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Mitigating Chili Plant Wilt: Synergy of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Silver Nanoparticles
by Hilda Karina Sáenz Hidalgo ,Esteban Sánchez Chávez ,Nuvia Orduño Cruz ,Mahendra Rai ,Víctor Olalde Portugal ,Graciela Dolores Ávila Quezada*
Accepted: 15/November/2024 – Published: 13/December/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-8
Abstract Background/Objective. The chilaca pepper (Capsicum annuum) is significantly impacted by the attack of the oomycete Phytophthora capsici, which causes chili wilt. Current methods for controlling this disease have been inefficient. Therefore, the search for more environmentally friendly alternatives is of great importance. In pursuit of this objective, we assessed the potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to try to reduce or postpone chili pepper wilt.
Materials and Methods.Growth parameters were measured in inoculated and non-inoculated chili pepper plants with AMF from a commercil consortium TM-73 (Biotecnología Microbiana) and the protective effects of AMF and AgNPs (NanoID®) against P. capsici as evaluated using a severity scale for wilt symptoms. Plant response to pathogen infection was assessed by measuring the activities of antioxidant enzymes: PER, SOD, CAT and H2O2.
Results. The results indicated that AMF application improved the growth parameters of C. annuum, while the plant-pathogen interaction induced an antioxidant enzymatic response. AMF maintained wilt symptoms at or below 80%, preventing plant death. Meanwhile, AgNPs (50ppm) delayed plant mortality compared to the control treatment.
Conclusion. The combined use of AMF and AgNPs offer options for future research in the disease management for chili peppers.
by Francisco Palemón Alberto ,Santo Ángel Ortega Acosta* ,Erubiel Toledo Hernández ,Cesár Sotelo Leyva ,Guadalupe Reyes García ,Elizabeth Tecomulapa Acatitlán
Accepted: 15/November/2024 – Published: 04/December/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-21
Abstract Background/Objective. Diseases of agricultural crops affect the yields and quality of products. Synthetic chemical compounds are generally used to control them; these cause harmful impacts to the environment, as well as to human health. In this sense, beneficial microorganisms can be used in agriculture as biocontrol agents, and contribute to obtaining food in sufficient and safe quantities. The fungus Irpex lacteus has been reported as a potential biocontrol agent. The objective of this research work was to evaluate the in vitro mycoparasitic capacity of the endophytic fungus I. lacteus P7B against 22 fungi and one oomycete associated with plant diseases.
Materials and Methods. The P7B isolate, previously detected as a mycoparasite, was used and molecularly identified by amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, using primers ITS1/ ITS4.The confrontations of the mycoparasite (P7B) against the phytopathogenic microorganisms were carried out in PDA culture medium. Three replicates were used for each microorganism, in addition to the controls, which consisted of placing the microorganisms individually.
Results. Molecular analyses determined that isolate P7B corresponded to Irpex lacteus (GenBank: PP922180). The results of the in vitro assays indicated that I. lacteus P7B inhibited all the phytopathogenic agents with which it was confronted, 100% inhibition by I. lacteus occurred approximately in 14 days, except for Rhizopus spp., this was at 23 days after the confrontations.
Conclusion. The present study demonstrates that the fungus I. lacteus presented 100% in vitro mycoparasitic capacity against the various fungi and an oomycete evaluated, so future work could focus on evaluating its mycoparasitic activity under field conditions.
by Estefanía Fonseca Chávez ,Irvin Alonso Molina Marañón ,Luz Irela Lugo Zambrano ,Juan Carlos Martínez Álvarez ,Guadalupe Arlene Mora Romero ,Jesús Damián Cordero Ramírez ,Karla Yeriana Leyva Madriga*
Accepted: 13/November/2024 – Published: 04/December/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-14
Abstract Background/Objective. Biological control offers new strategies for disease management in agriculture. In the present study, the antifungal activity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by rhizobacteria, was evaluated in the growth and infective capacity of four isolates of E. turcicum obtained from symptomatic corn plants, in northern Sinaloa.
Materials y methods. The fungal isolates were characterized morphologically and molecularly, and their pathogenicity was corroborated in a detached leaf assay. The ability of VOCs to inhibit mycelial growth and infection of maize leaves by E. turcicum was evaluated in in vitro assays, in divided Petri dishes. Bacterial hydrogen cyanide production was qualitatively determined.
Results. The mycelial growth of E. turcicum was reduced by VOCs of at least one rhizobacteria, registering inhibitions between 22% and 63%. Leaves infection was reduced between 63% and 98% in the presence of rhizobacterial VOCs. Hydrogen cyanide production was detected in strains B3 and B9.
Conclusion. Strain B95 was more effective in reducing mycelial growth and infection by E. turcicum. The production of hydrogen cyanide could be involved in its antagonistic effect. In-plant tests are required to corroborate its effectiveness, as well as characterize its volatile profile.
by Jesús Eduardo Ramírez Méndez ,Francisco Daniel Hernández Castillo ,Gabriel Gallegos Morales ,Diana Jasso Cantú ,Roberto Arredondo Valdés ,Marco Antonio Tucuch Pérez*
Accepted: 09/November/2024 – Published: 23/November/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-23
Abstract Background/Objective. Pythium aphanidermatum and Rhizoctonia solani are pathogens that affect agricultural crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate some Agave striata and Fouquieria splendens methanolic extracts, from the Chihuahuan Desert, against those fungi, in search for biological control alternatives.
Materials and Methods. Pathogens from chili plants were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular methods. Methanolic extracts from both plants were prepared, and the antioxidant capacity (AC), the total polyphenol content (TPC), and the antifungal compounds via HPLC-MS were assessed. The antifungal effectiveness was tested at concentrations of 3.9-2000 mg L-1 using a poisoned medium assay, where fungi structural damage was observed.
Results. The F. splendens and A. striata extracts exhibited 55% and 68% AC, as well as 61 mg/g and 112 mg/g TPC, respectively. Both extracts contained caffeic acid and quercetin, while F. splendens also exhibited eriodyctiol, kaempferol, and luteolin; A. striata contained pinocembrin and theaflavin B. F. splendens attained 100% inhibition of P. aphanidermatum at 250 mg L-1, and of R. solani at 500 mg L-1, whereas A. striata achieved 100% inhibition at 1000 mg L-1 in both cases. The extracts produced lysis in P. aphanidermatum oogonia and mycelial fragmentation in R. solani.
Conclusion. The F. splendens and A. striata methanolic extracts demonstrate promising antifungal activity against P. aphanidermatum and R. solani, suggesting that these natural compounds might be useful as a biological alternative for pathogen control in agricultural crops.
by Fannie Isela Parra Cota ,Isabeli Bruno ,Mónica García Montelongo ,Sebastián González Villarreal ,María Fernanda Villarreal Delgado ,Liliana Carolina Córdova Albores ,Alina Escalante Beltrán ,Sergio de los Santos Villalobos*
Accepted: 08/November/2024 – Published: 19/November/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-34
Abstract Background/Objective. Bacteria of the Bacillus genus have been studied since their discovery in 1872, for their ability to synthesize metabolites of interest such as proteins used to control phytopathogens. The objective of this research was to analyze the most outstanding species of the Bacillus genus, as well as the main compounds produced by these species, and the perspectives on the use of this bacterial genus for pest and disease control.
Materials and Methods. An exhaustive search was carried out in scientific articles and books to gather the most relevant information regarding the Bacillus genus, focusing on its role as a biological control agent for pests and pathogens.
Results. The Bacillus genus includes more than 427 taxa, which can be classified into different groups. Among the biological control agents (BCA) are the Bacillus cereus group, which includes B. cereus, B. anthracis, and B. thuringiensis, and the B. subtilis group, which includes B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. pumilus, mainly. B. thuringiensis, through cry genes, has molecular mechanisms to synthesize a crystalline inclusion during sporulation, which contains proteins known as endotoxins or Cry proteins. B. subtilis produces substances with a high potential for biological control, such as volatile organic compounds, as well as bioactive secondary metabolites.
Conclusion. The potential of the Bacillus genus to be used as biological control agents is evident. They are widely used for the development of different biopesticides that have advantages over other products. However, it is necessary to continue conducting research from the in vitro area in the laboratory to the field, to help guarantee their biosecurity and effectiveness.
by Célida Aurora Hernández Castillo ,Patricia Rivas Valencia* ,Leticia Robles Yerena ,Mariana Guadalupe Sánchez Alonso ,Emiliano Loeza Kuk
Accepted: 26/October/2024 – Published: 05/November/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-03
Abstract Background/Objective. In all citrus-producing regions in the world, gummosis is a disease that has caused losses in citrus production. This disease is caused by several pathogens. The objectives were to identify the fungi associated with gummosis in citrus orchards of Plan Chac, Sacalum, Yucatan; and to evaluate chemical and biological alternatives for the control of fungi associated with gummosis.
Materials and Methods. From fragments of plant tissue and soil, the associated fungi were isolated. The isolates were identified morphologically in plant tissue as Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae and in soil as Fusarium solani and Pestalotia spp. The pathogenicity test determined that L. pseudotheobromae is an agent associated with this disease. The isolates were subjected to in vitro tests with chemical fungicides and antagonist agents.
Results. Thiabendazole showed effectiveness for F. solani with an effective concentration to inhibit 50 % of the population (EC50) of 0.0612 mg L-1, with Pestalotia spp. inhibited growth at all concentrations evaluated and for L. pseudotheobromae, it showed an EC50 of 0.0049 mg L-1. In the case of Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713, the growth of F. solani (EC50 0.0496 mg L-1), Pestalotia spp. (EC50 0.0487 mg L-1) and L. pseudotheobromae (EC50 0.0528 mg L-1) decreased. On the other hand, Trichoderma harzianum showed a greater inhibition against F. solani, Pestalotia spp. and L. pseudotheobromae of 61.08, 62.93 and 35.64 %, respectively.
Conclusion. In the management of gummosis in citrus fruits, the use of biological agents such as Trichoderma and B. subtilis can be efficiently included, offering alternatives with less impact on the environment
by Leonardo Miguel Nava Eugenio ,Dolores Vargas Álvarez ,Eleuterio Campos Hernández ,Flaviano Godínez Jaimes ,Roxana Reyes Ríos ,Mairel Valle de la Paz* ,Daniel Perales Rosas
Accepted: 15/October/2024 – Published: 05/November/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-04
Abstract Antecedents/Objectives. Guerrero is an important producer of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa); therefore, the objective was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of resins in vitro using four factors: technique (disc in agar or Kirby Bauer and well in agar), resins (B. linanoe, J. curcas, mixture of both and Thiabendazole), volume (10, 20 and 30 μL) and phytopathogenic fungi (C. cassiicola, F. oxysporum and F. solani) on the diameter of the inhibition halo.
Materials and Methods. Statistical analysis was performed with a completely randomized factorial design with fixed effects to compare the 72 treatments using the Kruskal-Walis test.
Results. All terms were found to be significant, the main effects of technique, resins, volume and fungi on the diameter of the inhibition halo, but also the double, triple and quadruple interactions.
Conclusion. B. linanoe resin showed higher inhibition for C. cassiicola and F. oxysporum, in the two techniques (agar well and agar disc technique or Kirby Bauer technique), this makes it the resin type with the highest biocontrol potential.
Diversity and taxonomy of Fusarium solani isolated of wilted Agave tequilana var. azul plants
by Viviana Montaño Becerrra ,Norma Alejandra Mancilla Margalli ,Cristina Chávez Sánchez ,Martin Eduardo Avila Miranda*
Accepted: 16/September/2024 – Published: 25/October/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2310-5
Abstract Background/Objective. The objective of this work was to identify 24 strains of F. solani isolated from agave with wilt, with respect to the new phylogenetic species; determine their molecular similarity to F. solani f. spp.; determine their genetic diversity and their pathogenic capacity in agave, bean and corn.
Materials and Methods. Sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 fragment of 24 agave isolates and those of F. solani f. spp., were compared with GenBank and FUSAROID-ID. Amplified 18S rRNA sequences were aligned with sequences reported of F. solani f. spp. phaseoli and batatas, defining the presence of introns. Genetic diversity was determined with the DNA RepPCR marker. Representative strains were tested against agave, bean and maize seedlings, evaluating their pathogenicity as root rot severity.
Results. Isolates morphologically identified as F. solani, GenBank placed them as F. solani or included in the FSSC, three strains were identified as Xenoacremonium sp. FUSAROID-ID defined that the sequences of F. solani were highly similar to those of Neocosmospora martii, N. pseudoradicicola, N. solani and N. falciformis. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences and absence of introns in its SSU indicated that none is F. solani f. sp. phaseoli. Isolates obtained from agave were pathogenic to A. tequilana and a criollo corn cv, but not to Fusarium-resistant corn. No agave isolates were pathogenic to beans.
Conclusions. Four phylogenetic species of FSSC cause root rot in agave; F. solani isolates from agave did not affect Fusarium-resistant corn. It is safe to intercrop beans in agave.
by Diana Angelina Urias Lugo ,Octavio Ernesto Martínez Ereva ,Cecilia de Los Ángeles Romero Urías ,Carlos Ramiro Ibarra Sarmiento ,Sylvia Adriana Estrada Díaz ,Rubén Félix Gastélum ,Karla Yeriana Leyva Madrigal ,Guadalupe Arlene Mora Romero*
Accepted: 22/September/2024 – Published: 24/October/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2024-01
Abstract Background/Objective. The present work reports the in vitro effect of aqueous extracts (2, 4 and 6% w/v) of root, seed and leaf of Datura discolor obtained in two times (3 and 6 minutes) at High Pressure Processing, against Sclerotium rolfsii, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.
Materials and Methods. Extracts of roots, seeds and leaves of D. discolor were prepared in a 1:10 w/v ratio with distilled water. Two continuous treatments of high pressure (600 MPa) with pressure maintained for 3 min and another with pressure (600 MPa) maintained for 6 min were considered. The extracts were evaluated against S. rolfsii, S. sclerotiorum and C. gloeosporioides. The experiments were performed in Petri dishes with PDA medium. The efficiency of the extracts was evaluated by obtaining the percentage of inhibition.
Results. The results show variable percentages of inhibition of the extracts in the different anatomical parts of the plant and concentrations; The leaf extracts at 6%, regardless of the extraction time, show effectiveness against the three pathogens, with inhibition of 99 and 100%, 55 and 56%, and 43 and 36% for S. rolfsii, S. sclerotiorum and C. gloeosporioides at 3 and 6 minutes respectively.
Conclusion. The effectiveness of leaf extract at 6%, six months after its preparation, is similar to the observed with fresh extracts. These results pave the way for future research focused on the sustainable management of phytopathogens. Studies on the biological effectiveness of the extracts in the greenhouse and field are suggested.
Tobamovirus fructirugosum an emerging disease: review and current situation in Mexico
by Ubilfrido Vásquez Gutiérrez ,Juan Carlos Delgado Ortiz* ,Gustavo Alberto Frías Treviño ,Luis Alberto Aguirre Uribe ,Alberto Flores Olivas
Accepted: 11/September/2024 – Published: 15/October/2024 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.18781/R.MEX.FIT.2401-7
Abstract Background/Objective. Tobamovirus fructirugosum species (ToBRFV) is considered a worldwide quarantine pest that limits the production of Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annum, currently present in three countries of the American continent. The objective of this work was to deepen in the genetic variability of ToBRFV with respect to the different isolates, the physico-molecular and symptomatic characterization, the traditional and more current methods implemented for diagnosis, the range of virus reservoir hosts, and the epidemiology. Results. ToBRFV was generated from a mutation resulting from genetic recombination with TMV, considered the main progenitor and ToMMV secondary progenitor. Phylogenetic analyses report the existence of five clades with respect to the genetic diversity of ToBRFV. The first primers for detection were designed in 2015 that encode replication, movement and capsid proteins. Serological methods can be used for preventive diagnosis, while molecular and NGS can confirm virus infection even at low concentrations in the plant. Sixteen weed families and host crops are reported from 47 countries. To achieve an effective strategy, it is necessary to reduce inoculum sources, develop compounds that inhibit mechanical transmission and develop tolerant genotypes. Conclusion. ToBRFV is distributed nationally and represents a phytosanitary risk for Mexico; the exhaustive analysis of the study of diagnostic techniques, host range, dissemination, epidemiology and control strategies, contributes to the knowledge of ToBRFV.