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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 Fusarium oxysporum is an entomopathogenic fungus, and it has anti-biological activity against arthropods. Ticks are blood sucking arthropods which are responsible for transmitting different diseases in humans and animals. The use of chemical insecticides against ticks is not eco-friendly option and results in the development of acaricide resistance. Previously, we had cultured a local isolate of Fusarium oxysporum from soil samples which were identified through microscopy and confirmed through molecular technique. In our previous experiments, we have prepared Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) at pH 7 and they had been characterized through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-visible and zeta-potential. In our current study, the AgNP were prepared at different pH conditions and characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The protein molecules of F. oxysporum were charged with Ag ions. F. oxysporum NP were observed to enhance anti-biological activity by killing Rhipicephalus microplus and they caused 100% mortality at pH 4 and pH 5 in 24 h in anti-tick biological assay. Our study is the first report to do biological assay against Rhipicehalus ticks by using Fusarium AgNP at acidic pH. Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi can be the best alternative of the chemical method to control the tick population. fungus antibiological anti animals ecofriendly eco friendly resistance Previously technique experiments (AgNP XRay X Ray XRD, XRD , (XRD) UVvisible UV visible zetapotential. zetapotential zeta potential. potential zeta-potential SEM (SEM TEM. TEM . (TEM) F ions 100 2 antitick population (XRD (TEM 10 1

Resumo Fusarium oxysporum é um fungo entomopatogênico com atividade antibiológica contra artrópodes. Os carrapatos são artrópodes sugadores de sangue responsáveis pela transmissão de diversas doenças em humanos e animais. O uso de inseticidas químicos contra carrapatos não é uma opção ecologicamente correta e resulta no desenvolvimento de resistência acaricida. Anteriormente, havíamos cultivado um isolado local de Fusarium oxysporum a partir de amostras de solo que foram identificadas por microscopia e confirmadas por técnica molecular. Em nossos experimentos anteriores, preparamos nanopartículas de Prata (AgNP) em pH 7 e elas foram caracterizadas por Difração de Raios X (XRD), UV-visível e potencial zeta. No presente estudo, os AgNP foram preparados em diferentes condições de pH e caracterizados através de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão (TEM). As moléculas de proteína de F. oxysporum foram carregadas com íons Ag. Assim, observou-se que F. oxysporum NP aumenta a atividade antibiológica matando Rhipicephalus microplus e causando 100% de mortalidade em pH 4 e pH 5 em 24h no ensaio biológico anticarrapato. Este estudo é o primeiro relato de caso a realizar um ensaio biológico contra carrapatos Rhipicehalus usando Fusarium AgNP em pH ácido. Nesse sentido, é possível concluir que o controle biológico utilizando fungos entomopatogênicos pode ser a melhor alternativa do método químico para controlar a população de carrapatos. animais acaricida Anteriormente molecular anteriores (AgNP XRD, XRD , (XRD) UVvisível UV visível zeta MEV (MEV TEM. TEM . (TEM) F Ag Assim observouse observou se 100 h anticarrapato ácido sentido (XRD (TEM 10 1

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de plasma atmosférico na inativação de fungos na superfície de sementes de Erythrina velutina e em colônias fúngicas isoladas. Dois experimentos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado: no primeiro, o plasma foi aplicado na superfície das sementes usando gás hélio e plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos, além do controle (sementes sem tratamento), constituindo sete tratamentos com cinco repetições cada; no segundo experimento, placas de Petri contendo o inóculo de diferentes fungos foram tratadas com plasma atmosférico por três, seis e nove minutos (Air-3, Air-6 e Air-9) e comparadas com fungos não tratados em placas de Petri sem tratamento (controle), totalizando quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Descobrimos que a aplicação de plasma atmosférico nas sementes de E. velutina por nove minutos teve efeito antimicrobiano sobre os fungos Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp. e Rhizopus sp. A formação de colônias fúngicas isoladas de sementes de E. velutina também foi inibida por três minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico, exceto para A. niger, cuja inibição ocorreu a partir de 6 minutos de exposição à aplicação de plasma atmosférico.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To study epidemiological data, laboratory results, and risk factors associated with microbial keratitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of corneal sample cultures from patients with microbial keratitis from January 2010 to December 2019. Results were analyzed according to the etiological diagnosis of bacterial, mycotic, or parasitic infection and were associated with related risk factors. Results: We analyzed 4810 corneal samples from 4047 patients (mean age 47.79 ± 20.68 years; male 53.27%). The prevalence of bacterial, fungal, and Acanthamoeba infections were 69.80%, 7.31%, and 3.51%, respectively. The most frequently isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (45.14%), S. aureus (10.02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8.80%), and Corynebacterium spp. (6.21%). Among CoNS, the main agent was S. epidermidis (n=665). For mycotic keratitis, Fusarium spp. (35.42%) and Candida parapsilosis (16.07%) were the most common agents among filamentous and yeasts isolates, respectively. Contact lens use was associated with a positive culture for Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19.04; p < 0.001) and Pseudomonas spp. (OR = 3.20; p < 0.001). Previous ocular trauma was associated with positive fungal cultures (OR = 1.80; p = 0.007), while older age was associated with positive bacterial culture (OR = 1.76; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated a higher positivity of corneal sample cultures for bacteria. Among those, CoNS was the most frequently identified, with S. epidermidis as the main agent. In fungal keratitis, Fusarium spp. was the most commonly isolated. Contact lens wearers had higher risks of positive cultures for Acanthamoeba spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Ocular trauma increased the risk of fungal infection, while older age increased the risk of bacterial infection. Purpose data results Methods 201 2019 481 404 mean 4779 47 79 47.7 2068 20 68 20.6 years 53.27%. 5327 53.27% . 53 27 53.27%) 6980 69 80 69.80% 731 7 31 7.31% 351 3 51 3.51% respectively coagulasenegative coagulase negative (CoNS 45.14%, 4514 45.14% , 45 14 (45.14%) S 10.02%, 1002 10.02% 10 02 (10.02%) spp 8.80%, 880 8.80% 8 (8.80%) 6.21%. 621 6.21% 6 21 (6.21%) n=665. n665 n n=665 665 (n=665) 35.42% 3542 35 42 (35.42% 16.07% 1607 16 07 (16.07% isolates OR 19.04 1904 19 04 0.001 0001 0 001 3.20 320 0.001. 1.80 180 1 0.007, 0007 0.007 007 0.007) 1.76 176 76 Conclusions those identified 48 40 477 4 47. 206 2 20. 532 53.27 5 698 69.80 73 7.31 3.51 451 45.14 (45.14% 100 10.02 (10.02% 88 8.80 (8.80% 62 6.21 (6.21% n66 n=66 66 (n=665 35.42 354 (35.42 16.07 160 (16.07 19.0 190 0.00 000 00 3.2 32 1.8 18 1.7 17 53.2 69.8 7.3 3.5 45.1 (45.14 10.0 (10.02 8.8 (8.80 6.2 (6.21 n6 n=6 (n=66 35.4 (35.4 16.0 (16.0 19. 0.0 3. 1. 53. 69. 7. 45. (45.1 10. (10.0 8. (8.8 6. (6.2 n= (n=6 35. (35. 16. (16. 0. (45. (10. (8. (6. (n= (35 (16 (45 (10 (8 (6 (n (3 (1 (4 (

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar os dados epidemiológicos, resultados laboratoriais e fatores de risco associados às ceratites infecciosas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo das amostras de cultura de córnea em pacientes com ceratites infecciosas entre Janeiro/2010 a Dezembro/2019. Os resultados foram analisados de acordo com o diagnóstico etiológico de infecção bacteriana, fúngica ou parasitária e correlacionado com os fatores de risco relacionados. Resultados: Quatro mil, oitocentas e dez amostras corneanas de 4047 pacientes (média de idade de 47,79 ± 20,68 anos; homens em sua maioria (53,7%) foram incluídas. A prevalência de infecções por bactéria, fungo e Acanthamoeba foram de 69.80%, 7,31%, and 3,51%, respectivamente. A maioria das bactérias mais frequentemente isoladas foram Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (CoNS) (45,14%), S. aureus (10,02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8,80%), e Corynebacterium spp. (6,21%). Dentre CoNS, o principal agente foi S. epidermidis (n = 665). Nas ceratites fúngicas, Fusarium spp. (35,42%) e Candida parapsilosis (16,07%) foram os agentes mais comuns entre os filamentosos e leveduriformes, respectivamente. O uso de lentes de contato foi associado à cultura positiva para Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19,04; p < 0,001) e Pseudomonas spp (OR = 3,20; p < 0,001). Trauma ocular prévio foi associado a culturas positivas para fungo (OR = 1,80; p = 0,007), e idade avançada foi associada a culturas positivas para bactéria (OR = 1,76; p = 0,001). Conclusões: Nossos achados demonstraram uma maior positividade para bactérias em amostras de cultura corneana. Dentre estas, CoNS foi mais frequentemente identificado, sendo S. epidermidis o principal agente. Nas ceratites fúngicas, Fusarium spp. Foi o mais comumente isolado. O risco de positividade para Acanthamoeba spp. e Pseudomonas spp. foi maior em usuários de lentes de contato. Trauma ocular aumentou o risco de cultura positiva para fungo, ao passo que idade mais avançada aumentou o risco de infecção bacteriana. Objetivo epidemiológicos Métodos Janeiro2010 Janeiro 2010 Janeiro/201 Dezembro2019 Dezembro 2019 Dezembro/2019 bacteriana relacionados Resultados mil 404 média 4779 47 79 47,7 2068 20 68 20,6 anos 53,7% 537 53 7 (53,7% incluídas 6980 69 80 69.80% 731 31 7,31% 351 3 51 3,51% respectivamente coagulasenegativo coagulase negativo (CoNS 45,14%, 4514 45,14% , 45 14 (45,14%) S 10,02%, 1002 10,02% 10 02 (10,02%) 8,80%, 880 8,80% 8 (8,80%) 6,21%. 621 6,21% . 6 21 (6,21%) n 665. 665 665) fúngicas 35,42% 3542 35 42 (35,42% 16,07% 1607 16 07 (16,07% leveduriformes OR 19,04 1904 19 04 0,001 0001 0 001 3,20 320 0,001. 1,80 180 1 0,007, 0007 0,007 007 0,007) 1,76 176 76 Conclusões corneana estas identificado isolado Janeiro201 201 Janeiro/20 Dezembro201 Dezembro/201 40 477 4 47, 206 2 20, 53,7 5 (53,7 698 69.80 73 7,31 3,51 451 45,14 (45,14% 100 10,02 (10,02% 88 8,80 (8,80% 62 6,21 (6,21% 66 35,42 354 (35,42 16,07 160 (16,07 19,0 190 0,00 000 00 3,2 32 1,8 18 1,7 17 Janeiro20 Janeiro/2 Dezembro20 Dezembro/20 53, (53, 69.8 7,3 3,5 45,1 (45,14 10,0 (10,02 8,8 (8,80 6,2 (6,21 35,4 (35,4 16,0 (16,0 19, 0,0 3, 1, Janeiro2 Janeiro/ Dezembro2 Dezembro/2 (53 69. 7, 45, (45,1 10, (10,0 8, (8,8 6, (6,2 35, (35, 16, (16, 0, Dezembro/ (5 (45, (10, (8, (6, (35 (16 ( (45 (10 (8 (6 (3 (1 (4

ABSTRACT In the present study, nine okra cultivars were assessed for their resistance levels against both predisposal and simultaneous infections of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and the wilt-causing fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum, with the objective to identify cultivars with collective resistance against these two significant pathogens. Okra cultivars displayed varying resistance to M. incognita and F. oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum based on different inoculation sequences. When nematodes were introduced 15 days before fungus, no high or moderate resistance was observed. Instead, some cultivars showed moderate susceptibility (Pusa Swami, PB Selection, Green Star), susceptibility (Sabz Pari, Neelum, Tulsi), or high susceptibility (Ikra-1, Ikra-2, Arka Anamika) to nematodes. Conversely, nematodes introduced after fungus resulted in some resistance and moderate resistance among certain cultivars, and simultaneous inoculation led to varied responses. In terms of gall formation, eggmasses, and reproductive factors, different cultivars exhibited varying levels of susceptibility. Ikra-2 had the highest, followed by Arka Anamika and Ikra-1, while Pusa Swami had the least, followed by PB Selection and Green Star. Sequentially introducing nematodes before fungus led to the highest gall formation, whereas the reverse sequence resulted in the least on all cultivars. Simultaneous inoculation yielded lower gall formation than nematodes first followed by fungus. Introducing fungus prior to nematodes reduced gall numbers to the lowest level. In summary, resistance of okra cultivars to nematodes and fungus depended on inoculation order. Okra cultivars exhibited varying susceptibility levels, and the timing of inoculation influenced gall formation and reproductive factors. study rootknot root knot wiltcausing wilt causing fsp f sp f.sp pathogens M F sequences 1 observed Instead Star, Star , Star) Sabz Pari Neelum Tulsi, Tulsi Tulsi) Ikra1, Ikra1 Ikra 1, (Ikra-1 Ikra2, Ikra2 2, 2 Conversely responses eggmasses factors Ikra- Ikra-1 level summary order (Ikra- (Ikra

ABSTRACT Watermelon has great importance due to its nutritional properties. The aim of this work was to study accessions classified as resistant to fusariosis. Twelve accessions and two cultivars, Sugar Baby and Charleston Gray (controls), were characterized for watermelon fruit quality descriptors. The experiment was conducted in Petrolina-PE, over two production cycles in a randomized complete block design, with three repetitions and five plants per plot. Two fruits per plot were sampled for characterization. Ten quantitative and seven qualitative descriptors were evaluated. For the qualitative traits, dissimilarity measures were determined by a matrix of Euclidean distance. At the second harvest, most accessions had higher organic acid and vitamin C content in the pulp and higher soluble solids (°Brix) content. The accessions were divided into four groups according to the Tocher method. There is variability among the evaluated accessions, and the accessions BGH-Univasf 40, BGH-Univasf 169, and BGH-Univasf 177 are potential sources for use in watermelon breeding programs. Accessions BGH-UNIVASF 76, BGH-UNIVASF 128, and BGH-UNIVASF 185 (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) performed well in terms of total production, fruit mass, and vitamin C content. properties fusariosis cultivars controls, controls , (controls) PetrolinaPE, PetrolinaPE Petrolina PE, PE Petrolina-PE design characterization traits distance harvest °Brix Brix (°Brix method BGHUnivasf BGH Univasf 40 169 17 programs BGHUNIVASF UNIVASF 76 128 18 Citrullus var citroides mass (controls 4 16 1 7 12