ABSTRACT Sublethal effects of a spirotetramat insecticide on life history traits and population growth of two local Serbian populations (Bujanovac and Negotin) and one commercial Dutch population (the Dutch strain) of Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymen.: Aphelinidae) were evaluated in laboratory bioassays. Median lethal concentrations of spirotetramat estimated in the acute toxicity bioassay with adults

(2021). Editorial. Biocontrol Science and Technology. Ahead of Print.

ABSTRACT The whitefly Aleurodicus cocois is one of the main pests of cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. in Brazil. The use of essential oils and their constituents is an alternative means of controlling pests with low risk to natural enemies. In the present study, the chemical profile and toxicity of a mixture of the essential oils of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) and Cymbopogon winterianum Jowitt

ABSTRACT The compatibility of Isaria fumosorosea IF-1106 with 12 commercial pesticide adjuvants was evaluated using the predictive parameter SC90 (the adjuvant concentration at which 90% of conidia survived). Based on the SC90 values and the functionalities of the adjuvants used, two conidial wettable powder formulations of IF-1106 were formulated. Our results indicated that SC90 values can be used

ABSTRACT The prevention and control of strawberry grey mould are typically done via the traditional application of fungicides or spraying of fungal spores. However, the exploitation of honeybees for dissemination of biocontrol agents during pollination is more environment-friendly. To evaluate the feasibility of this novel strategy in dispersing fungal spores on strawberry plants, we first investigated

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Y1 on the control of grey mould disease caused by Botrytis cinerea and subsequent growth promotion of strawberry. Strain Y1 strongly inhibited mycelial growth of B. cinerea on different media with the highest inhibition of 61.22% on V8 juice agar medium. The higher the bacterial culture filtrate (BCF) concentration

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the biological control of nematodes in young ewes receiving the fungi Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001) and Monacrosporium thaumasium (NF34) orally. The subjects were 40 Texel sheep, all female, between 12 and 24 months of age. At the beginning of the experiment, all animals received an oral dose of ivermectin. After 14 days, the animals were

ABSTRACT Gummosis (Phytophthora root and crown rot) is an important and destructive disease that affects fruit trees like pistachio (Pistacia vera L.). Although many studies have been performed on the possibility of biological control of gummosis, up to now few studies have been done on transcriptionally induced resistance genes in pistachio against Phytophthora disease. In the present research, the

ABSTRACT Root and rust rot are common fungal diseases that decrease both the yield and quality of ginseng, resulting in severe economic losses for the ginseng industry. In this study, we explored the bacteriostatic and greenhouse control effects that the actinomycetes strain Frankia F1, extracted from the ginseng-rhizosphere soil, has on the pathogenic fungi that cause ginseng root rot (Fusarium solani)

ABSTRACT Native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia, Iris pseudacorus L. (Iridaceae) has invaded natural and human-modified wetlands worldwide. This species is considered a noxious weed in several countries including Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. Its broad ecological tolerance, high resilience and reproductive potential make current mechanical and chemical control measures cost-ineffective

ABSTRACT Monoecious and dioecious forms of the submerged aquatic plant hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae) are invasive weeds in the United States. Monoecious hydrilla is expanding northward and the existing biological control agents are not controlling it effectively. Results of fine-scale genetic identification of plants and herbivores matched the invasive US monoecious hydrilla genotype

ABSTRACT Soil samples collected from different fruit orchards of Karnataka were used for isolation of Streptomyces spp. and all the isolates were screened for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits including phytohormones production viz. indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3), nutrient (phosphate and zinc) solubilisation, siderophore production, enzyme activities (cellulase, tannase

ABSTRACT Assessment was conducted to determine the occurrence and estimate parasitism rates of hymenopteran and dipteran parasitoids on Cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in chickpea growing districts of Ethiopia. Larval parasitoids of tachinid species Drino sp., Goniophthalmus halli, Linnaemya cf. longirostris, Pimelimyia sp., and ichneumonid species, Charops sp

ABSTRACT Biological and behavioural characteristics of Diaeretiella rapae were studied in a laboratory using Lipaphis erysimi as a host. The total developmental period of the parasitoid was longer in early instars as compared to that in later instars. Host age at the time of oviposition affected the oviposition period, post-oviposition period and fecundity of the parasitoid. Survival of the immatures

ABSTRACT Disease-suppressive soil refers to soil in which the incidence or severity of plant diseases is lower than the general environment or the surrounding soil, and this inhibitory effect is attributed to diverse microbes. In this study, bacteria from suppressive soil were cultured, and preliminarily identification was made based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, and the nematocidal activity was evaluated

ABSTRACT Entomopathogenic fungi are widely distributed and well described within the fungal kingdom. Different species of fungi belonging to the Genus Cordyceps are well known pest control agents. This study reports the isolation, characterisation as well as virulence of six fungal isolates belonging to three different species of Cordyceps genus including three C. farinosa isolates; two C. fumosorosea

ABSTRACT Fusarium culmorum (W.G. Sm.) Sacc. is the main causal agent of wheat crown rot in Algeria, which affects the yield and seed quality due to the presence of mycotoxins. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of the biocontrol agent Trichoderma atroviride (Ta.13) P. Karsten on the antioxidant enzymes activities (peroxidase and catalase), as well as on phenolic and protein content of three

ABSTRACT Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) infect insects and reproduce within the host cadaver. The nematodes use chemotaxis to assist in host-finding. However, the chemotaxis of nematode species in response to insects previously infected by con- and hetero-specific EPN in a sand context has rarely been reported. Our aim was to address the response of Steinernema carpocapsae All (Sc) to Galleria mellonella

ABSTRACT Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most destructive invasive pests of tomato worldwide. To improve biological control of T. absoluta, we studied the functional response of Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to T. absoluta. Under laboratory conditions, N. formosa parasitised and host-fed on the first three larval instars, while the fourth

ABSTRACT Avena fatua L. is the most persistent weed faced by Chinese farmers, and it accounts for serious losses in several cereal crops. To study the effects of secondary metabolites of microorganisms on A. fatua, experiments were conducted on their herbicidal activity both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, a total of nine strains were isolated from saline–alkaline soil. Among these, the inhibitory

ABSTRACT We report in this study the evaluation of Moroccan plant growth promoting (PGP) Streptomyces spp. capacities to control pea root rot caused by Aphanomyces euteiches. Actinobacteria isolates were tested against A. euteiches under greenhouse conditions. Individual treatments of pea plants cultivated in either perlite or soil with three isolates reduced significantly disease symptom index (DSI)

ABSTRACT Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. is a widely distributed pathogen in avocado crops. Root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi decreases the yield and growers are to establish new productive areas in order to meet demand which in turn is causing the loss of native forests. Therefore, sustainable production of avocado is only possible by addressing yield issues and the efficient use of lands. In

ABSTRACT The oral application of chlamydospores of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans allows reducing the number of infective larvae (L3) in faeces and decreases the infectivity of the pastures of gastrointestinal nematodes. There are differences in the literature about the quantity of chlamydospores required for the reduction of L3 and there is little data about the importance of the concentration

ABSTRACT Delia radium is a root-feeding pest of cole crops. In California, the biocontrol agents associated with D. radicum are not well understood. Soil samples and sentinel pupae were used to assess D. radicum densities and associated beneficial insects present in cauliflower fields. Delia radicum parasitoids collected from soil samples included Aleochara bilineata (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) and

ABSTRACT Cladosporium omanense has been recently described as a novel endophytic fungus from Zygophyllum coccineum in the desert habitat of Oman. The ability of this fungus to suppress Pythium aphanidermatum, the cause of cucumber and radish damping-off disease, was investigated. In vitro results showed effective suppression of P. aphanidermatum by C. omanense, producing an inhibition zone of 3.67 mm

ABSTRACT Drosophila suzukii is a global pest of ripening fruit, and its immature stages developing in fallen fruit are susceptible to entomopathogenic nematodes. In this study, Steinernema riobrave, was as effective as other tested nematodes, killing 80–100% of D. suzukii larvae in sand at 24 and 28°C. Combining Heterorhabditis bacteriophora with S. riobrave did not increase mortality rates compared

ABSTRACT The cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, used as the principal food source for livestock in arid and semi-arid regions of Brazil, is being threatened by cochineal scale, Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell. The potential of entomopathogenic isolates of Fusarium caatingaense Santos, Lima, Tiago & Oliveira to control this pest has been reported. The objective of this study was to select suitable

ABSTRACT Earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth) is a fast-growing, evergreen tree from Australia that was introduced into the United States as an ornamental plant, but it has become a serious plant invader in Florida, USA. Spread of this invasive tree has accelerated in recent years and current control efforts do not meet conservation or land management needs. Our objective was to

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the influence of alternate insects hosts Mahanarva spectabilis and Galleria mellonella on the efficacy the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis baujardi isolate LPP7, for Rhipicephalus microplus control. In the first experiment, engorged R. microplus females were exposed to entomopathogenic nematode H. baujardi LPP7 with or without the presence of M. spectabilis

ABSTRACT The entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema riobrave is under evaluation for eradication of the southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus microplus infesting nilgai antelope, in South Texas. Previous lab trials have shown that S. riobrave is effective against R. microplus. Remotely operated field sprayers have been developed to directly treat nilgai as they transit fence crossings. Mist from

ABSTRACT Tamarix species are major terrestrial riparian invaders in South Africa. The biocontrol agent, Diorhabda carinulata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), was tested as the initial candidate agent in South Africa due to its success against invasive Tamarix in North America. The ability of Tamarix to grow across a broad soil salinity gradient may affect its suitability as a host for D. carinulata, and

ABSTRACT Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a biocontrol bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa CF05 were evaluated for antifungal effects against Rhizopus stolonifer, an important pathogen causing postharvest fruit rot. The aerial mycelial growth and sporangia production of R. stolonifer was inhibited after exposure to the bacterial VOCs. Moreover, bacterial VOCs exhibited effective inhibition on Rhizopus

ABSTRACT Some botanical extracts affect the cellular immune system of insects by interfering with normal hemocyte function. This gives rise to diminution in cellular immunity and causes a decrease in insect defense. This investigation evaluated the effect of acetonic (AcEDv) and methanolic (MeEDv) extracts of Dodonaea viscosa (1000, 2000, and 4000 ppm) on the total hemocyte count (THC) present in the

ABSTRACT Rust rot and root rot of ginseng are common soil-borne diseases with an annual incidence of 20–50%. Here, a strain of Streptomyces werraensis, F3, isolated from ginseng rhizosphere was evaluated for its antifungal activity against ginseng root rot and rust rot-causing pathogens and for its growth-promoting properties. To further assess the potential agricultural use of F3, a pot experiment

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to (i) determine the distribution of endophytes in selected genotypes, growth stages and parts of maize; (ii) evaluate the larvicidal effect of the endophytes against the spotted stem borer Chilo partellus and (iii) determine the level of colonisation of maize by endophytes. Compared with hybrid and landrace maize, open pollinated variety (OPV) maize exhibited a relatively

ABSTRACT Symbiotic-based pest management strategies are promising but require previous knowledge on the microbial community structure and on key microorganisms. Highly specialised pests, as the monophagous olive moth, are likely to have co-evolved microbiota that aid in overcoming specific plant defences that have emerged from the tight insect-plant interaction. Here we report a first attempt to identify

ABSTRACT Onion basal rot is the most destructive disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (FOC) for onion growing regions of the world. To control this disease, biological control agents 287 phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) were isolated from 43 onion rhizosphere soil samples. The value on the phosphate solubilisation index (SI) of the PSB was calculated to be in the range of 1.2–5.5

ABSTRACT A three-year survey of the ecology of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) and entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) was undertaken on soils from citrus orchards of different ages to determine the influence of orchard age on the ecology of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes. The influence of mulch and irrigation method on the occurrence of EPN and EPF was also determined. Most of the isolates recovered

ABSTRACT Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a safe insect biological control agent. Key to the implementation of EPNs as a biopesticide is their mass production in shake flasks and bioreactors. For commercial application, in vitro liquid culture is the predominant choice, due to the cost and scale of production, and to the ease of downstreaming. The in vitro liquid culture of EPNs begins in Erlenmeyer

ABSTRACT A pre-adaptation approach to osmotic stress was used to improve the colonisation and biocontrol capacity of Yarrowia lipolytica M18/3b on the apple under pre- and postharvest conditions. For this, M18/3b strain was cultured in an unmodified NYDB medium (0.996a w) or in different media with water stress (0.950–0.970a w) produced by the addition of NaCl, sorbitol, or glycerol and the impact

ABSTRACT Leaf blight is a primary disease that affects the medicinal plants Asarum spp. Although the disease is widespread and severe, its biological control has not been reported. In the present study, we aimed to determine the leaf blight-control effect of the fungus Penicillium janthinellum F1-6 exerts in Asarum sp. The changes in the expression of key genes related to induced resistance by P. janthinellum

ABSTRACT Nacobbus aberrans affects plants growth and development, and decreases the production of numerous horticultural crops. Several investigations have shown that symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizae can confer tolerance to pathogens through different action mechanisms, such as nutrient space competition and plant resistance induction. The aim of this study was to analyse the potential of three

ABSTRACT Isomelezitose (IMZ) is of interest as a potential osmoprotectant, but it has not been previously characterised even though the structurally similar trisaccharide melezitose has been previously shown to have excellent protective qualities. The recent discovery that sucrose can be converted to IMZ during glucansucrase reactions suggests that IMZ might become an economical choice as an osmoprotectant

ABSTRACT Biological control is a sustainable method of weed management because agents can establish persistent and self-dispersing populations on a landscape scale. Strategic releases are often conducted to accelerate the widespread dispersal and establishment of agents. Drones (unmanned aerial systems, UAS) could facilitate these releases, particularly in remote areas that are difficult or dangerous

ABSTRACT Anastrepha is one of the most species rich-genera of fruit flies in the order Diptera involving pest species of quarantine importance to Mexico. This study aimed to explore and analyze the natural parasitism associated with Anastrepha spp. in a Neotropical transition region from Mexico in the biosphere reserve ‘El Cielo,’ Tamaulipas, Mexico. Anastrepha was represented by Anastrepha fraterculus

ABSTRACT Dicyphus errans (Wolff) (Heteroptera: Miridae) is a biocontrol agent of small plant-sucking pests. The study was aimed to estimate its storage potential. Nymphs of the Italian strain were reared on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants and fed on eggs of the grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and bee-collected flower pollen under different photoperiodic/thermal/trophic

ABSTRACT Although the brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.) is susceptible to entomopathogenic fungi, only a single formulation is currently available on the Brazilian market for its control. The objective of this work was to isolate entomopathogenic fungi with potential to control E. heros, evaluate their virulence, and determine effective conidial concentrations. Thirty six different fungal isolates

ABSTRACT Within the framework of finding new biological control methods to suppress allergic effects of pine processionary moth (PPM), Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams, less toxic and environmentally friendly, entomopathogenic fungi and essential oils are considered to be an alternative to chemical insecticides. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of essential plant oils and two

(2020). The 2019 international congress on invertebrate pathology and microbial control (SIP-IOBC Joint Meeting) Biocontrol Science and Technology: Vol. 30, Microbial and Nematode Control of Invertebrate Pests: Special issue SIP/IOBC 2019., pp. 863-863.

Maize pre-cultivation was hypothesised to alleviate soil deterioration in replanted apple orchard, and this would be expected to be reflected in the nematode community in the soil. To test this hypothesis, soil parameters and nematode population composition were measured. Compared with replanted apple treatment, soil pH, soil organic matter, ammonium nitrogen and the available P and K content of the

Deroceras reticulatum also known as the Grey Field Slug is a serious agricultural and horticultural pest. Integrated pest management of D. reticulatum and other pest molluscs includes the use of chemical mollusicides, crop management practices and biological control. Research into the biology and control of D. reticulatum requires animals for experiments; however, collection of wild animals for these

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the mycoherbicidal potential of Alternaria alternata (Fries.) Kiessler on cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.), a noxious weed in Algeria. Conidial suspension, a rapeseed-oil-based liquid formulation and a sodium-alginate-based solid formulation, all with 106 conidia/ml, as well as the herbicide (Mustang®) at a reduced dose (0.45 L/ha) were compared. Inoculum was applied

ABSTRACT Multiple biological control agents have been developed and released to increase control and reduce treatment costs of Pontederia (Eichhornia) crassipes in Florida. Although two species of weevil (Neochetina eichhorniae and Neochetina bruchi) and the planthopper (Megamelus scutellaris) utilise P. crassipes for feeding and reproduction, little is known about their interactions including any

ABSTRACT Pepper wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, is an important disease of pepper in many regions of the world. A phosphate solubilising Trichoderma strain MHT1134 was selected from 76 isolates from the pepper rhizosphere as a potential biological control agent against wilt disease caused by F. oxysporum. The inhibitory rate of MHT1134 against F. oxysporum was 81.80%. MHT1134 was identified as

ABSTRACT In this work, we report the entomopathogenic potential of Akanthomyces muscarius LY72.14, a fungus isolated from a soil sample collected in the Southernmost sector of Las Yungas (Tucumán, Argentina) subtropical rainforest. The isolated fungus exhibited both pathogenicity and virulence in larvae, pupae and adults of the pestiferous fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus, ability that could then be

ABSTRACT Natural isolates coming from chemically untreated environmental samples can be a source of new nematocidal bacterial strains. Little is known about the abundance of such isolates; the diversity of nematocidal proteins that they produce, or how their nematocidal activity changes in a growth phase-dependent manner. In this study, a collection of 17 Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) natural isolates

ABSTRACT Outbreaks of stem and root rot disease of sweet potato caused by Dickeya dadantii recently occurred in major sweet potato planting areas in China. This study aimed to screen effective Bacillus strains in biocontrol of the bacterial soft rot pathogen. We screened plant-associated Bacillus strains capable of inhibiting D. dadantii using an in vitro overlay culture assay and an in vivo tuber

ABSTRACT Phlyctinus callosus (Schönherr) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), or the banded fruit weevil (BFW), causes damage to the fruits, leaves and roots of deciduous fruits and grapevines in the Western Cape province. The control of the BFW can be improved by means of combining entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The combination of commercial isolates of Beauveria bassiana

Postharvest loss of sweet pepper and other fresh produce is a major challenge throughout the world. The control of the loss of these valuable farm produce is primarily based on the use of synthetic fungicides. Nevertheless, there are concerns based on the impact of these chemicals on the environment and human health. Hence, call for a much safer and environmentally friendly alternative. Among the various

This study isolated and determined the functional characteristics of bacterial flora associated with mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) and their application as a bio-control agent. Second and fourth nymphal instars of the papaya mealybug were used for the isolation of the bacteria. These isolates were assessed for chitinolytic, protease, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities as well as mealybug