ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of potassium and sodium carbonate and bicarbonate, Bacillus subtilis (Cohn, 1872) QST-713, Bacillus pumilus (Meyer & Gottheil, 1901) QST-2808, and crude and roasted coffee oils on the inhibition of mycelial growth and conidial germination in Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr and the colonization of begonia (Begonia elatior Hort. ex Steud) leaf discs by B. cinerea inoculated before, simultaneously and after with these alternative products. The assays were carried out using the Baladin begonia cultivar. The inhibition of B. cinerea mycelial growth and conidial germination was proportional to increases in the concentration of all the products. The inhibition of conidial germination was directly proportional to the concentrations of B. pumilus QST-2808 and B. subtilis QST-713. Coffee oils were less efficient in inhibiting germination than the other products. The crude and roasted coffee oils, potassium and sodium carbonates and bicarbonates, and B. pumilus and B. subtilis sprayed 24 h before, simultaneously, or 24 h after pathogen inoculation inhibited the colonization of begonia leaf discs by B. cinerea. The positive results for the suppression of B. cinerea by the alternative products tested herein merit scrutiny. There is a pressing need to evaluate these products in the management of gray mold, as the severity of this disease is usually high under favorable conditions in greenhouses.

RESUMO O tratamento de sementes com microrganismos visando promoção de crescimento e controle de Fusarium verticillioides é uma tecnologia que poderá ser utilizada para ampliar a sustentabilidade da cultura do milho. Para tanto, estudos com a utilização de microrganismos para tratamento de sementes visando ao controle de F. verticillioides e promoção de crescimento vegetal em milho são necessários para o desenvolvimento de bioprodutos. Onze isolados de Bacillus spp. foram testados quanto às características bioquímicas relacionadas com promoção de crescimento (produção de ácido cianídrico, ácido indolacético, sideroforos e catalase; solubilização de fosfato e assimilação de nitrogênio). Ainda in vitro foi avaliada a habilidade dos isolados de Bacillus em inibir o crescimento micelial e a germinação de conídios de F. verticillioides. Em casa de vegetação foi avaliado o efeito dos isolados de Bacillus spp. na promoção de crescimento e no controle de F. verticillioides em duas variedades de milho. Bacillus velezensis AP-03 e Bacillus sp. AP-210, não somente inibiram o crescimento micelial e a germinação de esporos, mas também promoveram o crescimento das plantas e controlaram F. verticillioides em sementes de milho em condições de casa de vegetação.

ABSTRACT Seed treatment with microorganisms aiming to promote plant growth and Fusarium verticillioides control is a technology that can be used to improve the sustainability of corn crops. Therefore, studying the use of microorganisms for seed treatment with the aim of controlling F. verticillioides and promoting plant growth in corn is necessary for the development of bioproducts. Eleven isolates of Bacillus spp. were tested for their biochemical characteristics related to growth promotion (production of hydrocyanic acid, indoleacetic acid, siderophores and catalase; phosphate solubilization, and nitrogen assimilation). Also in vitro, the ability of Bacillus isolates to inhibit F. verticillioides mycelial growth and conidial germination was assessed. In a greenhouse, the effect of the isolates of Bacillus spp. was evaluated on growth promotion and F. verticillioides control in two varieties of corn. Bacillus velezensis AP-03 and Bacillus sp. AP-210 not only inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination, but also promoted plant growth and controlled F. verticillioides in corn seeds under greenhouse conditions.

ABSTRACT: The incorporation of organic matter to the soil not only improves nutrient content, but also reduces the survival of Stenocarpella, the causal agent of stalk rot, Diplodia ear rot, and grey leaf spot, in maize stubble. We evaluated the effect of organic waste incorporation on Stenocarpella survival in maize stalks, the activity of suppressiveness-related enzymes, and nutrient contents. We conducted the assays in the municipalities of Lavras and Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Maize stalks infested with Stenocarpella were kept in field conditions for three months after poultry litter, swine manure, fish hydrolysate, compost sewage sludge, and urea application. Infested stalks, without residue amendment, were kept on surface or incorporated into the soil, representing negative and positive controls. Stenocarpella concentration in stalks was assessed using qPCR expressed as cycle threshold number. Sewage sludge, buried stalks, and stalks retained on the surface showed reduction of pathogen inoculum. Swine manure and urea did not reduce the quantity of DNA. In the experiment conducted in Lavras, poultry litter stimulated β-glucosidase, urease and hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate activities when compared to the negative control. Sewage sludge, poultry litter, and swine manure increased Ca in the soil by 44 %, 38 % and 36 %, respectively, in the experiment conducted in Lavras. Poultry litter increased Ntotal three months after application. The results indicate that organic wastes are promising in improving nutrient content, activity of hydrolysis-related enzymes, but Stenocarpella inoculum dynamics should be taken into consideration when deciding on the specific organic amendment.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar formulações comerciais de Bacillus subtilis QST-713 e Bacillus pumilus QST-2808 na inibição do crescimento micelial de Thielaviopsis paradoxa, para o controle da podridão-abacaxi e a promoção de crescimento em cana-de-açúcar. A inibição do crescimento micelial foi avaliada em cultura pareada. Os isolados de Bacillus foram transferidos para placas de Petri 48 horas antes do patógeno, e o halo de inibição foi determinado. O efeito direto das formulações comerciais autoclavadas a 0, 0,001, 0,01, 0,1, 1,0 e 10,0% foi avaliado quanto à inibição do crescimento micelial do patógeno. O potencial de Bacillus spp. em controlar a doença e promover o crescimento das plantas foi avaliado em ensaios quanto ao desenvolvimento das plantas e à severidade da doença, em condições controladas e em campo. Os isolados de Bacillus inibiram o crescimento micelial do patógeno; no entanto, não apresentaram controle efetivo da doença em câmara de crescimento e em campo. No ensaio de campo, sem infestação do patógeno, todos os tratamentos com agentes de biocontrole e fungicida aumentaram a produção de colmos e açúcar por hectare, em comparação à testemunha. No ensaio com infestação pelo patógeno, o produto à base de B. pumilus (2.0 L ha-1) e o fungicida diferiram da testemunha somente quanto à variável número de perfilhos.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the commercial formulations of Bacillus subtilis QST-713 and Bacillus pumilus QST-2808 on mycelial growth inhibition of Thielaviopsis paradoxa, for the control of the pineapple disease and growth promotion in sugarcane. The inhibition of mycelial growth was evaluated in paired culture tests. Bacillus isolates were transferred to Petri dishes 48 hours before the pathogen, and the zone of inhibition was determined. The direct effect of the autoclaved commercial formulations at 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0% on the inhibition of pathogen mycelial growth was evaluated. Bacillus spp. potential in controlling the disease and promoting plant growth was evaluated in assays on plant development and disease severity, both under controlled conditions and in the field. Bacillus isolates inhibited pathogen mycelial growth; however, the isolates did not control the disease effectively in the growth chamber and in the field. In the field assay without infestation by the pathogen, all treatments with biocontrol agents and fungicide increased the yield of cane stalks and sugar per hectare, compared with the control. In the assay with infestation by the pathogen, the B. pumilus-based product (2.0 L ha-1) and fungicide differed from the control only for the variable number of tillers.

Coffee leaf rust is the main disease of coffee and its causal agent is naturally hyperparasited by Lecanicillium lecanii, indicating its potential for biocontrol. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is an important factor that interferes on application of biocontrol agents, and Lecanicillium can be affected by UV-B. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of UV-B on Lecanicillium isolates and on its capacity to colonize rust lesions. There were variations among Lecanicillium strains in sensitivity to UV-B radiation, causing inactivation and delayed spore germination. The most tolerant strain (CCMA-1143) had LD50=1.63 kJ/m² of UV-B. The incidence and colonization of Lecanicillium on coffee leaf rust lesions were influenced by the dose of UV-B radiation, and were increased when the isolate CCMA-1143 was sprayed on rust lesions. The effects of UV-B should be considered on efficacy studies for the development of biopesticides.

Atualmente, grupamento de anastomose (AG) de Rhizoctonia sp. em crisântemo e ocorrência deste fungo em gipsófila ainda não foram relatados no Brasil. Assim, realizou-se teste de patogenicidade normal e cruzada e sequenciamento da região ITS-5.8S rDNA para identificar o AG de isolado obtido de plantas de crisântemo (Papiro Branco) e de gipsófila, ambas originárias de Holambra / São Paulo, Brasil. Após os testes, relata-se pela primeira vez a ocorrência de R. solani AG-4 HG I em crisântemo (Papiro Branco e Amarelo) e R. solani AG-4 HG III em gipsófila, no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, e, também, a sua patogenicidade cruzada.

Currently, anastomosis groups (AG) of Rhizoctonia sp. on chrysanthemum and occurrence of this fungus on gypsophila have not been reported in Brazil. However, in the present study, normal and cross pathogenicity and sequencing of ITS-5.8S rDNA regions were used to confirm the AG of isolate of Rhizoctonia sp. obtained from chrysanthemum (White Papyrus) and from gypsophila plants cultivated in Holambra / São Paulo, Brazil. After these tests, it was confirmed the report of Rhizoctonia solani AG-4 HG I on chrysanthemum (White and Yellow Papyrus) and R. solani AG-4 HG III on gypsophila in the São Paulo state, Brazil, and also their cross pathogenicity.

The effectiveness of composted sewage sludge incorporated into Pinus bark-based substrate with or without biofertilizer, fish hydrolyzate, chitosan and Trichoderma asperellum was evaluated for the control of Fusarium wilt in chrysanthemum. The substrate was obtained from pots containing chrysanthemum plants killed by the pathogen. Half of the substrate was sterilized prior to the incorporation of sewage sludge (0, 10%, 20% and 30% v/v). These substrates were or were not supplemented with the following: biofertilizer, fish hydrolyzate and Trichoderma. The mixtures were transferred to pots, and the chrysanthemum was transplanted. For all treatments, half of the plants were sprayed weekly with chitosan. Assessment of severity was performed on the 8th, 12th, 15th and 20th week after transplanting. In the 12th week, microbiological and chemical analysis of the substrate was performed. The incorporation of composted sewage sludge into the Pinus bark-based substrate significantly reduced Fusarium wilt, which was progressively decreased as the concentration of sewage sludge increased. The addition of biofertilizer, fish hydrolyzate, chitosan and Trichoderma had no effect on the disease. The microbial community was greater in non-disinfested substrates. The results indicate that suppressiveness is related to the interaction of chemical and microbiological factors.

The predicted atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration's increases are likely to alter plant-pathogen interactions. To assess the effects on rice blast, during three years (2007, 2008 and 2009), three rice cultivars (Agulha Precoce, Shao Tiao Tsao and Caloro) were exposed to elevated CO2 air concentration (approximately 100 - 300 µmol mol-1 higher than ambient) in open-top chamber facility. The disease was more severe under high CO2 concentration. Area under disease progress curve was 35.43 under high CO2 concentration and 17.48 for the current concentration. Leaves of treated plants tended to contain less silicon. In 2009, plant height of two cultivars was greater in high CO2. Understanding and predicting the climate-driven changes in the agroecosystem may allow the development of adaptation strategies in order to minimize crop losses.

O mercado consumidor está exigindo alimentos sem a presença de resíduos de agrotóxicos. Assim, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o controle do bolor verde, em laranjas-Pera, com agentes de biocontrole (Bacillus subtilis e Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis (QST 713)), associados ou não ao tratamento térmico. Para tanto, os frutos foram adquiridos em "packinghouse" antes do processamento, sendo lavados e desinfestados com hipoclorito de sódio. Os frutos submetidos a esses tratamentos foram armazenados, por 11 a 28 dias, em temperatura de 10 ºC e UR 90%±5 ou por oito dias a 20 ºC e UR 90%±5. De modo geral, o tratamento térmico reduziu a severidade da doença determinada pela área abaixo da curva do progresso da doença nos frutos e a incidência natural de doenças em pós-colheita de laranja-Pera. Por outro lado, os agentes de biocontrole não controlaram a doença, mostrando que os organismos testados não apresentaram atividade curativa contra o bolor verde.

The consumer market demands food without pesticide residues. Therefore, this study focused on evaluating the control of green mold in Pera orange trees with biocontrol agents (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (QST 713)), associated or not with heat treatment. The fruit was obtained in packinghouse before processing, being washed and disinfected with the use of Sodium Hypochlorite. Fruits submitted to these treatments were stored from 11 to 28 days at temperature of 10 ºC and RH 90%±5 or for eight days at 20 ºC and 90%±5. In general, the heat treatment reduced the disease severity determine by the area under the disease progress curve in the fruit and the incidence of natural postharvest disease in Pera oranges. On the other hand, biocontrol agents did not control the disease, showing that the organisms tested did not present curative activity against the green mold.

O oídio da soja, causado por Erysiphe diffusa, é considerado uma doença esporádica podendo ocasionar perdas quando atinge proporções epidêmicas. O trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a eficiência de bicarbonato de potássio (Kaligreen®) no controle do oídio da soja. As pulverizações do bicarbonato de potássio nas concentrações de 0; 0,25%, 0,5%, 0,75% e 1,0% e do fungicida (piraclostrobina + epoxiconazole) e as avaliações foram semanais. Folhas foram coletadas para análise ultraestrutural através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O bicarbonato de potássio controlou a doença em todas as concentrações, mas causou fitotoxicidade a partir de 0,5%. Na analise ultraestrutural pode-se observar que o produto apresentou ação direta sobre o patógeno ocasionando murchamento e redução na germinação dos conídios. O produto apresenta potencial para controlar a doença, porém deve ser adequada a concentração a ser recomenda, bem como a frequência de aplicação para evitar os problemas de fitotoxicidade.

The soybean powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphe diffusa, is considered a sporadic disease which can cause losses when it reaches epidemic proportions. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of potassium bicarbonate (Kaligreen®) in controlling soybean powdery mildew. Sprays of both potassium bicarbonate at concentrations of 0, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% and fungicide (pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole), as well as assessments, were weekly carried out. Leaves were collected for ultrastructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy. Potassium bicarbonate controlled the disease at all concentrations but caused phytotoxicity from 0.5%. In the ultrastructural analysis, the product had a direct action on the pathogen, causing wilting and reduction in conidium germination. The product has the potential to control the disease, but the concentration to be recommended should be adequate, as well as the frequency of application to prevent phytotoxicity problems.

This review discusses the present trends in studies on the impacts of climate change on plant diseases. Firstly, the approaches used for studying the potential effects of altered temperature, water availability, CO2 and O3 air concentrations, and UV-B radiation on components of the disease cycle are explained and discussed. Next, the impact of changes in climate patterns on the geographic and temporal distribution of diseases by integrating biological and epidemiological models into geographic and climate databases are assessed. Finally, adaptation strategies are discussed and areas where there is a recognized lack of knowledge are highlighted. The literature shows that different pathosystems respond in different ways to climate change. Thus, case-by-case studies on the responses of crop species or varieties and their diseases to climate change are necessary. In addition to that, wide-scale projections of disease risk are necessary in order to identify research priorities, whereas industry must be strategically directed and public policies developed to establish adaptation measures and to prevent potential food security crisis. Only by conducting long-term and multidisciplinary studies can we reduce the uncertainty regarding the effects of climate change on plant diseases.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sorption and leaching of thiamethoxam in dystrophic Red-Yellow Latosol (LVAd), dystroferric Red Latosol (LVdf) and Red-Yellow Argisol (PVAd) with coffee under the effect of sewage sludge doses. There was thiamethoxam sorption decreasing at higher doses of sewage sludge in LVAd and LVdf. In the PVAd, sorption was higher in samples that received the highest dose of sewage sludge. At 150 days after the application of thiamethoxam, the compound began to be detected in the effluent, in all soils. Dissolved organic carbon had no influence on the thiamethoxam leaching.

A habilidade de isolados de Bacillus subtilis e Trichoderma spp. em controlar a mancha preta dos frutos cítricos (MPC) foi avaliada em pomares de laranjeira 'Natal'. O primeiro experimento foi conduzido durante a safra de 2001/2002, no qual foram testados quatro isolados de B. subtilis (ACB-AP3, ACB-69, ACB-72 e ACB-77) aplicados de forma isolada ou em mistura, em intervalos de 28 dias, comparando-se com o tratamento fungicida. Dois outros ensaios foram conduzidos durante a safra de 2002/2003, em que os mesmos quatro isolados de B. subtilis e dois isolados de Trichoderma spp. (ACB-14 e ACB-40) foram testados, sendo os isolados aplicados em intervalos de 28 dias no segundo experimento e em intervalos de 15 dias no terceiro experimento. No primeiro experimento, o tratamento com ACB-69 diferiu estatisticamente do tratamento-testemunha, porém não diferiu dos outros agentes de controle biológico ou da mistura dos isolados de Bacillus. No segundo experimento, os tratamentos com ACB-69 e ACB-AP3 resultaram em menores índices de doença em comparação com o tratamento-testemunha. Entretanto, este resultado não se repetiu no terceiro experimento, em que os isolados foram aplicados em intervalos de 15 dias. A severidade de doença foi alta em ambas as safras avaliadas, e o tratamento com fungicida foi o mais efetivo para o controle da doença.

The ability of isolates of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma spp. to control citrus black spot (CBS) was investigated in ´Natal´ sweet orange orchards. The first experiment was conducted during the 2001/2002 season and four isolates of B. subtilis (ACB-AP3, ACB-69, ACB-72 and ACB-77), applied every 28 days, alone or in combination were tested and compared with fungicide treatments. Two other experiments were carried out during the 2002/2003 season, where the same isolates of Bacillus and two isolates of Trichoderma (ACB-14 and ACB-40) were tested being applied every 28 days in the second experiment, and every 15 days in the third experiment. In the first experiment, the treatment with ACB-69 differed statistically from the control, but did not differ from other biological control agents or mixture of Bacillus isolates. In the second experiment, the treatments with ACB-69 and ACB-AP3 resulted in smaller disease index compared with the control treatment. However, this result was not repeated in the third experiment, where the isolates were applied every 15 days. Disease severity was high in both evaluated seasons and the fungicide treatment was the most effective for disease control.

A podridão de raízes, causada por Pythium aphanidermatum e outras espécies de Pythium, é a principal doença da alface cultivada em sistemas hidropônicos no Brasil. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar quatro cultivares comerciais de alface em relação à sensibilidade a podridão de raízes, causada por P. aphanidermatum. Os estudos foram realizados em placas de Petri contendo ágar-água com plântulas de alface das cultivares crespa (Vera e Verônica) e lisa (Regina e Elisa), infestadas ou não com o patógeno. Com as mesmas cultivares foram realizados quatro experimentos em sistemas hidropônicos (Nutrient Film Technique), sendo dois em estufa coberta com plástico e sombrite e dois em estufa coberta apenas com plástico. As plântulas, infectadas ou não com P. aphanidermatum, foram transplantadas para os sistemas infestados ou não. Foi avaliada a severidade da doença e o desenvolvimento das plantas. Todas as cultivares foram suscetíveis à podridão de raízes nos experimentos realizados in vitro e in vivo. A presença do sombrite não reduziu a podridão de raízes em cultivares de alface produzidas no sistema hidropônico. A cultivar Regina apresentou maior massa de matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes, na presença ou ausência do patógeno, sendo a mais indicada para o cultivo hidropônico na época mais quente do ano.

Lettuce root rot caused by Pythium aphanidermatum and other Pythium species is the main disease in hydroponic systems in Brazil. The present work aimed to evaluate the behavior of four commercial lettuce cultivars as to their sensitivity to root rot caused by P. aphanidermatum in hydroponic systems. Experiments were conducted in Petri dishes containing water-agar medium and seedlings of the crisp head lettuce cultivars (Vera and Verônica) and leafy lettuce cultivars (Regina and Elisa), infested or not with the pathogen. With the same cultivars, four other experiments were carried out in hydroponic systems (Nutrient Film Technique), two in a shaded greenhouse and the other two in a conventional greenhouse. Seedlings infected or not with P. aphanidermatum were transplanted to hydroponic systems infested or not with the pathogen. The disease severity and the plant development were evaluated. All cultivars were susceptible to root rot in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The shading did not reduce root rot in the lettuce cultivars in hydroponic system. The cultivar Regina showed higher shoot and root dry mass in the presence or absence of the pathogen, constituting thus the most suitable cultivar for hydroponic systems during the hottest period of the year.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade de microrganismos de manguezais para controlar a podridão radicular causada por Pythium aphanidermatum e para promover o crescimento em pepino hidropônico (Cucumis sativus). Avaliaram-se 19 microrganismos quanto ao controle da doença em mini-hidroponia. Os microrganismos mais promissores para esse fim - Gordonia rubripertincta SO-3B-2 e a mistura dos isolados G. rubripertincta SO-3B-2, MB-P3A-49, MB-P3-C68 e SO-3L-3, de Pseudomonas stutzeri, e Bacillus cereus AVIC-3-6 - foram, posteriormente, testados quanto à promoção de crescimento do pepineiro, em casa de vegetação. Microrganismos de manguezais podem ter importância funcional no controle biológico da podridão radicular causada por P. aphanidermatum e na promoção do crescimento do pepineiro cultivado em hidroponia. Os microrganismos G. rubripertincta SO-3B-2 e P. stutzeri MB-P3A-49 são promissores na promoção do crescimento das plantas não infestadas com o patógeno.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the capacity of mangrove microorganisms to control root rot, caused by Pythium aphanidermatum, and to promote growth in hydroponic cucumbers. Nineteen microorganisms were evaluated for controlling the disease in small-scale hydroponic units. The promising microorganisms - Gordonia rubripertincta SO-3B-2, and the combination of strains (G. rubripertincta SO-3B-2, MB-P3A-49, MB-P3-C68 and SO-3L-3 of Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Bacillus cereus AVIC-3-6 were subsequently evaluated in hydroponic cucumbers, in the greenhouse. Mangrove microorganisms can have an important functional role in the biological control of root rot caused by P. aphanidermatum, and in the growth promotion of cucumber plants cultivated in hydroponic systems. Gordonia rubripertincta SO-3B-2 and P. stutzeri MB-P3A-49 are promising growth promoters for non-infected plants.