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Agronomy
Special Issues
Biological Control of Plant Disease
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Biological Control of Plant Disease

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2021) | Viewed by 25685

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mukesh Dubey

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Interests: biological control of plant diseases; plant protection; agricultural plant science

Special Issue Information

Plant diseases causing severe yield losses all over the world need to be controlled to fulfil the growing need for food and feed productions of higher quality. Traditional use of chemical pesticides plays an important role in plant disease control in addition to other control measures, such as disease resistance breeding and crop management. Although chemical pesticides are effective in controlling many plant diseases, their excessive use has led to severe problems, for example, pesticide contamination in food and feed, development of pesticide resistance in targeted and non-targeted organisms, and environmental problems. Thus, there is a need for developing and exploiting more sustainable plant protection measures in agriculture and horticulture.

Improved agricultural practices combined with applications of biological control agent(s) is a promising and sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides. However, the scientific community working in this field has realized that the biotic and abiotic factors in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere (in case of foliar application of biocontrol agents) very often affect the performance of biological control agents. It is, for instance, difficult to predict disease control efficacy due to the big variations often seen in field performance of biological control agents (lack of consistency). Therefore, for efficient use of biological control agents, one of the important aspects is to determine the genetic and molecular mechanisms of biocontrol and improve our understanding of mode of action of biological control agents.

With a great use of next-generation sequencing as a tool for understanding the biology of plant pathogens, biocontrol agents, and their interactions with the host plant, an increasing demand of organically grown food crops, and an increasing interest concerning the use of biocontrol agents, our focus in maximizing biocontrol application in controlling plant diseases has never been greater. We invite research and perspective articles that explore (but are not limited to) the following:

  1. Identification and evaluation of novel biocontrol agents and their application;
  2. Practical integration of existing biocontrol agents in agricultural systems;
  3. Microbial diversity and disease suppression;
  4. Microbial interactions (including metagenomics) in relation to biocontrol of plant diseases;
  5. Consortia of biocontrol agents to control complex plant diseases;
  6. Application of biocontrol agents combined with a lower dose of fungicides;
  7. Cultural practices contributing to biological control.

Articles highlighting translational research as well as the use of next-generation sequencing for fundamental understanding of biocontrol interactions (fungus–fungus; fungus–bacterium; biocontrol agent–plant) in relation to biocontrol of plant diseases are also welcome.

Dr. Mukesh Dubey
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biological control
  • consortia of biocontrol agents
  • integrated pest management
  • microbial interactions
  • mode of action of biocontrol agents
  • plant diseases
  • soil suppressiveness
  • sustainable crop protection

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 171 KiB  
Editorial
Biological Control of Plant Diseases in Changing Environment
by Mukesh Dubey
Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102000 - 2 Oct 2021
Viewed by 1448
Abstract
Excessive pesticide application for plant disease control can result in environmental and health-related problems [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Plant Disease)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

11 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Bactericidal Activity of Larrea tridentata Hydroalcoholic Extract against Phytopathogenic Bacteria
by Ana Lizet Morales-Ubaldo, Nallely Rivero-Perez, Fidel Avila-Ramos, Eliazar Aquino-Torres, Judith Prieto-Méndez, Helal F. Hetta, Gaber El-Saber Batiha and Adrian Zaragoza-Bastida
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050957 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3221
Abstract
Due to the emergence of bacterial resistance in phytopathogenic microorganisms, it is necessary to search for new treatment alternatives for these pathogens. Natural extracts are a potential source of bioactive compounds that can act against such bacterial strains. The antibacterial activity of Larrea [...] Read more.
Due to the emergence of bacterial resistance in phytopathogenic microorganisms, it is necessary to search for new treatment alternatives for these pathogens. Natural extracts are a potential source of bioactive compounds that can act against such bacterial strains. The antibacterial activity of Larrea tridentata against bacteria with public health importance has been documented; however, few reports cover pathogens associated with the agricultural sector. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Larrea tridentata hydroalcoholic extract (LTHE) and fractions against phytopathogenic bacteria. LTHE was obtained by the maceration technique and then subjected to bipartition using solvents of different polarities. Clavibacter michiganensis sbsp. michiganensis, Pseudomonas syringae, and Xanthomonas campestris strains were used, and their antibiotic sensitivity was determined. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of LTHE and its fractions (aqueous: LTAq-F; organic: LTEtOAc-F) were determined. LTHE and its organic fraction showed bactericidal activity against the three bacteria, showing better activity against X. campestris, exhibiting an MIC of 0.39 mg/mL and an MBC of 0.78 mg/mL. The results show that LTHE and its organic fraction have bactericidal activity in vitro against Clavibacter michiganensis sbsp. michiganensis, Pseudomonas syringae, and Xanthomonas campestris. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Plant Disease)
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17 pages, 2489 KiB  
Article
Selecting Antagonistic Yeast for Postharvest Biocontrol of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Papaya Fruit and Possible Mechanisms Involved
by Hamizah Hassan, Mahmud Tengku Muda Mohamed, Siti Fairuz Yusoff, Erneeza Mohd Hata and Nor Elliza Tajidin
Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040760 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3660
Abstract
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose disease in papaya fruit resulting in tremendous economic loss due to its latent infection. This study aimed to evaluate the biocontrol activity of antagonistic yeasts against C. gloeosporioides in papaya and determine the possible mechanism involved. One hundred and [...] Read more.
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose disease in papaya fruit resulting in tremendous economic loss due to its latent infection. This study aimed to evaluate the biocontrol activity of antagonistic yeasts against C. gloeosporioides in papaya and determine the possible mechanism involved. One hundred and ten yeast strains were isolated from different parts of the papaya plant. Among them, only five strains, namely F001, F006, L003, FL013 and LP010, showed more than 55% radial growth inhibition of C. gloeosporioides. These five potent yeast strains were further evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that strain F001 had the strongest biocontrol activity based on spore germination and fungal growth inhibition. In vivo, the strain F001 caused 66.7% and 25% reductions in disease incidence and severity, respectively. Based on molecular identification, the strain F001 was confirmed as Trichosporon asahii. Despite there was no significant induction of defense enzyme activities found on the treated fruits, SEM observation showed direct attachment of T. asahii with the fungal hyphae and interfere in their establishment to the fruit surface. Based on these findings, the antagonistic yeast T. asahii strain F001 may be used as a potential natural biological control agent against anthracnose disease in papaya fruit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Plant Disease)
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13 pages, 2617 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Metabolite Signature of Endophytic Bacillus velezensis Strain Showing Defense Response towards Fusarium oxysporum
by Yang Cao, Wei Ding and Chang Liu
Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040683 - 2 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2351
Abstract
Seedling blight, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, significantly lowers rice production globally. Earlier reports have opined that endophytic bacteria strains could be possible biocontrol agents, but the mechanistic actions involved are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate the endophytic [...] Read more.
Seedling blight, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, significantly lowers rice production globally. Earlier reports have opined that endophytic bacteria strains could be possible biocontrol agents, but the mechanistic actions involved are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate the endophytic bacteria with high inhibitory activity and elucidate its possible mechanisms for inducing resistance by metabolomics. The results showed that mdj-36 had the strongest in vitro pathogen inhibition of F. oxysporum, while mdj-34 displayed the lowest inhibitory activity identified as Bacillus velezensis strains. Metabolomic analyses demonstrated that B. velezensis mdj-36 growth medium could produce higher organic acids, terpenes, and diterpene than B. velezensis mdj-34. Further investigation revealed that ‘secondary bile acid biosynthesis’ and ‘glycerophospholipid metabolism’ pathways played essential roles in defense response towards F. oxysporum. This study’s findings provide a credible theoretical basis for the possible use of the B. velezensis strain against rice seedling blight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Plant Disease)
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17 pages, 2645 KiB  
Article
Gene Expression and Metabolomics Profiling of the Common Wheat Obtaining Leaf Rust Resistance by Salicylic or Jasmonic Acid through a Novel Detached Leaf Rust Assay
by Minseo Kim, Aro Lee, Yeon Jin Roh, Hae Min Lee, Youngho Jo, Hwayeon Cho, Dong Wook Choi, Meena Choi, Seong-il Eyun, Changhyun Choi, Namhyun Chung, Hojoung Lee and Byung Cheon Lee
Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1668; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111668 - 29 Oct 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2763
Abstract
Wheat leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is a destructive fungal disease causing considerable grain yield loss. In this study, we developed a novel assay to test the rust resistance of detached wheat leaves on defined media with retarded senescence. We observed that [...] Read more.
Wheat leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is a destructive fungal disease causing considerable grain yield loss. In this study, we developed a novel assay to test the rust resistance of detached wheat leaves on defined media with retarded senescence. We observed that salicylic and jasmonic acid confer leaf rust resistance to a susceptible Keumkang wheat (Triticum aestivium L.). Transcription analysis revealed that atchi8 was highly expressed with an increased chitinase activity in the salicylic acid-treated leaves, while expression of PR-9, atpodL, and PR-5 increased in the jasmonic acid-treated leaves. Additionally, the metabolic profile suggested that the phenylalanine pathway might link flavonoid production to leaf rust resistance in the salicylic acid-treated leaves, while the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism might control the production of other amino acids to enhance pathogen stress response in the jasmonic acid-treated leaves. Finally, all identified genes and metabolites could be potential targets for screening chemical compounds for leaf rust resistance. Future studies on the underlying mechanisms of leaf rust resistance obtained by exogenous treatment of salicylic and jasmonic acids remain necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Plant Disease)
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15 pages, 2714 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Potential of Trichoderma spp. Strains Native to Bagua (Amazonas, Peru) in the Biocontrol of Frosty Pod Rot (Moniliophthora roreri)
by Santos Leiva, Manuel Oliva, Elgar Hernández, Beimer Chuquibala, Karol Rubio, Flor García and Magdiel Torres de la Cruz
Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1376; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091376 - 12 Sep 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5460
Abstract
The use of native Trichoderma strains has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to control cocoa diseases. The aim of this study was to assess indigenous Trichoderma strains from Bagua Province, Peru, with reference to their antagonistic characteristics in vitro and their potential [...] Read more.
The use of native Trichoderma strains has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to control cocoa diseases. The aim of this study was to assess indigenous Trichoderma strains from Bagua Province, Peru, with reference to their antagonistic characteristics in vitro and their potential for in vitro biocontrol against frosty pod rot (FPR) disease. A total of 199 strains were assessed for in vitro mycoparasitism, antibiosis, and potential antagonism. The effect of four strains was evaluated in vitro using epidemiological variables, yield, and efficacy at two sites (Copallín and La Peca). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were reported for all variables evaluated in vitro and in vitro. Mycoparasitism ranged from 32% to 100%, antibiosis from 33.36% to 57.92%, and potential antagonism from 42.36% to 78.64%. All strains were found to affect the in vitro-assessed parameters in addition to enhancing the productive yield. The efficiency ranged from 38.99% to 71.9% in Copallín, and 45.88% to 51.16% in La Peca. The CP24-6 strain showed the highest potential for biocontrol under field conditions when considering its effect on both sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Plant Disease)
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15 pages, 2332 KiB  
Article
Screening of Organic Substrates for Solid-State Fermentation, Viability and Bioefficacy of Trichoderma harzianum AS12-2, a Biocontrol Strain Against Rice Sheath Blight Disease
by Shahram Naeimi, Vahid Khosravi, András Varga, Csaba Vágvölgyi and László Kredics
Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091258 - 26 Aug 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5890
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to find the most suitable organic substrates for the biomass production, viability and efficacy of the biocontrol strain Trichoderma harzianum AS12-2 in the solid-state fermentation system. In total, 13 inexpensive, locally available substrates (agricultural wastes or by-products) were [...] Read more.
The present study was undertaken to find the most suitable organic substrates for the biomass production, viability and efficacy of the biocontrol strain Trichoderma harzianum AS12-2 in the solid-state fermentation system. In total, 13 inexpensive, locally available substrates (agricultural wastes or by-products) were inoculated with the antagonist, and following one month of incubation at room temperature, all colonized substrates were air dried and ground to powder. The shelf life and viability of the Trichoderma strain were assessed as colony-forming units per gram (CFUs g−1) of each substrate on a monthly basis for up to one year at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C) and in the refrigerator (4 °C). In order to find out the effect of the substrate on the bioefficacy of T. harzianum AS12-2, the biocontrol potential of the formulations was evaluated against rice sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The results showed that the fungus colonized more or less all substrates after one month, although the degree of colonization and conidiation was different among the substrates, being especially high in broom sorghum grain, rice husk, rice straw, rice bran and sugar beet pulp. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the population in the substrates in “Month 0” showed that the effect of treatment was significant, and the means were significantly different. The maximum population was recorded for broom sorghum grain and rice straw (6.4 × 1010 and 5.3 × 1010 CFUs g−1, respectively). The population declined in all substrates after one year of incubation at room temperature. This decline was relatively smaller in broom sorghum grain, rice straw and rice husk. On the other hand, the population in the same substrate incubated in the refrigerator was decreased in a mild slope, and the final population was high. In addition, the results of greenhouse assay showed that all bioformulations were effective in controlling the disease, and there were no significant differences among the substrates. According to the results of this study, broom sorghum grain, rice husk, rice straw, sugar beet pulp and cow dung could be recommended as suitable fermentation media for the industrial-scale production of T. harzianum strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Plant Disease)
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