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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.
Effect of Synthetic and Biological Plant Growth Stimulants and Soil Amendments on the Development of Maize in Various Soil Moisture Conditions
Currently, methods are being sought to reduce the effects of drought. The conducted research tested the effect of potassium polyacrylate, β-cyclocitral, and Rhizophagus irregularis on the development of maize (Zea mays L.). The first of the substances mentioned was mixed with the soil; the others were used as seed dressings. The effect of substances and microorganisms on the height and weight of plants, chlorophyll fluorescence and the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere was tested in greenhouse conditions. Plant development was tested at optimal soil moisture levels and in drought conditions. Field experiment determined the effect of the abovementioned preparations on the height of maize, the level of grain yield and seed parameters. The hydrothermal index was calculated for the entire vegetative season of plants. All preparations used had a positive effect on the development of test plants. Significant improvement was found for many parameters compared to the control combination plants, including maize weight and grain yield. This was confirmed for various soil moisture conditions. An increase in grain yield was noted by 0.6–1.3 t ha−1 compared to the control. The tested substances and microorganisms may, therefore, be a good solution for protecting plants against the effects of drought.
Zastosowanie związków miedzi i bakterii rodzaju Bacillus w ograniczaniu wzrostu grzybów rodzaju Fusarium
Agrotechnika i niechemieczne metody ochrony roślin jako działania wspomagające w zmieniającej się sytuacji geopolitycznej Unii Europejskiej – aktualne, innowacyjne badania i prace realizowane w Uniwersytecie Przyrodniczym w Poznaniu
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.
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 bacterium’s 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.
Effect of selected essential oils on the efficacy of volunteer oilseed rape control and phytotoxicity in maize plants
Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor seed treatments positively affect the physiological condition of maize under drought stress
Improvements in agricultural production are needed, as the growing human population demands more resources and exerts stronger effects on climate. Water scarcity is one of the main factors limiting the yield of maize in many regions of the world. One possible method to mitigate the negative effects of drought is seed mortars; its use improves plant development from the early stages onwards. In this study, we tested 12 various seed treatments with and without succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI; sedaxane) on maize “SY Fanatic.” Physiological parameters of germinating seeds, of young maize seedlings under drought, and of seedlings recuperated from drought were assessed and compared across 12 seed treatments and with non-stressed plants. The seed treatments varied greatly in their influence on the germination and the physiological state of seedlings under drought and after regeneration. Seeds under treatments No. 6, 11, and 12 showed the highest germination energy (97.3%). The use of SDHI-containing seed treatments significantly improved the development of the maize root system. The longest roots, ~13 cm in length, were recorded for treatments No. 6 and 12, both containing sedaxane. These treatments also boosted the functioning of plants growing under optimal soil moisture conditions and under drought stress, influencing the photosynthesis process, increasing the absorption of CO2, and improving the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence in relation to non-treated controls. Our data indicated that using substances from the SDHI group can possibly reduce the drought-related stress reactions in maize, helping this important crop to face the progressing climate change.
Effect of Doses, Application Dates, Adjuvants and Zinc Sulfate on Bromoxynil + Terbuthylazine + NicosulfuronWeed Control Efficacy and Maize Grain Yield in Mid-West Poland
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 oils—pine, patchouli, geranium, spruce, coriander, and eucalyptus oil—have 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.
A comprehensive study demonstrating the influence of the solvent composition on the phytotoxicity of compounds, as exemplified by 2,4‐D‐based ILs with a choline‐type cation
BackgroundGrowing concern for the protection of the environment and existing ecosystems has resulted in increasing consideration of phytotoxicity tests as valid ecotoxicological indicators of the potential hazards of the use of ionic liquids (ILs) or any other chemical. The objective of this study was to gain a detailed understanding of the influence of the solvent composition of spray solutions on the phytotoxic effect of foliar application of ionic pairs with weak (choline 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetate, [Chol][2,4‐D]), medium (N‐hexylcholine 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetate, [C6Chol][2,4‐D]) and good (N‐dodecylcholine 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetate, [C12Chol][2,4‐D]) surface‐active properties.ResultsExperimental results unambiguously demonstrated that the biological activity of the test salt solutions, particularly [Chol][2,4‐D] and [C6Chol][2,4‐D], can be strongly affected by the addition of an organic solvent, such as methanol, ethanol, dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) compared to solutions in pure water. However, the observed tendency is less pronounced for the compound exhibiting good surface activity, [C12Chol][2,4‐D].ConclusionsThe collected findings show that caution is warranted in the exploitation or modification of methodologies for assessing phytotoxicity to ensure the reliable interpretation of obtained results for environmental risk assessment or building quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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.
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.
Effect of Biostimulants Containing Rhizobacteria on the Growth of Wheat, Barley, and Oilseed Rape Under Various Soil Moisture Conditions
Preparations containing appropriate microorganisms stimulate plant growth and are increasingly used to alleviate plant stress, including water deficit stress. Despite the growing interest in PGPR, little is known about the post-emergence efficacy of formulations based on native strains under water stress. In this study, we tested the post-emergence efficacy of preparations based on Bacillus velezensis_KT27 and Bacillus subtilis + Pseudomonas simiae + Bacillus velezensis_S103 at doses of half a liter and one liter × 200 L × ha−1 in culture fluid or oil dispersion each at a final microbial cell concentration of 5 × 108 (CFU/mL) for the tested strains. Our hypothesis was that the different biostimulants may positively affect plants’ tolerance to water stress. To this end, analyses of plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll, flavonol and anthocyanin content, and chlorophyll fluorescence were conducted under greenhouse conditions for winter wheat, winter barley, and winter oilseed rape. The preparations promoted the growth and water-stress tolerance of the selected plants, with effectiveness depending on strain, plant, dose, and formulation. B. velezensis_KT27 (0.5 L in oil dispersion) increased the dry weight of winter wheat by 17% (optimal) and 14% (water deficit stress) and of winter barley by 17% and 28%. Bacillus spp. + Pseudomonas spp. (0.5 L in oil dispersion) increased winter oilseed rape dry weight by 13% in both conditions. These findings highlight the potential of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. for post-emergence biostimulation under variable soil levels of moisture.
Protection of Oats against Puccinia and Drechslera Fungi in Various Meteorological Conditions
Due to their multi-purpose use and, in many cases, lower requirements and financial outlays for cultivation, oats are an interesting crop. However, fungal diseases may contribute to significant declines in grain yields and quality. The aspects that may potentially influence this matter of fact include weather conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the severity of diseases caused by fungi in oat cultivation during the vegetation season. The next goal was to assess the efficacy of the selected active ingredients (a.i.) of fungicides from the chemical groups of triazoles and strobilurins in selected diseases’ control under various meteorological conditions. All of the fungicides were applied in the form of a spray treatment to reduce the severity of the diseases in the cultivation of different oat varieties. Husked and naked oat varieties were used. The health status of the oat plants was determined on the basis of a macroscopic evaluation of plants performed in accordance with the proper methodology. Field experiments were carried out under different weather conditions, which varied over the years during which the trials were conducted. Statistically significant differences were found in the reduction in infection for F and F1 leaves with D. avenae and P. coronata in comparison to the control treatment, regardless of the a.i. used. The use of a.i. tebuconazole (250 g/L), a.i. epoxiconazole (125 g/L), a.i. azoxystrobin (250 g/L) and a.i. picoxystrobin (250 g/L) enabled a reduction in the severity of oat helmintosporiosis in all years of the study for all the varieties analyzed. The efficacy was 72.4%, 74.2%, 71.5%, and 73.1%, respectively. Higher efficacy in reducing P. coronata was found in comparison with D. avenae. The obtained research results confirm the satisfactory efficacy of the above-mentioned active substances in reducing the fungi D. avenae and P. coronata.
