_{A two-year experiment from 2022- to 2024 was conducted to study the effect of natural farming on field and seed quality parameters in onion seed crop. Among the various treatments, the maximum plant height(cm), number of leaves per plant, number of umbels, umbel diameter (mm), number of seeds per umbel, minimum days to seed harvesting, 1000 seed weight (g), seed yield per plot and hecctare (kg) and lowest diseases incidence were reported with natural farming treatment: T10 – Onion sole crop with four sprays of Buttermilk, which was stastically at par with T4 – Onion+Fenugreek 4 sprays of Buttermilk and conventional control (T13) . Similarily supreriority in seed quality, such as germination (%), seedling length (cm), dry weight (mg) and vigour index-I and II, was observed in the natural farming treatments T10 and T4. These two natural farming treatments also resulted in a higher B:C ratio than that of conventional farming system and thus can be recommended for quality seed production in onion.}

Soft rot, caused by pectolytic bacteria, especially from the genus Pectobacterium, is one of the most significant diseases of lettuce, causing significant crop losses. Due to limitations on the use of chemical pesticides and their limited efficacy, the development of biological control methods, including those based on Bacillus subtilis, has become an urgent issue.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various B. subtilis-based preparations in controlling wet rot in greenhouse lettuce production. The experiment was conducted during the spring and summer of 2025, and involved artificially infecting plants with predominant local Pectobacterium species and then treating them with liquid formulations of Bacillus subtilis. The efficacy of treatment was compared under different application frequencies and intervals. To assess the biological effects, a comprehensive evaluation of the plant condition was carried out based on the following parameters: the severity of rot symptoms, the rate of spread and radius of infection, the length and weight of roots and leaves, and the survival of plants 7, 14, and 21 days after infection.

Various strains of B. subtilis demonstrated high antagonistic activity against Pectobacterium-caused infection, particularly when integrated with specific agricultural techniques. The combined use of microbial preparations and agricultural techniques that promote the activity of these antagonists can be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical methods of protection.

The design and agricultural application of new-generation nanostructured biopreparations with a wide range of functional properties can significantly reduce the use of synthetic plant protection products and growth stimulants. In this work, we studied the antifungal and growth-stimulating activity of chitosan aspartate nanoparticles obtained in situ in the process of the counterionic association of protonated macrochains with counterions of acid residue and stabilized by a polysiloxane shell network. Our study of the growth of soil-dwelling saprotrophic and phytopathogenic fungi of various physiological and ecological groups showed that the shell nanoparticles had antifungal activity. Mycelial growth suppression under the influence of these nanoparticles was noted for the fungi Trichoderma harzianum (up to 81.3%), Fusarium oxysporum (39.1%), Schizophyllum commune (37.9%), Lecanicillum aphanocladii (30.4%), Alternaria sp. (33.0%), Botrytis sp. (30.0%), Trichoderma viride (25.3%), Sclerotinia cf. Sclerotiorum (18.0%), Rhizoctonia sp. (15.0%), Talaromyces sayulitensis (7.0%) and Pleurotus ostreatus var. Florida (6.1%). At the same time, a stimulating effect of low nanoparticle concentrations on the growth of the ascomycete T. sayulitensis isolated from the rhizosphere was found (20%). The treatment of soft wheat seeds with the nanoparticle biopreparation followed by cultivation on an artificial infectious background in the presence of spores of the fungus Rhizoctonia sp. reduced the damage degree and the development level of the plant disease by 33%. Along with this, our study of seedlings of four plant species of various taxonomic and economic groups (soft wheat, soybean, cucumber, and lettuce) by a set of morphometric, physiological and biochemical features showed that the shell nanoparticles of chitosan aspartate had pronounced growth-stimulating activity. It was manifested, first of all, in an increase in root biomass, the content of photosynthetic pigments and a change in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. A reliable effect of the nanoparticles on the morphogenetic activity of callus cells and the regeneration of wheat plants was also established. The results of our study demonstrate the potential of biopreparation based on chitosan aspartate nanoparticles both for protecting plants from phytopathogenic fungi and stimulating the growth and development of agricultural crops. Moreover, the preparation is biodegradable and safe for humans and the environment.

Acknowledgment

This research was funded by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation No. 24-16-00172, https://rscf.ru/project/24-16-00172/.

Potassium (K) deficiency is a significant limitation to crop production in tropical regions, where highly weathered soils are prevalent and access to imported K fertilizers, such as potassium chloride (KCl), is often restricted. As a sustainable alternative, K-rich syenite rocks, naturally abundant in silicate minerals, hold promise, though their low solubility limits direct agronomic use. This study investigates the potential of a chlorine-free K fertilizer produced through low-temperature hydrothermal conversion of syenite rocks from Morocco (~15 wt.% K₂O), aimed at enhancing nutrient release while ensuring agro-environmental considerations. Greenhouse trials were conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replicates, on a tropical soil highly K-depleted. Treatments included hydrothermally converted syenite (HTS), untreated syenite, KCl, and a no-K control, with K applied uniformly at a rate of 500 kg K/ha across treatments. Soybean, a nutritionally significant and key contributor to sustainable cropping systems in tropical agriculture, was selected to assess fertilization effectiveness. Plant growth, biomass accumulation, and potassium uptake were measured over 60 days. The results showed that HTS significantly improved plant performance and potassium uptake, with outcomes close to those of KCl, while untreated syenite remained less effective. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of processing syenite rock to enhance potassium bioavailability for soybean, and highlight the potential of syenite as a locally sourced product and an eco-friendly potassium fertilizer. Its adoption may reduce reliance on imported potash fertilizers, improve tropical soil fertility, and contribute to more resilient and circular nutrient management practices for sustainable agriculture.

ABSTRACT

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a crucial crop contributing significantly to the economy and industries of the Philippines. However, its productivity is threatened by ringspot disease, caused by Epicoccum sorghinum, which negatively affects growth and yield. This study aims to evaluate the antagonistic potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from sugarcane against E. sorghinum using a Dual Culture Assay (DCA) and Volatile Compound Assay (VCA). The study also characterizes the bacterial species through morpho-cultural and Gram staining analysis and identifies them using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Phylogenetic Analysis (PCR-PA). The bacterial isolates, obtained from sugarcane stalks and maintained in the laboratory, were assessed for their inhibitory effects on the pathogen. The findings revealed that Burkholderia gladioli (Camingawan) exhibited the highest inhibition in the DCA (57.79%), followed by Stenotrophomonas rhizophila (Oringao) (16.55%). In the VCA, Bacillus pumilus (Binicuil) was the most effective, showing a 49.56% inhibition rate. Molecular characterization using 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the identity of these endophytic bacteria. The results indicate that these bacterial strains possess strong antagonistic properties against E. sorghinum, demonstrating their potential as sustainable biocontrol agents. This study provides valuable insights into endophytic bacteria as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for managing ringspot disease in sugarcane. Further research should explore field applications and formulation development to enhance the practical deployment of these biocontrol agents in sugarcane farms.

This study investigates the key determinants influencing farmers’ adoption of Thermal Treatment Technology (TTT) as a sustainable and agroecological strategy for controlling storage pests and reducing chemical inputs in post-harvest management. Reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides aligns with the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and supports the European Union’s Green Deal objectives, particularly in promoting low-carbon and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. This research focuses on dried fig producers and processors in Aydın, Turkey—one of the country’s leading fig-producing regions. Data were collected through face-to-face structured interviews with 170 farmers and processors. To ensure a minimum level of understanding of the technology, participants were shown a 3-minute educational video introducing the concept, benefits, and application of TTT prior to completing the questionnaire. A multinomial logistic regression model was applied to identify the socio-economic variables that significantly influence adoption behavior. The results indicate that access to training and educational resources, financial and marketing support, farm size, and land ownership are positively associated with the likelihood of adopting TTT. Conversely, age shows a negative relationship, with younger farmers demonstrating a higher propensity to adopt innovative and sustainable practices. The model demonstrated good explanatory power, with Nagelkerke R² = 0.587 and McFadden R² = 0.294. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of supportive institutional frameworks and socio-economic conditions in facilitating the uptake of green technologies in agriculture. Policymakers and agricultural extension services should focus on enhancing awareness, improving financial incentives, and targeting younger generations to scale up sustainable post-harvest practices. This research contributes valuable insights for designing interventions that foster climate-smart agriculture and promote zero-pollution solutions in crop protection systems.

Soil microbial communities play a crucial role in vineyard health by supporting nutrient cycling, plant growth, and disease resistance. However, intensive pesticide use can disrupt this balance. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is particularly vulnerable to Plasmopara viticola, the causal agent of downy mildew, which is commonly controlled with copper-based fungicides. Despite their effectiveness, these treatments pose environmental and health risks. The European Union is promoting sustainable alternatives and aims to reduce pesticide use by 50% in2030. In this context, we evaluated the impact of a new fungicide for downy mildew control on vineyard soil microbiota using a metagenomic approach. A field trial was conducted in an experimental vineyard of the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (Portugal) with the cultivar "Tinta Roriz". Sprayings were carried out in 2024 in leaves unfolded until veraison in a total of nine foliar applications. Six different treatments for downy mildew control were tested: M1—control (without any spray); M2 and M3—two concentrations of the new fungicide; M4—new fungicide combined with elicitor (Prevatect® and chitosan-based); M5—new fungicide combined with elicitor (Equiset®, Equisetum arvense L. -based); and M6—conventional fungicide. Soil samples were collected before the first spraying and 15 days after the last round of spraying. Metagenomic libraries for ITS and 16S were prepared and sequenced using the Illumina platform. Proteobacteria and Ascomycota were the most abundant phyla, and Gaiella occulta and Penicillago nodositata the dominant species among bacteria and fungi, respectively. After the sprayings, an increase in bacterial abundance and diversity in the treatments combining the new fungicide with elicitors (M4 and M5) was noted. Fungal species diversity increased in all treatments, except for M1 and M2. Overall, the new fungicide enhanced bacterial abundance and induced changes in fungal diversity, suggesting its potential to positively control downy mildew and disrupt the soil microbial community.

RNA interference is an eco-friendly pest control mechanism regulating gene expression at a post-transcriptional level in eukaryotes and offers a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, which face challenges such as resistant development and non-target toxicity. The sprayable gene-specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) will suppress the insecticide detoxifying genes (Acetylcholine esterase (AChE), orcokinin (Orc), sex lethal protein, Ecdysone receptor (ECR) genes (B. tabaci Asia-1, PgCadl, Cadherin aIIeles (rl9 and r20), rl5A and rl5B, rl4 aIIele of the pink boIIworm cadherin gene (PgCadl), rl3PgCadl, PgABCA2, PgCadl aIIeles (rl-r20), and PgABCC2) of white fly and pink bollworm. Initially, this study will screen differences in insecticidal activity across various open reading frames of target genes using similarly sized (approximately 300 bp) dsRNAs. The optimal length of dsRNA will be determined by preparing samples ranging from 100 to 700 bp. Different formulations of dsRNA spray shielded with layered double hydroxide nanoparticles will be used against different target genes. The effects of dsRNA on non-target organisms (NTOs) will be evaluated against honey bees, Apis mellifera, A.cerana, and a natural enemy, Orius laevigatus. The optimal length of hairpin dsRNA will be capsulated with LDH and harmless to NTOs, and then it will be sprayed on Bemisia tabaci and Pectinophora gossypiella infesting lab- and greenhouse-cultivated cotton plants. This study will lead to a significant reduction in pink bollworm and white fly populations compared to the control efficacy of different synthetic chemical insecticides.

Escalating pathogen resistance to synthetic pesticides and the regulatory impetus of the European “Farm-to-Fork” Strategy have intensified the search for crop-protection tools that eliminate toxic residues while safeguarding yield. In this context, we investigated the antifungal potential of five plant-derived extracts—Azadirachta indica (neem), Salix babylonica (willow), Capsicum annuum (chilli), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), and Allium sativum (garlic)—against the economically important tomato pathogens Phytophthora infestans, Alternaria solani, and Botrytis cinerea. Crude extracts were produced by ultrasound-assisted extraction in 70% (v/v) ethanol, achieving mean yields of 12–18% (w/w) relative to dry biomass. Each extract was encapsulated in chitosan–alginate nanoparticles (mean diameter 145 ± 18 nm; ζ-potential –31 mV) to enhance stability and foliar adhesion. Formulations were sprayed at 0.5–2 g L⁻¹ in a 10-week greenhouse trial (1 000 m², completely randomized design, three replicates per treatment). In vitro disc diffusion assays confirmed dose-dependent growth inhibition, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 1.0 g L⁻¹. In vivo, the T. vulgaris nanoformulation curtailed disease incidence by 67%, statistically indistinguishable from the synthetic fungicide fludioxonil (p > 0.05), yet left no quantifiable residues in fruit (< 0.01 mg kg⁻¹ by LC-MS/MS). A cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessment, performed according to ISO 14040/44, revealed that the thyme-based treatment reduced eutrophication potential by 55% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40% relative to the grower’s conventional spray program. Sensitivity analysis indicated that nanoparticle encapsulation contributed less than 5% to the overall impact, validating its environmental compatibility. Our findings demonstrate that nano-carried botanical extracts can match the efficacy of commercial fungicides while advancing zero-pollution objectives. The approach offers a scalable pathway for integrating circular bio-resources into plant-health management and supports EU policy goals for pesticide-free, climate-smart agriculture.

One of the most devastating diseases in the world that affects rice is sheath blight (ShB), caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Management of the sheath blight is carried out through cultural, biological, and chemical applications. Breeding for resistance has been explored. However, due to the pathogen's complex mechanisms, complete resistance in rice cultivars has not yet been achieved. Phenotypic evaluation through epidemiological concepts provides a relevant basis for identifying potential donors of resistance. The resistance is assessed through epidemiological phenotypic quantification of physiological and disease escape. Sixteen selected lines were subjected to a micro-field condition to test for overall resistance. Disease resistance was evaluated based on key parameters, including tiller incidence, relative lesion height, and lesion number. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and multivariate analysis, identified four lines, Da Nuo, Gie 57, ShB 6, and ShB 5, with moderate to high resistance. Moreover, Oryza rufipogon lines (ShB 4, ShB 5, ShB 6, and ShB 9) demonstrated promising resistance levels, indicating their potential as donors in breeding programs for enhanced ShB resistance. This study provides valuable insights into the quantitative resistance mechanisms of rice genotypes against sheath blight, laying the groundwork for future breeding strategies to mitigate disease impact.