Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), a bipartite begomovirus initially identified in tomato, has rapidly spread worldwide, emerging as a significant threat to cucurbit and other crops. Although geminiviruses are typically transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, the specific cryptic species responsible for ToLCNDV transmission remains largely unclear. In this study, we collected diseased tomato and cucurbit plants, along with associated whiteflies, in China, and detected ToLCNDV in both plant and whitefly samples. We then compared the acquisition and transmission efficiency of ToLCNDV among whiteflies of three B. tabaci cryptic species: the invasive Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), Mediterranean (MED), and the indigenous Asia II 1. Our findings revealed that whiteflies of three species were capable of acquiring ToLCNDV; however, MED and Asia II 1 transmitted the virus with significantly higher efficiency than MEAM1. Tissue-specific viral load analysis further indicated that the virus crossed the midgut wall more effectively in MED and Asia II 1 compared to MEAM1. These results provide direct evidence that B. tabaci transmits ToLCNDV in a cryptic species-dependent manner. Given the global prevalence of B. tabaci, the potential role of specific cryptic species in driving the spread of ToLCNDV warrants close monitoring and proactive management strategies.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause substantial economic losses globally, presenting critical challenges to sustainable agriculture. While chemical nematicides offer short-term solutions, their environmental and health risks, including adverse effects on nontarget organisms and soil ecosystems, necessitate the development of eco-friendly alternatives. This review examines chemical and biological approaches to nematode control with a focus on bacterial, fungal, and plant-derived biocontrol agents, as well as the integration of organic and inorganic soil amendments. These strategies not only manage PPNs but also improve soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity, fostering soil health as the cornerstone of global food security. By synthesizing advancements in nematode management, this review aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and inspire further research into innovative and effective solutions.

Controlled release formulations of pesticides based on ZIF-8 have garnered extensive attention for their potential to enhance pesticide utilization rates and mitigate the negative impacts associated with pesticide use. However, the effects of ZIF-8 material on plant metabolism remain unclear. In this research, we developed a 2,4-D herbicide delivery system based on ZIF-8 (2,4-D@ZIF-8, 162.4 ± 32.6 nm). It was found that the bioactivity of 2,4-D@ZIF-8 against barnyard grass was significantly higher than that of technical 2,4-D at certain concentrations (80, 160, and 320 mg/L). The effects of ZIF-8 on the metabolism of barnyard grass and the synergistic mechanism were investigated through metabolomic analyses. The results demonstrated that ZIF-8 influenced the metabolic pathways of barnyard grass in a manner similar to 2,4-D, thereby further enhancing the inhibitory effects caused by the overstimulation of barnyard grass growth induced by 2,4-D. ZIF-8 led to a significant increase in auxin content in barnyard grass, creating a synergistic interaction with the auxin herbicide 2,4-D. Additionally, it was shown that 2,4-D@ZIF-8 was safer than 2,4-D when applied on wheat. Therefore, 2,4-D@ZIF-8 holds great potential and promising application prospects for loading auxin analog herbicides.

Pathogen infections pose a significant threat to plant health, global food security, and ecosystems. In order to reduce tissue damage and enhance survival during pathogen infections, plants have evolved elaborate defense mechanisms to fend off these threats, with disease resistance and tolerance serving as two cornerstone strategies. Disease resistance involves the plant's ability to actively repel, contain, or kill pathogens, whereas disease tolerance refers to the plant's capacity to endure infection with minimal adverse impact on its growth and reproduction. Although significant progress has been made in understanding disease resistance, the molecular mechanisms underlying disease tolerance remain poorly understood. This review underscores the significance of both strategies and emphasizes the critical need for further research into tolerance to enhance our comprehension of plant immunity and improve disease control strategies. Such research could facilitate the development of more effective and sustainable agricultural practices.

Rice bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is a devastating disease that threatens global rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. Xoo delivers transcription activator-like effectors that bind to effector binding elements in the promoters of host susceptibility (S) or resistance (R) genes, thereby triggering either disease development or defense responses. Xa23 is a broad-spectrum R gene that confers strong BB resistance by recognizing the conserved EBE_AvrXa23 in its promoter. In this study, we used an ScCas9-based prime editing system to precisely correct three consecutive mutations in the dysfunctional EBE_AvrXa23 sequence of the endogenous xa23 promoter in the susceptible japonica cultivar N9208. The engineered N9208(Xa23) line restored Xa23 inducibility upon Xoo infection and exhibited robust resistance against diverse Xoo strains without growth penalties. These results demonstrate a universal, precise, efficient, and biosafe strategy for engineering endogenous executor R genes and rapidly upgrading commercial rice cultivars for BB resistance without introducing exogenous DNA.

N-terminal acetyltransferase (Nat) complexes are key mediators of protein acetylation and play pivotal roles in various biological processes across diverse organisms. However, their functions in phytopathogenic fungi have not been well established. A recent study revealed that the pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae uses the NatA complex to stabilize its proteome and defend against the biocontrol bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain TG1-2, as well as its major antimicrobial compound, surfactin. NatA complex-mediated acetylation of VdHsp83 facilitates its assembly with VdSti1 and VdHsp70, forming the VdHsp83-VdSti1-VdHsp70 chaperone complex that maintains proper protein folding to promote disease. Conversely, B. amyloliquefaciens TG1-2 inhibits VdHsp83 acetylation, destabilizing the VdHsp83-VdSti1-VdHsp70 complex, which leads to protein misfolding, degradation, and apoptosis, ultimately impairing V. dahliae viability. These findings underscore the critical roles of NatA complex-mediated protein acetylation in the battle between pathogenic fungi and biocontrol bacteria. Together with its regulatory function in pathogenicity, this study unveils different mechanisms employed by the NatA complex in promoting diseases and highlights the potential of targeting NatA complexes as effective strategies for plant disease management.

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a significant global pest of tomato. Although sex pheromones serve as effective biological control tools, their utilization remains inefficient due to a limited understanding of the circadian rhythms of courtship and mating. This study details a six-step “morning flight–mating” behavioral sequence in T. absoluta: (1) resting, (2) preparation for morning flight, (3) morning flight, (4) courtship, (5) mating, and (6) post-mating cessation. Laboratory observations revealed that their rhythmic behavior occurred between 05:30 and 08:00, with a pronounced peak from 05:30 to 06:30, and high population densities negatively impacted mating success rates. Field experiments corroborated these laboratory observations. Furthermore, the synchronized synthesis and release of major and minor sex pheromone components aligned with the timing of calling and mating behavior. These findings suggest that the “morning flight–mating” rhythm is mediated by the pheromone release cycle. Our results offer a basis for optimizing the timing of pheromone-based control techniques, such as mating disruption and mass trapping, to enhance the efficiency and reduce the cost of pest control.

Soil-borne diseases significantly hinder soil health; however, biofumigation presents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategy for managing these pests. Currently, research studies on the use of plants as green manures have primarily focused on their benefits for soil quality, whereas overlooking their fumigation effects on soil-borne pests. In this study, we evaluated several soil health indicators for 11 green manures belonging to genus Brassica. Our results indicated that all 11 Brassica species function as the green manure and possess the potential to control pests, with efficacy ranging from 37.55% to 99.19%. Among them, the rapeseed varieties “Zhong Shuang 919” canola and “Hua You Za 9” canola, as well as “Niu Xin No. 3” cabbage, achieved pest control rates of 86.56%–99.19%, increased soil ammonium nitrogen content by 193.73%–252.15%, enhanced organic matter content by 2.68%–13.81%, and boosted the relative abundance of beneficial microbes, such as Bacillus species, by 59.23%–147.85%. During the biofumigation process, isopropyl isothiocyanate was identified as a novel active compound, exhibiting an LC₅₀ of 1.92 mg/L against Meloidogyne incognita. These findings highlight the fumigation effects of certain Brassica species, suggesting that biofumigation can effectively control soil pests while simultaneously enhancing soil fertility.