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An effective and simple technique to obtain conidial inoculum ofPeronosclerospora sorghihas been devised, which confers many advantages over the conventional method. Systemically infected sorghum leaves were packed into folds of paper-towel. The end of folded paper-towel containing cut-ends of leaves was dipped in 3 cm deep water in a container. The container was exposed to moist field conditions at night and sporulated leaves were harvested with chilled distilled water in the morning to obtain the inoculum. Advantages of the technique include lower cost and effort, rapid harvesting and daily production of inoculum for up to seven consecutive days from same leaves. Though conventional method of plating leaf pieces in Petri plates proves superior in terms of the amount of sporulation, paper-towel method has the edge under working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Seed mycoflora associated with wheat was studied on different media with a particular reference to Blotter and potato dextrose agar (PDA) procedures of ISTA. Seed-borne fungi,viz. Fusarium moniliforme, Rhizopusspp.,Mucorspp.,Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Drechsleraspp,Alternariaspp. andPenicilliumspp., were isolated from the variety HD264. Blotter method was found to be the best media for the isolation of mycoflora whether borne externally or internally. Total number and frequency of occurrence of fungi were recorded. The effect of seed treatment with different chemicals and eco-friendly botanicals was analysed on germination, and growth, better percentage of seed germination and reduction in fungal pathogen were due to biochemical seed treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Amaranthus crucentus are usually short lived annual crops which probably originated in the Andcan region of South America. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of water stress on the microbial growth and quality of vegetable Amaranth. Analysis of variance showed that microbial growth was significant at 17.63% as well as moisture stress at 128.1%. However nitrogen composition and water content was not significant at the 5% probability level. A polyethylene bag recorded the highest microbial growth 38.33% in comparison with a paper bag 14.67%, when those exposed had the lowest microbial growth 7.33%. Amaranthus crucentus packaged with polythene bags recorded the highest microbial growth, followed by those packaged with paper bags while those exposed had the lowest. The microbes observed were mainly Aspergillus species. The result of the investigation showed that on the first day, vegetable Amaranth packaged with paper bag had the highest weight loss of 17.02 g in comparison with the exposed sample of 14.08 g, while those packaged with polyethylene bags had the lowest weight loss of 0.33. Similar trends were observed on the third and sixth days respectively. Investigation showed that the exposed samples recorded the highest nitrogen composition of 0.06% followed by paper bag 0.030%, while polythene had the lowest 0.028%. However, vegetables packaged with polythene bags had the highest water content, followed by paper bag 62.25%, while the exposed recorded the lowest water content of 43.96%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important root crop in the Philippines. Worldwide, it is attacked by various disease-causing fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses, negatively affecting its yield potential. However, in the Philippines, no viral disease in cassava has yet been scientifically reported. In other cassava growing regions, the three economically important cassava virus diseases, worldwide, are cassava mosaic disease, cassava brown streak disease, and cassava frogskin disease. These three diseases, and their associated viruses, have not been detected in the country. Other viruses are also associated with cassava but their symptomatology and characteristics are yet to be elucidated. Cassava viruses can be disseminated through infected stem propagules and transmitted effectively by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The exchange of planting materials, migratory behavior of insect vectors, and current disease distribution can put the country at high risk of a possible virus disease outbreak that can threaten the cassava industry. Eradication is difficult once the disease has been established in the field, which means stricter border control measures are needed. This paper reviews the current knowledge of cassava virus diseases not yet reported in the Philippines but have biosecurity importance. The paper highlights measures that can help prevent, prepare for, and respond to cassava viruses' possible incursion. Given the potential threats, the country should remain vigilant to these cassava virus diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy economic damages are the major concern in storage that was caused by coleopteran pests. The conventional control that is accomplished by synthetic pesticides created toxicity to non-target organisms, development of resistance and residue’s problems. Nowadays, with changes in legislation and consumer demand, alternatives to synthetic pesticide to manage the store product pest are increasingly needed. The repellent compounds could be considered as one of the mentioned methods in storage. In this study, five widespread species of stored product pest includingSitophilus oryzaeLinnaeus,Tribolium castaneumHerbst,Rhizopertha dominicaFabricius,Oryzaephilus surinamensisLinnaeus andLasioderma serricorneFabricius were conducted to assay the percentage repellency (PR) of Palizin®(Coconut Soap 65%). Percentage repellency was achieved with beetles which were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10% concentration using three techniques: filter papers, Y-shape tube and cup bioassays. In each of these methods, the means of PR reacted to increasing concentration exceptT. castaneumandO. surinamensisafter 72 and 48 h. The maximum PR of Palizin®belonged to a concentration of 10% (exceptR. dominicaat 5% and 48 h). Among the methods, except filter paper, degradation process resulted to a decreasing trend of PR. In the present experiment, Palizin®can be recommended as a limiting factor of all beetles and the data which were exported by Cub bioassay were closely adapted to reality condition of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is a major staple food crop for providing food security in Asian region. Rice crop mainly suffers from diseases like brown spot, leaf blast and hispa. Detecting rice crop disease in natural RGB images is a daunting task due the intricate texture of the region of the interest. The paper gives a novice approach to the detection of rice plant diseases. Here two different feature extraction methods were used one being Gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and the other is Intensity level based on the multi-fractal dimension (ILMFD) technique. The three different types of classifiers such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Twin Support Vector Machine (TWSVM) were used. Initially, the input rice crop images were processed, features extracted and finally the classification was done. The combination of ILMFD and TWSVM significantly improves the classification results as compared to existing models. The ILMFD method and TWSVM gives the highest Kernel accuracy of 100% detection of rice crop diseases (for the sample database used in this work) which validates the efficiency of the above mentioned techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycorrhizal fungi (MF) receive carbon from their plant host, colonizing the latter's cortical cells and tissues or just around the root epidermis. Mycoviruses are viruses that infect fungi present in different taxa with members inducing cryptic, hypovirulent, or hypervirulent symptoms. They occur in different fungal taxa and hence, it is not surprising to discover the existence of viruses infecting mycorrhizal fungi. This paper examined several studies focusing on Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)–mycovirus symbiosis, and diversity, and presents mycovirus studies' current status and development in this important fungal type and ecology. Despite the relative difficulty of investigating AMFs due to their obligate biotrophic nature, progress is still being made. Sixteen proposed and putative mycoviruses were infecting AMFs. Twenty-two mycoviruses from varying families and genome types are identified as infecting orchid mycorrhizal fungi. Twenty-three viruses of diverse families and 34 Partitiviruses of a single fungus are associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi. Description and characterization of viruses isolated from mycorrhizal fungi helped us grasp the great diversity of mycoviruses. With high throughput sequencing, the area of mycorrhizal virology has been gaining momentum in the past years. Extensive knowledge of mycorrhizal development and physiology can aid us in which fungal virus to use for the benefit of the host plant interest. A considerable part of mycoviruses infecting MFs remains unknown. Further research is needed to calculate the risks associated with using mycoviruses as a biocontrol against plant pathogenic and mycorrhizal fungi. Whole genome sequences are also lacking. Methodologies focusing on protoplast regeneration and hyphal anastomosis of mycorrhizal fungi are gradually being modified and tried. Finally, a closer look at the key players and mechanism of RNA silencing suppressors would shed light on the pathogenicity of mycorrhizal viruses in fungi and their associated symbionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are successfully used for solving image classification tasks. Manually designing efficient neural network architecture requires expertise in CNN and domain knowledge. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed for automatically evolving CNN architecture using big bang–big crunch (BB–BC) algorithm. The proposed approach can be used to automatically evolve CNN architecture and obtain tuned hyper-parameters for CNN. The CNN architecture is validated using the 5932 on-field rice leaf images infected with bacterial leaf blight, rice blast, brown leaf spot and tungro diseases. The proposed approach performed better than CNN evolved using genetic algorithm, SVM, KNN, decision tree, random forest with the test accuracy of 98.7%. The experimental results illustrate that the BB–BC CNN uses fewer trainable parameters compared to popular pre-trained CNN models like ResNet50, MobileNetV2, VGG16, VGG19, InceptionV3, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to see the impact of Angoumois grain moth (AGM) on different cultivars of barley so that we must grow resistant variety of barley or improve those which are susceptible to it. Eggs ofSitotroga cerealella(Oliv.) were collected and reared in incubators available in Stored Product Entomology Laboratory, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, under temperature 27 ± 2°C and 60 ± 2% relative humidity. For the experiment, five different cultivars of barley; Sanober-96, Jau-83, Soorab-96, ICBA and Sterling were selected for AGM feed. After an interval of 30, 60 and 90 days of infestation, percentage damage and weight loss in grains were determined. After carrying out laboratory and field germination tests, viability of different cultivars were checked. Damage was maximum in variety Soorab (99.38%), which becomes susceptible while it was minimum in Sanober-96 (90.62%), which becomes resistant. Weight loss was maximum in variety Soorab (49.71%), which becomes susceptible and was minimum in Sanober-96 (45.32%), which becomes resistant. Damage was positively correlated with weight loss and negatively correlated with seed germination. In germination tests, on filter paper, maximum germination was found in variety Sterling (3%) which becomes resistant and it was minimum in ICBA which becomes susceptible (0%). In sand germination test, maximum seeds germinated in variety Sanober-96 (2%), and minimum seeds germinated in ICBA (0%). By calculating the percentage of losses of different cultivars, it was found that none of cultivars proved itself completely resistant or susceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ricinus communis seed extract obtained by hydraulic extractor tagged Ricinus hydraulic seed extract (RHSE) and that obtained by cold extraction using analytical grade ethanol tagged Ricinus ethanolic seed extract (RESE) were compared for their relative bioactivity against T. castaneum adult and larva in the laboratory (relative humidity, 70 ± 5%; temperature, 28 ± 2°C). Toxicity tests consisted of exposing T. castaneum adults and larvae to filter papers impregnated with four dosages (0.0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 ml/60 cm2) of the R. communis seed extract or to sorghum seeds administered with same dosages (0.0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 ml/5 g seeds). In the repellency tests, both adults and larvae were exposed to four dosages (0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.4 ml/ 30 cm2) of the extracts. Mortality increased with exposure period and concentration of extracts. The susceptibility of the two target stages of T. castaneum was more pronounced in treated sorghum seeds than on impregnated filter papers. All treatments (0.1-0.5 ml/5 g sorghum seed) of RESE caused 100% mortality of 5th-7th instar larvae at 1 day after treatment (DAT), whereas in RHSE, 100% larval mortality was only observed at 3 DAT when extract was applied at 0.3 ml/5 g seed. For filter paper toxicity bioassay, significant mortality was observed in RHSE. Larvae were more susceptible to extracts than adult in both methods of toxicity bioassays. RHSE was more repellent against T. castaneum than RESE with adults more repelled than larvae. At the lowest test concentration of 0.1 ml/30 cm2, 80% repellency of adult was recorded in RHSE, compared with 56.0% repellency of larvae at the same concentration. The results indicate that RHSE has greater potency than RESE for filter paper contact toxicity and repellency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity and repellency of Xylopia aethiopica seed extract was investigated in the laboratory against Tribolium castaneum Herbst. Concentration and days after treatment (DAT) caused a significant increase in T. castaneum adult mortality with an interaction effect of both on mortality when filter paper was impregnated with X. aethiopica extract. At 0.2 ml/60 cm2 extract, significant mortality was observed at three-seven DAT when compared with one DAT. At 0.4 ml/60cm2, 100% mortality was recorded at the lowest exposure period of one DAT. When 0.2 ml extract was applied to 5 g millet seeds, mortality at five-seven DAT was significantly higher than mortality observed in the control. Although repellency was dose-dependent, the percentage of T. castaneum that were repelled from treated filter paper was not significant. At 0.4 ml/60 cm2, Class II repellency (26.7%) was observed. The results suggest that X. aethiopica can only effectively control T. castaneum populations that have infested millet but do not prevent cross-infestation via repellency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, and L. biglobosa, is a major disease that hinders canola (Brassica napus) production worldwide. In this study, 51 Leptosphaeria isolates, and previously deposited sequences were examined for genetic diversity using ITS, β-tubulin, tef and act gene regions. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the isolates fell within two sub-species of brassicae and canadensis. Out of 51 Iranian isolates, 55%, 37%, and 8% were found as L. biglobosa canadensis, L. biglobosa brassicae, and L. maculans, respectively. Accordingly, the canadensis sub-species was found to be the predominant sub-species in Iran. There was no difference between Iranian and foreign brassicae sub-species in terms of ITS nucleotide sequences. This paper confirms the presence of brassicae and canadensis sub-species in Iran and describes the distribution of L. biglobosa in the country. Moreover, Leptosphaeria species were distinguished using a phylogenetic tree based on the tef region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen leaf samples, both healthy andPhytoplasmadiseased, were collected from different plants such as grape, peach, almond, tomato, paper, squash, apple and pear in northern Jordan. Extracted DNA from diseased grape, peach, almond, tomato, paper and squash plus from infected periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) samples were amplified with thePhytoplasmauniversal 16S rDNA sequences primer pairs. Extracted DNA samples from healthy and diseased apple and pear plants were not amplified with the same primer pairs. All the PCR-amplified DNA samples show a common band with size of 558 bp, indicatingPhytoplasmapathogens as a disease-causative agent for grape, peach, almond, tomato, paper and squash plants. The restriction fragment length polymorphisms of Alu1 enzyme for the amplified 16S rDNA sequences shows the same DNA fragment patterns indicating no or a limited diversity among the DNA of the detectedPhytoplasmapathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nematode extraction method of centrifugal-floatation proved to be more efficient and significant (p ≤ 0.01) in extracting the rice root nematode,Hirschmanniella oryzaeadults and larvae from soil or roots of rice and wheat crops than those extracted by sieving and tissue paper filtration technique. The extracted nematode from rice roots using incubation method is time-dependent and the peak of nematodes occurred four days after incubation. The number of extracted nematode varied according to crop, nematode mobility in soil particles, the number of nematodes present and tissue paper permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an incredible progress in machine learning applications in the field of agricultural research. Detection of various diseases, deficiencies, and factors impacting crops' productivity is one of the major ongoing research in this field. This paper considers various machine learning and deep learning techniques (transfer learning) for rice disease detection. In this study three different rice diseases viz. bacterial blight, rice blast, and brown spot are considered. A detailed comparative analysis of the results indicates the superiority of transfer learning techniques over conventional machine learning techniques. It is observed that InceptionResNetV2 achieves the best result followed by XceptionNet. This work can be incorporated in assisting the farmers for early diagnosis of rice disease so that future course of action may be taken on time. For future studies, efforts should be directed to work with bigger datasets so as to generalize the findings of the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prokaryotic type II CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated protein9) adaptive immune system has been applying in many plants for editing target gene(s). The CRISPR/Cas9 technology is superior to other programmable nucleases, such as ZFNs (zinc finger nucleases) and TALENs (transcription activator-like effector nucleases), for its fast activating, simplicity, high efficiency, and economically feasibility. Thus, the current study have mainly focused on the study of CRISPR/Cas9 technology against plant biotic agents like fungus, bacteria, virus, and insect pests. Though this technology is highly applicable against all biotic agents but the success rate based on the previously published papers clarified that it is more effective towards to viruses and fungi. This technology may be used in editing both the target sites either of plants or biotic agents. In both the cases it produces desirable modification in the target sites, makes this technology more applicable to produce biotic agent resistant crop variety. So this editing technology is considered not only a powerful tool for genome editing in both plant and biotic agent but also for developing non-transgenic biotic stress resistant crop variety. The current review may explore the role of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in introgression of QTL, deletion of unwanted genes for crop plants resistant against specific pests and environmental stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve crop production and crop nutritional quality in agriculture, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria is applied. In agricultural management practices, they are often included to minimise chemical inputs, increase productivity and restore the natural equilibrium in agro-ecological systems. Microbes are a part of living soil not only in transforming soil nutrients, but also in influencing soil nutrients with multiple functions. Our review provides evidence that plant-mediated microbial communication is more common than predicted. There are specific microbes that help the plant through various mechanisms to grow well in their presence. It is therefore important to harness and exploit these plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for green and sustainable agriculture. This analysis is an update on PGPR's position in agriculture, from its collection to marketing at low cost, commercial agricultural inputs. First, we introduce the definition and role of the 21st century phytomicrobiome and the agricultural background that underpinned food health. Next, mechanisms for promoting plant growth by PGPR are explored, including the exchange of signals between plant roots and PGPR and how these relationships modulate plant abiotic stress responses by induced systemic resistance. On the applicable hand, techniques to enhance colonisation of the rhizosphere by PGPR inoculants are addressed. The final parts of the paper explain the applications of PGPR in agriculture in the 21st century.Thus the applications and importance of these bacteria in agricultural practices are highlighted to indicate the influence of the PGPR as an effective biocontrol agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the efficacy of extracts from four plants, namely: Azadirachta indica, Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina and Nicotiana tabaccum at managing the population of termites in the laboratory and in the field. The synthetic insecticide (Chlorpyrifos 0.1%) and water were included in the study as controls. In the laboratory, contact toxicity was conducted by topical application of the treatments to the thorax of soldier termite Macrotermes bellicossus and mortality noted. The repellent action of the treatments was tested by releasing 10 of the termites into the center of Petri dishes lined with treated filter paper. The number of insects present on the control and treatment halves was recorded and the percentage repellence values were computed. The residual effects of the treatments was studied by placing five termites in Petri dishes lined with filter paper that have been treated with the treatments 24 hours prior to its placement and insect mortality was noted. The studies were conducted using complete randomised design with four replicates. Field trial of the treatments was conducted on termitaria that were demolished and disinfested with five liters of the treatments. The results showed that all the treatments caused 95-100% mean insect mortality 10 hours after insect exposure and have repellence values of between 40 and 65%. The residual effects of the treatments caused termite mean mortality of 100% in Chlorpyrifos and N. tabacum-treated surfaces and between 50 and 65% in others. In the field, only A. indica and Chlopyrifos were effective at curtailing termite upsurge and rebuild of termitaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the effect of rhizoctonia bataticola on the reduction of glucanase enzymes in plants. Activity of plant enzymes in rhizoctonia-infected tissues; Discussion on the cellulose forms of plant cells; Process of turning cellulytic enzymes to hydrolyse cellulose.

The innate immunity of a plant represents the first defense line against any invading pathogen. This innate immunity is triggered by the infected plant once it detects a pathogenic infection. Peroxidase, catalase, and total phenols are considered among the main components of the plant's innate immunity. In this regard, copper (CuNPs) and chitosan (CsNPs) nanoparticles showed a potency to modulate that innate immunity. The present work aims to compare between CuNPs and CsNPs in terms of their potencies to modulate the levels of peroxidase, catalase, and total phenols in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seedlings. Results showed that both CuNPs and CsNPs enhanced the innate immunity of date palm seedlings, wherein treating date palm seedlings with 50 mL of CuNPs (1 g/L) increased peroxidase and catalase levels by 199% and 4.15%, respectively; while total phenols level was decreased by 28.7%. On the other hand, the same treatment regime with CsNPs increased peroxidase, catalase, and total phenols levels by 12.5%, 12.4%, and 7.83%, respectively. These findings provide a possibility to use CuNPs and CsNPs for enhancing the innate immunity of date palm seedlings. In addition, this paper reports for the first time the ability of CuNPs to inhibit the formation of phenolics in date palm seedlings, which may be useful in reducing the oxidative browning caused by these phenolics in date palm explants during In vitro micropropagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant materials, such as essential oils and extracts, are useful tools for insect pest control. In this study, we report the repellent activity and fumigant toxicity of garlic extractAllium sativumL. (Amaryllidaceae) against larvae and adults of the red flour beetle,Tribolium castaneum(Herbst) (Col., Tenebrionidae). Experiments were carried out at 27 ± 1 °C and 60 ± 5% RH in darkness. Results showed that mortality increases with increasing garlic extracts concentration and time. LC50values for larvae at 24 and 48 h were 267.37 and 145.8 μl/l air, and for adults, they were 127.90 and 90.8 μl/l air, respectively. The concentration of 225.8 μl/l air of the garlic extract yielded was 83.3% mortality of larvae after 48 h. The garlic extract had a strong repellent activity towardsT. castaneumwhen tested in a filter paper arena test. After 4 h exposure to a low concentration (2.13 μl/cm2) of garlic extracts, more than 95% repellence was achieved. Our results indicate lethal and repellent effects of garlic extracts onT. castaneum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectobacterium carotovorum is one of the most serious pectolytic bacterial pathogens causing significant pre- and postharvest soft rot diseases on a variety of agroeconomic fruits and vegetables worldwide. Application of chemical pesticides for controlling the postharvest diseases is still insufficient and unacceptable by consumers. The effect of sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) (SBN) was evaluated against the growth of P. carotovorum utilizing the highly pathogenic strain BR03, confirmed molecularly using dnaA primers. The inhibition zone was the greatest when P. carotovorum was treated with 600 mM SBN both at pH 7.5 and 7.0. Flow cytometry (distinguishing live and dead bacterial cells) and the development of bacterial colonies on Petri plates confirmed the bactericidal action of SBN. In addition, these results validated that bacterial cells were killed when treated with 600 mM SBN. The biofilm formation was completely inhibited and destroyed following exposure to 600 mM SBN after a 24-h incubation period and the absorbance readings were reduced as the concentration of SBN increased. Disease severity on inoculated tomato fruits decreased in comparison with the control fruit at either 4 or 25 °C. SBN is safe for human health and commonly used in industries as a food preservative. SBN can be an effective alternative method for controlling soft rot diseases on tomato fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MD-2 pineapple fruits are susceptible to phytopathogenic fungi producing mycotoxins, which can cause up to 40% of postharvest losses. This study aimed to isolate and identify fungi associated with postharvest diseases on pineapple fruits, and mycotoxins produced. Thirty-seven fungal strains were isolated from the pineapple fruit at the full maturation stage. About 51.37% of the fungal strains identified were belonging to Aspergillus. Those fungi that caused diseases in pineapple fruits were Aspergillus sclerotioniger, A. tubingensis, Penicillium citrinum, Fusarium equiseti, Trichoderma asperelliodes and T. asperellum. Aspergillus niger produced the highest ochratoxin A (OTA), scoring 85.51 µg/kg. On the other hand, P. citrinum scored 94.06 µg/kg, the highest quantity of total aflatoxins. This is the first report demonstrating mycotoxigenic fungi's potential to cause infections in postharvest pineapple fruits in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head smudge, caused by Curvularia spp., is the major disease of tef in the humid tef-growing areas of Ethiopia. Despite this, farmers continue producing tef without any disease management strategies, which is leading to substantial quantitative and qualitative losses. Hence, the field and laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of seven fungicides for the management of head smudge and simultaneously to assess the possible effects of the disease on seed quality of tef. The field experiment was conducted at Dangila and North Achefer districts and the treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Tef seeds harvested from field experiments were subsequently used for laboratory studies using the blotter method and arranged in a completely randomized design. The effect of fungicides on reducing disease incidence and severity and increasing yield was significant (p < 0.001). The highest overall mean disease control (88.9%) was obtained from propiconazole sprayed plots followed by trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole and tebuconazole, both of which had a similar 85.5% disease reduction. The applications of triadimefon resulted in intermediate disease reduction (69.9%). However, the application of mancozeb + cymoxanil, cymoxanil + copper oxychloride, and thiamethoxam + metalaxyl + difenoconazole doesn't bring a significant improvement from the untreated plot. According to our findings, head smudge can reduce tef yield by up to 62% and germination by 18.7 to 45.4%. Therefore, the application of propiconazole, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole, and tebuconazole can be considered as effective head smudge management practice until other management options are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a significant threat to the successful cultivation of grapevines globally. Abiotic parameters such as temperature, moisture and pH critically influence nematode population growth. Ecological investigation was conducted on three grapevine cultivars (Sahibi, Hussaini and Thompson) in Kashmir, India, from January 2021 to December 2022. The population dynamics of the identified PPNs around the grapevine rhizosphere were studied in relation to various factors. Nematode abundance peaked during the warm months of the summer season and dipped during winter. Soil and air temperatures positively correlated with the abundance of nematodes; however, soil moisture and rainfall showed a negative correlation. This study underscores the critical role of environmental factors on the population dynamics of plant parasitic nematodes, with temperature being an important influential factor. Effective nematode management in grapevine cultivation requires a thorough understanding of these dynamics to mitigate the impact of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivated apple (Malus × domestica) is one of Türkiye's most important economic crops. Over the growing seasons of 2020–2022, typical symptoms of branch cankers and scaling-off of the bark on apple trees were observed in the Eğirdir district of Isparta province. Botryosphaeriaceae fungi were consistently isolated from symptomatic branches. The fungal pathogen was identified as Diplodia bulgarica based on cultural and morphological characteristics and ITS region of DNA sequence data comparisons. Pathogenicity tests were performed on detached shoots by inoculating them with mycelial plugs. Diplodia bulgarica isolates caused necrotic lesions on Scarlet Spur apple detached shoots. To aid in the development of control strategies for this fungus, nine fungicides were examined in vitro for their antifungal effects against the pathogen at different concentrations. Chlorothalonil, tebuconazole, thiophanate-methyl, and fluazinam were the most efficient fungicides, with EC50 values were <1.0 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocontrol, which uses antagonistic microorganisms to manage plant diseases, holds promise for reducing postharvest losses but faces challenges due to varied pathogen responses. In response, biocontrol mixtures were proposed to enhance the antagonistic effect. This study evaluates the efficacy of chitosan and extracellular glucanase (EG) from Wickerhamomyces anomalus, both individually and combined, against Thielaviopsis paradoxa, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Rhizopus stolonifer. The maximum inhibition of mycelial growth by chitosan for these fungi was 90.25% at 3 mg/mL, 14.2% at 5 mg/mL, and 56.28% at 3 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, chitosan significantly inhibited spore germination across all fungi. While W. anomalus cells prevented mycelial filament association, EG alone had minimal impact on mycelial development but inhibited spore germination in a concentration-dependent manner. Combining EG with chitosan enhanced spore germination inhibition, notably achieving 98.18%. The biocontrol mixture effectively protected fruit under laboratory-controlled conditions, suggesting a robust biocontrol strategy for postharvest fungal disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The secondary metabolites produced byStreptomycessp. KA1-3, cultured on starch casein broth, was extracted by ethyl acetate and concentrated. Purification of the compound by thin layer chromatography lead to isolation ofN-phenylpropanamide from one polar fraction. The structure of the herbicidal compound was elucidated on the basis of UV, FT-IR, mass and H1NMR spectroscopy. The herbicidal activity of the isolate was tested against the weedsCassia occidentalisL. and rhizomeCyperus rotundusL. by moist chamber technique and rolled towel paper assay method. Herbicidal activity of the bioactive compoundN-phenylpropanamide was further evaluated underin vitrocondition. The herbicidal compound showed 80% of seed germination inhibition inC. occidentalisL. and rhizomeC. rotundusL. weed. The actinobacterium can be used as a source for bioherbicidal agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraction of antimicrobial compounds from medicinal mushrooms, namely, Auricularia polytricha (Jew's ear), Lentinulla edodes (Shiitake) and Volvariella volvacea (paddy straw), has been done with different solvent systems (chloroform, ethyl acetate, ether and methanol) and tested against a wide range of phytopathogens by filter paper disk assay. All the three basidiomycetes inhibited the phytopathogens tested so far. This enumeration was based on the number of organisms inhibited and the diameter of inhibitory zones produced. From the results obtained, it could be observed that ethyl acetate was the best solvent for extracting antimicrobial substances from these medicinal mushrooms. Thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of several compounds with different Retention Factor (RF) values. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiling of V. volvacea showed the presence of several antimicrobial proteins with various molecular weights. Western blotting revealed the presence of thaumatin-like glycoproteins of molecular weight more than 45 kDa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fungal rot of orange (Citrus sinensis) caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus niger (Thom and Raper), Aspergillus flavus Links and Aspergillus ochraceus, were controlled in vitro and in vivo with the water and ethanol extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Nauclea latifolia, Senna alata, Cajanus cajan and Anacardium occidentale. In the in vitro test the plant extract showed fungicidal activity of between 18 to 85% inhibition on mycelia dry weight of the rot fungi and B, theobromae was more sensitive to the plant extract than the other rot fungi. In the in vivo test there was a higher percentage reduction in the diameter of rot when the plant extract was applied to the orange fruit before the pathogen than when the pathogen was inoculated before application of plant extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, microencapsulated formulation ofBacillus thuringiensissubsp.kurstakiwere prepared by the emulsion gelling method. Stability of formulation under ultraviolet (UV) radiation by spore viability and mortality testonEphestia kuehniella Zellerlarvae are investigated. Response surface methodology was used for optimising the formulations. Calcium Chloride (0.1 and 0.3 M) and sodium alginate (2 and 3% w/w) were used in the formulations, and stirring speed was selected between 1500 and 2000 rpm. Morphology of the microcapsule was evaluated by light microscopy. The optimal values for the variables were: sodium alginate = 2.15%, CaCl2 = 0.24 M, speed = 1606 rpm and spore viability, mortality and diameter of 68% ± 1.73, 85% ± 1.5 and 9μ ± 1.3, respectively; while the predicted values by the software were 70% for spore viability, 87% for mortality and 8.3 μ for diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection and quantification of total aflatoxins in farmers' stored rice seeds at different storage intervals in two cropping seasons (Boro 2017–2018: cv. BRRI Dhan28 and cv. BRRI Dhan29 and Aman 2017: cv. BR 11 and cv. BRRI dhan49) was focused in this study. Aflatoxin was quantified in two cropping seasons (Boro and Aman). Blotter incubation test was conducted for fungal prevalence assessment and a one-step lateral flow immune-chromatographic assay was used to quantify the aflatoxins. Seed moisture content ranged from 11.59 to 13.32% and aflatoxin concentrations ranged from 2.41 to 11.12 ppb. Variation in fungal contamination in stored seeds was correlated with seed moisture content. The moisture content in stored rice seeds increased with storage time and was positively correlated with fungal infestation and toxin production. The findings of this study indicate that moisture content of stored rice seeds and storage duration are determining factors for aflatoxin contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana could be established as an endophyte within jute (Corchorus capsularis) plant through seed inoculation. The highest colonization was observed in ITCC 6063 followed by ITCC 5562 and ITCC 5408 which are statistically at par (p < 0.05). The lowest apion infestation was observed in ITCC 5408, ITCC 6063, ITCC 4512 and ITCC 4563 which are statistically at par (p < 0.05). Highest apion infestation was observed in case of two non-endophytic isolates ITCC 4644 and ITCC 4925. Transcriptome study showed that a significant number of stem-weevil (Apion corchori) resistant genes involved in biosynthesis of plant volatiles viz., oxidative cleavage of fatty acids, LEGO-like building blocks, salicylic acid activation pathway, methyl jasmonic acid synthesis pathway were activated in ten B. bassiana isolate treated plants. RNA Sequencing was used to identify 1017 DEGs between 'endophyte colonised plant' and 'untreated plant'. 1117 genes were up-regulated and 279 genes were down regulated in treated plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effectiveness of seed dressing and foliar spray with indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA) and Trichoderma harzianum, either alone or in combination, to manage root rot in green beans. The application of GA at concentrations of 40 ppm, 20 ppm, IAA at 20 ppm, 40 ppm and a combination of IAA at 40 ppm and GA at 40 ppm significantly reduced the incidence of pre-emergence root rot. Additionally, the use of IAA at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 ppm completely suppressed post-emergence root rot in green beans. Furthermore, the application of tested growth regulators IAA and GA at different concentrations along with T. harzianum in combination induced higher chitinase polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activities compared to control. These treatments have the potential to be used as safe and effective alternatives to chemical fungicides for the control of green bean root diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scale insects are pests affecting citrus crops in the Mediterranean basin, but their significance is often overlooked in some countries due to insufficient information about the threat they pose to this type of cultivation. In Algeria, various studies have aimed to identify and highlight the most harmful species impacting citrus orchards. This research specifically focuses on compiling a list of species affecting orange orchards in three regions of Guelma province (northeast Algeria) which are Boumahra Ahmad, El Fedjoudj and Guelma. Branch samples with their leaves were collected from all cardinal directions of the trees as well as from the center of the canopy during the winter-spring period from 2014 to 2018 while examining the climatic influence on their presence. Seventeen species were identified, with Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell, 1879), Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas, 1853) and Coccus pseudomagnoliarum (Kuwana, 1914) being dominant and Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman, 1869), Saissetia oleae (Olivier, 1791) and Saissetia coffeae (Walker, 1852) considered rare. Non-parametric richness estimators (Chao 1, Chao 2, Jack 1 and Boot) suggest the potential presence of additional species, reaching 20.15 ± 0.96, indicating that the count may extend to 21 scale insects in the surveyed orchards. Spearman correlation analysis applied to species and climatic conditions reveals their influence on species abundance, but not on their diversity. We observed a positive impact on relative humidity and a negative impact on average temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf spot diseases caused by Alternaria species have been reported worldwide in plants belonging to the Arecaceae family. However, limited information is available on the molecular identification of Alternaria species responsible for causing leaf spot diseases in date palm trees. In this study, Alternaria spp. isolated from date palm leaves collected from three districts in the Basrah governorate were characterized based on their morphology, physiology and molecular markers. By employing techniques in morphology and molecular biology, along with analysis using the neighbor-joining approach and alignment of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, we successfully isolated and identified the fungal pathogen as Alternaria alternata. A. alternata colony showcase dark black mycelia encircled by a white-gray mycelium. Microscopic observation revealed that the isolated conidia were obclavate, cylindrical and dark brown. The conidiophores exhibited a septate, branching structure and had an olivaceous brown color. Through sequencing, it was discovered that the isolate showed a high degree of similarity (100%) to Alternaria alternata, specifically in their ITS regions. The DNA sequences have been submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), and the sequence accession number obtained from GenBank for the Alternaria alternata sequence used in the phylogenetic study is PP194367.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Red River Delta is one of primary banana-producing regions in Vietnam, and it has been afflicted by Fusarium wilt disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). This study aimed to identify Foc strains from banana-diseased samples collected from six different provinces in this region. Foc's identity was confirmed based on morphological characteristics, artificial inoculation on the Tieu hong banana cultivar, and through DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of PCR products amplified by race-specific primer pairs (Foc-1/Foc-2, Foc TR4-F/FocTR4-R). Ten Foc TR4 strains were identified, including VP1(2), VP1(5), and VP2(6) strains were found in Vinh Phuc Province, ML02.2 strain in Ha Noi City, MS1T2 strain in Hung Yen province, BV03 and BV06 strains in Hai Phong City, and QG1(R), QG4(T), QH2(R) strains in Thai Binh province. This discovery underscores the importance of appropriately identifying causal pathogens for integrated pest management of Fusarium wilt disease in the Red River Delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of Heterorhabditis indica entomopathogenic nematodes on mature larvae of the peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders), and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), both of which are highly detrimental species in the Tephritidae family. The investigation is conducted in a laboratory setting using two types of soil: sandy loam and sand. The research focuses on the virulence and biochemical effects of the nematodes. The results indicate that H. indica is more effective in sandy loam soil than sandy soil. This is supported by the LC50 values (the lethal concentration that kills 50% of the tested organisms) of 566.656 Infective Juveniles/ml for B. zonata and 250.53 Infective Juveniles/ml for C. capitata in sandy loam soil, whereas the corresponding values in sandy soil were 1149.051 and 701.839 Infective Juveniles/ml, respectively. Consequently, C. capitata larvae are more susceptible to entomopathogenic nematodes than B. zonata larvae. The infection by the nematodes also leads to changes in specific enzymatic activities of the larvae. This includes significant reductions in amylase, trehalase, and acetylcholine esterase, alongside an increase in invertase activity. Moreover, varying decreases are observed in chitinase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. In conclusion, the nematodes effectively reduce the emergence of adult flies by targeting the final stages of insect development. Furthermore, they offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic nematodes is an alternative biological control for fruit flies. H. indica is a soil control agent and adapted well to field situations. H. indica suppressed fruit fly larvae and could restrict their population expansion. Individuals of C. capitata were more comparatively susceptible than B. zonata ones. H. indica caused disturbance in specific enzymatic systems of both species larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net blotch disease, caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt), is one of the most serious diseases of barley in Argentina. The in vitro sensitivity profile of Ptt to different fungicide mixtures currently used in Argentina was determined in isolates from different localities. Mycelial growth inhibition was measured, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (EC50) was estimated by simple logarithmic regression. In addition, the in vivo sensitivity of Ptt to the application of fluxapyroxad 5% + epoxiconazole 5% + pyraclostrobin 8.1% (FEP) was evaluated in greenhouse and field trials. The EC50 values ranged from 0.004 to 0.527 µg/mL, indicating that the fungicide mixtures tested were highly fungitoxic to all Ptt isolates tested. The in vivo and field fungicide efficacy averaged 99.9% and 79.5%, confirming a correlation between in vitro and in vivo sensitivity. The fungicide mixtures evaluated here were all highly fungitoxic and efficient for managing net blotch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant goal of this article is to highlight the utilization of digital imaging techniques for pathogenic disease detection in banana crops (Musa). The disease occurs in a variety of geographical climatic ranges, posing a threat to banana cultivators worldwide. The inevitable pathogenic invasions in banana plants remarkably influence crop yield loss and consequently agriculture. Subsequently, to enhance cultivation quality and quantity aspects, we involve computer vision models that have been established for automated disease prediction. Moreover, we interpreted the growth evaluation and understanding of different varieties of biotic disease properties that cause damage to the crops. Hence this review aims to address the major challenges in disease detection for identifying disease patterns in stressed plants. It involves classifying infection regions based on different factors such as the type of infectious neighboring plants, and the geometric illusions on the leaf surface area. Additionally, the review addressed the recent strategies of cloud-based computer vision in agriculture which will aid researchers in understanding how digital imaging technologies can be used for pathogen detection in banana plants. Further, this survey ensures a comprehensive review of pathogen diagnosing techniques through artificial intelligence (AI) approaches like convolutional neural networks (CNN), and deep learning (DL) to visually analyze disease patterns based on digital image processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium andiyazi isolates, EGF1 and EGF2, were recovered from sugar beets exhibiting wilting, chlorosis, and root rot. Morphological characteristics and sequencing of translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α), the ITS region of rDNA, and β-tubulin (TUB) wear combined to corroborate the identity of these isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial TEF gene revealed genetic variation among F. andiyazi isolates in three genetic clades. Both isolates infected seedlings of all sugar beet cultivars and caused varying degrees of wilting symptoms. 38-day-old sugar beet cultivars differed in their response to the isolates, being either susceptible (Kawemira) or resistant (Pleno). Both isolates induced symptoms of wilting and root rot in sorghum cultivars and caused bakanae in rice cultivars. Cultivars of sorghum (Dorado) and rice (Sakha 101) were susceptible to F. andiyazi infection. This is the first report of F. andiyazi, isolated from sugar beets, causing typical symptoms of seedling wilt and root rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitrostudies were carried out on the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostellalarvae using an insect entomopathogenic nematode isolate,Steinernema carpocapsaeobtained from the Koppert company, the Netherlands. Larvae ofP. xylostellawere collected from cabbage farms around Mashhad city of Iran. During the study, the responses of larvae at 25 °C for three periods of 24, 48 and 72 h with different concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 third instar larvae of nematode (infective stage = IJs) per insect into 10 cm Petri dishes containing filter paper soaked with 1 ml of nematodes suspension were compared. Maximum mortality caused byS. carpocapsaenematode was 88% at 24 h, and it was 100% at 48 and 72 h. With increasing nematode population level and exposure time (ET in hour), mortality ofP. xylostellalarvae was increased. Based on probit analysis, LC50values ofS. carpocapsaenematode in three test periods were 45.61, 12.02 and 40.80 IJs per insect, respectively. Initial ANOVA was performed forS. carpocapsaenematode. The effect of both nematode population levels (IJ) and ET on third instar larvae of the diamondback moth,P. xylostellaand interaction between IJ and ET were significant. In general, it is recommended to apply this nematode in suitable condition for controlling diamondback moth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Meliolaceae is a family of fungi in the order Meliolales. These fungi flourish well in tropics and have extended their distribution from sub-temperate to temperate regions of the world. These are obligate but mostly ectoparasites that produce black or brown colonies on the leaves and stems of the host plants. These fungi are known to cause black or brown mildew disease on the plants. These black or brown mildews are obligate but mostly ectoparasites that produce black colonies on the surface of the host plants. Extensive work on the foliicolous fungi belonging to the family Meliolaceae at Aligarh and other adjacent areas has not been carried out. Therefore, a study was carried out to isolate and identify the foliicolous fungi attacking different plants of Aligarh. This paper gives the detailed description and illustration of five types of Meliolaceae fungi viz.,Meliola alstoniae,Meliola mangiferae,Meliola memecyli,Amazonia peregrinaandExosporodiella phoenixesa. Of these, the genusExosporodiellawith a type speciesE. phoenixesawas reported for the first time in the world, while the rest of the fungi were reported for the first time from Aligarh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to provide information on the population density and distribution of the dry bulb mite, Aceria tulipae on the leaves and bulbs of native garlic in Ilocos Region, Philippines. Preliminary data showed that the average number of A. tulipae is the same within the leaf and plant canopy. The total number of A. tulipae is highest at the middle section of the leaf. Aceria tulipae is also detected in cloves sampled from harvested bulbs. Results suggest that the leaves and bulbs of native garlic could be considered when designing a sampling method in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bread wheat is one of the key food grains in Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity are affected by stripe rust. The objective of this study was to investigate and develop integrated management options for stripe rust using varieties and fungicide application frequency in the study area. A field experiment was conducted at Enarj Enawuga district in the Metaya Kebele farmer training center during the 2022 main cropping season. There were sixteen total treatment combinations [four bread wheat varieties (Ogolcho, Lemu, Hidase, and Local as check), and four Tilt 250 EC fungicide application frequencies (nil, 1, 2, and 3 times)]. The design of the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangements within three replications. Both disease and yield-related data were collected and analyzed using SAS 9.4 software. The disease and yield parameters showed a significant (p < 0.01) difference, and all treated plots had higher yield and lower disease severity than untreated plots. On the untreated plots, the final mean stripe rust severity was 18.53%, 22.57%, 36.73%, and 57.63% on Ogolcho, Lemu, Hidase, and local varieties, respectively. The maximum disease control was recorded from Ogolcho variety (61.31%) with a three-time application of Tilt 250EC. Grain yield and thousand kernel weight increment were obtained at 79.72% and 17.37% from Ogolcho, 100% and 23.44% from Lemu, 94.85% and 34.54% from Hidase, and 102.85% and 49.56% from local varieties treated by three times of Tilt 250EC, respectively. A higher yield reduction and AUDPC (114 DAS) were recorded from untreated plots of local (50.70%, 2,031.49% days−1), and Hidase (48.68%, 1,020.6% days−1) varieties, receptively. The 15-day interval application frequency of Propiconazole increased the grain yield of all tested varieties and reduced stripe rust severity. The Ogolcho variety treated three times yielded the maximum net benefit (216,750 Birr/ha) with an accepted marginal rate of return (22,810%). Therefore, based on the results obtained, producers use the Ogolcho variety with three-time application of propiconazole fungicide for optimum wheat production and could be recommended to manage stripe rust in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), is regarded as one of the most significant biocontrol agents of several pests. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of cold storage on the table table parameters. The emergence rate of parasitoids declined as the storage period increased (82.54 ± 2.19, 60.09 ± 2.11, 52.12 ± 4.52 and 48.67 ± 4.20%) after cold storage for one, two, three, and four weeks respectively. The life table parameters were negatively affected by cold storage. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) decreased (0.20 d-1) when pupa storing for 4 week. The net reproduction rate (R0) and the finite rate of increase (λ) both displayed a similar trend. Also, the doubling time (DT) increased when compared to the control (2.36 ± 0.13 d). In conclusion, it is not advised to store the pupae at low temperatures for long durations. However, the cold storing is considered to some extent a suitable way for short-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of maize in Bangladesh has been boosted over the last decade. Concurrently, diseases are also becoming a major threat to its higher production because of lacking disease-resistant cultivars. The study screened 29 maize inbred lines against southern corn leaf blight, northern corn leaf blight, downy mildew, rust, stalk rot, anthracnose, and maize leaf streak in field conditions. Among the inbred lines, Ag-0296, Ag-0305, Ag-0309, Ag-0312, Ag-0314, Ag-0318 and Ag-0321 showed resistance to various diseases. Twenty-one inbred lines belonged to cluster I demonstrated highest plant height (154.75 cm), ear height (61.19 cm) and yield (4.41 t/h), intermediate days to pollen shedding (108.43), days to silking (109.90) and days to maturity (157.14). Finally, cluster analysis revealed Ag-0296, Ag-0298, Ag-0300, Ag-0301, Ag-0303, Ag-0304, Ag-0305, Ag-0306, Ag-0307, Ag-0309, Ag-0310, Ag-0311, Ag-0313, Ag-0315, Ag-0318, Ag-0319, Ag-0321 and Ag-0324 belongs to Cluster I as they showed both disease resistance ability with good agronomic attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrates and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) have not been studied under the stress of stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) in wheat. Wheat cultivars PBW725 (resistant) and HD2967 (susceptible) were compared at 1, 2 and 4 d of GABA, Pst, and GABA + Pst sprayed to 30-d of seedling growth. Starch was hydrolyzed, and levels of sugars and proteins improved over time of infection in PBW725 however HD2967 improved under GABA + Pst. Proline increased while GABA decreased over the time of infection in HD2967. Progressive increase of diamine oxidase and glutamate decarboxylase was seen in PBW725 during infection. Protease levels became low at 4 d of infection but improved under GABA + Pst in HD2967. Protein carbonyls increased in HD2967 only under Pst but decreased under GABA + Pst. Results concluded that GABA is an essential regulator of carbohydrates under stripe rust. Sustained response over time of infection may be important for resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was carried out on 135 maize farms across nine districts and three zones of southwestern Ethiopia to determine the distribution of maize ear rot and its association with biophysical factors. Results revealed the prevalence of the disease across survey areas, albeit at varied intensities. Ear rot incidence and severity ranged from 41 to 54% and 31 to 40%, respectively. All maize grain samples collected from the survey area were positive for potentially toxigenic fungi genera, with Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium occurring at frequencies of 100%, 60%, and 58%, respectively. Higher ear rot incidence (>50%) had significant associations with zones, higher altitude, previous crop, lack of residue management, maize variety, and insect damage. The study indicates ear rot and kernel contamination by potentially toxigenic fungi is highly prevalent in southwestern Ethiopia and requires the use of certified seeds, residue management, shifting crops and reducing insect damage to manage the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]