Intensive agrochemical use in rice cultivation poses environmental and health risks, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. The development of biocontrol agents that can simultaneously suppress pests and enhance rice growth and production is particularly needed. In this study, we investigated the functionality of Hypocrealean entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolated from paddy soils across Thailand to suppress a major insect pest, the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and to promote rice growth. Seventy-five EPF strains were isolated from paddy soils, primarily identified as belonging to Metarhizium and Purpureocillium genera. Two Metarhizium strains (MY13317.02 and MY13317.32), belonging to M. pingshaense sensu lato complex, exhibited strong virulence against N. lugens in vitro and demonstrated high phosphate-solubilizing activity, significantly enhancing rice growth, yield and photosynthetic performance under greenhouse conditions. The findings highlight the promising potential of these Metarhizium strains as multifunctional bioinoculants for sustainable rice agriculture, combining plant growth promotion with biocontrol efficacy.
在水稻种植中大量使用农用化学品会造成环境和健康风险，因此需要可持续的替代品。特别需要开发既能抑制害虫又能促进水稻生长和产量的生物防治剂。在这项研究中，我们研究了从泰国水稻土壤中分离的次crealean昆虫病原真菌（EPF）抑制主要害虫褐飞虱（Nilaparvata lugens）和促进水稻生长的功能。从水稻土中分离到EPF菌株75株，主要鉴定为绿僵菌属和紫毛菌属。2株绿僵菌（MY13317.02和MY13317.32）是平山绿僵菌（M. pingshaense sensu lato complex）复合体，在温室条件下对N. lugens具有较强的毒力和较高的溶磷活性，显著提高了水稻的生长、产量和光合性能。这些发现突出了这些绿僵菌菌株作为可持续水稻农业的多功能生物接种剂的潜力，将促进植物生长与生物防治效果结合起来。
{"title":"Entomopathogenic fungi from paddy soils suppress a major insect pest and enhance rice growth under greenhouse conditions","authors":"Noppol Kobmoo , Suchada Mongkolsamrit , Artit Khonsanit , Wasana Noisripoom , Non Sawangkaew , Donnaya Thanakitpipattana , Cattarin Theerawitaya , Suriyan Cha-um , Janet Jennifer Luangsa-ard , Jintana Unartngam","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105894","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105894","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intensive agrochemical use in rice cultivation poses environmental and health risks, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. The development of biocontrol agents that can simultaneously suppress pests and enhance rice growth and production is particularly needed. In this study, we investigated the functionality of Hypocrealean entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolated from paddy soils across Thailand to suppress a major insect pest, the brown planthopper (<em>Nilaparvata lugens</em>) and to promote rice growth. Seventy-five EPF strains were isolated from paddy soils, primarily identified as belonging to <em>Metarhizium</em> and <em>Purpureocillium</em> genera. Two <em>Metarhizium</em> strains (MY13317.02 and MY13317.32), belonging to <em>M. pingshaense</em> sensu lato complex, exhibited strong virulence against <em>N. lugens</em> in vitro and demonstrated high phosphate-solubilizing activity, significantly enhancing rice growth, yield and photosynthetic performance under greenhouse conditions. The findings highlight the promising potential of these <em>Metarhizium</em> strains as multifunctional bioinoculants for sustainable rice agriculture, combining plant growth promotion with biocontrol efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105894"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145155728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-13DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105891
Zhongqiang Gao , Xiaoting Wang , Xiwu Ding , Xia Gao , Yanan Han , Biao Gong , Jian Wang , Weiqiang Li , Fenghui Wu
Bacterial soft rot disease poses a serious threat to cucumber production. Bio-organic fertilizers containing antagonistic beneficial microorganisms have emerged as promising approaches for enhancing plant disease resistance. However, the underlying mechanisms by which these fertilizers suppress bacterial soft rot disease remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the fundamental patterns of bio-organic fertilizer regulation of bacterial and fungal community assembly in cucumbers and their relationships with bacterial soft rot resistance through a field experiment involving four different types of bio-organic fertilizer treatments. The plant health and soil fertility increased significantly under all treatments. The combination of Chinese medicine residue with bio-organic fertilizer demonstrated the most pronounced effects among all treatments. Shifts in bacterial and fungal community structure induced by bio-organic fertilizers are crucial in suppressing bacterial soft rot disease. In particular, bio-organic fertilizers recruit more beneficial microorganisms with antimicrobial activity and promote plant growth traits. Following bio-organic fertilizer application, the bacterial network displays greater complexity than the fungal network. Structural equation models have demonstrated the influence of bio-organic fertilizer application on specific microflora that drives modifications in soil physicochemical properties. Altering key soil physicochemical factors such as total nitrogen and total phosphorus is vital for promoting the suppressive effect of bio-organic fertilizers on bacterial soft rot. Thus, the effectiveness of bio-organic fertilizers stems from a combination of the actual antagonistic activities of the inoculated biocontrol agents and the promotion of indigenous beneficial microbial groups. This dual mechanism not only suppresses the growth of pathogens directly but also strengthens the soil’s overall microbial ecosystem, thereby promoting plant health and resistance to diseases.
{"title":"Bio-organic fertilizers containing potential biocontrol strains suppress bacterial soft rot and reshape soil microbial communities in cucumbers","authors":"Zhongqiang Gao , Xiaoting Wang , Xiwu Ding , Xia Gao , Yanan Han , Biao Gong , Jian Wang , Weiqiang Li , Fenghui Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105891","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105891","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bacterial soft rot disease poses a serious threat to cucumber production. Bio-organic fertilizers containing antagonistic beneficial microorganisms have emerged as promising approaches for enhancing plant disease resistance. However, the underlying mechanisms by which these fertilizers suppress bacterial soft rot disease remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the fundamental patterns of bio-organic fertilizer regulation of bacterial and fungal community assembly in cucumbers and their relationships with bacterial soft rot resistance through a field experiment involving four different types of bio-organic fertilizer treatments. The plant health and soil fertility increased significantly under all treatments. The combination of Chinese medicine residue with bio-organic fertilizer demonstrated the most pronounced effects among all treatments. Shifts in bacterial and fungal community structure induced by bio-organic fertilizers are crucial in suppressing bacterial soft rot disease. In particular, bio-organic fertilizers recruit more beneficial microorganisms with antimicrobial activity and promote plant growth traits. Following bio-organic fertilizer application, the bacterial network displays greater complexity than the fungal network. Structural equation models have demonstrated the influence of bio-organic fertilizer application on specific microflora that drives modifications in soil physicochemical properties. Altering key soil physicochemical factors such as total nitrogen and total phosphorus is vital for promoting the suppressive effect of bio-organic fertilizers on bacterial soft rot. Thus, the effectiveness of bio-organic fertilizers stems from a combination of the actual antagonistic activities of the inoculated biocontrol agents and the promotion of indigenous beneficial microbial groups. This dual mechanism not only suppresses the growth of pathogens directly but also strengthens the soil’s overall microbial ecosystem, thereby promoting plant health and resistance to diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105891"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105890
Silin Chen , Siyu Chen , Jianfeng Liu , Fangling Xu , Maofa Yang , Chengxu Wu , Runa Zhao
Ectoparasitic mites can significantly influence host insect populations by altering their growth, reproduction, and survival. This study investigates the density-dependent effects of Pyemotes zhonghuajia (Yu, Zhang & He) (Prostigmata: Pyemotidae) parasitism on the life history traits and population dynamics of Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fahraeus, 1839) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). Using a two-sex life table approach, we analyzed the impact of different P. zhonghuajia densities (5, 10, and 20 mites per host) on both parental and offspring generations. The results showed that low-density parasitism (5 mites) significantly reduced parental fecundity (from 25.310 to 13.220 eggs/female) and suppressed offspring population growth (R0 reduced to 0.203), likely due to maternal effects. Under high-density mite parasitism (10 and 20 mites), parental adults exhibit extended longevity, delayed maturation, and suppressed reproduction, while the offspring show a partial restoration of reproductive potential. The findings suggest that P. zhonghuajia parasitism disrupts M. dorsalis population dynamics through density-dependent and intergenerational effects, offering insights into its potential as a biocontrol agent.
{"title":"Density-dependent transgenerational effects of Pyemotes zhonghuajia parasitism on the Megabruchidius dorsalis","authors":"Silin Chen , Siyu Chen , Jianfeng Liu , Fangling Xu , Maofa Yang , Chengxu Wu , Runa Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105890","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105890","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ectoparasitic mites can significantly influence host insect populations by altering their growth, reproduction, and survival. This study investigates the density-dependent effects of <em>Pyemotes zhonghuajia</em> (Yu, Zhang & He) (Prostigmata: Pyemotidae) parasitism on the life history traits and population dynamics of <em>Megabruchidius dorsalis</em> (Fahraeus, 1839) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). Using a two-sex life table approach, we analyzed the impact of different <em>P. zhonghuajia</em> densities (5, 10, and 20 mites per host) on both parental and offspring generations. The results showed that low-density parasitism (5 mites) significantly reduced parental fecundity (from 25.310 to 13.220 eggs/female) and suppressed offspring population growth (<em>R<sub>0</sub></em> reduced to 0.203), likely due to maternal effects. Under high-density mite parasitism (10 and 20 mites), parental adults exhibit extended longevity, delayed maturation, and suppressed reproduction, while the offspring show a partial restoration of reproductive potential. The findings suggest that <em>P. zhonghuajia</em> parasitism disrupts <em>M. dorsalis</em> population dynamics through density-dependent and intergenerational effects, offering insights into its potential as a biocontrol agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105890"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145046563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105889
Amber R. Stiller , Kevin D. Chase , Jeremy D. Slone , Caitlin A. Littlejohn , Isabel M. Márez , Samuel F. Ward
Urban plantings are often faced with herbivorous pest outbreaks and thus require extensive management regimes to protect plant health. Scale insects are common landscape pests that are frequently controlled with various insecticides. However, off-target effects and subsequent restrictions of certain pesticides have created uncertainty in management options for some scale insects. Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) is a non-native scale that is most easily controlled with neonicotinoids, in part because cultural methods and resident natural enemies have provided insufficient control in many contexts. Therefore, the use of augmentative biological control (ABC) may be a potential management option against A. lagerstroemiae in the urban landscape. Here, we investigated the use of Rhyzobius lophanthae (Blaisdell) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysoperla rufilabris Burmeister (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) individually and in combination for use against A. lagerstroemiae in a two-year field study. We determined that R. lophanthae can reduce A. lagerstroemiae population growth when released as a single species and when netting is used to confine beetles to the plant. Chrysoperla rufilabris did not impact A. lagerstroemiae population growth regardless of density released. However, we identified several landscape factors that significantly increased A. lagerstroemiae population growth (e.g., ant attendance). Results presented here guide ABC application procedures relating to the timing, methodology, density, and frequency of releases that may be needed to successfully control A. lagerstroemiae. Further work investigating how R. lophanthae can be incorporated into an IPM program is needed to optimize A. lagerstroemiae management plans.
{"title":"Field evaluation of augmentative biological control as a management tool against an invading scale insect, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae)","authors":"Amber R. Stiller , Kevin D. Chase , Jeremy D. Slone , Caitlin A. Littlejohn , Isabel M. Márez , Samuel F. Ward","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105889","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105889","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban plantings are often faced with herbivorous pest outbreaks and thus require extensive management regimes to protect plant health. Scale insects are common landscape pests that are frequently controlled with various insecticides. However, off-target effects and subsequent restrictions of certain pesticides have created uncertainty in management options for some scale insects. <em>Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae</em> (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) is a non-native scale that is most easily controlled with neonicotinoids, in part because cultural methods and resident natural enemies have provided insufficient control in many contexts. Therefore, the use of augmentative biological control (ABC) may be a potential management option against <em>A. lagerstroemiae</em> in the urban landscape. Here, we investigated the use of <em>Rhyzobius lophanthae</em> (Blaisdell) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and <em>Chrysoperla rufilabris</em> Burmeister (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) individually and in combination for use against <em>A. lagerstroemiae</em> in a two-year field study. We determined that <em>R. lophanthae</em> can reduce <em>A. lagerstroemiae</em> population growth when released as a single species and when netting is used to confine beetles to the plant. <em>Chrysoperla rufilabris</em> did not impact <em>A. lagerstroemiae</em> population growth regardless of density released<em>.</em> However, we identified several landscape factors that significantly increased <em>A. lagerstroemiae</em> population growth (e.g., ant attendance). Results presented here guide ABC application procedures relating to the timing, methodology, density, and frequency of releases that may be needed to successfully control <em>A. lagerstroemiae.</em> Further work investigating how <em>R. lophanthae</em> can be incorporated into an IPM program is needed to optimize <em>A. lagerstroemiae</em> management plans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105889"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145046562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-04DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105878
Maitreyee Sarma , Yasmín Zorrilla-Fontanesi , Subbaraya Uma , Herve Vanderschuren , Rony Swennen , Barbara De Coninck
The hemibiotrophic, soil-borne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense TR4 (Foc TR4) poses a major threat to global banana production, with no effective management method currently available. Therefore, the identification of eco-friendly strategies to mitigate Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB) is crucial. Biological control organisms (BCOs), like Trichoderma spp., can directly suppress pathogen growth and enhance plant defense responses, thereby improving crop yields. Two commercial Trichoderma asperellum strains, TRC900 and T34, were tested for their efficacy in reducing FWB symptoms in two Cavendish banana cultivars (cvs.), ‘Valery’ and ‘Grand Naine’. In vitro bioassays showed both strains inhibited Foc TR4 mycelial growth by 40%. Inoculation of ‘Valery’ with TRC900 significantly reduced FWB symptoms when applied in the same pot as Foc TR4, while T34 did not. In ‘Valery’, TRC900 also reduced symptoms in a split-root setup, suggesting that TRC900 triggers induced resistance (IR). In ‘Grand Naine’, neither strain reduced disease symptoms. Both strains were also assessed for their ability to promote banana plant growth in absence of Foc TR4. In ‘Valery’, both strains significantly increased plant growth, while in ‘Grand Naine’, TRC900 reduced growth and T34 had minimal effect. Plant defense responses and growth promotion by T. asperellum were influenced by both the banana cultivar and the Trichoderma strain. Root colonization bioassays indicated TRC900 was more efficient in colonizing ‘Valery’ roots, suggesting that biocontrol effect could be attributed to enhanced colonization. These findings highlight how a single BCO can elicit different responses in closely-related cvs., influencing the outcome of plant-BCO-pathogen interactions.
{"title":"Suppression of Fusarium wilt in banana and growth promotion by the beneficial fungus Trichoderma asperellum TRC900 is cultivar-dependent","authors":"Maitreyee Sarma , Yasmín Zorrilla-Fontanesi , Subbaraya Uma , Herve Vanderschuren , Rony Swennen , Barbara De Coninck","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105878","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105878","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The hemibiotrophic, soil-borne fungal pathogen <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> f.sp. <em>cubense</em> TR4 (<em>Foc</em> TR4) poses a major threat to global banana production, with no effective management method currently available. Therefore, the identification of eco-friendly strategies to mitigate Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB) is crucial. Biological control organisms (BCOs), like <em>Trichoderma</em> spp., can directly suppress pathogen growth and enhance plant defense responses, thereby improving crop yields. Two commercial <em>Trichoderma asperellum</em> strains, TRC900 and T34, were tested for their efficacy in reducing FWB symptoms in two Cavendish banana cultivars (cvs.), ‘Valery’ and ‘Grand Naine’. <em>In vitro</em> bioassays showed both strains inhibited <em>Foc</em> TR4 mycelial growth by 40%. Inoculation of ‘Valery’ with TRC900 significantly reduced FWB symptoms when applied in the same pot as <em>Foc</em> TR4, while T34 did not. In ‘Valery’, TRC900 also reduced symptoms in a split-root setup, suggesting that TRC900 triggers induced resistance (IR). In ‘Grand Naine’, neither strain reduced disease symptoms. Both strains were also assessed for their ability to promote banana plant growth in absence of <em>Foc</em> TR4. In ‘Valery’, both strains significantly increased plant growth, while in ‘Grand Naine’, TRC900 reduced growth and T34 had minimal effect. Plant defense responses and growth promotion by <em>T. asperellum</em> were influenced by both the banana cultivar and the <em>Trichoderma</em> strain. Root colonization bioassays indicated TRC900 was more efficient in colonizing ‘Valery’ roots, suggesting that biocontrol effect could be attributed to enhanced colonization. These findings highlight how a single BCO can elicit different responses in closely-related cvs., influencing the outcome of plant-BCO-pathogen interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105878"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145106195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Popillia japonica is an invasive, polyphagous beetle feeding on more than 400 host plants and responsible for major crop damage in infested regions in North America, northern Italy and southern Switzerland. Currently, control of P. japonica largely relies on synthetic insecticides. Recently, Beauveria pseudobassiana has been described as the dominant pathogen on Melolontha melolontha adults, a native scarabaeoid relative of P. japonica. B. pseudobassiana has been detected on several insect species, in soil but also on plant leaves indicating its adaptation to environmental conditions above ground.
We evaluated survival of P. japonica adults and larvae exposed to four strains of B. pseudobassiana (ART 2881, ART 2882, ART 2883, ART 2884) and a M. brunneum strain (Ma 43), registered as control agent against several Scarabaeidae species in Europe. All the fungal strains led to a significant three-to-five-fold reduction in the median survival of P. japonica adults, when dipped in conidia suspensions or exposed to fungus inoculated leaves, while ART 2884 was in both tests the most virulent strain. In contrast, none of the fungal isolates reduced larval survival, with mortality rates of 2–8 % after 70 days. From field-collected beetles, we obtained natural Beauveria isolates, some of which were identified as B. pseudobassiana, indicating a possible role of the fungus in natural infection scenarios. The high in vitro virulence of B. pseudobassiana together with its competence for above ground conditions and occurrence on P. japonica in the field indicates potential of this fungus as biological control agent (BCA) against adult P. japonica.
{"title":"Pathogenicity of the fungus Beauveria pseudobassiana for Popillia japonica depends on the developmental stage of the insect","authors":"Noëmi Küng , Sara Boschi , Franco Widmer , Jürg Enkerli","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105887","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105887","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Popillia japonica</em> is an invasive, polyphagous beetle feeding on more than 400 host plants and responsible for major crop damage in infested regions in North America, northern Italy and southern Switzerland. Currently, control of <em>P. japonica</em> largely relies on synthetic insecticides. Recently, <em>Beauveria pseudobassiana</em> has been described as the dominant pathogen on <em>Melolontha melolontha</em> adults, a native scarabaeoid relative of <em>P. japonica</em>. <em>B. pseudobassiana</em> has been detected on several insect species, in soil but also on plant leaves indicating its adaptation to environmental conditions above ground.</div><div>We evaluated survival of <em>P. japonica</em> adults and larvae exposed to four strains of <em>B. pseudobassiana</em> (ART 2881, ART 2882, ART 2883, ART 2884) and a <em>M. brunneum</em> strain (Ma 43), registered as control agent against several Scarabaeidae species in Europe. All the fungal strains led to a significant three-to-five-fold reduction in the median survival of <em>P. japonica</em> adults, when dipped in conidia suspensions or exposed to fungus inoculated leaves, while ART 2884 was in both tests the most virulent strain. In contrast, none of the fungal isolates reduced larval survival, with mortality rates of 2–8 % after 70 days. From field-collected beetles, we obtained natural <em>Beauveria</em> isolates, some of which were identified as <em>B. pseudobassiana</em>, indicating a possible role of the fungus in natural infection scenarios. The high <em>in vitro</em> virulence of <em>B. pseudobassiana</em> together with its competence for above ground conditions and occurrence on <em>P. japonica</em> in the field indicates potential of this fungus as biological control agent (BCA) against adult <em>P. japonica.</em></div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105887"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145155729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-03DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105888
Marcelo Tavares de Castro , Antônia Débora Camila de Lima Ferreira , Izabela Nunes do Nascimento , Gabriela Teodoro Rocha , Ítalo Alves Freire , Giovana Cidade Gomes , Breno Beda dos Reis Cunha , Sandro Coelho Linhares Montalvão , Flávia Melo Moreira , Rosiane Andrade da Costa , Rose Gomes Monnerat
Bacillus velezensis is a species of gram-positive spore-forming bacteria that has gained prominence in agricultural use, especially to control fungi and phytopathogenic nematodes. This work aimed to: i) carry out the morphological, molecular, biochemical and physiological characterization of a Brazilian B. velezensis strain (SBB80); ii) evaluate its antagonistic potential against eight isolates of Fusarium spp. and two of Neocosmospora spp.; iii) and determine its toxic effect on larvae of six insect pests from the order Lepidoptera. As a result, the SBB80 strain was able to synthesize siderophores, antimicrobial lipopeptides as surfactin and fengycin, exopolysaccharides at 28 °C, and the enzymes protease, lipase, cellulase, catalase and phosphatase, inhibiting the growth of the eight Fusarium isolates (51.01 % to 61.82 % inhibition), the two Neocosmospora isolates (57.84 % and 73.80 % inhibition), and control Diatraea saccharalis caterpillars (77.08 % mortality) after 7 days. These results show that the B. velezensis SBB80 strain has great potential to be used in the field for the management of pests and diseases and greenhouse and field studies must be conducted to validate its efficiency.
{"title":"Bacillus velezensis SBB80 affects the development of Fusarium and Neocosmospora species and controls Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae","authors":"Marcelo Tavares de Castro , Antônia Débora Camila de Lima Ferreira , Izabela Nunes do Nascimento , Gabriela Teodoro Rocha , Ítalo Alves Freire , Giovana Cidade Gomes , Breno Beda dos Reis Cunha , Sandro Coelho Linhares Montalvão , Flávia Melo Moreira , Rosiane Andrade da Costa , Rose Gomes Monnerat","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105888","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105888","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Bacillus velezensis</em> is a species of gram-positive spore-forming bacteria that has gained prominence in agricultural use, especially to control fungi and phytopathogenic nematodes. This work aimed to: i) carry out the morphological, molecular, biochemical and physiological characterization of a Brazilian <em>B. velezensis</em> strain (SBB80); ii) evaluate its antagonistic potential against eight isolates of <em>Fusarium</em> spp. and two of <em>Neocosmospora</em> spp.; iii) and determine its toxic effect on larvae of six insect pests from the order Lepidoptera. As a result, the SBB80 strain was able to synthesize siderophores, antimicrobial lipopeptides as surfactin and fengycin, exopolysaccharides at 28 °C, and the enzymes protease, lipase, cellulase, catalase and phosphatase, inhibiting the growth of the eight <em>Fusarium</em> isolates (51.01 % to 61.82 % inhibition), the two <em>Neocosmospora</em> isolates (57.84 % and 73.80 % inhibition), and control <em>Diatraea saccharalis</em> caterpillars (77.08 % mortality) after 7 days. These results show that the <em>B. velezensis</em> SBB80 strain has great potential to be used in the field for the management of pests and diseases and greenhouse and field studies must be conducted to validate its efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105888"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-31DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105879
Angela Studer , Linda Näpflin , Philippe Jeanneret , Katja Jacot
Flower strips (FS) enhance predators that can help regulate aphids. In sugar beet crops, early-season aphid populations can spread viruses, so timely FS resources are key to attract aphid predators to reduce virus transmission. This study aims to identify the optimal FS type(s) for supporting aphid antagonists in early spring, track their abundances in the different FS types, and analyze the landscape factors influencing antagonist presence.
We selected three different seed mixtures, each sown on 10 sugar beet fields managed without insecticides. FS types were compared to sugar beet strips in fields without insecticides, and conventionally managed fields, both served as controls. We assessed the strips by counting flowers and collecting insects with a sweep net in mid-April, early May, and early June.
Autumn-sown annual and second-year perennial FS produced greater and earlier flower volumes than other treatments. Over time, the flower compositions of these two FS types also became increasingly distinct from each other. Aphid antagonists were more abundant in these FS types compared to spring-sown annual FS and controls. Hoverfly communities differed between autumn-sown and perennial FS. Braconidae were positively linked to forest cover within 500 m, while hoverflies showed a negative association with forest at the 2000 m scale.
Overall, autumn-sown annual and perennial FS are better suited for conservation biocontrol of aphids in sugar beet systems than spring-sown annual FS. Hoverfly composition differences may lead to variation in aphid suppression. From a landscape perspective, forested areas near fields within otherwise open landscapes are important in supporting beneficial insects.
{"title":"Enhancing natural enemies in sugar beet fields: The impact of flower strip types and landscape elements","authors":"Angela Studer , Linda Näpflin , Philippe Jeanneret , Katja Jacot","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105879","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105879","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flower strips (FS) enhance predators that can help regulate aphids. In sugar beet crops, early-season aphid populations can spread viruses, so timely FS resources are key to attract aphid predators to reduce virus transmission. This study aims to identify the optimal FS type(s) for supporting aphid antagonists in early spring, track their abundances in the different FS types, and analyze the landscape factors influencing antagonist presence.</div><div>We selected three different seed mixtures, each sown on 10 sugar beet fields managed without insecticides. FS types were compared to sugar beet strips in fields without insecticides, and conventionally managed fields, both served as controls. We assessed the strips by counting flowers and collecting insects with a sweep net in mid-April, early May, and early June.</div><div>Autumn-sown annual and second-year perennial FS produced greater and earlier flower volumes than other treatments. Over time, the flower compositions of these two FS types also became increasingly distinct from each other. Aphid antagonists were more abundant in these FS types compared to spring-sown annual FS and controls. Hoverfly communities differed between autumn-sown and perennial FS. Braconidae were positively linked to forest cover within 500 m, while hoverflies showed a negative association with forest at the 2000 m scale.</div><div>Overall, autumn-sown annual and perennial FS are better suited for conservation biocontrol of aphids in sugar beet systems than spring-sown annual FS. Hoverfly composition differences may lead to variation in aphid suppression. From a landscape perspective, forested areas near fields within otherwise open landscapes are important in supporting beneficial insects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105879"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-29DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105876
Yiming Zhang , Minyan Song , Shiliu Zhu , Yehua Si
In recent years, strawberry red–stele root rot has caused significant economic losses for growers in northern Zhejiang, China. Isolates were identified using morphological traits and molecular biological analysis,Koch’s postulates was established by re-isolation of strains from the inoculated roots. Biological characteristics were determined, and fungicide sensitivity was assessed in vitro with the mycelial–growth‐rate assay. Two species—Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani—were confirmed as the main pathogens causing strawberry red–stele root rot. For both fungi, optimal mycelial growth occurred at 25 °C under a 12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod; the optimal pH values were 7.0 for F. oxysporum and 6.0 for F. solani. Optimal conidial production for F. oxysporum was observed at 25 °C, pH 7.0, and 24 h light, whereas F. solani sporulated best at 30 °C under a 12 h light/12 h dark cycle. In vitro, 300 million spores/g Trichoderma harzianum and 0.3 % matrine emulsifiable concentrate (EC) strongly inhibited pathogens, the EC50 values of 300 million spores/g Trichoderma harzianum for F. oxysporum and F. solani are 6.42 ± 1.40 mg L−1 and 8.58 ± 2.39 mg L−1, respectively, while the EC50 values of 0.3 % matrine for F. oxysporum and F. solani are 2.50 ± 1.31 mg L−1 and 0.73 ± 0.21 mg L−1, respectively.Field efficacy tests showed that 300 million spores/g Trichoderma harzianum and 0.3 % matrine EC provided the best control effect, both reducing disease incidence to 35.00 %, lowering the disease index to 27.67 and 26.33, and achieving a controlled efficacy of 63.59 and 65.36 %, These findings clarify the etiology of strawberry red–stele root rot in northern Zhejiang and offer practical guidance for its diagnosis and control.
近年来，草莓赤柱根腐病给浙江北部的草莓种植者造成了巨大的经济损失。通过形态学特征和分子生物学分析鉴定分离株，通过从接种根中重新分离菌株，建立了科赫假设。测定了生物特性，并用菌丝生长速率法评估了体外杀菌剂的敏感性。结果表明，草莓红柱根腐病的主要病原菌为尖孢镰刀菌（fusarium oxysporum）和番茄镰刀菌（F. solani）。这两种真菌的最佳菌丝生长条件均为25℃、光照12 h /暗光照12 h；尖孢镰刀菌的最适pH值为7.0，茄灰镰刀菌的最适pH值为6.0。在25°C、pH 7.0、光照24 h条件下，尖孢镰刀菌孢子产量最佳，而茄孢镰刀菌孢子产量在30°C、光照12 h /暗循环12 h条件下最佳。在体外，3亿个孢子/g哈茨木霉和0.3%苦参碱乳化浓缩液（EC）对病原菌有较强的抑制作用，3亿个孢子/g哈茨木霉对尖孢木霉和茄茄木霉的EC50值分别为6.42±1.40 mg L−1和8.58±2.39 mg L−1,0.3%苦参碱对尖孢木霉和茄茄木霉的EC50值分别为2.50±1.31 mg L−1和0.73±0.21 mg L−1。田间药效试验结果表明，施用3亿孢子/g哈茨木霉和0.3%苦参碱EC防治效果最佳，可使病害发病率降低35.00%，使病害指数降低27.67和26.33，防治效果分别达到63.59和65.36%。研究结果明确了浙北草莓红根腐病的病因，为该病的诊断和防治提供了实践指导。
{"title":"Comprehensive analysis of Fusarium spp. associated with red stele root rot of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) in northern Zhejiang, China","authors":"Yiming Zhang , Minyan Song , Shiliu Zhu , Yehua Si","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105876","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105876","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, strawberry red–stele root rot has caused significant economic losses for growers in northern Zhejiang, China. Isolates were identified using morphological traits and molecular biological analysis,Koch’s postulates was established by re-isolation of strains from the inoculated roots. Biological characteristics were determined, and fungicide sensitivity was assessed <em>in vitro</em> with the mycelial–growth‐rate assay. Two species—<em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> and <em>F. solani</em>—were confirmed as the main pathogens causing strawberry red–stele root rot. For both fungi, optimal mycelial growth occurred at 25 °C under a 12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod; the optimal pH values were 7.0 for <em>F. oxysporum</em> and 6.0 for <em>F. solani</em>. Optimal conidial production for <em>F. oxysporum</em> was observed at 25 °C, pH 7.0, and 24 h light, whereas <em>F. solani</em> sporulated best at 30 °C under a 12 h light/12 h dark cycle. <em>In vitro</em>, 300 million spores/g <em>Trichoderma harzianum</em> and 0.3 % matrine emulsifiable concentrate (EC) strongly inhibited pathogens, the EC<sub>50</sub> values of 300 million spores/g <em>Trichoderma harzianum</em> for <em>F. oxysporum</em> and <em>F. solani</em> are 6.42 ± 1.40 mg L<sup>−1</sup> and 8.58 ± 2.39 mg L<sup>−1</sup>, respectively, while the EC<sub>50</sub> values of 0.3 % matrine for <em>F. oxysporum</em> and <em>F. solani</em> are 2.50 ± 1.31 mg L<sup>−1</sup> and 0.73 ± 0.21 mg L<sup>−1</sup>, respectively.Field efficacy tests showed that 300 million spores/g <em>Trichoderma harzianum</em> and 0.3 % matrine EC provided the best control effect, both reducing disease incidence to 35.00 %, lowering the disease index to 27.67 and 26.33, and achieving a controlled efficacy of 63.59 and 65.36 %, These findings clarify the etiology of strawberry red–stele root rot in northern Zhejiang and offer practical guidance for its diagnosis and control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105876"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144934160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Determining factors that affect pest predation by natural enemies is essential for designing cropping systems that promote conservation biological control. Predation of sentinel prey has become an increasingly popular measure of predator activity for comparing fields with differing characteristics of interest. However, many different sentinel prey exist, and such studies rarely examine how the specific prey used influences their conclusions, especially in perennial crops. We compared the ability of four sentinel prey, placed either in the tree canopy (eggs of two Lepidoptera, Cydia pomonella and Ephestia kuehniella, and aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum) or on the ground (aphids, A. pisum, and seeds of Viola arvensis), to differentiate between organic and conventional apple orchards. Furthermore, we assessed whether their predation depended on weather conditions during field exposure. We monitored predation of these sentinel prey during two field sessions (April and May) over nine years in 14 apple orchards. Predation of aphids exposed for 24 h on the ground was always high. Predation of all other prey, except seeds, was higher in organic than in conventional orchards, particularly during the April field session. Additionally, the predation of seeds, and to a lesser extent of aphids, was influenced by weather conditions during exposure. Ephestia eggs emerged as a suitable choice for comparing predation by generalist predators among orchards, as they were easy to handle and their predation rates were positively correlated with those of aphids exposed in the tree canopy. Codling moth eggs displayed a somewhat different predation pattern and could be a valuable complement.
{"title":"Sentinel prey settings differ in their ability to distinguish organic from conventional apple orchards and in their sensitivity to weather conditions during field exposure","authors":"Claire Lavigne, Bertrand Gauffre, Cécile Thomas, Jean-Charles Bouvier, Xavier Said, Filipa Knapen, Jérôme Olivares, Alexis Cavazzini, Pierre Franck","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105875","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105875","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Determining factors that affect pest predation by natural enemies is essential for designing cropping systems that promote conservation biological control. Predation of sentinel prey has become an increasingly popular measure of predator activity for comparing fields with differing characteristics of interest. However, many different sentinel prey exist, and such studies rarely examine how the specific prey used influences their conclusions, especially in perennial crops. We compared the ability of four sentinel prey, placed either in the tree canopy (eggs of two Lepidoptera, <em>Cydia pomonella</em> and <em>Ephestia kuehniella</em>, and aphids, <em>Acyrthosiphon pisum</em>) or on the ground (aphids, <em>A. pisum</em>, and seeds of <em>Viola arvensis</em>), to differentiate between organic and conventional apple orchards. Furthermore, we assessed whether their predation depended on weather conditions during field exposure. We monitored predation of these sentinel prey during two field sessions (April and May) over nine years in 14 apple orchards. Predation of aphids exposed for 24 h on the ground was always high. Predation of all other prey, except seeds, was higher in organic than in conventional orchards, particularly during the April field session. Additionally, the predation of seeds, and to a lesser extent of aphids, was influenced by weather conditions during exposure. <em>Ephestia</em> eggs emerged as a suitable choice for comparing predation by generalist predators among orchards, as they were easy to handle and their predation rates were positively correlated with those of aphids exposed in the tree canopy. Codling moth eggs displayed a somewhat different predation pattern and could be a valuable complement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"210 ","pages":"Article 105875"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144989801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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