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Combined Biological and Chemical Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Oilseed Rape in the Era of Climate Change
This study investigates the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma asperellum and Coniothyrium minitans against the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes yield losses in many plants, including oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cultivation. This research emphasizes the promising alternative of hybrid control, specifically using T. asperellum and C. minitans in strategy with synthetic fungicides. In vitro experiments demonstrated that T. asperellum effectively inhibited S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth, especially when combined with synthetic fungicides such as azoxystrobin. Field trials conducted over two years revealed that pre-sowing applications of T. asperellum and C. minitans, followed by fungicide treatments during the flowering stage, significantly reduced plant infection rates and improved both yield and seed quality across different oilseed rape cultivars. The results indicated an efficacy range of 81% to 100% in controlling the pathogen and highlighted the synergistic effects of combining biological and chemical controls. Overall, the research findings support the integration of T. asperellum and C. minitans into sustainable agricultural practices for oilseed rape, offering a viable strategy to enhance disease management while reducing reliance on chemical fungicides. This research underscores the importance of adopting innovative biocontrol approaches to improve crop health and productivity.
Synergistic effect of using active substances from the group of triazoles and strobilurins with biofungicides in limiting the growth of fungi of the genus Fusarium under in vitro conditions
Autumn Application of Synthetic Auxin Herbicide for Weed Control in Cereals in Poland and Germany
The biological efficacy of herbicides MCPA+tribenuron-methyl (code name: MT-565 SG) and diflufenican+chlorotoluron (Legato Pro 425 SC) was estimated in eighteen field experiments on winter cereals in Poland and Germany to control broadleaf weeds. Postemergence application of tribenuron-methyl in combination with MCPA, applied at the 3-leaf stage to 3 tillers detectable in autumn in winter cereals, resulted in the majority of weed species occurring in autumn being effectively eliminated with MCPA+tribenuron-methyl applied at 1.0 kgâhaâ1. It also provided an acceptable (82.4â94.1%) and comparable level of control to commonly occurring weeds Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Stellaria media, and Thlaspi arvense. A satisfactory level of control of 66.3 to 88.3% was confirmed for Veronica persica, Viola arvensis, and Galium aparine. According to these results, the formulation of tribenuron-methyl combined with MCPA can be recommended for application in winter cereals in the autumn as an alternative to commonly available herbicides.
Phytotoxicity and bioherbicidal potential of sweet flag (Acorus calamus L.) essential oil on Fabaceae and Brassicaceae species
Impact of chemical weed management in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) on productivity, quality and economics
Weeds in sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) can contribute to a significant reduction in the root yield. The species composition of these plants is an important factor influencing the competition with crops. The aim of the 2-year field experiment with mixtures of: phenmedipham + ethofumesate + metamitron + quinmerac; ethofumesate + metamitron + metamitron + + quinmerac + triflusulfuron-methyl; phenmedipham + ethofumesate + metamitron + + quinmerac + triflusulfuron-methyl + clopyralid + lenacil, and phenmedipham + ethofumesate + metamitron + quinmerac + triflusulfuron-methyl + clopyralid applied in split doses, microdoses and Conviso Smart technology was to determine the weed species community composition and effectiveness of weed control strategies. The most common species occurring in both years were: Chenopodium album L., Fallopia convolvulus L., and Geranium pusillum L. The communities had the highest values of biodiversity indices in 2020 and lower values in 2021. There were no statistically significant differences in the herbicidal effectiveness of the tested herbicidal technologies over both years of research and for individual main weed species â 95â99%. The use of all herbicide variants contributed to achieving significantly higher yields than untreated treatments, and contributed to an increase in profitability of cultivation, but this result depended on the selected strategy. The presented herbicide solutions were characterized by direct income at a similar level.
Impact of Various Essential Oils on the Development of Pathogens of the Fusarium Genus and on Health and Germination Parameters of Winter Wheat and Maize
Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately.
The Effect of Post-Emergence Application of Biostimulants and Soil Amendments in Maize Cultivation on the Growth and Yield of Plants
Maize is considered to be one of the most significant crops in the world. On a global scale, the appropriate yield level of food can largely affect food security. During cultivation, this plant is exposed to many adverse environmental factors, including water deficiency. Plant stress is reduced by applying appropriate biostimulants or soil amendments. This study tested the effectiveness of preparations based on Rhizophagus irregularis, humic acids, Bacillus velezensis + Bacillus licheniformis and Methylobacterium symbioticum. The aim of the project was to assess the effect of selected microorganisms and substances on the growth, yield, and physiological parameters of maize. The hypothesis assumed that the preparations selected for this study could improve the condition of the plants in various soil moisture conditions. All treatments were carried out post-emergence. The experiments were conducted in greenhouse conditions, where, in conditions of different level of soil moisture, optimal and water deficiency, the effect of the above-mentioned substances and microorganisms on the height, mass of plants, and plant chlorophyll fluorescence was determined. Chlorophyll, anthocyanin, and flavonol content were also measured. In two-year field studies, the effect of the same preparations on plant height, grain yield, thousand-grain weight, oil, protein, and starch content in the grain was determined. It was shown that appropriately selected biostimulants have a positive effect on plant growth, physiological parameters, and the yield of maize grain. The impact of preparations on the grain yield depended on the conditions that prevailed in the growing season.
Impact of novel herbicide based on synthetic auxins and ALS inhibitor on weed control
Abstract Delayed sowing of winter cereals or unfavorable weather conditions in autumn may make it impossible to carry out herbicide treatment in autumn. In such cases, weed control should be started in the spring. During this time, the plantation should be protected as effectively as possible because the weeds are at an advanced stage of growth. Therefore, they are less sensitive to applied herbicides. In the treatment, it is worth using a mixture of different mechanisms of action. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a band of tribenuron-methyl, and MCPA applied as soluble granules in spring control of dicotyledonous in winter cereals. The biological efficacy of herbicides was estimated in the 25 field experiments on winter cereals in Poland. Postemergence, a spring application of tribenuron-methyl + MCPA, effectively controls the majority of weed species present in spring: Anthemis arvensis, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Matricaria chamomilla, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Stellaria media and Thlaspi arvense. Satisfactory control was confirmed for Veronica persica, Viola arvensis, and Galium aparine. Tribenuron-methyl with MCPA is recommended for application to winter cereals in spring. To prevent the development of resistance in weeds, it is advantageous to combine two active substances.
Hermetia illucens Frass Fertilization: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Lettuce Resilience and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Drought Stress Conditions
Agriculture is faced with the need to reduce mineral fertilizers in order to reduce costs but also to meet political goals. Resilience-enhancing climate change, especially in the face of increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts, has become another issue. The dynamically increasing production of insects for feed and food purposes has become one of the answers to this challenge. This study assesses the fertilizing efficacy effect of frass derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production on lettuce (Lactuca L.) growth, including aspects such as yield, photosynthesis activity, photosystem II performance (chlorophyll fluorescence), mineral profile, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the properties of the soil were assessed by measuring the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The lettuce plants grew under two water regimesâoptimal irrigation and induced drought. The efficiency of frass fertilization was compared with the control and traditional cattle manure. The results indicate that H. illucens frass (HI frass) used as a fertilizer increased the content of essential nutrients in plantsâsuch as potassium and iron. As the dosage of frass increased, the content of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) doubled. The plants that were subjected to drought and properly fertilized showed greater resistance; therefore, a reduction in the synthesis of polyphenolic compounds was observed. Fertilizer had a positive effect on the efficiency of photosynthesis. This study underscores the promising impact of unconventional organic fertilizers, such as H. illucens frass, on enhancing plant performance, especially in challenging environmental conditions. Fertilizers obtained from insect production can be green chemicals in a sustainable food production model.
Effect of Doses, Application Dates, Adjuvants and Zinc Sulfate on Bromoxynil + Terbuthylazine + NicosulfuronWeed Control Efficacy and Maize Grain Yield in Mid-West Poland
WpĆyw wybranych form miedzi na rozwĂłj Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea i Rhizoctonia cerealis w warunkach in vitro
Biocontrol of Cercospora leaf spot in sugar beet by a novel Bacillus velezensis KT27 strain: Enhanced antifungal activity and growth promotion in laboratory and field conditions
Diseases in crops are a major contributor to yield reduction and economic losses. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused by Cercospora beticola, is among the most severe diseases affecting sugar beet and other crops. The increasing resistance of C. beticola to conventional chemical fungicides, along with their excessive application, exacerbates environmental pollution. This study investigates the antagonistic activity of a newly isolated strain, Bacillus velezensis KT27, against Cercospora beticola, Rhizoctonia cerealis, and Fusarium oxysporum under laboratory conditions. The bacteriumâs ability to produce lipopeptides (surfactin, iturin, and fengycin) and solubilize phosphorus, potassium, and zinc was also assessed. In vitro assays revealed that B. velezensis KT27 effectively inhibited C. beticola growth (60.2%), though it exhibited lower antagonistic activity against R. cerealis (22.5%) and F. oxysporum (15.5%). The elimination of bacterial biomass by centrifugation and the use of sterile supernatant reduced antifungal activity by more than 3.5-fold for all tested fungi, highlighting the importance of direct bacterial interactions. Notably, the antagonistic effect of B. velezensis KT27 against C. beticola significantly increased when bacterial cultures were supplemented with thermally inactivated fungal biomass of C. beticola especially R. cerealis. Field experiments demonstrated the high efficacy of B. velezensis KT27 biological control agent, particularly when induced by R. cerealis. The level of CLS protection achieved with the bacterial treatment was only 9.1% lower than that obtained using a combination of three chemical fungicides. Additionally, the biocontrol agent positively influenced sugar beet growth, leading to a root yield increase of up to 15.2% compared to the untreated control. These findings highlight the potential of B. velezensis KT27 as an effective and environmentally sustainable biocontrol agent against CLS in sugar beet cultivation.
The Use of Selected Essential Oils as an Alternative Method of Controlling Pathogenic Fungi, Weeds and Insects on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led researchers to explore alternative methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) derived from various plant species have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which can be utilized in plant protection. Essential oils are volatile compounds that possess strong aromatic characteristics and are found in many medicinal and aromatic plants. They are known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities, making them viable candidates for eco-friendly pest and disease management strategies. In this research, six essential oilsâpine, patchouli, geranium, spruce, coriander, and eucalyptus oilâhave been tested in vitro for controlling mycelium growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria brassicicola, and Cylindrosporium concentricum. The study also covers experiments in controlling pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil (laboratory trials). In greenhouse conditions, the phytotoxicity of EOs to oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and the effect of these substances on the control of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) were also tested. The results obtained indicate a large diversity of different essential oils in terms of their action on pathogens, pests, weeds, and winter rapeseed. Differences in their effectiveness were also found, depending on the applied dose.
The influence of Hermetia illucens L. frass on the health, stress, and development of barley
Barley cultivation faces challenges from changing climate conditions, including the increasing threat of drought. This study explored the potential of a fertilizer derived from Hermetia illucens L. frass to enhance the development and health of spring barley under optimal and drought conditions. The experiment, conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment, employed various fertilization treatments, including cattle manure and two doses of H. illucens L. frass-based fertilizer. Comprehensive assessments were made through visual observations and physiological measurements, including chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf gas exchange, and CO2 exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The results demonstrated that the application of H. illucens L. frass-based fertilizer significantly improved barley vigor and health compared to the control and cattle manure treatments, especially under drought stress. Physiological measurements revealed positive effects on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Leaf gas exchange parameters also reflected improved photosynthetic activity, with the H. illucens L. frass-treated plants outperforming others. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of insect-derived fertilizers, particularly H. illucens L. frass, as a sustainable and effective way to enhance crop resilience to drought. As climate change continues to pose challenges to agriculture, incorporating such novel fertilizers may offer a promising avenue for sustainable crop production.
