Plant Protection Science - In Press
Inheritance of resistance to races 3.5 and to the new Brazilian race Br06 of Podosphaera xanthii in Indian Acidulous and Momordica melon accessionsOriginal Paper
Anânkia de Oliveira Ricarte Marinho, Francisco Leandro Costa Loureiro, Elaíne Welk Lopes Pereira Nunes, Edicleide Macedo da Silva, Geovanna Alicia Dantas Gomes, Adriano Ferreira Martins, Aleš Lebeda, Narinder P.S. Dhillon, Maria Belén Picó, Glauber Henrique de Sousa Nunes, Adriano Ferreira Martins
Powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaera xanthii, is one of the most severe diseases affecting the foliar parts of melon (Cucumis melo). The use of resistant cultivars is one of the most effective strategies for controlling this pathogen. In this context, understanding the genetic control of resistance is essential for guiding allele introgression strategies in breeding programs. This study investigated the inheritance of resistance in three melon accessions AM-55, PI 313970, and PI 414723 against P. xanthii races Br06 and 3.5. Three independent trials were conducted, each evaluating the inheritance pattern of one accession. The F₁ and F₂ populations derived from the crosses AM-55 × Véndrantais, PI 313970 × Goldex, and PI 414723 × Goldex, along with their respective parental lines, were evaluated. Inoculation was performed 20 days after sowing, and disease severity was assessed 10 days after inoculation using a 1–4 ratings scale. Phenotypic frequency data were subjected to chi-square (χ²) tests to validate genetic models of resistance. Segregation analysis of the F₂ generations revealed that resistance in AM-55 to races 3.5 and Br06 is controlled by a single recessive gene. In PI 313970, resistance showed dominant–recessive epistasis for race Br06 and double recessive epistasis for race 3.5. In PI 414723, resistance followed a double recessive epistatic model for race Br06 and a single dominant gene model for race 3.5. The results indicate that at least two genes with distinct modes of action contribute to resistance derived from these sources, providing useful insights for melon breeding programs.
Efficacy of Essential Oils on Biotrophic Pathogens of Vegetable CropsOriginal Paper
Dr. Pavel Matušinský, Barbora Mieslerová, Božena Sedláková, Aleš Lebeda
Essential oils (EOs) are emerging as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides in crop protection. In the current study, we develop and validate a robust methodology to evaluate EOs' efficacy against biotrophic pathogens of vegetable crops, which are inherently challenging to study due to their strict host dependence and inability to be propagated in vitro. Our approach integrates simultaneous assessment of pathogen inhibition and host phytotoxicity against powdery mildews (Erysiphales) and downy mildews (Peronosporales), ensuring reliable interpretation of results. Experiments conducted in a controlled growth chamber on cucumber, tomato, and prickly lettuce leaf tissues showed that fennel oil consistently achieved maximal pathogen suppression, while thyme and geranium oils were effective at lower concentrations. Conversely, rosemary, cajeput, and tea tree oils exhibited limited efficacy, and several others showed isolate-specific or concentration-dependent responses. These findings underscore the critical importance of rigorously designed methodologies in accurately assessing the potential of EOs as sustainable plant protection agents.
Influence of Satureja montana L. ssp. variegata hydrolate on weeds and cultivated plant speciesOriginal Paper
Milena Popov, Bojan Konstantinović, Milica Aćimović, Nataša Mandić, Tijana Stojanović, Ivana Sofrenić, Stefan Ugrinov, Snežana Ivanović
The aromatic plant from genus Satureja are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, as well as in aromatherapy and traditional medicine, due to the numerous beneficial antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of the bioactive components in the chemical composition of its essential oil, as well as in hydrolates. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of S. montana ssp. variegata hydrolate on seed germination and the initial growth of cultivated crops such as sunflower, soybean and corn, as well as on weed species such as common ragweed, redroot pigweed and white goosefoot which were treated with different concentrations of the S. montana ssp. variegata hydrolate solution: 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100%. The results indicate a strong inhibitory effect of the tested hydrolate on all tested weed species, causing a significant reduction or complete inhibition of seed germination, as well as the shoot and root growth at higher concentrations. Soybean showed minimal phytotoxic effects, with indications of hormetic effect in some cases. The studied hydrolate did not affect sunflower germination, but it exhibited concentration-dependent effects on shoot and root growth. In corn, both germination and shoot/root growth were influenced in a concentration-dependent manner.
Comparison of storage pest fauna in the Czech Republic and Hungary reveals significant differences in the distribution of Sitophilus speciesShort Communication
Tomas Vendl, Radek Aulicky, Anna Kósa-Tass Emőke, Vaclav Stejskal
There is a need for precise data on the distribution of storage pests in Europe to establish pest and resistance risk evaluations across different countries and regions. However, detailed faunistic surveys are still lacking for many European countries, limiting our understanding of species distribution and population trends. In this study, we compared storage pest communities in grain stores in the Czech Republic and Hungary using data from the Horizon novIGRain project on pest resistance mapping. While the overall pest composition was similar in both countries, notable differences were observed in economically significant species of the genus Sitophilus. Sitophilus granarius was found exclusively in Czech samples, whereas S. zeamais appeared only in Hungary, indicating distinct regional distributions. In contrast, S. oryzae was present in both countries in similar proportions. The clear boundary in the occurrence of S. zeamais between the two countries may reflect climatic constraints, suggesting that ongoing warming could facilitate a northward expansion and potential establishment of this species in the Czech Republic. These findings highlight that even short distances between geographically close countries can result in marked differences in pest occurrence, leading to distinct pest risk profiles for stored commodities across regions of Europe.
Modeling spray deposition at different operating pressures and nozzle orientations for enhancing efficacy whitefly control
Sajjad N. Ibraheem, Fahad Sh. Aleid, Majid H. Alheidary
This work investigated the effect of different spraying models and operating pressures on the percentage of whitefly mortality in the eggplant (Solanum melongena). Five types of spraying models including two nozzles from above to plant canopy (M1), two nozzles from the side (M2), two nozzles from below (M3), combination of M1 and M2 (M4), and combination of M2 and M3 (M5); and two values of operating pressures (2 and 5 bar) were evaluated. The randomized block, completely designed, was used for evaluating the interaction between treatments. Residual toxicity and insecticide efficacy were recorded at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 days post-application. The statistical analysis showed significant variations in the efficacy of whitefly mortality based on the spraying models and operating pressures combination. The outcomes demonstrated that the treatment of M3 at 5 bar operating pressure achieved the highest whitefly mortality. Notably, this performance of M3 showed no significant statistical difference (P > 0.05) in comparison to the treatment of M5 at the same operation conditions. Interestingly, for the spraying model of M3, the highest efficacy of whitefly mortality was often noted in the lower layers (50.7% at 2 bar and 52.0% at 5 bar), contradicting the particular influence where the upper layers of the plant canopy catch most of the spray droplets to penetrate easily. These findings recommend that optimizing spray models and operating pressure could significantly improve the droplet distribution and effectiveness of insecticide control agents, allowing a more sustainable approach to whitefly control in the fields. For the other spraying models (M1, M4), the uniformity of spray droplet distribution relatively remained, but the overall whitefly mortality percentage was lower than that of spraying models (M3 and M5). At the operating pressure of 5 bar, increasing the kinetic energy of the spray droplets allowed them to bypass the barrier of the leaves, especially in the upper layers (L1), resulting in more effective spray coverage and deposition on the leaves that are located in the middle layers (L2) and bottom layer (L3).
Application of Pseudomonas Eir4 phage decreases infection of Pseudomonas syringae in tomato leavesOriginal Paper
Barbora Jindřichová, Anzhela Antonova, Marharyta Zhovnarenko, Robin Thibert, Jakub Dušek, Václav Psota, Lenka Burketová, Tetiana Kalachova
Bacterial speck, a disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), is among the major causes of yield losses in greenhouse-cultivated tomatoes. Aiming to reduce the use of chemical bactericides, bacteriophages appear as promising biocontrol agents, which are yet to be broadly applied. In this study bacteriophage Pseudomonas Eir4 was used as a model antibacterial agent against Pst, showing direct bactericidal efficiency, and restricting both disease manifestation and bacterial load in tomato tissues. Since one of the anticipated concerns of phage usage in the greenhouse is the virion sensitivity to environmental conditions, we studied the effect of phage formulation on phage lytic and biocontrol activity. Formulation with skimmed milk had no effect on dynamics of rapid bacterial lysis in vitro in concentration range 0.5 - 1,5%, but increased the antibacterial efficiency in planta in prolonged exposure (1-3 dpi). Single phage application significantly reduced bacterial load in plant tissues if applied either 24 h prior or post pathogen inoculation, which signifies both preventative and curative potential of phage therapy, particularly important for successful disease management.
Mass trapping of Agriotes spp.: Efficacy, challenges and integration into sustainable pest managementReview
Sergeja Adamič Zamljen, Tanja Bohinc, Stanislav Trdan
Soil-dwelling beetles, particularly Agriotes spp. and related elaterids, are major pests in temperate cropping systems worldwide. Mass trapping using pheromone, light, or food-based lures is an environmentally sustainable tool within integrated pest management (IPM). In Europe, pheromone traps effectively monitor adult Agriotes populations and can contribute to localized suppression. Similar approaches are applied in North America and East Asia for genera such as Melanotus, Limonius, and Hypnoidus, highlighting global applicability. Success depends on species-specific biology, adult dispersal, trap density, lure composition, environmental conditions, and landscape structure. Multi-year larval development limits immediate reductions in wireworm populations, while light traps pose higher non-target risks. Pheromone traps offer greater selectivity but require optimized trap design, placement, and timing. Effective control requires integration with complementary IPM measures, including crop rotation, soil management, tolerant cultivars, and biological control. Future research should focus on improving lure formulations, evaluating multi-species baits, optimizing deployment, and applying predictive modelling to support adaptive, landscape-level management. When combined with other IPM strategies, mass trapping represents a globally relevant, environmentally sustainable approach to reduce the impact of wireworms and other soil-dwelling beetle pests.
Species Composition and Fly Activity of Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) on Nectarine Trees: A Study in Serbian OrchardsOriginal Paper
Ivana Jovičić, Giuseppe Eros Massimino Cocuzza, Anđa Radonjić, Olivera Petrović-Obradović
This paper provides an insight into the diversity and flight activity of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) on nectarines, with particular reference to Plum Pox Virus (PPV) vectors. Aphid flight was monitored during the 2020-2022 growing seasons using the sticky shoot method in two locations, Sremska Mitrovica (SM) and Topola (TO) in Serbia. The collected specimens were classified into 43 distinct taxa and 10 species: Aphis craccivora, A. fabae, A. gossypii, A. spiraecola, Hyalopterus pruni, Macrosiphum rosae, Myzus persicae, Phorodon humuli, Rhopalosiphum maidis and R. padi are potential vectors of PPV. The most abundant of these were M. persicae, A. fabae and A. gossypii. The proportion of known PPV vectors among the total aphid population was high at 8–50%, depending on the year and locality. The average number of aphids and potential vectors visiting each nectarine tree per season was calculated to determine aphid population dynamics. The highest potential vector activity was recorded in May and June when the nectarine leaves were young and more susceptible to viral infection.
Effect of Surfactants on Conidial Viability, Physicochemical Properties, and Insecticidal Activity of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsiiOriginal Paper
Cebrail Barış
The development of effective formulations of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) requires surfactants that preserve conidial viability while improving formulation behavior and bioefficacy. This study investigated the effects of eight surfactants on Beauveria bassiana (5-4) and Metarhizium robertsii (S3) with emphasis on germination, physicochemical performance, and insecticidal activity against Rhyzopertha dominica. Conidia were mass-produced by solid-state fermentation on rice and exposed to 1% surfactant suspensions to assess germination on PDA. Wetting time, foaming capacity, and suspension stability were quantified at concentrations of 1%, 0.1%, and 0.01% using standardized assays. Insecticidal efficacy was evaluated in concrete-surface bioassay by applying conidial suspensions at dose (3×10¹⁰ conidia m-²). Results showed that B. bassiana maintained high germination (>93%) across surfactants, while M. robertsii displayed surfactant-specific variability, with lecithin yielding the highest germination. In terms of wetting time, organosilicone-based surfactants demonstrated the best performance. Regarding foam formation, sodium lauryl sulfate produced the most unfavorable outcome among the tested surfactants. Suspension tests identified Terrasil as the most stable surfactant, in contrast to lecithin, which caused marked sedimentation. In bioassays, Terrasil–fungus combinations achieved the highest mortality (70% for B. bassiana, 67% for M. robertsii at 14 days), outperforming all other treatments. These findings demonstrate that surfactant performance is multifactorial, as compatibility with germination alone does not ensure formulation stability or field efficacy. Terrasil emerged as the most promising candidate by combining biological safety, physicochemical robustness, and enhanced bioefficacy, offering a strong framework for the optimization of EPF-based biopesticide formulations.
Occurrence of Theocolax elegans (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Cerocephalidae) in Slovenia: A new faunistic record - Short CommunicationShort Communication
Vladimir Žikić, Tanja Bohinc, Stanislav Trdan
Biological control represents one of the more widespread and increasingly popular methods of non-chemical control of plant pests. Chemical control of storage pests has a number of disadvantages (in particular, the emergence of resistance of storage pests to fumigants and their undesirable effects on non-target organisms), while non-chemical methods most often do not show satisfactory efficiency, which is why they are rarely used in larger grain storage facilities. The use of natural enemies for the control of storage pests represents an interesting alternative to chemical agents, but this area is relatively poorly studied. Studying the presence of natural enemies in and around grain storage facilities is usually the first step in their subsequent use in storage pest control systems. In this paper, we present the parasitoid Theocolax elegans, a cosmopolitan species that parasitizes the larvae of stored-product beetles, but remains relatively little known and is only sporadically reported in Europe. To assess whether T. elegans has a biological potential comparable to the already well-established parasitoids of storage beetles, Lariophagus distinguendus and Anisopteromalus calandrae, we emphasize the need for future research on this species, particularly regarding its efficiency and applicability in biological control programs.
Examining the potential of surfactin to reduce the rate of lambda-cyhalothrin to control Oulema spp.Original Paper
Beata Koim-Puchowska (PhD)
The purpose of this paper was to verify the use of a surfactin synthesised by Bacillus subtilis natto BS19 as a measure in the biocontrol of cereal pests. The ability of pests to feed, their survival and the number of eggs laid in response to lambda-cyhalothrin and surfactin in different concentrations were assessed. The most promising results were obtained after applying a solution containing 33.35 or 46 mg/L of surfactin and 75% of the maximum pesticide dose. Following application of the preparation, leaf damage was reduced by about 59% or 63%, irrespective of insect sex or species relative to the control. In comparison, treatment with the pesticide alone at an equivalent dose resulted in an approximately 50% reduction in leaf. Applying the same combination of pesticide and surfactin also limited the survival of the insects by around 80% and 85% respectively, while after applying solely pesticide by 60%. Thus, it can be inferred that the addition of the yeast-slurry-based lipopeptide in an optimal concentration may minimise the pesticide dose needed and thus limit the feeding and survival outcomes of Oulema spp., which is both ecologically and economically advantageous.
Nematicidal activity of cinnamon (Cinnamonum) essential oils on Stem Nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci)Original Paper
Ondřej Douda
The Stem Nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) remains a significant plant parasitic pest. In temperate zones, it causes a damage to vegetables, fodder crops, and ornamental plants. There are still not enough options available for direct protection against this species. In the past, data was obtained on the high effectiveness of cinnamon essential oils on the mortality of D. dipsaci. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine in more detail the nematocidal properties of four concentrations of three essential oils from Cinnamonum plant species, to determine its LC50 and LC99 values in an in vitro test and the composition of the tested cinnamon oils, and to discuss their possible practical use for the protection of seed materials against Ditylenchus dipsaci.
RNA Silencing Suppressors: Mechanisms, Impacts, and Prospects in Plant Antiviral DefenseReview
Chenwei Zhang, Yueyue Cai, Xiaocong Jiao, Xin Jia, Yuan Cheng, Lu Li, Yongmin Chen, Xing Han
RNA silencing, a highly conserved gene inactivation system in higher plants, acts as a pivotal natural defense mechanism against viruses. In response, viruses encode RNA silencing suppressors (RSSs) to disrupt this antiviral pathway and counteract plant defense responses. Extensive studies have revealed that RSSs specifically target critical components within the plant silencing machinery and antiviral pathways. In this article, we provide a comprehensive summary of RNA silencing suppressors, encompassing their inhibitory mechanisms, impacts on host proteins involved in RNA silencing and antiviral pathways, as well as the methods employed for identifying RSSs and their potential applications in plant virus defense. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of RSSs and their impacts on hosts can deepen our knowledge of the co-evolutionary dynamics between plants and viruses, and may potentially pave the way for the development of novel strategies for the prevention and control of plant viruses. Currently, ongoing research is continuously exploring the intricate details of RSSs’ functions.
The effect of combining oat variety with fungicide protection on the occurrence of mycotoxinsOriginal Paper
Jakub Danielewicz, Joanna Horoszkiewicz, Ewa Jajor, Marek Korbas, Robert Idziak, Łukasz Sobiech, Monika Grzanka
The study investigated the impact of different fungicide treatments—specifically from the triazole (epoxiconazole, tebuconazole) and strobilurin (azoxystrobin, picoxystrobin) groups—on the mycotoxin content and yield of oat grain over selected years. Oats are used for various purposes, including in human and animal nutrition. In recent years contamination in oat grains has become an increasing problem in many countries. The occurrence of pathogens of the Fusarium genus on a oat crop can contribute not only to a decrease in the yield level, but also to the contamination of grain with harmful secondary metabolites of fungi - mycotoxins. One of the basic methods of reducing the problem of the occurrence of Fusarium fungi is the use of fungicides. In three-year field studies on five oat varieties, four fungicides containing active substances from the strobilurin and triazole groups were tested. The grain yield and its contamination with mycotoxins - deoxynivalenol, the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins and zearalenone - were determined. The use of fungicides from the triazole and strobilurin groups positively affected both yield and the reduction of mycotoxins in oat grain. The efficacy of the treatments depended on the active ingredient, the oat variety, and the specific weather conditions during the growing season. Ultimately, appropriate fungicide protection not only enhances yield but also mitigates the risk posed by harmful mycotoxins, which is critical given the importance of oats for food consumption.
Antifungal Activity of Mentha piperita and M. arvensis Essential Oils against the Plant Pathogens Alternaria alternata and A. tenuissimaOriginal Paper
Tingting Huang, Ariuntungalag Myanganbayar, Haiyang Liu, Dongyi Luo, Undarmaa Davaasambuu, Temuujin Ulambayar
Alternaria spp., especially A. tenuissima and A. alternata, cause yield and quality losses in wheat and potato. We compared the antifungal activities of the essential oils (EOs) from Mentha piperita and M. arvensis against the fungal pathogens Alternaria tenuissima (isolated from wheat) and A. alternata (isolated from potato). Both EOs exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of mycelial growth, M. piperita EO produced 35%, 55% and 74% inhibition of A. tenuissima at 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.15% (v/v), while M. arvensis EO yielded 31%, 50% and 68%. Similar inhibition was observed for A. alternata. Growth suppression occurred at 0.25% (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) for both EOs. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified six major compounds, accounting for >71% of the total peak areas, and revealed that both oils were dominated by menthol (40.1% in peppermint; 36.8% in cornmint) and menthone (25.2% in peppermint; 20.9% in cornmint), with peppermint oil additionally containing 1,8-cineole (4.6%) and menthofuran (2.1%), and cornmint oil containing limonene (7.8%). Microscopic observations of sublethal treatments (0.05–0.15%) showed pronounced hyphal swelling, vacuolation, and abnormal conidiation, indicating membrane disruption and impaired sporulation. These results demonstrate that both peppermint and cornmint EOs are potential natural antifungal agents against Alternaria spp., with peppermint oil exhibiting slightly stronger inhibition at intermediate concentrations, likely due to its unique oxygenated monoterpenes. The high menthol/menthone content underpins the broad-spectrum efficacy, suggesting potential for developing eco-friendly, plant-derived fungicides for managing the plant diseases caused by Alternaria pathogens in different crops.
Bacteriostatic properties of paulownia leaf extracts (Paulownia spp.) in agroforestry crop protectionShort Communication
Beata Jacek, Kacper Łojek, Wojciech Litwińczuk
Paulownia plants are rich in biologically active substances. However, studies on their antibacterial properties are limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the bacteriostatic properties of paulownia leaf extracts against diseases affecting woody plants grown in agroforestry systems. Antibacterial activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina, and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. These extracts were effective against all tested bacteria. X. arboricola pv. corylina was the most sensitive to paulownia leaf extracts, followed by X. arboricola pv. juglandis, whereas A. tumefaciens exhibited the lowest sensitivity. However, the type of solvent significantly impacted the bacteriostatic properties. Acetone extracts of Paulownia exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria, whereas the water extract showed no inhibitory effect.
Concomitant application of AgNPs and four potent Streptomyces spp. against phytopathogen Pythium aphanidermatum exhibited antagonistic activityOriginal Paper
Toktam Ataeisalami, Gholamhosein Shahidibonjar, Akbar Hosseinipor, Rohollah Abdoshahi, Maryam Dorraninejad, Ismail Saadoun, Essaid Barka
Many biological control methods have been evaluated for managing plant root pathogens. One of the most challenging is Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson), a soil-borne oomycete causing damping-off, seed rot, and root rot in various crops. In this study, three approaches were investigated: (i) biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Aloysia citrodora at five concentrations, (ii) crude extracts of four bioactive Streptomyces isolates (2.5 mg/mL), and (iii) combined applications of Streptomyces crude extracts with 0.01 M AgNPs. Both Streptomyces extracts and AgNPs significantly inhibited pathogen growth compared with controls, with complete inhibition (100%) observed at 0.01 M AgNPs. In contrast, combined treatments exhibited a pronounced antagonistic interaction (P ≤ 0.001), where inhibition ratios declined to 42–55% depending on the isolate. This reduction is likely due to chemical interactions between A. citrodora phytochemicals and Streptomyces metabolites, which may alter nanoparticle stability and diminish their bioactivity. These findings challenge the common assumption of universal synergy between AgNPs and bioactive agents and highlight the need for careful evaluation of interactive effects before developing nano–biocontrol formulations. Importantly, agricultural use of AgNPs remains restricted without regulatory approval, and they should not be applied in natural environments until authorized.