Pakistan Journal of Phytopathology

Health status of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fields in Côte d'Ivoire: occurrence of foliar symptoms and preliminary exploration of associated viral diversity in plots infested by Amrasca biguttula

2026-05-13T06:38:02+00:00

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a major vegetable crop in Côte d’Ivoire. In recent years, abnormal leaf symptoms have been widely observed in okra fields. These symptoms are often associated with heavy infestations of leafhoppers, raising concerns about the emergence of viral diseases. Consequently, the aim of our study was to assess the health status of okra plots and to investigate the viral diversity potentially associated with symptomatic plants in areas heavily infested with leafhoppers. Surveys were conducted in 13 okra plots spread across three production zones in central and central-western Côte d’Ivoire. Leaf symptoms were observed. The prevalence, severity of symptoms and level of leafhopper infestation were determined. Symptomatic okra leaves were also subjected to molecular analyses, and high-throughput sequencing was carried out. The results showed a high prevalence of viral symptoms (95.4%) across all surveyed locations. The symptom severity index ranged from 60 to 84% in Daloa, Bouaflé and Yamoussoukro. A high infestation of Amrasca biguttula was observed in all surveyed plots. Molecular analyses detected the genera Tymovirus and Begomovirus, as well as betasatellites. These results highlight the widespread presence of viral strains in okra fields infested with Amrasca biguttula in Côte d’Ivoire. Further analyses will be required to confirm the identity of the viruses detected and to better understand their role in the manifestation of the observed symptoms.

Dr. Physiological and Phenotypic Responses of Melatonin-Treated Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) Under Stress of Tomato Leaf Curl Palampur Virus Identified via High-Throughput Sequencing Technology

2026-05-13T06:06:01+00:00

Background:

Tomato leaf curl Palampur Virus (TLCPV) infection was one of the major economic issues facing squash production, as seen in the fields of the Yusufiya region in Baghdad, Iraq. Metatrancriptomic sequencing data from pathogenic cucumber leaves were sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics.

Methods:

The findings indicate that the isolate known as Baghdad has 2,756 and 2,719 bp sequences of tomato leaf curl Palampur virus DNA-A and B, which were deposited under acc. numbers OP620405 and OP620406, respectively. Phylogenetic tree analysis confirmed local isolates (OP620405.1 and OP620406.1) which descend from a common ancestor with global TLCPV strains, supported by high bootstrap values (99–100%). This confirms its genetic stability and high sequence identified with the global viral lineage. This infection caused a considerable decrease in all morphological and physiological growth indicators. The goal of this study was to assess melatonin's efficacy as a safe, environmentally friendly probiotic for increasing plant resistance and reducing virus damage.

Results:

The results show that the disease incidence rate reached 100% and the disease severity rate reached 80%, and that melatonin seed priming prior to planting improved different aspects of growth efficiency and stress tolerance, resulting in systemic resistance to TLCPV. Melatonin seed priming significantly contributes to reducing the severity of viral damage and restoring balance to the plant's apparent characteristics and chemical content, with significant improvements in plant lengths and weights, leaf area, and a noticeable increase in chlorophyll levels and primary nutrient accumulation (NPK). The findings confirm that melatonin could be employed not only as a possible growth stimulant, but also as a therapeutic and preventive method for induced systemic resistance (ISR) in squash plants to TLCPV. This reduces economic losses in impacted communities while ensuring food security right away.

Dr. Effect of Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae on Two Stored Grain Beetle Species

2026-05-04T07:59:31+00:00

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), are important pests of stored grains worldwide. Many previous studies confirmed the high efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae strain (Met52) and Beauveria bassiana against the adults of T. castaneum and O. surinamensis. The effect of formulation, fungal concentration, on the adult mortality of the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) was investigated. The current study was commenced to explore possible additive or synergistic interactions between the two fungi in adults of the stored-grain beetles, T. castaneum and O. surinamensis. Beetles were sprayed using a spray with conidial concentrations having 3 × 10⁷ conidia/ml of fungi B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, and a cocktail of the two fungi at temperatures of 25°C and 35°C. The effects of formulations at conidial concentrations, and their combination, on the death of T. castaneum under laboratory conditions were determined and compared. The combined treatment M. anisopliae and B. bassiana [Fungi Cocktail (FC)] performed was more successful than Fungus-Only, with the highest adult mortality of 100% at conidia concentration of 3 × 10⁴spores/ml for both beetle, T. castaneum, and O. surinamensis, compared to the lowest adult mortality for the fungi formulations-only at similar conidia concentration after 10 days post-treatment. However, at all conidial concentrations, mortalities were relatively low with B. bassiana and the beetle T. castaneum compared to the highest adult mortality observed with O. surinamensis and the M. anisopliae formulation. In all tests, the outcomes showed that 25°C and 35°C had a important effect on the adult’s mortality caused by M. anisopliae and B. bassiana.There was a slight difference for each fungus on the adult mortality level between the infections at 25°C and 35°C. On the other hand, the result of infecting the beetles with a combined formulation showed significant differences between the separate fungal infections under laboratory conditions. In all cases, combining Entomopathogenic Fungi improved the mortality of O. surinamensis and T. castaneum.The outcomes demonstrate the potential of a combined formulation for controlling T. castaneum and O. surinamensis, and possibly other arthropod pests.

Dr. Farmers’ Perception of Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) and Its Management in Tomato Production across Iwo, Akure, and Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

2026-05-04T07:21:04+00:00

Bacterial Wilt (BW), caused by the soil-borne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, poses a major, recurring threat to tomato production and farmer livelihoods across Southwestern Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the perception, knowledge, and management practices of tomato farmers regarding BW and the structural challenges they face in three key agricultural zones: Iwo, Akure, and Ibadan. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to 220 farmers through a multi-stage sampling procedure.The findings reveal that BW is endemic, with 61.8% of respondents reporting chronic wilt incidence every season, leading to devastating economic consequences, including total crop loss for 45.5% of the surveyed population.Despite this high general awareness of wilting as a problem, a critical diagnostic gap exists. Specifically, nearly 60% (57.7% of respondents) confused specific BW symptoms with other fungal wilts or abiotic stress. This diagnostic confusion is exacerbated by the high reliance on informal knowledge sources, with over 70% of respondents relying on peers or personal experience.

More so, farmers engage in high-risk practices, with 64.1% utilising monocropping, even as the adoption of the most effective countermeasure, certified resistant varieties, remains extremely low at 20.9%. The persistent gap between knowing rotation is ideal (75.9% reported adoption) and practising monocropping (64.1% rate) demonstrates the constraints.The study concludes that the persistence of BW is not due to farmer ignorance of the disease's existence, but rather structural constraints. The primary barrier to effective management is the lack of practical access to certified resistant varieties (cited by 79.1% of respondents). This confirms that the problem is not one of scientific existence, but of logistical distribution, which necessitates reliance on ineffective chemical controls.Therefore, it is recommended that policy interventions prioritise the subsidised distribution of resistant genetic material and the immediate restructuring of extension services to provide practical, demonstration-based training focused on differential BW diagnosis.

Dr. Screening of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Genotypes for Tolerance to Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Under Screenhouse Conditions

2026-05-04T05:03:07+00:00

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most destructive soil-borne diseases limiting tomato production in tropical regions. The identification of tolerant genotypes remains the most sustainable strategy for managing the disease, particularly in endemic zones of South-Western Nigeria. This study evaluated eleven tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes comprising seven NIHORT accessions, one commercial hybrid (F1 Cobra 26), and three local varieties for tolerance to bacterial wilt under controlled screenhouse conditions.

The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 11 factorial, laid out in a Randomised completely block Design with three replicates. Plants were artificially inoculated using a standardised bacterial suspension adjusted to 2 × 10⁹ CFU ml⁻¹.Disease incidence was calculated as a percentage of symptomatic plants per genotype.

Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among genotypes in their response to infection. The commercial hybrid and local varieties exhibited high susceptibility, recording severe wilting symptoms and up to 100% disease incidence under inoculated conditions. On the other hand, selected NIHORT accessions demonstrated comparatively lower disease severity and delayed symptom expression, indicating partial tolerance to R. solanacearum.The findings reveal substantial genetic variability in response to bacterial wilt and highlight the potential of specific improved accessions as candidate materials for breeding and cultivation in wilt-endemic regions. Adoption of tolerant genotypes is strongly recommended as a core component of integrated bacterial wilt management strategies.

Productivity and Sustainability of Field Crops in Light of Climate Change: A Review

2026-05-02T05:45:12+00:00

The majority of humanity’s calories come from major field crop like wheat, rice, and maize which are vital to the world’s food security. However, crops productivity is seriously threatened by climate change, which includes heat waves, drought, unpredictable rainfall, and rising carbon dioxide levels. According to studies yields could drop by 20-30% by the middle of the century, possibly reaching 60% if temperature rise by 3-5 C^ᵒ which would primarily effect Arab nations. High temperatures delay grain filling, hasten ripening, and exacerbate yield losses when paired with dryness. While decreased rainfall raises soil salinity and disease incidence, including wheat leaf rust, and modifies pest and pathogen dynamics, nighttime heat affects growth and reproduction. Hormones and antioxidant enzymes cause plants to react physiologically, which emphasizes the importance of choosing cultivars with high photosynthetic efficiency and carbohydrate storage. Conservation agriculture and other climate-smart techniques have increased yields by 10–30% by conserving soil moisture and reducing tillage. While genetic engineering has created crops with increased tolerance to pests, diseases, and drought, remote sensing helps track environmental changes and direct management. These strategies show how preserving crop output and guaranteeing global food security in the face of changing climate circumstances requires integrating sustainable technology, resistant cultivars, and contemporary monitoring techniques.

Exploring rhizobacterial antagonists for biological suppression of red rot disease in sugarcane caused by Colletotrichum falcatum

2026-04-13T06:33:02+00:00

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an essential industrial crop extensively grown in tropical and subtropical areas; yet, its yield is significantly hindered by red rot disease caused by Colletotrichum falcatum. This study aimed to examine the antagonistic capabilities of native rhizobacterial isolates against the red rot pathogen under in vitro conditions. Rhizosphere soil samples were obtained from healthy sugarcane plants in the Tandojam district, and bacterial isolates were extracted via serial dilution and grown on Nutrient Agar medium. Five bacterial strains were extracted and identified using morphological, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics, revealing the presence of two distinct strains of the same species in the rhizosphere. Namely Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Moraxella osloensis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Their antagonistic efficacy against C. falcatum was assessed with the dual culture method. The isolates' ability to inhibit fungal mycelial growth varied significantly. Following MAK-2 and MAK-4, the isolate MAK-1 showed the strongest inhibitory effect, limiting fungal growth to 13.30 mm as compared to the untreated control (29.14 mm). The inhibitory potential of these rhizobacteria may be associated with the production of antifungal metabolites, lytic enzymes, and competition for nutrients and ecological niches. The findings demonstrate that native rhizobacterial isolates possess considerable potential as biological control agents against sugarcane red rot. The integration of such beneficial microbes into disease management strategies could provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides while supporting sustainable sugarcane production systems.

LINEAR REGRESSION-BASED MODELING OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEAF RUST SEVERITY AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES ON WHEAT

2026-03-28T11:55:42+00:00

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is globally threatened by leaf rust, a destructive disease caused by Puccinia triticina that severely compromises grain yield and quality. This study was conducted over two consecutive growing seasons (2023–2025) in Layyah, Pakistan, to quantify the relationship between disease severity and yield attrition using a susceptible cultivar, Sehar-06. Various levels of disease pressure were established through strategic fungicide application schedules, and epidemiological stress was measured using the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). Results from linear regression analysis revealed a profound negative correlation between AUDPC and both grain yield (R² = 91.6% – 92.7%) and 1,000-grain weight (R² = 92.1% – 96.7%). Pooled data confirmed that AUDPC is a robust predictor of avoidable yield loss (AYL), accounting for approximately 94% of the variance in preventable grain loss. These findings demonstrate that monitoring AUDPC values provides a reliable diagnostic framework for estimating the economic impact of leaf rust and optimizing the timing of fungicidal interventions to mitigate significant yield gaps.

Impact of Potassium Chloride on the Germination dynamics of Oryza sativa L.

2026-05-02T06:13:13+00:00

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a fundamental dietary staple for over half of the world’s population, with various environmental stresses such as salinity posing challenges to its cultivation and yield. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of potassium chloride (KCl) solutions on the germination rate of Oryza sativa L. seeds. Brown rice grains were placed for germination under varying KCl concentrations (0, 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 M) and allowed to grow for five days. Analysis using Pearson’s product-moment correlations revealed a negative relationship between KCl levels and seed germination rates (r = -0.8841, p < 0.05). Notably, germination rates significantly dropped beyond 0.001 M KCl concentrations, indicating potential chemical toxicity affecting germination. The high chloride (Cl^-) content from KCl can induce salinity stress, while excessive potassium ions (K⁺) can inhibit plant growth. Additionally, the presence of mold on some seeds may have further impeded successful germination, as mold infestation weakens plants and can lead to their failure to thrive.

In Vitro Evaluation of Plant Extracts and Fungicides against Penicillium digitatum Causing Green Mold of Citrus

2026-02-08T17:25:50+00:00

Citrus is an economically important crop cultivated in more than 130 countries worldwide. However, postharvest diseases, particularly green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum, cause significant losses during storage, marketing, and transportation. Although synthetic fungicides such as thiabendazole and fludioxonil are widely used, repeated applications have led to the emergence of resistant strains and raised concerns about chemical residues. Therefore, safer and more sustainable alternatives are required.

This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of selected plant-derived essential oils (Cinnamon, Clove, and Neem) and commercial fungicides (Profile and Isotonic) against P.digitatum. The pathogen was isolated from naturally infected citrus fruits and characterized morphologically and microscopically. Antifungal activity was assessed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and data were analyzed statistically using SPSS.

Results showed that fungicides were highly effective, with a mean mycelial growth of 5.72 mm (isotonic) and 7.42 mm (Profile) compared to 32.89 mm in the control. Among essential oils, cinnamon oil exhibited the strongest inhibition (4.97 mm), followed by neem and clove oil. This study concludes that essential oils, particularly cinnamon oil, can reduce reliance on chemical fungicides. Combining plant oils with lower concentrations of fungicides may provide a sustainable approach to controlling citrus green mold while minimizing chemical residues and environmental impact.

First Report on the Occurrence and Morpho-Molecular Identification of Fusarium Solani Causing Wilt Disease in Blackgram (Vigna Mungo L.) In the Punjab Region of Pakistan

2026-01-02T10:35:04+00:00

In July and August 2023 and 2024, typical wilt-disease symptoms were seen in several blackgram accessions/genotypes at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan. Therefore, the present research was carried out to characterize the pathogen(s) linked with wilt-disease in blackgram using morphological and molecular approaches. Based on morpho-cultural characteristics (such as colony colour, growth-habit, number, shape and conidia and chlamydospores) and molecular identification using genus specific primer for Fusarium spp. and Fusarium solani, the associated pathogen was identified as F. solani from 42% samples. Pathogenicity test of fungus F. solani was proved on a susceptible accession “38272” planted in paper-cups under glasshouse conditions and in earthen pots under a glasshouse. Blackgram has been grown for a long time; however, this is the new report of F. solani causing wilt-disease in blackgram worldwide. These findings highlight the need to implement effective disease management strategies to reduce future economic losses caused by F. solani in blackgram-growing areas.

Comparison of Aggressiveness of Four fusarium spp. That cause Head blight on Bread wheat, Durum wheat and Barley

2025-12-30T09:41:51+00:00

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a significant disease affecting wheat and barley and is caused by several Fusarium species. However, contradictory data is available about their comparative pathogenicity on small grain cereals. Also, little research have compared the pathogenicity of individual Fusarium isolates on different plant parts (heads vs. detached leaves, detached heads, and coleoptiles) on cereals. This study aimed to assess the comparative pathogenicity of four Fusarium species at the earliest and latest growth stages under artificial infection with eight bread wheat, durum wheat and barley cultivars with diverse quantitative resistance levels. Four Fusarium species (F. culmorum, F. verticillioides, F. solani, and F. equiesti) were identified using an aggressive index involving nine pathogenic components generated under in vitro, growth chamber and field conditions to explore the relationships among Fusarium fungi and cereal plants. All the 16 tested FHB isolates and species were found to be pathogenic and induced typical FHB symptoms on small plant parts and adult heads. High level of variation in aggressiveness was observed among isolates within the species tested. Nevertheless, there was a similar comparative pathogenicity among the four tested Fusarium species when testing on the head and small plant parts tests. The origin of FHB pathogens may play a crucial role in this pathogenic similarity. This study suggests that screening for resistance to FHB requires the use of aggressive isolates or a mixture of several isolates. In addition, it indicates a lack of adaptation of these four tested Fusarium species. Our data clarifies for the first time the nature of comparative pathogenicity of diverse FHB species on durum wheat. It will provide critical information for cereal breeders to develop and improve FHB-resistant cultivars.

Phytochemical Profiling and Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Persea americana Leaf Extracts Against Alternaria alternata Causing Tomato Leaf Blight: In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment

2026-05-02T06:53:28+00:00

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is often threatened by early blight caused by Alternaria alternata, a destructive fungus responsible for substantial yield and quality losses. To promote safer and more sustainable disease control, this study evaluated the antifungal activity of aqueous leaf extracts from avocado (Persea americana Mill.) through complementary in vitro and in vivo assays. Four extract concentrations (12.5–100 mg mL⁻¹) were tested for their effects on mycelial growth inhibition. The 100 mg mL⁻¹ concentration achieved an inhibition rate of 82.36%, comparable to that of a commercial fungicide. Greenhouse experiments further demonstrated both protective and curative effects on tomato foliage, with no phytotoxic symptoms observed. LC–MS/MS analysis identified phenolic acids primarily coumarinic (83.9%), salicylic (9.3%), and gallic (4.1%) acids as the dominant constituents, accompanied by minor flavonoids that likely contributed to antifungal activity. These findings indicate that P. americana leaf extract represents a promising bio-based alternative for managing A. alternata, supporting the development of environmentally sustainable strategies for tomato cultivation.

Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum; Alternaria alternata; Persea americana; antifungal activity; phenolic compounds; LC–MS/MS

New Records of Three Pratylenchus Species from Pakistan

2025-12-11T17:23:55+00:00

Plant-parasitic nematode of the genus Pratylenchus pose a significant threat to global agriculture by seriously reducing yields across numerous crops. During, a recent survey conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, several plant parasitic nematode (PPN) species from root and soil samples. Among these, nematodes from the genus Pratylenchus were frequently encountered. The study showed several notable findings: three species of Pratylenchus acuticaudatus Braasch & Decker, 1988, P. ekrami Bajaj & Bhatti, 1984, and P. mulchandi Nandakumar & Khera, 1970 are reported as new records of Pakistan. Additionally, Pratylenchus wescolagricus Corbett, 1983 was found in the rhizosphere of coconut (Cocos nucifera), representing a new host record for this species in the country.

Basal Stem Rot of Oil Palm in Southern region of Côte d’Ivoire Pathogen Identification.

2026-05-03T06:41:36+00:00

Purpose: Basal stem rot (BSR) of oil palm, caused by Ganoderma species, poses a growing threat to oil palm production in Côte d’Ivoire. This study aimed to identify the Ganoderma species responsible for BSR and to assess their pathogenicity on oil palm seedlings.

Research Method: Sporophores were collected from symptomatic oil palms and used for fungal isolation. Molecular identification was performed using ITS region sequencing. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on three-month-old pre-nursery seedlings by root dipping in mycelial suspensions, and disease severity was evaluated through external symptoms and a severity index.

Findings and Values: Three isolates, GN13, GN6, and GN19, were identified as Ganoderma zonatum through phylogenetic analysis. All isolates induced typical BSR symptoms consistent with field observations, with incidence rates of 68%, 69.77%, and 83.32%, respectively. Among them, GN6 was the most virulent. This work provides the first evidence of Ganoderma zonatum as the causal agent of basal stem rot in oil palms in southern Côte d’Ivoire, offering new insights for regional disease management strategies.

the Battling the Invisible Threats: Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Challenging Global Wheat Security.

2025-11-25T11:05:59+00:00

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) covers nearly 215 million hectares globally, with about 44% grown in Asia. China, India, and Pakistan together account for roughly 62 million hectares, while Sindh province in Pakistan contributes around 350,000 hectares. Despite this vast cultivation, wheat productivity remains highly vulnerable to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses that threaten global and regional food security.Among biotic stresses, stem (black) rust—caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici—is the most destructive. The emergence of the virulent Ug99 race, capable of overcoming the widely used Sr31 resistance gene, has placed nearly 90% of global wheat cultivars at risk. The rapid evolution and spread of this pathogen demonstrate the significant susceptibility of current germplasm, including wheat grown in Pakistan.Wheat is simultaneously exposed to major abiotic stresses, particularly salinity, heat, and heavy metal toxicity (Cd, Pb, As). Salinity disrupts ion balance and water uptake, heat stress shortens grain filling and reduces photosynthetic efficiency, while heavy metals induce oxidative stress and impair metabolic pathways. These stresses, individually and in combination, severely restrict growth, physiology, and yield potential, especially in arid and semi-arid wheat-growing environments.This review highlights the global and regional importance of wheat and critically examines the impact of both abiotic and biotic stresses—specifically salinity, heat, heavy metals, and stem rustemphasizing their growing significance under changing climatic and environmental conditions.

Identification of diseases affecting Sesamum indicum L. in the province of Mayo-Kebbi/East (Chad).

2026-05-02T07:26:56+00:00

The study conducted in the province of Mayo-Kebbi/East (Chad) aims to characterize the impact of fungal diseases on four local sesame accessions (Sesamum indicum L.), namely Pach, Hum, S4, and Goy. Using a randomized block experimental design across nine agroecological sites, fungal pathogens were identified by visual diagnosis and isolation in the laboratory on PDA medium. The main diseases observed were charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina), cercosporiosis (Cercospora sp.), alternariosis (Alternaria sp.), fusariosis (Fusarium sp.), aspergillosis (Aspergillus sp.), and Penicillium sp. rot, with a few cases of powdery mildew (Podosphaera sp.). Statistical analyses reveal significant variability in incidence and severity depending on accessions and local agroclimatic conditions. The Pach accession is the most susceptible, while Goy and S4 show better tolerance. These results highlight the need for integrated pest management and varietal selection adapted to the Sahelian context.

Keywords: Sesame, Fungal diseases, Incidence and severity, and Mayo-Kebbi/East (Chad).

A laboratory based assessment of various fungicides effectiveness against post-harvest botrytis cinerea

2026-05-03T06:51:25+00:00

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is the most widely cultivated plant worldwide. Grapes are characterized by their high nutrient content, strong antioxidant and protecting effects on human health. Grapes are essential not only for wine production but also for fresh consumption. Botrytis cinerea is the main fungus prevalent worldwide. The main objective of this study is to evaluate suitable fungicides and potential biological control agents against botrytis cinerea that cause gray mold. Symptoms are brown, water-soaked lesions on berries, and covering the fruit and berry Shriveling. Disease samples will be collected from Sargodha district. The research will involve isolating and culturing Botrytis cinerea from infected samples, subsequently, a range of fungicides commonly used in post-harvest diseases management will be tested at various concentrations. Isolation of Botrytis cinerea will be done on PDA. The data on radial growth on each plate will be measured after 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. The efficacy of fungicides against the Botrytis cinerea will be measured by putting a plug of pathogen and fungicides corresponding to each other and growth inhibition will be measured with the same interval as above. The results of this study will provide valuable information on the effectiveness of different fungicides against Botrytis cinerea.

Evolution of different fungicides against post-harvest losses caused by Alternaria alternata in apple under laboratory conditions

2026-05-02T07:06:33+00:00

Apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) are economically significant fruits due to their nutritional and bioactive properties, including essential nutrients like dietary fibers, vitamins, and antioxidants apple is available throughout the year. Alternaria alternata is common fungal pathogen that causes significant postharvest losses in various fruits and vegetables. The main objective of this study is to check the invitro efficacy of fungicides against Alternria alternata that cause fruit rot. Fruit symptoms are often limited to tiny, dark, corky lesions, but when the skin is affected, they can grow into huge, black, and rotting lesions. The research will involve isolating and culturing Alternaria alternata from infected samples, subsequently, a range of fungicides commonly used in post-harvest diseases management will be tested at various concentrations. Isolation will be performed on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). The fungicides inhibitory effects on fugal growth will be assessed under the laboratory conditions using poison food technique. The efficacy of fungicides against the Alternria alternata will be measured by putting a plug of pathogen and fungicides corresponding to each other and growth inhibition will be measured with the same interval as above. The results of this study will provide valuable information on the effectiveness of different fungicides against Alternria alternata.

Exploring Plant-Based and Microbial Strategies for the Sustainable Management of Aspergillus flavus Infecting Maize Crops

2026-05-12T10:14:38+00:00

Maize (Zea mays) is a key global crop and serves as an essential nutritional resource for both humans and livestock. However, its yield has been significantly affected by fungal infections, particularly those caused by Aspergillus flavus. A. flavus produces mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins, which are extremely toxic and carcinogenic and contaminate crops, including maize. The main objective of this study is to assess the antifungal efficacy of plant extracts and microbial antagonists against A. flavus through both in vitro and in vivo approaches. In in vitro studies, the effectiveness of plant extracts appeared to be in this sequence: Anagallis arvensis > Cannabis sativa > Convolvulus arvensis, while the fungal strains were placed in order as: Trichoderma harzianum > Aspergillus oryzae. Whereas, in in vivo trials, the antifungal strength of chosen plants and fungi followed this order: Cannabis sativa > Convolvulus arvensis > Anagallis arvensis and Trichoderma harzianum > Aspergillus oryzae. These findings provided useful new insights into how biocontrol agents can reduce Aspergillus flavus infection, maintain environmental sustainability, and improve crop quality, while offering a viable alternative to chemical pesticides in maize production. Overall, the fungus Trichoderma harzianum proved to be the most effective antagonist across both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Among the plant-based treatments, Cannabis sativa was the most effective under in vivo conditions, whereas Anagallis arvensis showed its strength mainly in the controlled environment of in vitro trials.