The exploitation of beneficial fungal-plant interactions represents a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural intensification, particularly in addressing simultaneous crop productivity and nutritional quality demands. Trichoderma hamatum, a filamentous fungus with established biocontrol and plant-growth-promoting capabilities, presents considerable potential when applied to Brassica crops a family of vegetables renowned for their glucosinolate-derived secondary metabolites with demonstrable nutraceutical properties. This review summary synthesizes current knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which T. hamatum colonization influences the biochemical profile and defensive architecture of Brassica species, with particular emphasis on its capacity to modulate antinutritional factor reduction whilst simultaneously enhancing phytochemical accumulation. Emerging evidence indicates that T. hamatum-mediated systemic physiological responses trigger upregulation of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway and glucosinolate biosynthesis, thereby amplifying the nutraceutical potency of Brassica vegetables. Furthermore, the fungal endophyte demonstrates efficacy in suppressing major Brassica pathogens through both direct antagonism and induced systemic resistance mechanisms. We examine the ecological and agronomic implications of this interaction, including optimal colonization protocols, temporal dynamics of metabolite enhancement, and the influence of environmental variables on bioactive compound production. It addresses current limitations in field-scale implementation and discusses recent advances in understanding the molecular dialogue underpinning this mutualistic relationship. Additionally, evaluate the regulatory framework governing microbial inoculants within published research contexts and identify gaps in standardized methodologies for assessing nutraceutical enhancement. Integration of T. hamatum-based biotechnology into conventional and organic Brassica production systems offers a dual-benefit strategy: reducing reliance on chemical inputs whilst augmenting the nutritional and functional value of crops. This approach aligns with contemporary consumer demands for nutrient-dense produce and sustainability objectives in global food systems. Future research directions, including genomic characterization of strain-specific bioactivity and field validation across diverse agroecological contexts, are discussed to facilitate practical agricultural application of this promising biotechnological tool.

Root-knot nematodes represent a threat to global agricultural productivity, with Meloidogyne incognita being the most prevalent and destructive species affecting horticultural and field crops. Conventional nematode management has predominantly relied on synthetic nematicides, which have fallen under increasing regulatory scrutiny due to environmental persistence, non-target toxicity, and potential carcinogenic properties. The imperative for sustainable alternatives has intensified research into biologically derived control agents and organic amendments. Insect frass, a byproduct of industrial insect farming, has emerged as a promising candidate for nematode suppression, though comprehensive evaluations of its mechanisms and efficacy remain limited. This abstract synthesizes current knowledge regarding the nematicidal potential of insect frass against M. incognita, examining both direct antagonistic effects and indirect soil health improvements that contribute to nematode management. This summary indicates that frass from commercially reared insects such as black soldier fly, mealworms, and crickets contains bioactive compounds including chitin, chitosan derivatives, antimicrobial peptides, and diverse secondary metabolites that exhibit nematicidal properties. The chitinous components appear particularly relevant, as they stimulate indigenous chitinolytic microorganisms capable of degrading nematode egg shells and juvenile cuticles. Furthermore, the nutrient-rich composition of frass enhances plant vigor and activates systemic resistance mechanisms, indirectly reducing nematode parasitism success. Studies employing various application methods soil incorporation, seed treatment, and foliar sprays have demonstrated reductions in nematode penetration, galling intensity, and reproductive capacity. However, efficacy varies considerably depending on insect species, rearing substrate, frass processing methods, and application rates. Study gaps exist in understanding the specific bioactive molecules responsible for nematicidal activity, optimal formulation strategies for field deployment, and potential interactions with existing integrated pest management practices. The temporal dynamics of frass decomposition and persistence of nematicidal effects in diverse soil types warrant further investigation. Environmental considerations, including impacts on beneficial soil organisms and potential phytotoxicity at excessive rates, require systematic evaluation. Economic analyses comparing frass-based approaches with conventional nematicides remain scarce. This review summary highlights the multifaceted benefits of insect frass as both a nematode management tool and soil conditioner, positioning it within the broader context of sustainable agriculture and circular bioeconomy initiatives. Future research directions should prioritize standardization of production protocols, elucidation of mode of action, and development of commercially viable formulations to facilitate adoption in agricultural systems

This review study explores the transformative impact of modern genomics on crop breeding, tracing the evolution from foundational molecular markers to today's integrative, data-driven approaches. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and high-throughput genotyping has fundamentally changed ability to solve genomic variation. When combined with comprehensive omics approaches, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, these tools provide novel insights into gene expression, regulatory networks, and the biochemical pathways underlying key agronomic traits. Critically, this technological democratization extends beyond major crops, enabling the genetic characterization and improvement of previously neglected orphan- species, thereby broadening the base of global food security. Parallel advances in genetic analysis now allow breeders to systematically mine the vast, untapped reservoir of diversity found in landraces and wild relatives. Innovative population genetics strategies, including advanced-backcross QTL (AB-QTL) analysis, introgression libraries (ILs), multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) populations, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), are powerful means to pinpoint genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to resilience, yield, and quality. The translation of these discoveries into improved cultivars is accelerated by precision molecular breeding. Techniques such as marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC), marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS), and genomic selection (GS) enable the efficient introgression and pyramiding of favorable alleles, streamlining the development of superior genotypes. This study synthesizes recent progress across this interconnected pipeline, from genomic discovery and diversity utilization to applied breeding. The convergence of these genomic tools and novel genetic approaches creates a synergistic framework for accelerated crop improvement. By bridging the gap between gene discovery and field application, this integrated approach promises to deliver resilient, high-performing crop varieties needed to meet the challenges of a changing climate and a growing population

For more than a century, crop protection has been built on two pillars, host resistance breeding and exogenous chemical or biological interventions. Both have delivered remarkable gains, yet both are increasingly strained by evolving pathogens, regulatory restrictions on pesticides, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. The hologenome theory of evolution recognising plants and their associated microorganisms as a single co-evolved unit (the holobiont) is rapidly moving from hypothesis to applied technology, offering a genuinely proactive and residue free framework for disease and pest management. High-throughput sequencing has revealed that a conserved “core microbiome” of bacteria (Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Paraburkholderia, Sphingomonas) and fungi (Trichoderma, Serendipita, Mycorrhizal taxa) is consistently enriched in disease suppressive soils and in elite cultivars that maintain yield stability under biotic stress. These microbes do far more than colonise roots or leaves, reprogramme plant immunity through induced systemic resistance (ISR) and systemic acquired resistance (SAR), quench pathogen quorum sensing, secrete broad spectrum antimicrobials, solubilise nutrients, and mitigate drought and salinity stress functions that single gene resistance often cannot achieve alone. Critically, host genetic control over microbiome assembly is now well documented. Genome-wide association studies and QTL analyses in rice, wheat, maize, barley, tomato, and common bean have pinpointed loci governing root exudate chemistry, cuticle composition, strigolactone signalling, and silencing of defence suppressors that determine which microbes are recruited and retained. Targeted editing of these loci using CRISPR-Cas9 or base editing has already produced, modified rice lines that selectively enrich Trichoderma and Pseudomonas populations show 65–90 % reduction in Magnaporthe oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae infections; edited wheat recruits Paraburkholderia strains that suppress (Gaeumannomyces tritici) by up to 80 %. Directed evolution, chromosomal integration of biosynthetic clusters, and design of synthetic microbial consortia (SynComs) now produce stabilised beneficial strains that colonise the spermosphere and phyllosphere across generations. Seed transmission of engineered endophytes has been demonstrated in multiple species, effectively adding dozens of functional genes to the plant without regulatory hurdles associated with conventional GMOs. The hologenome strategy thus transcends traditional categories of plant breeding, biocontrol agents, and biostimulants. It delivers polygenic, broad-spectrum, and environmentally responsive protection while simultaneously improving nutrient-use efficiency and climate resilience. Early field trials and commercial pilots in Europe, North America, and Asia confirm that microbiome-enhanced varieties can reduce fungicide and insecticide applications by 70–100 % while maintaining or exceeding yield benchmarks. As metagenomic tools, genome-editing precision, and microbial engineering continue to converge, co-designing the crop holobiont is poised to become the cornerstone of next-generation, zero-pollution plant protection systems.

The major challenges of climate change, pesticide resistance, and the urgent need for sustainable agriculture have pushed conventional crop protection strategies to their limits. Nucleic acid-based nanoparticles (NANPs), particularly those formulated with DNA or RNA nanostructures, are emerging as a transformative technology for next-generation plant protection due to their non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and ability to cross biological barriers in plants. This work introduces an innovative class of stimuli-responsive nucleic acid nanoparticles engineered to deliver double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), or artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) with precision in crop species. Unlike traditional naked RNA spray face rapid environmental degradation (short shelf life) and poor cellular uptake, our NANPs are protected by layered DNA origami shields functionalized with pH-sensitive linkers and leaf-surface adhesion peptides. These smart carriers remain stable during foliar application but disassemble exclusively inside phloem or mesophyll cells upon sensing the slightly alkaline plant cell environment (pH 7.2–7.8), thereby achieving triggered and protected RNA release. Study demonstrate, for the first time, systemic and transgenerational silencing of harmful insects pest and pathogen target genes, (acetyl-CoA carboxylase of aphids, β-glucoronidase of Pseudomonas syringae, and coat protein of potyviruses), in tomato, soybean, and maize using a single low-dose application (<5 μg/plant). The lab and field Bioassays revealed >90% target gene knockdown prolonged up to 45 days, significantly outperforming commercial liposome or clay-based RNA formulations. Moreover, the DNA origami backbone itself acts as an immunostimulatory motif that primes salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways, conferring broad-spectrum resistance without genetic modification of the host genome. Toxicity profiling in non-target organisms (honeybees, ladybugs, and soil nematodes) and environmental fate studies confirmed rapid biodegradation within 72 hours and negligible off-target effects. These findings establish stimuli-responsive nucleic acid nanoparticles as a safe, potent, and fully biodegradable alternative to chemical pesticides, paving the way for RNA-based precision agriculture that is compatible with organic farming standards and global food security goals.

Crop pathogens, insect pests, and disease vectors are increasing at a faster rate due to climate change. It is spreading across geographical borders, thereby exposing the inefficiency of traditional chemical control measures. It is expanding throughout geographical boundaries, revealing the shortcomings of conventional chemical control strategies. The extreme environmental pressures have led to the evolution of climate-resilient Himalayan plant species, and these species, under-exploited as a source of bioactive compounds, hold potential in future bioactive research in sustainable agriculture and health studies on vectors.

As part of assessing the potential of two high-altitude medicinal plants, Saussurea simpsoniana and Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn), as natural biocontrol agents, this article under discussion focuses on their application as medicines in treating infections and inflammatory conditions. Available literature indicates that phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenoids are some of the phytochemicals obtained from these species that have antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal, and repellent effects against a variety of plant pathogens and insect pests. These qualities enable them to be facilitated into environmentally friendly pest management programs and make them a candidate to be studied in regard to vectors.

In addition to bioefficacy, both species are experiencing escalating strain in ecology because of climate uncertainty, disturbance of habitats, and unsustainable harvesting and hunting methods, and conservation-compatible cultivation and utilization frameworks are necessary. The existing data on phytochemical profiles, intended organisms, biological processes, and suggested action mechanisms, along with research gaps that restrict translation progress. Overall, this paper indicates the prospect of climate-resilient Himalayan plants as multi-purpose biological platforms at the boundary of sustainable agriculture, vectors, and preventive biomedical applications.

Introduction

As specified Article 22 of Reg. (EC) No. 1107/2009 (Official Journal of the European Union, 2009), botanical active substances (AS) may qualify as low-risk active substances (LRs), thereby supporting their use as an alternative to synthetically produced plant protection products (Marchand, 2017). Yet, assessing them within the EU regulatory framework remains complex (approved-LRs account for <10%) (Vekemans and Marchand, 2020). Despite being biologically sourced and expected to be lower risk, botanical LRs undergo the same data-intensive package as synthetic AS (283/2013, 284/2013), which entails high cost/time burdens and ill‑fitting test (Official Journal of the European Union, 2013a, 2013b).

Aim and methodology

This review systematically evaluates innovations in risk assessment (RA) for botanical LRs in their application as a pesticides. It focus on the integration of EFSA scientific opinions, OECD-promoted adverse outcome pathways (AOPs), and new approach methodologies (NAMs), including the read-across method, QSAR predictions, and omics (Bennekou et al., 2025; EFSA, 2025; Vrizas et al., 2026).

Results

The multifaceted nature of botanical extracts can lead to regulatory bottlenecks. Barriers to approval include perceived toxicity, limited ecotoxicological data, and the inability to apply single-molecule hazard models (Robin and Marchand, 2022). Case studies comparing botanical and chemically derived AS reveal that adopting the full synthetic-style dossier for plant-based products hinders their approval and implementation (Vekemans and Marchand, 2020). AOP-informed and NAM-based strategies effectively identify mechanistic hazards, refining exposure and risk characterization in line with EFSA uncertainty and weight-of-evidence principles to reduce reliance on vertebrate testing (Lankinen et al., 2024). These advances promote a proportionate, predictive, ethics-aligned RA process tailored to botanical LRs (Vekemans and Marchand, 2020; Acheuk et al., 2022).

Conclusion

Multiple authors call for a revised evaluation procedure for biocontrol agents and botanicals (more fit-for-purpose data; greater use of existing food/feed data; and alignment with the goals of IPM and the Green Deal) (Marchand, 2023). Toxicity thresholds still hard to meet for some botanicals (Matyjaszczyk, 2023). Embracing EFSA-guided policies is a leap forward in achieving regulatory efficiency, streamlining authorization timelines, and increasing prevalence of botanical LRs, while adhering to rigorous safety standards (Robin and Marchand, 2022).

Mexico is considered the first North American region where the cultivation of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) began. Currently, 17 Mexican states include wine production as part of their economic development, with Baja California leading in wine grape production, totaling 4,365 hectares planted and 170 producers (Consejo Mexicano Vitivinícola, 2024). Baja California has a dry semi-arid climate, with summer temperatures reaching up to 45 °C and winter lows of 4 °C, and annual precipitation ranging from 100 to 200 mm (SMN, 2024; Garcia et al., 2024). In addition, water scarcity, soil salinization, pest outbreaks, vineyard senescence, and related factors threaten the long-term productivity and sustainability of viticulture. This technical report defines the main edaphic and climatic limitations of viticulture in Baja California and explores the potential of local bio-inputs and circular economy strategies for soil regeneration and climate resilience. The methodology included peer-reviewed (2015–2025) complemented by observation notes and on-site interviews with winemakers and field technicians. The results indicated that, while current practices focus on drip irrigation and agrochemical use, there is growing interest in improving quality using plant-based bioprotective products, organic compost, and microbial inoculants (e.g., Bacillus, Trichoderma) (Romero Azorín & García García, 2020). These formulations aim to enhance tolerance to abiotic stress, improve soil structure, and facilitate irrigation with saline water. In conclusion, knowledge gaps and the lack of regulatory validation highlight the importance of an interconnected territorial circular bioeconomy. This model is designed to link producers, academia, and industry, fostering regenerative viticulture adapted to the arid conditions of Baja California.

The ecological stability of Vitis vinifera L. ecosystems is currently compromised by the accelerating climate crisis, which disrupts the traditional phenological stages of the vine. In Mediterranean and Eastern European viticulture, the intensification of heatwaves has exacerbated the virulence of pathogens like Plasmopara viticola and Erysiphe necator, leading to significant physiological degradation and reduced berry quality. This study investigates a transformative shift toward agroecological resilience by integrating diverse cover crops and botanical elicitors into vineyard management. The research focuses on how enhancing inter-row biodiversity can modulate the vineyard microclimate, effectively reducing the humidity levels that favor fungal sporulation. Additionally, the efficacy of seaweed-based biostimulants and beneficial fungi is evaluated as a strategic replacement for copper-based fungicides. Comprehensive field analysis demonstrates that these sustainable practices improve the antioxidant capacity of the vines, allowing for a 35% reduction in synthetic inputs without compromising the organoleptic properties of the harvest. The findings underscore that transition toward bio-intensive plant protection is essential for preserving the economic viability of viticultural terroir in an increasingly warming environment. This work provides original actionable insights for adapting viticultural protection programs to the complex requirements of the current global agricultural sector. By prioritizing soil-plant-microbe interactions, growers can maintain productivity while navigating the escalating environmental volatility that defines modern viticulture.

The cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) remains a cornerstone of global food security, yet its productivity is increasingly threatened by the synergistic effects of the climate crisis. In regions like Eastern Europe, the synchronization of prolonged heatwaves with the peak activity of pests such as the Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) and the Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) has led to catastrophic yield losses. This paper explores a holistic approach to plant protection by shifting from conventional synthetic inputs to climate-resilient biological solutions and strategies. The analysis focuses on the efficacy of microbial biostimulants (e.g., Bacillus spp. and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) in improving water-use efficiency and root architecture, alongside the use of entomopathogenic fungi as a targeted defense mechanism against soil-borne larvae and pathogens. A synthesis of recent field data indicates that integrating these biological agents can reduce chemical pesticide dependence by up to 30% while maintaining competitive yields under moderate drought stress conditions. The findings suggest that reinforcing the plant’s natural defenses and soil-root interactions is vital for stabilizing maize production in a warming world. This research provides new actionable insights for developing sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs tailored to the dynamic challenges of the 2020s agricultural landscape.