Abstract Introduction. In organic agriculture, green manures and biocontrols are used as methods for fertilization and pest control. However, their independent application of these inputs increases production costs. A pelletized formulation is proposed to allow simultaneous application of both inputs. Objective. To evaluate the effect of pelletized Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum Rifai on nutritional intake, agricultural yield, and regulation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Materials and methods. The experiment was carried out in 2022 in Tablón del Guarco, Cartago, Costa Rica, using a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and seven repetitions. Two formulations (A and B) of biopellet (M. pruriens + zeolite + T. harzianum) were applied at three dosages (15, 30, 50 g/plant). T. harzianum was added at a rate of 5 g/kg of biopellet. Applications of each treatment were conducted every 15 days for a total of eight applications. At the time of planting, F. oxysporum was inoculated (100 mL/plant with a concentration of 1 x 103 CFU). Results. The application of biopellet achieved a yield and weight of high-quality fruits similar to the commercial control. There were no significant differences among treatments for second and third-quality fruits. The technical efficiency in controlling F. oxysporum reached 97.6 % with biopellet. This amendment increased the levels of Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and organic matter in the soil and affected the nutritional content of the plant foliage in the first 60 days after sowing. Conclusions. The biopellet has the capacity to make chemical and organic contributions to the soil, which improves the nutrition of the tomato crop. It could be also a biocontrol alternative against F. oxysporum and compatible with T. harzianum.

Resumen Introducción. En agricultura orgánica, se utilizan abonos verdes y biocontroladores como métodos de fertilización y control de plagas. Sin embargo, la aplicación independiente de estos incrementa los costos de producción. Se propone una presentación peletizada que permita la aplicación conjunta de ambos insumos. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. peletizada e inoculada con Trichoderma harzianum Rifai en el aporte nutricional, el rendimiento agrícola y la regulación de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici en tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Materiales y métodos. El experimento se ejecutó el año 2022 en Tablón del Guarco, Cartago, Costa Rica, bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar con siete tratamientos y siete repeticiones. Se aplicaron dos formulaciones (A y B) de biopélet (M. pruriens + zeolita + T. harzianum) en tres dosificaciones (15, 30, 50 g/planta). La adición de T. harzianum se efectuó a razón de 5 g por cada kilo del biopélet. Se realizaron aplicaciones cada 15 días por tratamiento para un total de ocho aplicaciones. Se inoculó F. oxysporum (100 mL/planta con una concentración de 1 x 103 UFC) a la siembra. Resultados. La aplicación del biopélet mostró un rendimiento y peso de frutos de primera calidad similar al testigo comercial. En frutos de segunda y tercera calidad, no hubo diferencias significativas entre tratamientos. La eficiencia en el control de F. oxysporum alcanzó el 97,6 % con biopélet. Esta enmienda aumentó los niveles de Carbono, Nitrógeno y materia orgánica en el suelo e influenció el contenido nutricional en el follaje a los 60 días después de la siembra. Conclusiones. El biopélet tiene la capacidad de realizar aportes químicos y orgánicos al suelo, por lo cual mejora la nutrición del cultivo del tomate. Los resultados sugieren además que es una alternativa de biocontrol contra F. oxysporum y compatible con T. harzianum.

Abstract Introduction. Endophytic fungi (EF) in grapevines (Vitis vinifera) have great potential for agricultural applications and may represent possible biological control agents for vineyards. Objective. To isolate and identify endophytic fungi (EF) from grapevine plants with antibiosis capacity against Botrytis cinerea. Materials and methods. Young and mature branches from forty healthy grapevine plants were collected from seven production lots in the Cañete province, Lima, Peru, during March to May 2022. EF isolation was performed on 702 sections of disinfected tissues using potato dextrose agar (PDA) culture medium, and identification was carried out at the genus level. Secondary metabolites were extracted from twenty-eight EF strains to determine the mycelial inhibition of the pathogen. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on the evaluated parameters using the Minitab statistical program. Results. A total of 129 EF strains were isolated from leaves and stems of young and mature grapevine branches, encompassing seven genera (Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Nigrospora, and Stemphylium). The highest frequency was found in leaves and mature branches. Trichoderma and Alternaria were the most frecuent genera in grapevine plants, with 22.48 % and 21.71%, respectively. Metabolites obtained from the EFVH-01 strain of the genus Cladosporium, and EF-99 and EF-70 strains of the genus Alternaria, had the greatest effect on mycelial inhibition of the pathogen. Conclusions. Strains of endophytic fungi from the genera Cladosporium and Alternaria showed antibiosis capacity against Botrytis cinerea at the laboratory scale, which could potential biocontrol agents of pathogens in grapevine cultivation.

Resumen Introducción. Los hongos endófitos (HE) de la vid (Vitis vinifera) tienen un gran potencial de aplicación en la agricultura y pueden representar posibles agentes de control biológico de los viñedos. Objetivo. Aislar e identificar los hongos endófitos (HE) de plantas de vid con capacidad de antibiosis hacia Botrytis cinerea. Materiales y métodos. Se colectaron ramas jóvenes y maduras de cuarenta plantas sanas de vid de siete lotes de producción en la provincia de Cañete, Lima, Perú, durante los meses de marzo a mayo 2022. El aislamiento de HE se realizó de 702 secciones de tejidos desinfectados en medio de cultivo papa dextrosa agar (PDA) y la identificación fue a nivel de género. Se extrajeron metabolitos secundarios de veintiocho cepas de HE para determinar la inhibición micelial del patógeno. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de varianza (ANDEVA) de los parámetros evaluados con el programa estadístico Minitab. Resultados. Se aislaron un total de 129 cepas de HE de hojas y tallos de ramas jóvenes y maduras de vid, que correspondieron a siete géneros (Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Nigrospora y Stemphylium). La mayor frecuencia se presentó en las hojas y rama madura. Trichoderma y Alternaria fueron los géneros más frecuentes en las plantas de vid con 22,48 % y 21,71 %, respectivamente. Los metabolitos obtenidos de las cepas HEVH-01 del género Cladosporium, HEV-99 y HEV-70 del género Alternaria, tuvieron mayor efecto en la inhibición micelial del patógeno. Conclusiones. Cepas de hongos endofitos del género Cladosporium y Alternaria mostraron capacidad de antibiosis hacia Botrytis cinerea a escala de laboratorio, los cuales podrían ser potenciales biocontroladores de patógenos en el cultivo de vid.

Abstract Introduction. “Green mold,” caused by Penicillium digitatum is one of the phytosanitary issues that limits citrus production. For its control, synthetic fungicides are used, which have lost effectiveness due to resistance developed by the fungus. An alternative is the use of endophytic fungi with biocontrol action. Objective. To evaluate the effect of secondary metabolites (SM) from endophytic fungi (EF) on the mycelial inhibition of Penicillium digitatum and the effectiveness of disease control in mandarin fruits (Citrus reticulata) post-harvest. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in 2022, using a completely randomized experimental design in the Plant Health Laboratory at the Universidad Nacional de Cañete (UNDC), Lima, Peru. For the antibiosis test, secondary metabolites were extracted from ten strains of EF from the genera Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp., and Aspergillus sp., where mycelial inhibition of the pathogen (%) was evaluated. SMs were sprayed at 15 % (v/v) concentration on mandarin fruits that were disinfected and inoculated with the pathogen by spraying (1x 105 CFU/cc). Additionally, a commercial biocontrol, a vegetable oil, and a fungicide were used. After 6 and 9 days, disease incidence (%) and severity index (0, 1, 2, 3) were evaluated. Results. Secondary metabolites from strains the HEA-111 (Aspergillus), HEA-109 (Fusarium), and HSA-1 (Trichoderma) showed the highest mycelial inhibition with 95.05 %, 87.51 %, and 47.47 %, respectively. In mandarin fruits treated with SMs from strains HEA-109 and HSA-1, there was a control of 80 % and 55 %, respectively. Conclusions. SMs from EF were effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of P. digitatum and reduces disease progression in mandarin fruits post-harvest.

Resumen Introducción. El “moho verde” causado por Penicillium digitatum es uno de los problemas fitosanitarios que limita la producción en los cítricos. Para su control se utilizan fungicidas sintéticos, que han perdido eficacia, debido a la resistencia generada por el hongo. Una alternativa, es el uso de hongos endófitos con acción biocontroladora. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de metabolitos secundarios (MS) de hongos endófitos (HE) en la inhibición micelial de Penicillium digitatum y la eficacia de control de la enfermedad, en frutos de mandarina (Citrus reticulata) después de la cosecha. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en 2022, bajo un diseño experimental completo al azar, en el laboratorio de Sanidad Vegetal, Universidad Nacional de Cañete (UNDC), Lima, Perú. Para la prueba de antibiosis se extrajeron los metabolitos secundarios de diez cepas de HE de los géneros Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp. y Aspergillus sp., en donde se evaluó la inhibición micelial del patógeno (%). Se asperjaron MS a una concentración del 15 % (v/v) sobre frutos de mandarina que fueron desinfectados e inoculados con el patógeno por aspersión (1x105 UFC/cc). Adicionalmente, se utilizaron un biocontrol comercial, un aceite vegetal y un fungicida. Después de 6 y 9 días, se evaluaron la incidencia (%) y el índice de severidad (0,1,2,3) de la enfermedad. Resultados. Los metabolitos secundarios de las cepas HEA-111 (Aspergillus), HEA-109 (Fusarium) y HSA-1 (Trichoderma) presentaron la mayor inhibición micelial con 95,05 %, 87,51 % y 47,47 %, respectivamente. En los frutos de mandarina tratados con los MS de las cepas HEA-109 y HSA-1, hubo un control del 80 % y 55 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Los MS de HE tuvieron efecto en la inhibición micelial de P. digitatum y redujeron el avance de la enfermedad en frutos de mandarina después de la cosecha.

Abstract Mexican native maize (Zea mays L.) is an emblematic food for Mexico, as it represents an important factor in terms of local economy, culture and biodiversity. Biotechnological techniques using plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are a sustainable alternative to the use of chemical agricultural inputs for corn production; however, it is important to emphasize that the ideal is to use native PGPB into the soil and/or crop where they are to be applied, since this ensures the PGPB adaptation and guarantees the colonization of the rhizosphere, improving crop yields. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to isolate native bacteria from soils cultivated with Mexican native maize and to demonstrate their biotechnological potential as PGPB in corn. Soil samples were taken from the municipality of Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico and 40 isolates were obtained, of which 18 showed more than 90% germination of maize seeds. In addition, four isolates showed increases of 20 to 30 % in total shoot length and increases of 25 to 100 % in total plant dry weight. The mechanisms associated with maize growth promotion were phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid and siderophore production, as well as antagonism against phytopathogenic fungi (Penicillium, Rhizopus, Fusarium and Colletotrichum). Therefore, we conclude that the native PGPB isolated in the present study have biotechnological potential for use in Mexican native maize in the region.

Resumen El maíz criollo (Zea mays L.) es un alimento emblemático para México, ya que representa un factor importante en cuanto a economía local, cultura y biodiversidad. Las técnicas biotecnológicas donde se emplean bacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (BPCV), son una alternativa sostenible al uso de insumos agrícolas químicos para la producción de maíz, sin embargo, es importante destacar que, lo ideal es utilizar BPCV nativas del suelo y/o cultivo donde se pretendan aplicar, ya que esto asegura la adaptación de las BPCV y garantiza la colonización de la rizosfera, mejorando los rendimientos productivos del cultivo. Por lo cual, el objetivo del presente trabajo, fue aislar bacterias nativas de suelos cultivados con maíz criollo mexicano y demostrar su potencial biotecnológico como BPCV en maíz. Se tomaron muestras de suelo cultivado con maíz criollo mexicano, del municipio de Jiquilpan, Michoacán, México y se lograron obtener 40 asilados, de los cuales 18 indujeron la germinación de las semillas de maíz en más del 90 %. Además, cuatro aislados mostraron incrementos del 20 al 30 % en la longitud total del brote y aumentos del 25 hasta el 100 % en el peso seco total de las plantas. Los mecanismos asociados a la promoción del crecimiento del maíz fueron los de, solubilización de fosfatos, producción de ácido indol acético y de sideróforos, así como el antagonismo contra hongos fitopatógenos (Penicillium, Rhizopus, Fusarium y Colletotrichum). Por lo cual, concluimos que las BPCV nativas aisladas en el presente estudio, tienen potencial biotecnológico para su uso en maíz criollo mexicano de la región.

ABSTRACT Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by different Fusarium species, is the most devastating disease of small cereal grains, including barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) This study aimed to investigate the influence of N fertilization rates (0 kg N ha-1 - N0, 50 kg N ha-1 - N50, and 100 kg N ha-1 - N100) on Fusarium and mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol - DON and zearalenone - ZEA) contamination and some agronomic traits (plant height - PH, spike length - SL and thousand kernel weight - TKW) in two barley cultivars, NS 565 and Etincel, harvested in 2019 and 2020. Climatic conditions during two successive seasons were favourable for Fusarium infection, providing a high incidence of FHB-causing species, of which F. graminearum species complex (FGSC) strains were the most frequent (on average > 34% per treatment). The N rates and barley cultivars had nonsignificant effects on the incidence of FGSC strains. However, N rates significantly influenced mycotoxin levels in 2019, with the highest DON at N100 (5209.67 μg kg-1) and ZEA levels at N50 (47.11 μg kg-1). In 2020, there were nonsignificant differences between N rates for DON levels, while ZEA was not detected. In both years, the six-row barley ‘Etincel’ had significantly higher DON and ZEA levels than the two-row barley ‘NS 565’. Agronomic traits, PH and SL, were affected by barley cultivars, and TKW was affected by N rates and barley cultivars. The highest TKW was at N100, followed by N50 and N0.

Abstract Endophytic fungi are plant symbiont microorganisms, diverse and abundant in tropical regions, with great potential as biocontrol agents of agricultural fungal diseases. The objective of the present work was to evaluate in vitro antifunfal activity of endophytic fungi associated with creole cultivars of Cucumis sativus and Lagenaria siceraria from Yucatán. The endophytic strains were isolated and identified from different organs, to be subjected to dual confrontations and antibiotic tests. Twenty species with antifungal effects against Corynespora cassiicola, Colletotrichum truncatum and Fusarium equiseti were identified, obtaining inhibition ranges of 17.72-100%, 16.51-91.55% and 4.64-91.89%, respectively. Aspergillus flavus, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae and Trichoderma longibrachiatum exhibited the highest percentages of inhibition against the three phytopathogens. Likewise, these three species of endophytes demonstrated an antibiotic effect in their extracts, mainly inhibiting the growth of F. equiseti by up to 46.46%. The L. pseudotheobromae strain has characteristics that give it potential as an antifungal agent, so its applications and growth conditions should continue to be explored. This work represents a first effort to understand the diversity of endophytic fungi in native crops in the region.

Resumen Los hongos endófitos son microorganismos simbiontes de plantas, diversos y abundantes en regiones tropicales, con gran potencial como agentes biocontroladores de enfermedades fúngicas agrícolas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la actividad antifúngica in vitro de los hongos endófitos asociados con cultivares criollos de Cucumis sativus y Lagenaria siceraria de Yucatán. Las cepas endófitas fueron aisladas e identificadas de diferentes órganos de las plantas, para posteriormente ser sometidas a enfrentamientos duales y pruebas de antibiosis. Se identificaron 20 especies de hongos endófitos con efectos antifúngicos contra Corynespora cassiicola, Colletotrichum truncatum y Fusarium equiseti, obteniendo rangos de inhibición de 17.72-100%, 16.51-91.55% y 4.64-91.89%, respectivamente. Aspergillus flavus, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae y Trichoderma longibrachiatum exhibieron los mayores porcentajes de inhibición contra los tres fitopatógenos. Así mismo, estas tres especies de endófitos demostraron un efecto antibiótico en sus extractos, al inhibir principalmente el crecimiento de F. equiseti hasta en un 46.46%. La cepa de L. pseudotheobromae tiene características que le confieren un potencial como agente antifúngico, por lo que se deberán seguir explorando sus aplicaciones y condiciones de crecimiento. Este trabajo representa un primer esfuerzo por conocer la diversidad de hogos endófitos en los cultivos criollos de la región.

Abstract In commercial soursop orchards in the state of Nayarit, Mexico, trees with apparent symptoms of root rot are observed, without the causal agent being known. Therefore, the objective of the research was to identify the fungi that cause soursop root rot. From January 2020 to January 2021, in orchards of Compostela and San Blas, Nayarit, from two trees with symptoms of possible root rot, root sections with rot were collected. Microorganisms associated with the disease were isolated and identified to carry out pathogenicity tests in one-year-old soursop trees. Fusarium falciforme and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were identified as root pathogens, both fungi are reported for the first time in this fruit tree and for Mexico.

Resumen En huertos comerciales de guanábana del estado de Nayarit, México, se observan árboles con síntomas aparentes por pudrición radicular, sin que se conozca el agente causal. Por lo que, el objetivo de la investigación fue, identificar a los hongos causantes de la pudrición de raíz de guanábana. De enero de 2020 a enero de 2021, en huertos de Compostela y San Blas, Nayarit, de árboles con síntomas por posible pudrición radicular, se recolectaron secciones de raíz con pudrición. Se aislaron e identificaron a los microorganismos asociados a la enfermedad para realizar las pruebas de patogenicidad en árboles de guanábana de un año de edad. Se identificó a Fusarium falciforme y a Lasiodiplodia theobromae como patógenos de raíz, ambos hongos son reportados por primera vez en este frutal y para México.

Abstract They were collected from plants with symptoms of yellowing and wilting in commercial chickpea fields in five municipalities in southern Guanajuato, Mexico. From these, the pathogens present in the stem and root were isolated and identified. Of the isolates obtained, those with morphological characteristics of Sclerotium rolfsii had their identity confirmed by sequencing the ITS fragments obtained with the oligonucleotides: NsiF and Nlb4R; the sequences obtained were compared with the NCBI database. Of the two isolates identified as S. rolfsii by both methodologies, the most virulent was identified, which was used to inoculate 181 chickpea genotypes of the kabuli and desi types. The results indicate that, according to the mortality percentage, the genotypes of the desi type ICC3287, ICC 4874, ICC1882, ICC 10259 and WR-315, and kabuli type CUGA 08-3160 presented moderate resistance to the pathogen. Of these resistant genotypes, ICC 10259 stands out, which has genetic resistance to four races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and M. phaseolina.

Resumen Se colectaron de plantas con síntomas de amarillamiento y marchitez en campos comerciales de garbanzo en cinco municipios del sur de Guanajuato, México. De ellas se aislaron e identificaron los patógenos presentes en tallo y raíz. De los aislados obtenidos, los que tenían características morfológicas de Sclerotium rolfsii, se confirmó su identidad por secuenciación de los fragmentos ITS obtenidos con los oligonucleótidos: NsiF y Nlb4R, las secuencias obtenidas se compararon con la base de datos del NCBI. De lo dos aislamientos identificados como S. rolfsii por ambas metodologías, se identificó el más virulento, el cual se utilizó para inocular 181 genotipos de garbanzo de los tipos, kabuli y desi. Los resultados indican de acuerdo con el porcentaje de mortandad, que los genotipos de tipo desi ICC3287, ICC 4874, ICC1882, ICC 10259 y WR-315 y de tipo kabuli CUGA 08-3160 presentaron resistencia moderada al patógeno. De estos genotipos resistentes, destaca el ICC 10259 que tiene resistencia genética a cuatro razas de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri y a M. phaseolina.

Resumen La secadera o mal de almácigo causada por Fusarium circinatum es un problema importante en la producción de planta en viveros forestales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar a Trichoderma harzianum como alternativa para controlar de manera preventiva a F. circinatum con el método de aplicación y la utilización de dos mezclas de sustratos: (1) turba de musgo, agrolita y vermiculita, y (2) aserrín, corteza de pino y turba de musgo. Se utilizaron tres formas de aplicación de T. harzianum: al sustrato, a la semilla y sin el hongo; lo que dio un total de 12 tratamientos con arreglo factorial completamente al azar (2×3×2). Se evaluó el efecto del sustrato, la forma de aplicación de T. harzianum y su interacción sobre la patogenicidad e incidencia de F. circinatum y las propiedades morfológicas de las plántulas. Los resultados indicaron que las características morfológicas en el crecimiento de la cepa coinciden con los descritos para F. circinatum y resultó ser patogénica, ya que causó enfermedad. La patogenicidad de F. circinatum disminuyó en aquellos tratamientos en los que se adicionó T. harzianum al sustrato, y presentó una respuesta positiva en la mezcla a base de aserrín con lo cual se aseguró una mejor calidad de planta. La aplicación de T. harzianum al sustrato y el uso de la mezcla a base de aserrín pueden servir como una alternativa para el control de F. circinatum, además de proveer mejores índices de calidad de planta.

Abstract The drying or seedbed evil caused by Fusarium circinatum is a problem of importance in plant production in forest nurseries. The aim of this study was to assess Trichoderma harzianum as an alternative to prevent F. circinatum with the method of application and the use of two mixtures of substrates: (1) Peat moss, agrolite and vermiculite, and (2) Sawdust, pine bark and peat moss. Three forms of application of T. harzianum were made: to the substrate, to the seed and without the fungus, which gave a total of 12 treatments with completely at random factorial arrangement (2×3×2). The effect of the substrate was evaluated, the form of application of T. harzianum and its interaction on the pathogenicity and incidence of F. circinatum and the morphological properties of the seedlings. The results indicate that the morphological characteristics in the growth of the strain coincide with those described for F. circinatum and turned out to be pathogenic when causing disease. The pathogenicity of F. circinatum decreased in those treatments where T. harzianum was applied to the substrate, showing a positive response in the sawdust-based mixture and ensuring a better plant quality. The application of T. harzianum to the substrate and the use of sawdust-based mixture can serve as an option for the F. circinatum fungus, providing better plant quality indexes.

Abstract Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi of various genera. Among the most important mycotoxins are those produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium sp., which can be divided into several groups for study, which are the groups of trichothecenes (and T-2 toxin), fumonisins, mainly fumonisin B1 (B1, B2, B3, B4, A1, and A2), and zearalenone with estrogenic effects. Although fusariotoxins cause similar effects because they share the same mechanism of action, by altering protein synthesis in intoxicated poultry, it is important to mention the incidence as well as the characteristics between each of them. Therefore, the characteristics of each group mentioned are described in each section.

Resumen Las micotoxinas son metabolitos secundarios producidos por hongos de diversos géneros. Dentro de las micotoxinas más importantes se encuentran aquellas producidas por hongos del género Fusarium sp., el cual puede dividirse en varios grupos para su estudio que son el grupo de los tricotecenos (y toxina T-2), de las fumonisinas, principalmente fumonisina B1 (B1, B2, B3, B4, A1 Y A2) y de la zearalenona de efectos estrogénicos. Aunque las fusariotoxinas causan efectos similares debido a que comparten el mismo mecanismo de acción; mediante la alteración de síntesis de proteínas en las aves intoxicadas, es importante mencionar la incidencia, así como las características entre cada una de ellas. Es por esto que en cada apartado se describen las características de cada grupo mencionado.

Abstract In the states of Michoacán, Mexico and California, USA, blackberry (Rubus sp.) production is affected by wilt, which causes the loss of thousands of hectares. In the present work, the causative agent of the disease was identified and control alternatives with antagonistic microorganisms were proposed. In 2022, the causative agent of the disease was isolated and morphologically identified from an orchard in Tocumbo, Michoacán. A preliminary laboratory bioassay was performed with strains of B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, P. fluorescens, and Trichoderma spp., native to Tacámbaro and Taretan, Mich. The outstanding strains were tested in a greenhouse on plants of blackberry cv Tupy as a preventive measure and as a control, under an experimental design of randomized blocks with six repetitions. In the preliminary tests, all the strains used showed an inhibition of the mycelial growth of the pathogen greater than 50%, with Trichoderma sp. from Tacámbaro, B. subtilis and P. fluorescens standing out. In the tests carried out in situ, preventively applied treatments decreased the incidence of wilt by 57% to 66%. In terms of severity and plant height, Trichoderma sp. stood out, while the percentage of root necrosis decreased by 56% to 70% with all treatments. Control treatments also showed antagonistic efficacy, although to a lesser extent, they decreased the incidence of wilt by 2 to 58% and the percentages of root necrosis by 19 to 62%. Antagonistic microorganisms can be incorporated as a comprehensive management strategy with high efficiency.

Resumen En los estados de Michoacán, México y California, EUA, la producción de zarzamora (Rubus sp.) se ve afectada por una marchitez que ocasiona la pérdida de miles de hectáreas. En el presente trabajo se identificó el agente causal de la enfermedad y propuso alternativas de control con microorganismos antagonistas. En el año 2022 de un huerto en Tocumbo, Michoacán, se aisló e identificó morfológicamente al agente causal de la enfermedad. Se realizó un bioensayo preliminar en laboratorio con cepas de B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, P. fluorescens y Trichoderma spp, nativas de Tacámbaro y Taretan, Mich. Las cepas sobresalientes se probaron en invernadero en plantas de zarzamora cv Tupy de forma preventiva y como control, bajo un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con seis repeticiones. En las pruebas preliminares todas las cepas utilizadas mostraron una inhibición del crecimiento micelial del patógeno superior al 50%, sobresaliendo Trichoderma sp. de Tacámbaro, B. subtilis y P. fluorescens. En las pruebas realizadas in situ los tratamientos aplicados de forma preventiva disminuyeron la incidencia de marchitez desde 57 hasta 66%. En términos de severidad y altura de la planta destacó Trichoderma sp., mientras que el porcentaje de necrosis radicular disminuyó desde 56 hasta 70% con todos los tratamientos. Los tratamientos de control también mostraron eficacia antagonista, aunque en menor medida, disminuyeron la incidencia de marchitez desde 2 al 58% y los porcentajes de necrosis radicular desde 19 a 62%. Los microorganismos antagonistas pueden incorporarse como una estrategia de manejo integral con gran eficiencia.

Abstract The objective of the research was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of two extracts, creosote bush (Larrea tridentata L.) and mustard (Sinapis alba L.), nanoformulated with silicon oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (200 to 400 μ globular) on the mycelial growth and sporulation of Fusarium solani, one of the plant pathogens causing vascular wilt and root rot in at least 100 economically important crops. Inhibitory concentrations and the number of conidia were determined using the poisoned media method. Data were analyzed using probit analysis, Anova, and Tukey’s test (p≤ 0.05). The results showed that mustard-only treatments have the most effective ID50 with 920.57 ppm; nevertheless, the mixture of mustard and creosote bush with SO2 presented significant results on sporulation, with a formation of 0.35 and 0.48 million conidia ml-1 for creosote bush 3% SO2 and mustard 5% SO2 compared to the control (7.78).

Resumen El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar la actividad antifúngica in vitro de dos extractos, gobernadora (Larrea tridentata L.) y mostaza (Sinapis alba L.) nanoformulados con nanopartículas de óxido de silicio y óxido de zinc (200 a 400 μ globulares), sobre el crecimiento micelial y la esporulación de Fusarium solani, uno de los fitopatógenos causante de la marchitez vascular y pudrición de raíces en al menos 100 cultivos de importancia económica. Utilizando el método medios envenenados se determinaron las concentraciones inhibitorias y el número de conidios. Los datos fueron analizados mediante un análisis probit, Anova y prueba de Tukey (p≤ 0.05). Los resultados demostraron que los tratamientos de mostaza sola presentan las DI50 más efectiva con 920.57 ppm; sin embargo, la mezcla de mostaza y gobernadora con SO2 presentó resultados significativos sobre la esporulación, con una formación de 0.35 y 0.48 millones de conidios ml-1 para gobernadora SO2 3% y mostaza SO2 5% en comparación con el testigo (7.78).

Abstract The wilt or damping-off of husk tomato is a disease caused by fungi originating in the soil, among which Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Rhizoctonia solani stand out, causing losses due to the lack of resistant varieties. This study aimed to determine the response of husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.), Dalí, Siqueiros, and Tamayo hybrids, as well as cv. Gabriela, Puebla, San Miguel, and Tecozautla, to pathogenic isolates of F. oxysporum, M. phaseolina, and R. solani. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions; sterilized substrate of river sand + peat (1:3 v/v) was placed in pots and then inoculated with three isolates of F. oxysporum 1.6x105 CFU, two of M. phaseolina, and three of R. solani (8 g of infested sorghum seed/pot, of each fungus). Five seeds of the corresponding husk tomato cultivar were deposited in each pot, then covered with the same substrate and incubated for 30 days. A completely randomized design was used, with three repetitions (pots). In the control treatment, the seeds were sown on soil without fungus. The emergence of seedlings was estimated nine days after sowing (das), and the severity of infection for each of the pathogens (scale of 0-5) at 30 das. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics. The seven cultivars tested were susceptible to the species F. oxysporum, M. phaseolina, and R. solani; some of the isolates tested exerted a significant differential effect of virulence on some of the varieties studied.

Resumen La marchitez o secadera del tomatillo es una enfermedad causada por hongos con origen en el suelo, entre los que destacan Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina y Rhizoctonia solani, causando pérdidas por la carencia de variedades resistentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la respuesta del tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.), híbridos Dalí, Siqueiros y Tamayo, así como los cv. Gabriela, Puebla, San Miguel y Tecozautla, hacia aislados patogénicos de F. oxysporum, M. phaseolina y R. solani. El estudio se realizó bajo condiciones de invernadero, en macetas se colocó arena de río + sustrato de turba (1:3 v/v) esterilizado y después se inoculó, con tres aislados de F. oxysporum 1.6x105 UFC, dos de M. paseolina y tres de R. solani (8 g de semilla de sorgo infestada/maceta, de cada hongo). En cada maceta se depositaron cinco semillas del cultivar de tomatillo correspondiente, luego se taparon con el mismo sustrato e incubaron por 30 días. Se utilizó un diseño completo al azar, con tres repeticiones (macetas). En el tratamiento testigo las semillas se sembraron sobre suelo sin hongo. A los nueve días después de la siembra (dds) se estimó la emergencia de plántulas, 30 dds, la severidad de la infección de por cada uno de los patógenos (escala de 0-5). Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística no paramétrica. Los siete cultivares probados fueron susceptibles a las especies F. oxysporum, M. phaseolina y R. solani, algunos de los aislados probados ejercieron un efecto significativo diferencial de virulencia, en algunas de las variedades estudiadas.

The genetic modification (GM) of maize to contain proteins that act to control insects has become a widespread agricultural practice. Although the reduction of insect damage to maize ears could potentially increase crop yield, rural small-scale farmers might be reluctant to buy expensive GM seed every season even when the lower fungal infection of the GM maize might also result in health benefits. This study was conducted over 5 years in three districts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to study the Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum infection and fumonisin contamination levels in Bt maize, Roundup-Ready® maize, conventional commercial maize and traditional landrace maize planted by rural farmers following their traditional agricultural practices. Mean Fusarium infection rates varied between 3.0% and 38.3% with large standard deviations. Fusarium infection was not significantly different (p>0.05) between the various genotypes, possibly due to the wide variation in results and low sample numbers. Although the fumonisin results also showed wide variation, the trend of contamination was lower in Bt maize compared to conventional commercial genotypes. The mean fumonisin levels in Bt hybrids were mostly <300 μg/kg, ensuring a safe maize supply in populations consuming maize as a dietary staple. The wide variations in Fusarium and fumonisin levels within each district point to the influence of local agricultural practices, local environmental conditions, and seasonal variations. Reducing exposure to fumonisins in these communities requires both further attention to the possible influence of these factors, as well as the use of appropriate post-harvest strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: This study was the first in South Africa to follow rural farmers planting Bt and commercial maize hybrids as well as open-pollinated landrace maize, according to their traditional agricultural practices. The results show that in some instances the Bt maize had the lowest fumonisin levels.

Abstract Papaya is a climacteric fruit, rapidly ripening after harvesting due to ethylene production and increased respiratory rate. This swift ripening results in softening of fruit tissues, shortening the fruit shelf life. Pre-cooling serves as an alternative to minimize fruit ripening and post-harvest losses by reducing metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-cooling on the quality and conservation of Formosa 'Tainung I' papaya. Papayas at maturation stage II were obtained from a commercial orchard with conventional production. The experimental design was a completely randomized 4×6 split-plot scheme, with pre-cooling treatments (Control, without pre-cooling treatment; pre-cooling at 15 °C in a cold chamber; pre-cooling at 7 °C in a cold chamber; and forced-air cooling at 7 °C) in the plot, and days of storage (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days) in the subplot. Pre-cooling effectively delayed the ripening and senescence of Formosa papaya, reducing the loss of green color and firmness. Regardless of the treatment used, chilling injury and incidence of fungi from the genus Fusarium and Alternaria limited the shelf life of Formosa 'Tainung I' papaya up to 21 days of storage. Additionally, the appearance of hardened regions in the pulp compromised the sensory quality of the fruits, necessitating further investigation into the causes of this disorder. rate tissues Precooling Pre postharvest post harvest metabolism precooling pre Tainung I 46 4 6 4× splitplot split plot scheme Control, Control (Control 1 C chamber forcedair forced air 0, 0 (0 14 28 3 subplot firmness used 2 Additionally fruits disorder (

Resumo O mamão é uma fruta climatérica, amadurecendo rapidamente após a colheita devido à produção de etileno e aumento da taxa respiratória. Esse amadurecimento rápido resulta no amolecimento dos tecidos da fruta, reduzindo a vida útil. O pré-resfriamento serve como uma alternativa para minimizar o amadurecimento da fruta e as perdas pós-colheita, reduzindo o metabolismo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do pré-resfriamento na qualidade e conservação do mamão 'Tainung I' Formosa. Mamões no estágio de maturação II foram obtidos de um pomar comercial com produção convencional. O design experimental foi um esquema de parcelas divididas completamente aleatório 4×6, com tratamentos de pré-resfriamento (Controle, sem tratamento de pré-resfriamento; pré-resfriamento a 15 °C em uma câmara fria; pré-resfriamento a 7 °C em uma câmara fria; e resfriamento por ar forçado a 7 °C) na parcela, e dias de armazenamento (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias) na subparcela. O pré-resfriamento retardou efetivamente o amadurecimento e a senescência do mamão Formosa, reduzindo a perda de cor verde e firmeza. Independentemente do tratamento utilizado, lesões por frio e incidência de fungos do gênero Fusarium e Alternaria limitaram a vida útil do mamão 'Tainung I' Formosa até 21 dias de armazenamento. Além disso, o surgimento de regiões endurecidas na polpa comprometeu a qualidade sensorial das frutas, exigindo investigação adicional sobre as causas desse distúrbio. climatérica respiratória préresfriamento pré póscolheita, póscolheita pós colheita, pós-colheita metabolismo Tainung I convencional 46 4 6 4×6 Controle, Controle (Controle 1 C fria parcela 0, 0 (0 14 2 3 subparcela firmeza utilizado disso frutas distúrbio 4× (