Using pesticide spray adjuvants to improve the physicochemical properties of pesticide liquids can effectively increase droplet deposition on target surfaces. However, there are no clear guidelines for the selection among complex and diverse adjuvants. We aimed to build a model for screening pesticide adjuvants through machine learning. In this paper, five machine learning classification models (decision tree, support vector machine, random forest, logistic regression, and naive Bayes) were developed to predict droplet deposition performance on the superhydrophobic plant leaf surfaces based on the physicochemical properties of pesticide liquids. Among these models, decision tree, support vector machine, and random forest exhibited superior performance. Significance analysis showed that adhesion, equilibrium surface tension, and contact angle are critical factors influencing droplet deposition on wheat leaves. Notably, the decision tree model, due to its simplicity and intuitiveness, is particularly suitable for field applications. Our findings provide a platform for the rapid and accurate screening of pesticide spray adjuvants by simply measuring the physicochemical properties of pesticide droplets.
Rice false smut disease, caused by the pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens, specifically infects rice panicles. This disease leads to significant quantitative and qualitative losses in the rice industry. Farnesol, a naturally occurring terpene produced by plants, exhibits diverse toxic potentials against various fungi. Here, we investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of farnesol on U. virens isolates. The results indicate that farnesol could retard conidial germination at a concentration of 20 µM and inhibit germination at concentrations exceeding 40 µM. Additionally, farnesol demonstrates inhibitory activity on the mycelial growth and adhesion of U. virens in a dose-dependent manner. RNA-seq data show that farnesol treatment results in the misregulation of a subset of genes involved in oxidoreductase activity, membrane components, molecular function, and transcription factor activity. Furthermore, farnesol induces a significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anions, which may subsequently trigger cell death. Notably, farnesol also induces the expression of genes encoding GTPase activity of UvRas1 and UvRas2, leading to the expression of genes encoding adenylate cyclase, which promotes the synthesis of intracellular cAMP, and activates genes involved in MAPK pathway. Collectively, this study proposes a mechanism by which farnesol affects the growth and development of U. virens.
Milbemycins are a group of 16-membered macrolides produced by the soil-dwelling filamentous bacteria Streptomyces. Renowned for their potent acaricidal and insecticidal properties, combined with low toxicity, milbemycins are recognized as eco-friendly biopesticides, vital for pest control and sustainable agricultural development. Over several decades, milbemycins have been extensively investigated, achieving significant progress, including advancements in their biological activities (such as insecticidal mechanisms and toxicity studies), biosynthetic and regulatory mechanisms, high-yield strain engineering strategies, and the development of milbemycin-derived commercial products for agricultural applications. This review discusses recent advances, current limitations, and ongoing and emerging efforts to overcome the limitations of milbemycin research. Finally, future research directions are outlined for the development of superior milbemycin-producing cell factories to facilitate widespread application in the agricultural field.
Southern corn rust (SCR), caused by the biotrophic fungal pathogen Puccinia polysora, is a globally significant disease that poses a severe threat to maize production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its economic importance, many aspects of the molecular interactions between P. polysora and maize remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed stage-specific transcriptome profiling to explore gene expression dynamics during key phases of P. polysora infection: conidia formation, spore germination, penetration, and colonization. We identified and characterized co-regulated modules of effector proteins that are critical for successful host infection. Utilizing AlphaFold3, we identified structurally conserved proteins co-expressed throughout the infection process. Notably, Cluster 7, a structurally conserved protein group, exhibited uniquely peak expression during the penetration stage, suggesting a pivotal role in overcoming host defenses. This research offers new insights into the molecular processes involved in P. polysora infection and provides a valuable resource for developing novel strategies to mitigate the global impact of SCR.
Biological control has gained increasing attention as a strategy to address biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. In this study, we identified the strain KRS009 as Bacillus mojavensis through morphological identification and multilocus sequence analysis. KRS009 exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against various phytopathogenic fungi by secreting soluble and volatile compounds. Additionally, the physio-biochemical traits of strain KRS009 were characterized, including its growth-promoting capabilities and active enzymes. Notably, KRS009 demonstrated the capacity for biofilm formation and exhibited tolerance to saline-alkali conditions. The biological security evaluation confirmed the safety of KRS009 for both humans and plants. Furthermore, strain KRS009 was found to trigger plant immunity by inducing systemic resistance through salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-dependent signaling pathways. Greenhouse experiments conducted on cotton plants proved that the treatment with strain KRS009 effectively protected cotton against Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae and promoted the growth of cotton under salt stress. These findings highlight the potential of B. mojavensis KRS009 as a promising biocontrol and biofertilizer agent for promoting plant growth, combating fungal diseases and mitigating salt stress in plants.
Continuous crop cultivation has exacerbated the issue of soil-borne diseases, positioning soil biofumigation as a promising and environmentally friendly control method. This review comprehensively assesses recent advances in the use of Brassicaceae plant materials for biofumigation, specifically focusing on their effectiveness in managing soil-borne pests, enhancing soil fertility, improving the composition of beneficial microbial communities, and boosting crop quality and yield. It also explores the mechanisms underlying biofumigation with Brassicaceae plants, highlighting that the incorporation of exogenous myrosinase can significantly increase isothiocyanate production, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of biofumigation. Among these, plants in the Brassica genus have been studied more extensively and have demonstrated superior results. Furthermore, the potential for biofumigation using plant materials from the Liliaceae, Gramineae, Compositae, and Leguminosae etc., families is evaluated. To address the challenge of inconsistent efficacy observed with different plant materials, future research should focus on optimizing biofumigation techniques according to local conditions. Additionally, combining biofumigation with physical and chemical methods, as well as implementing rotational application strategies, may enhance overall effectiveness.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as crucial signaling molecules in plants, enabling rapid responses to environmental stresses such as abiotic factors. ROS production primarily stems from the activation of enzymes such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases and peroxidases, as well as disruptions in the respiratory and photosynthetic electron transport chains. This oxidative stress triggers signaling pathways that involve in calcium ion (Ca2+) influx across cell membranes, altering ionic conductance. ROS encompass hydroxyl radicals (OH·) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which activate hyperpolarization-activated Ca2+ channels and influence ion transport dynamics. Our review focuses on the mechanisms driving ROS generation and ion transport during plant responses to abiotic stress. We explore the regulation, characteristics, and potential structures of ROS-activated ion channels in plants. Specifically, we examine the molecular responses and evolutionary adaptations of Shaker-type K+ channels (AKT/KAT/GORK/SKOR) under stress conditions. Comparative genetic analyses highlight the conservation of these channels and other ROS-regulated proteins (e.g., MDHAR, POX, and RBOH), suggesting their essential roles in plant to adapt to diverse stresses. This study underscores the significance of ROS-regulated proteins in plant stress responses, advocating for further research to elucidate their fundamental roles.