven fabric. The porous nanomaterial Cu-BTC nanoparticles were loaded on the fibre surface of PP non-woven fabric by in-situ growth method. The micro–nano-composite membrane was prepared by electrospinning TPU on the surface of PP@Cu-BTC. The micro–nano-composite membrane could capture PM2.5 efficiently, and the filtration efficiency of PM2.5 particles was 97.7%. The composite membrane also exhibited excellent antibacterial properties. The inhibition rate of the composite membrane to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reached 99.9%. In addition, the composite membrane demonstrated strong stability, and the corresponding inhibition rate did not decrease after washing and drying five times. The membrane featured high-efficiency filtration, excellent antibacterial performance and stability. The PP@Cu-BTC/TPU composite membrane provides a new idea for preparing stable, efficient and antibacterial air filtration membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotic stress in cotton plants caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides triggers symptoms of ramulosis, a disease characterized by necrotic spots on young leaves, followed by death of the affected branch's apical meristem, plant growth paralysis, and stimulation of lateral bud production. Severe cases of ramulosis can cause up to 85% yield losses in cotton plantations. Currently, this disease is controlled exclusively by using fungicides. However, few studies have focused on biological alternatives for mitigating the effects of contamination by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides on cotton plants. Thus, the hypothesis raised is that endophytic fungi isolated from an Arecaceae species (Butia purpurascens), endemic to the Cerrado biome, have the potential to reduce physiological damage caused by ramulosis, decreasing its severity in these plants. This hypothesis was tested using plants grown from seeds contaminated with the pathogen and inoculated with strains of Gibberella moniliformis (BP10EF), Hamigera insecticola (BP33EF), Codinaeopsis sp. (BP328EF), G. moniliformis (BP335EF), and Aspergillus sp. (BP340EF). C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides is a leaf pathogen; thus, the evaluations were focused on leaf parameters: gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and oxidative metabolism. The hypothesis that inoculation with endophytic strains can mitigate physiological and photochemical damage caused by ramulosis in cotton was confirmed, as the fungi improved plant growth and stomatal index and density, increased net photosynthetic rate (A) and carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci), and decreased photochemical stress (ABS/RC and DI0/RC) and oxidative stress by reducing enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, and APX) and the synthesis of malondialdehyde (MDA). Control plants developed leaves with a low adaxial stomatal index and density to reduce colonization of leaf tissues by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides due to the absence of fungal antagonism. The Codinaeopsis sp. strain BP328EF can efficiently inhibit C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides in vitro (81.11% relative inhibition), improve gas exchange parameters, reduce photochemical stress of chlorophyll-a, and decrease lipid peroxidation in attacked leaves. Thus, BP328EF should be further evaluated for its potential effect as a biological alternative for enhancing the resistance of G. hirsutum plants and minimizing yield losses caused by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichoderma spp. are avirulent expedient plant symbionts. In addition, as plant-dependent organisms, Trichoderma species conjointly behave as a cost-effective and eco-friendly biocontrol agent. This review provides several mechanisms on how Trichoderma exerts useful effects on plants as a biocontrol agent. In addition to preventing disease, Trichoderma increases plant resistance and growth, improves nutrient uptake efficiency, and cleans the environment from pesticide contamination. Trichoderma spp. also functions as a safe, affordable, efficient, and environmentally beneficial biocontrol agent for various crops. The biological control mechanisms of Trichoderma, such as competition, antibiosis, antagonism, and mycoparasitism, as well as the mechanisms by which Trichoderma and plants promote plant growth and induce systemic resistance, have been discussed. In addition, the impact and applications of Trichoderma in treating different plant diseases are provided. Developing a diverse range of application technologies for Trichoderma is a crucial avenue for further research and development, given its potential to contribute to the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector. Nevertheless, due to its adaptable qualities, its entire potential cannot be fully realized. The knowledge of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent, its secondary metabolites, and their use in plant disease management programs is explained, which suggests the potential use of Trichoderma as a safe, environmentally acceptable, and efficient biocontrol agent for several crop species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for environmentally friendly products. In this context, lignin has garnered significant attention as a natural and renewable biomass material. It is suspected that certain instant coffee species contain a certain amount of green and non-toxic edible lignin due to the similarity between the extraction process of instant coffee and the hydrothermal extraction process of lignin. However, there is currently no research available on these lignin samples. This study aims to fill this gap by extracting and analyzing lignin from five common instant coffee brands. The acid precipitation method was used to extract lignin, and the contents of acid-insoluble and acid-soluble lignin were calculated. Subsequently, the acid-insoluble lignin was structurally characterized, and the samples were tested for their antioxidant, UV protection, and antibacterial properties. The results showed that these coffee lignin exhibited excellent properties. To further apply these excellent properties, they were prepared them into stable Pickering emulsions and tested their UV resistance. The emulsions were successful in maintaining the colour of pigskin even after 4 h of exposure to 254 and 365 nm UV light. This suggests that coffee lignin has potential for use in the development and production of non-toxic, environmentally friendly sunscreen products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the most important crops in semiarid areas of the world, where it thrives in hot, dry conditions. While cowpea is able to withstand abiotic stresses, it suffers serious losses from biotic antagonists, including infestation by the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora). Cowpea aphid infestations are highly destructive, especially on young plants. However, it is unclear whether cowpea aphid damage is the result of aphids having phytotoxic effects on their hosts, or simple density effects. To better understand cowpea aphid damage and the potential for resistance traits to mitigate aphid impacts, we evaluated phenotypic changes in cowpea in response to variable aphid densities and systemic versus local infestations. Low aphid densities induced leaf distortions and pseudogalling, suggesting that cowpea aphids are phytotoxic to cowpea. Resistance to the cowpea aphid has been previously identified in an African cowpea germplasm, and near isogenic lines (NILs) containing resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) were generated in the California blackeye cultivar background. Using a series of performance assays, we determined that resistance conferred by the two QTL counteracts aphid phytotoxicity and severely limits aphid growth and fecundity. Using choice assays, a preference by cowpea aphids for the susceptible NIL was observed. Electrical penetration graph analysis revealed that the resistance phenotype includes weak surface level deterrence and strong phloem-based resistance that manifests during the sap ingestion phase. Our study provides evidence of phytotoxic traits in A. craccivora while identifying a viable means of counteracting aphid damage and reproductive potential through resistance.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) serves as a vital staple crop for the dietary needs of over half of the world's population. However, it faces considerable challenges, especially biotic factors, which have significant implications for both worldwide rice production and food security. Among these challenges, the decline in crop yield due to harmful phytopathogens remains a pressing issue in the rice farming system, underscoring the limitations of existing strategies. Trichoderma spp. are gaining attention as effective biocontrol agents. These endophytic fungi are considered safe and environmentally friendly, with the ability to directly and indirectly inhibit plant pathogens without adverse impacts on humans, wildlife, or the environment. This article presents a comprehensive overview of Trichoderma's multifaceted roles for controlling rice diseases, exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying rice plant's defense response, the induction of its defensive responses by Trichoderma, and the effectiveness of Trichoderma-based biocontrol strategy in enhancing rice health and fitness. It also serves as a significant resource for advancing knowledge and practices in the field, providing a valuable reference for future research and the application of Trichoderma in sustainable rice production. Lastly, we propose a deeper understanding of sustainable strategies to combat rice disease outbreaks by optimally harnessing the potential of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent for major rice diseases.

BackgroundCowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a crucial crop for regions of the world that are prone to both heat and drought; however, the phytotoxic cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora) impairs plant physiology at low population levels. Both antibiotic and antixenotic forms of resistance to the aphid have been mapped to two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and near isogenic lines (NILs). The molecular mechanism for this resistance response remains unknown.ResultsTo understand the genes underlying susceptibility and resistance, two cowpea lines with shared heritage were infested along a time course and characterized for transcriptome variation. Aphids remodeled cowpea development and signaling relative to host plant resistance and the duration of feeding, with resource acquisition and mobilization determining, in part, susceptibility to aphid attack. Major differences between the susceptible and resistant cowpea were identified including two regions of interest housing the most genetic differences between the lines. Candidate genes enabling aphid resistance include both conventional resistance genes (e.g., leucine rich repeat protein kinases) as well as multiple novel genes with no known orthologues.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that feeding by the cowpea aphid globally remodels the transcriptome of cowpea, but how this occurs depends on both the duration of feeding and host-plant resistance. Constitutive expression profiles of the resistant genotype link aphid resistance to a finely-tuned resource management strategy that ultimately reduces damage (e.g., chlorosis) and delays cell turnover, while impeding aphid performance. Thus, aphid resistance in cowpea is a complex, multigene response that involves crosstalk between primary and secondary metabolism.

Host–plant resistance (HPR) is a subdiscipline in entomology that aims to understand, develop, and deploy crop varieties resistant to arthropod herbivores. The seminal figure in HPR was Reginald Painter, whose 1951 monograph Insect Resistance in Crop Plants established a conceptual framework and methodological approach for applied research on plant resistance. In the 75 years since the publication of this book, the empirical and multidisciplinary approach established by Painter has led to the development and use of hundreds of arthropod-resistant crop varieties. Much of the success of HPR research has been, and will continue to be, tied to advances in scientific disciplines related to HPR, such as plant breeding and genetics, analytical chemistry, and plant–insect interactions. However, given the challenges facing agriculture and pest management over the coming decades, increased attention will need to be given to the deployment of resistant varieties and the integration of resistant varieties into integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Recent advances in our understanding of fundamental aspects of the interactions between plants and herbivores provide insights that can facilitate the increased use of plant resistance in IPM programs, and the diverse membership of the Entomological Society of America can play a critical role by increasing communication between scientists interested in applied and fundamental aspects of plant resistance to insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penicillium expansum is a fungal pathogen of pome fruit, causing the economically important disease of apple blue mould. The fungus is also important due to its ability to produce the mycotoxin patulin. A strain of Aureobasidium spp. (UC14) was assessed for controlling P. expansum and patulin production in a series of in vitro antibiosis experiments. Volatile and non‐volatile metabolites reduced growth of P. expansum on average by 50%. To assess UC14 efficacy on apples in vivo, different concentrations of cellular suspension were assayed. The concentration 1 × 108 cells/mL was the most effective, completely suppressing apple fruits blue mould symptoms. The antagonism of UC14 was further demonstrated by the very low amount of pathogen DNA in treated fruits detected by qPCR. During cold storage, Aureobasidium strain UC14 persisted on fruits and reduced disease severity by 82.5% and 89.8%, for 'Golden delicious' and 'Fuji' apples, respectively. Aureobasidium strain UC14 reduced patulin on 'Golden delicious' and 'Fuji' apples by 98.1% and 96.2% with respect to the control, demonstrating good efficacy as a potential biological control agent (BCA), so becoming an interesting candidate for use as BCA in the postharvest phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Condiment is the property of China Condiment and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål; BPH) is known to cause significant damage to rice crops in Asia, and the use of host-resistant varieties is an effective and environmentally friendly approach for controlling BPH. However, genes limited resistance genes that are used in insect-resistant rice breeding programs, and landrace rice varieties are materials resources that carry rich and versatile genes for BPH resistance. Two landrace indica rice accessions, CL45 and CL48, are highly resistant to BPH and show obvious antibiosis against BPH. A novel resistance locus linked to markers 12M16.983 and 12M19.042 was identified, mapped to chromosome 12 in CL45, and designated Bph46. It was finely mapped to an interval of 480 kb and Gene 3 may be the resistance gene. Another resistance locus linked to markers RM26567 and 11MA104 was identified and mapped to chromosome 11 in CL48 and designated qBph11.3 according to the nominating rule. It was finely mapped to an interval of 145 kb, and LOC_Os11g29090 and LOC_Os11g29110 may be the resistance genes. Moreover, two markers, 12M16.983 and 11MA104, were developed for CL45 and CL48, respectively, using marker-assisted selection (MAS) and were confirmed by backcrossing individuals and phenotypic detection. Interestingly, we found that the black glume color is closely linked to the BPH resistance gene in CL48 and can effectively assist in the identification of positive individuals for breeding. Finally, several near-isogenic lines with a 9311 or KW genetic background, as well as pyramid lines with two resistance parents, were developed using MAS and exhibited significantly high resistance against BPHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins which perform diverse roles in plants. One important role is in plant defense. These proteins hold great potential as entomotoxic proteins as a part of integrated pest management. Methods: Lectins were purified and characterized from seeds of two legumes, Glycine max-Soybean and Lens culinaris-Lentil, employing ammonium sulfate fractionation and ion exchange chromatography. Bioefficacy of the purified lectins was evaluated against mustard aphid. Result: Lectins isolated from seeds of soybean (Glycine max agglutinin GMA-I, II) and lentil (Lens culinaris agglutinin LCA-I) were purified upto 9.30 (GMA-I), 4.60 (GMA-II) and 8.70 (LCA-I) fold, respectively. Lectin characterization revealed that soybean agglutinin and lentil agglutinin were specific towards D-Galactose and D-mannose, respectively. Insect bioassay was carried out with five different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 µg/ml) of purified lectins of soybean and lentil against mustard aphid. The lethal concentration LC50 value for GMA-I was obtained as 32.1 µg/ml with a 95% confidential interval of 18.2 to 40.5 µg/ml and that of LCA-I was 19.1 µg/ml with a 95% confidential interval of 9.3 to 26.8 µg/ml. Lentil lectin (LCA-I) with lower LC50 value, was found to be the potential candidate for integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato leaf curl viruses (ToLCVs) causing tomato leaf curl disease (ToLCD) in tomatoes is one of the significant constraints for tomato production worldwide and is transmitted by the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. The ToLCVs, with the emergence of several recombinant variants and B. tabaci with changes in its capability in pathogen transmission, are reported all over the Indian subcontinent. Tomato genotypes resistant to B. tabaci and ToLCV are vital for sustainable control of ToLCD. In the current study, the level of resistance/susceptibility of tomato genotypes to B. tabaci and ToLCV incidence under greenhouse conditions were studied, and promising entries were assessed for antixenosis (non-preference) and antibiosis resistance against B. tabaci. Greenhouse screening by mass release of ToLCV-virulent whiteflies revealed that genotypes EC-520,078 and EC-620,389 (p = < 0.0001) recorded highly resistant reactions for whitefly infestation and ToLCV incidence. The adult settling assay revealed that the genotypes EC-520,078, EC-620,389, EC-315,477, and EC-620,401 (p = < 0.0001) were less preferred by whiteflies. Tests on fecundity, nymphal emergence, nymphal development, and population buildup were conducted to infer the antibiosis effect of the tomato genotypes against B. tabaci. The genotype EC-520,078 (p = < 0.0001) recorded the lowest number of eggs, EC-620,389 (p = < 0.0001) with the lowest nymphal emergence, and EC-520,078, EC-620,389, and EC-620,401 (p = < 0.0001) registered the lowest nymphal development. The F2 generation in the population buildup study was significantly lower in EC-520,078, followed by EC-620,389 and EC-631,364 (p = < 0.0001). The identified resistant sources could be used to develop resistant genotypes against whiteflies and ToLCV in tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeysuckle, as an important medicinal and edible plant, contains a variety of chemical active components, mainly including volatile oils, flavonoids, organic acids and iridoid glycosides, etc., which have antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antipyretic, and immunomodulatory effects. Honeysuckle and its extract can improve the digestion, absorption and utilization rate of feed, promote the growth and development of livestock and poultry and meat quality, regulate the metabolism of energy, protein, lipids and sugar of livestock and poultry, and improve the immune function and antioxidant capacity of livestock and poultry. In the paper, the main active components, physiological functions, and application status of honeysuckle and its extracts in livestock and poultry production were summarized, in order to provide a reference for honeysuckle and its extracts to improve the production efficiency and product quality of livestock and poultry, and to replace antibiotics in livestock and poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is often considered as motivated by a desire to challenge the international status quo, a challenge the West is trying to mitigate. Social constructivists account for this challenge via a norm of nationalistic assertiveness in Chinese foreign policy; a norm constructed in the synergetic relationship between China's Communist Party and its nationalist movement. However, this work argues that Chinese foreign policy is motivated, in part, by nationalist pressure arising from an antagonistically symbiotic relationship between the Communist Party and China's nationalist movement. This understanding is significant as it indicates that western policies are paradoxically factoring in the emergence of a challenger China. © 2023 Victoria University of Wellington and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screen house leaf cage experiments were conducted under no-choice conditions to ascertain the antibiosis mechanism operating in introgression cotton lines against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) during July and September 2022. Seventeen cotton introgression lines and two parents, namely Synthetic polyploid (A2D1) and upland cotton line PIL 43, were assessed for development and survival of various biological parameters like fecundity, nymphal and pupal growth index. An antibiosis mechanism of resistance was documented in the parent, Synthetic polyploid and introgression lines, D5-BW-WF-28, C1-P-1, C1-P-31, and C1-P-36, and were categorized as resistant lines. In resistant introgression lines, survival and the nymphal/pupal growth index were lower, but the overall development period was longer. Among biophysical parameters, trichome density, leaf area and vascular bundle length showed significantly positive whereas leaf lamina thickness exhibited negative association with fecundity. Sugars were found to be higher in susceptible genotypes whereas phenols and proteins were comparatively higher in resistant lines. However, total soluble and reducing sugars showed a positive correlation, while total soluble proteins and total phenols manifested a negative correlation with fecundity. It may thus be concluded that antibiosis mechanism of resistance is operating in cotton introgression lines; and biophysical and biochemical parameters play a predominant role in imparting resistance against B. tabaci. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report illustrating the development of whitefly resistant introgression lines using Synthetic cotton polyploid (A2D1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demographic parameters of Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov & Nikolskii, which is a serious pest of cucumber crop worldwide, were evaluated on nine cultivars of greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus) (Royal, Negin, Radvin, Vihan, Arya, Sina, Piro, Karim, and Kurazh). The study was carried out under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 10% RH and 16:8 (L:D) h. The results of this study showed that the longest development time of T. turkestani was observed on the Piro cultivar (10.86 ± 0.46 days) and the shortest on the Radvin cultivar (8.57 ± 0.35 days). The female longevity on different cultivars varied from 18.57 ± 0.31 to 20.19 ± 0.35 days. Our results indicated differences in the population growth rate of T. turkestani on different cucumber cultivars. The net reproductive rate (R0) varied from 22.32 ± 3.99 to 52.90 ± 6.12 eggs per individual, which was minimum on Piro and maximum on Radvin. The comparison of biological parameters of T. turkestani on different cucumber cultivars demonstrated that Radvin was the most susceptible and Piro was the most resistant cultivar to this pest. The findings of this research can be used to develop integrated management of T. turkestani by considering its performance on different cucumber cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure aqueous nano-TiO2 solution was prepared by low temperature liquid phase method, and then Ag+ was deposited on nano-TiO2 surface to obtain pure aqueous Ag+/TiO2 solution. It was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible light absorption spectrometer (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectrometer (PL). After various characterization analysis, it can be seen that Ag+/TiO2 particles are spherical particles with a particle size of 10 nm, and the XRD characteristic peak is the superposition peak of anatase titanium dioxide and silver sulfate. In addition, the deposited Ag exists in the valence state of +1, and the photocatalytic activity of nano-TiO2 is improved, resulting in a synergistic effect. The results of antibacterial test show that the prepared pure aqueous Ag+/TiO2 solution has excellent antibacterial performance in different strains and different application environments, indication the high efficiency and broad spectrum of Ag+/TiO2 antibacterial, which has great market application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is one of the most dangerous pests for many crops worldwide, including the melon. Here, we raise the hypothesis that the resistance of melon genotypes to the spider mite is associated with the morphological characteristics of the leaves. We determined (i) the feeding preference and oviposition suitability of T. urticae on four melon genotypes, (ii) various biological parameters and population growth rate (ri) of T. urticae on different melon genotypes, (iii) the leaf morphology of the melon genotypes, and (iv) the relationship between the leaf characteristics and resistance to T. urticae. In no choice tests, lower numbers of adults and eggs of T. urticae were found in the genotypes CNPH 06–1047-343, CNPH 11–1071-43, and CNPH 06-1047-341 compared to control (Goldex). Individuals that fed on CNPH 06–1047-343, CNPH 06–1047-341, and CNPH 11–1071-43 genotypes had a longer egg incubation time, longer development time, lower immature viability, longer time to reach adult stage (egg–adult) and lower instantaneous rate of increase compared to control. These findings are in line with the fact that these three genotypes had thicker epidermis and greater mesophyll thickness than control genotype "Goldex". Even the genotypes CNPH 06–1047-343, CNPH 06–1047-341, and CNPH 11–1071-43 had higher trichome densities, this morphological characteristic was not related with the resistance to T. urticae. CNPH 06–1047-343, CNPH 06–1047-341, and CNPH 11–1071-43 showed antibiosis and antixenosis against T. urticae and that resistance of the melon to T. urticae wss associated with the greater thickness of the leaf epidermis and mesophyll. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of America, and is an important pest of Fabaceae, such as: soybean, peanut, common bean, cowpea, pea, chickpea and kudzu. In soybean, the velvet bean caterpillar is important due to the plant defoliation in their larval stage. This study evaluated soybean cultivars as source of resistance to A. gemmatalis by antixenosis (attractiveness and non-preference for feeding) and antibiosis (biological parameters of the insect). The parameters evaluated were: antixenosis: attractiveness and non-preference, dry mass consumed and attractiveness index and antibiosis: duration of larval and pupal stages, adult longevity, total cycle, larval and pupal weights and larval, pupal and total viability. Considering antixenosis and antibiosis the least suitable cultivars for A. gemmatalis were found to be BRS 8383 IPRO, BRS 1074 IPRO, BRS 1061 IPRO, BRS 7180 IPRO, BRS 9383 IPRO, BRS 8980 IPRO and BRS 1003 IPRO due to high mortality in the larval phase. The cultivars BRS 523 and BRS 543 RR “block technology” suggest displays antixenosis and or antibiosis to A. gemmatalis. These cultivars can be used by soybean producers in combination with other control tactics in soybean IPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the search for new compounds with antibacterial activity has drastically increased due to the spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. In this study, we analyzed Cell-Free Supernatant (CFS) from Bacillus siamensis, assessing its potential antimicrobial activity against some of the main pathogenic microorganisms of human interest. To achieve this goal, we exploited the natural antagonism of skin-colonizing bacteria and their ability to produce compounds with antimicrobial activity. Biochemical and molecular methods were used to identify 247 strains isolated from the skin. Among these, we found that CFS from a strain of Bacillus siamensis (that we named CPAY1) showed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Candida spp. In this study, we gathered information on CFS's antimicrobial activity and on its sensitivity to chemical–physical parameters. Time–kill studies were performed; anti-biofilm activity, antibiotic resistance, and plasmid presence were also investigated. The antimicrobial compounds included in the CFS showed resistance to the proteolytic enzymes and were heat stable. The production of antimicrobial compounds started after 4 h of culture (20 AU/mL). CPAY1 CFS showed antimicrobial activity after 7 h of bacteria co-culture. The anti-biofilm activity of the CPAY1 CFS against all the tested strains was also remarkable. B. siamensis CPAY1 did not reveal the presence of a plasmid and showed susceptibility to all the antibiotics tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop production often faces challenges from plant diseases, and biological control emerges as an effective, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to chemical control. Wheat blast disease caused by fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT), is a potential catastrophic threat to global food security. This study aimed to identify potential bacterial isolates from rice and wheat seeds with inhibitory effects against MoT. In dual culture and seedling assays, three bacterial isolates (BTS-3, BTS-4, and BTLK6A) demonstrated effective suppression of MoT growth and reduced wheat blast severity when artificially inoculated at the seedling stage. Genome phylogeny identified these isolates as Bacillus subtilis (BTS-3) and B. velezensis (BTS-4 and BTLK6A). Whole-genome analysis revealed the presence of genes responsible for controlling MoT through antimicrobial defense, antioxidant defense, cell wall degradation, and induced systemic resistance (ISR). Taken together, our results suggest that the suppression of wheat blast disease by seed endophytic B. subtilis (BTS-3) and B. velezensis (BTS-4 and BTLK6A) is liked with antibiosis and induced systemic resistance to wheat plants. A further field validation is needed before recommending these endophytic bacteria for biological control of wheat blast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lettuce is an economically major leafy vegetable that is affected by numerous diseases. One of the most devastating diseases of lettuce is white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Control methods for this fungus are limited due to the development of genetic resistance to commonly used fungicides, the large number of hosts and the long-term survival of sclerotia in soil. To elaborate a new and more sustainable approach to contain this pathogen, 1,210 Pseudomonas strains previously isolated from agricultural soils in Canada were screened for their antagonistic activity against S. sclerotiorum. Nine Pseudomonas strains showed strong in vitro inhibition in dual-culture confrontational assays. Whole genome sequencing of these strains revealed their affiliation with four phylogenomic subgroups within the Pseudomonas fluorescens group, namely Pseudomonas corrugata, Pseudomonas asplenii, Pseudomonas mandelii, and Pseudomonas protegens. The antagonistic strains harbor several genes and gene clusters involved in the production of secondary metabolites, including mycin-type and peptin-type lipopeptides, and antibiotics such as brabantamide, which may be involved in the inhibitory activity observed against S. sclerotiorum. Three strains also demonstrated significant in planta biocontrol abilities against the pathogen when either inoculated on lettuce leaves or in the growing substrate of lettuce plants grown in pots. They however did not impact S. sclerotiorum populations in the rhizosphere, suggesting that they protect lettuce plants by altering the fitness and the virulence of the pathogen rather than by directly impeding its growth. These results mark a step forward in the development of biocontrol products against S. sclerotiorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]