Plant Protection Science - In Press
Spray-induced gene silencing in the battle against pathogens, pests and weeds on our fields – soon reality or still a sci-fi?Review
Iveta Vachová, Jhonny Stalyn Hernández Orozco, Tereza Kalistová, Guy Smagghe, Martin Janda
Agriculture faces ongoing challenges from pathogens, pests and weeds threats that are amplified by climate change, intensive monoculture farming practices, and regulatory restrictions limiting traditional chemical treatments. To enhance resilience, innovative solutions are urgently needed. One promising strategy is the RNA interference (RNAi), a natural mechanism for gene silencing. Among RNAi-based approaches, spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) stands out for its ability to deliver double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) directly to eukaryotic organisms, modulating gene expression to suppress harmful species. Recent research demonstrates that appropriately designed dsRNA can suppress growth or induce mortality in over fifty pestiferous species, including fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, insects, and even weeds. Importantly, the first commercial SIGS-based product received US-EPA approval in December 2023, highlighting advances in cost-effective dsRNA production and extended shelf stability. This review emphasises the practical applications and innovations of SIGS, providing clear guidelines for translating laboratory findings to field success. By critically evaluating current progress, this review highlights SIGS as a promising tool for sustainable agriculture while identifying challenges that must be addressed to fully realise its potential.
Herbicide resistant grain sorghum: Opportunities and challengesReview
G Raghavi, S Lakshmi Narayanan, M Gunasekaran, M Raveendran, M Sudha, A Senthil, S Manoharan
Focus on impoverished crops for sustainable food and nutritional security, especially sorghum, becomes increasingly important in the changing climate regime. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), a vital cereal crop that could endure an array of biotic and abiotic stresses and is well-suited to arid ecological zones. Sorghum productivity is hindered by intense competition with weeds. However, conventional herbicide use, particularly Acetolactate synthase and Acetyl CoA Carboxylase inhibitors, has led to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. Developing herbicide-resistant sorghum offers an effective strategy to manage weeds while enhancing crop productivity. Conventional approaches, such as utilizing genetic diversity from wild relatives, germplasm screening, and induced mutagenesis, have successfully identified and transferred resistance traits to cultivated sorghum varieties. These methods have produced hybrids resistant to Acetolactate Synthase and Acetyl CoA Carboxylase inhibitors, providing new options for weed management. Commercially released herbicide resistant sorghum include Inzen, iGrowth, Double Team benefits sorghum farmers globally in many countries. Additionally, molecular mapping techniques, including quantitative trait loci mapping and marker-assisted selection, are critical for identifying genes responsible for herbicide resistance. Advances in gene-editing technologies, such as Clustered Regularly Short Palindromic Repeats, have enabled precise modifications in sorghum’s genome, further enhancing the development of herbicide resistance. Researchers worldwide are concentrating in developing resistance to 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibiting herbicides, growth regulator inhibitors and seedling inhibitors and needs to be accelerated. This review highlights the conventional and biotechnological approaches in developing herbicide-resistant sorghum, underscoring the importance of integrating these strategies for sustainable sorghum cultivation and improved global food security.
Antimicrobial Compounds from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei inhibited growth of Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis (RSC), causal pathogen of banana blood diseaseOriginal Paper
Michell Kah Ven Sam, Roslina Jawan (ORCID: 0000-0002-2211-1284), Nur Sulastri Jaffar, Khim Phin Chong (ORCID: 0000-0002-5143-7283)
Banana blood disease is a banana wilt disease caused by Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis (RSC) has significantly threatens banana plantations particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. Yet, the current control methods are inadequate to mitigate the disease. Biological control agents (BCAs) offer a promising solution by utilizing beneficial microorganisms that are against pathogens. Among BCAs, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have gained increasing attention in agriculture due to their ability to produce a variety of antimicrobial compounds. This study investigates the antimicrobial substances produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei against RSC using cell-free supernatants (CFS) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). The inhibitory effect of the LAB extracts against RSC were evaluated using agar well diffusion method. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the bioactive metabolites with potential antibacterial activity against RSC are monoglucosyl-enterobactin, (6Z,9Z,12Z)-octadecatrienoic acid, 2-(hydroxymethyl)-3-(acetamidomethylene)succinate from CFS-L. plantarum, canavanine, norspermidine, and 4-guanidinobutanamide in CFS-L. paracasei, sinapinic acid, lecanoric acid and D-glucono-1,5-lactone in LLE-L. plantarum and lithocholic acid, orotic acid, and sterculic acid in LLE-L. paracasei. Scanning electron microscope has shown the disruption and the damaging of the RSC cells in the treatment of LAB. These findings highlight the potential of L. plantarum and L. paracasei metabolites for biocontrol applications.
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.
Application of Pseudomonas Eir4 phage decreases infection of Pseudomonas syringae in tomato leavesOriginal Paper
Barbora Jindřichová, Anzhela Antonova, Marharyta Zhovnarenko, Robin Thibert, Jakub Dušek, Váslav 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.
Effect of biofumigation on soil-borne pathogen Rhizoctonia solaniOriginal Paper
Ludmila Holková, Jhonny Alba-Mejía, Barbora Jílková, Věra Loubová, Markéta Kuljová, Martin Kmoch
Rhizoctonia solani is an important fungal pathogen that causes a disease technically known as potato tuber blight. Integrated pest management favours the use of sustainable biological methods called “biofumigation”. The aim of this field study was to evaluate, in two independent experiments, the antimicrobial role of crushed mustard seeds residues on the abundance of the fungal pathogen R. solani in soil. Potatoes were grown in soil inoculated with mycelium of R. solani under greenhouse and field conditions and the level of infection of this pathogen in the soil was assessed by qPCR at the end of the growing season. In both culture conditions, a statistically significant reduction of specific R. solani DNA was detected in the variants with crushed mustard seeds residues in the soil compared to the control variants without crushed mustard seeds residues (5-fold in the experiment conducted under greenhouse experiment and 3-13-fold in the field experiment).
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.
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.
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.
Penicillium allii - a new postharvest pathogen of onion bulbs in SerbiaShort Communication
Stefan Stošić, Danijela Ristić, Svetlana Živković
Onion (Allium cepa L.), a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, is among the oldest and most widely cultivated crops, valued both in cuisine and traditional medicine. Between 2019 and 2021, onion bulbs showing blue-green mold symptoms were collected from storage facilities in Serbia. The isolated fungi were identified and characterized using a combination of morpho-physiological, molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenicity approaches. Results from morphological and multilocus genetic analyses confirmed that the isolates belonged to Penicillium allii. Pathogenicity assays demonstrated that this species is a pathogen of onion. This is the first record of P. allii on onion bulbs in Serbia as a postharvest pathogen. Monitoring and controlling its occurrence in stored onions is essential to prevent potential health risks and reduce economic losses in onion production.
The first record of Cacopsylla pulchella (Löw, 1877) (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) in Slovakia – Short communicationShort Communication
Ján Kollár, Ladislav Bakay
In the last years several allochtonnous species from the order Hemiptera were detected in Slovakia. Most of them are pests of ornamental plants, which can decrease the their ornamental value. In May 2024 adults of Cacopsylla pulchella (Löw, 1877) were recorded in the Arboretum Mlyňany and the next year this pest was found on 3 more localities (Nové Zámky, Nitra, Cabaj-Čápor). Beside adults also eggs and nymphs were found on Cercis siliquastrum, C. canadensis and C. chinensis. In 2025 we recorded growing populations of this insect pest, which can lead to significant damage on Cercis specimens. Further monitoring is required to gain data on the life cycle of this pest to ensure optimal protection measures in conditions of Slovakia.
First detection of Eremothecium coryli, a plant pathogenic yeast transmitted by Halyomorpha halys, in the Czech RepublicShort Communication
Tomáš Tonka, František Lorenc, Jana Ouředníčková, Oldřich Pultar
We report here the first detection of the plant pathogenic yeast Eremothecium coryli in the Czech Republic and identify the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys as a potential vector. E. coryli is known to cause yeast spot diseases in crops such as soybeans, hazelnuts, and tomatoes. The yeast was identified in the foregut of H. halys specimens using molecular methods, including PCR amplification and sequencing of the ITS and LSU regions, Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the identity of E. coryli and its association with H. halys as the vector is discussed. These findings highlight the risk of emerging plant diseases transmitted by invasive insect pests and emphasize the importance of molecular techniques for early pathogen detection.
Weed control in kale in the aspect of reducing herbicide useOriginal Paper
Zbigniew Anyszka, Joanna Golian
In the studies conducted in 2018–2020 in transplant kale, the methods of weed control, such as mechanical weeding, weed burning, mechanical weeding combined with weed burning, and the use of herbicides, were tested. Chemical control was based on the use of metamitron alone before planting, metamitron before planting followed pyridate 1-3 weeks after planting, pyridate alone at full rate and reduced dose with the addition of Olbras 88 EC adjuvant, and pyridate using the split-application method, at 14-day intervals. During the studies, the weed control, the number and biomass of weeds, secondary weed infestation, the response of kale to non-chemical methods and herbicides, and the yield of kale leaves were determined. The highest weed control and weed number reduction was achieved after mechanical treatments, slightly lower after metamitron use before planting and pyridate after planting, and after pre-planting pendimethalin application with supplementary weed burning. The yield of kale leaves for most objects ranged from 488.4 to 500.7 kg/100 m2 and was lower only after the mechanical treatments supplemented with weed burning and from the control. The studies showed the usefulness of the tested methods for weed control in kale.
Burkholderia glumae in Rice: Climate-Driven Epidemiology, Advanced Detection Techniques, and AI-Enhanced Predictive Forecasting ModelsReview
Hamood U Rehman, Norida Mazlan, Siti Izera Ismail, Nur Azura Husin
Burkholderia glumae, the pathogen behind bacterial panicle blight (BPB), threatens global rice (Oryza sativa) production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This review examines biotic and abiotic influences on BPB epidemiology, emphasizing climate-driven disease dynamics, molecular diagnostics, and AI-powered forecasting models. Climate change has intensified BPB outbreaks, with peak infections occurring at 28–35°C and ≥ 90% relative humidity, particularly during rice flowering. Traditional detection, relying on visual symptoms, often fails for early intervention, leading to yield losses of up to 75% in severely infected fields. Molecular methods such as PCR-based toxoflavin gene detection enhance diagnostic accuracy but remain resource-intensive for field application. Advances in machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), including CNNs and YOLO models, enable real-time disease identification, improving early management. Statistical models like BGRcast, integrating meteorological data, predict BPB outbreaks with over 85% accuracy, offering actionable insights for farmers. This review underscores the need for integrating climate data, AI-driven diagnostics, and real-time prediction systems into sustainable BPB management. Future research should focus on optimizing these technologies for field deployment, making AI-based decision support systems more accessible, and enhancing global rice resilience amid increasing climatic variability.
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.