A review on fungal-based biopesticides and biofertilizers production.

The escalating use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop production has led to the depletion of natural resources, contamination of water sources, and environmental crises. In response, the scientific community is exploring eco-friendly alternatives, such as fungal-based biofertilizers and biopesticides, which have proven effectiveness in enhancing plant health and growth while sustainably managing plant diseases and pests. This review article examines the production methodologies of these bioproducts, highlighting their role in sustainable agriculture and advancing our understanding of soil microorganisms. Despite their increasing demand, their global market presence remains limited compared to traditional chemical counterparts. The article addresses: 1) the production of biofertilizers and biopesticides, 2) their contribution to crop productivity, 3) their environmental impact and regulations, and 4) current production technologies. This comprehensive approach aims to promote the transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices.

Bio-Efficacy of Two Algae against Bruchidius incarnatus, Physiological and Cytogenetic Effects on Vicia faba .

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The bean seed beetle <i>Bruchidius incarnatus</i> is a major insect pest for stored grains that causes great economic damage. The investigated research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two species of algae: <i>Fucus vesiculosus </i>and <i>Spirulina platensis </i>as natural alternative pesticides against <i>Bruchidius incarnatus</i> stages. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The efficacy of two tested algae with amounts of 0.25, 0.35 and 0.50 g were evaluated on <i>B. incarnatus</i> stages. The activities of some biochemical components were assayed to determine the algae effect. Seed germination and growth parameters were studied. <b>Results:</b> <i>F. vesiculosus </i>caused higher potent on larval and adult stages than<i> S. platensis</i>. Antioxidant enzymes Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) and Superoxide Dismutases (SOD) in treated adults have reached the highest level when compared with control. Some biochemical components in adults were affected also by algae treatment. Treatment with two algaecaused stimulation of seedling and germination development. On the other hand, both types of algae occurred an expansion in the mitotic index and low levels of abnormalities. <b>Conclusion:</b> Both types of algae are considered a promising Bio-insecticide in controlling stored grain pests and it may be considered Bio-eco-friendly in pest management.

Efficacy of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Ethanolic Leaf Extract Against German Cockroach (Blattella germanica L.).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The ethanol extract of noni leaves (<i>Morinda citrifolia</i> L.) can be used as insecticides to control populations of German cockroaches that have been resistant to synthetic insecticides. This study aimed to determine the potency of the ethanol extract of noni leaves to kill and repel German cockroaches and affect the amount of food consumed. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The methods used in this study were the contact toxicity test, the repellency test and the food consumption test. The noni leaves extract and German cockroach populations were provided in the laboratory. <b>Results:</b> The noni leaves extract concentration of 20% (residue of 3.14 mg cm² ¹) was very effective in killing the standard population and effective in killing the field population of German cockroaches. The sub-lethal concentration noni leaves extract of 0.36% (residue 0.056 mg cm² ¹) and 1.08% (residue 0.169 mg cm² ¹) was very high grade as repellent of German cockroaches. The sub-lethal concentration of noni leaves extract did not inhibit the amount of food consumption in German cockroach populations. <b>Conclusion:</b> Leaves of noni plants can be used as bioinsecticides to control German cockroach populations that have been resistant to commercial insecticides.

Aphytis lepidosaphes (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) as an Effective Parasitoid for Controlling the Lepidosaphes tapleyi (Williams).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The guava long scale insect <i>Lepidosaphes tapleyi</i> (Williams) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is considered one of the main destructive pests of guava around the world. Biological control represents a sustainable alternative for saving control of <i>L. tapleyi</i>. The main objective of the present work was to study the seasonal activity and evaluate the impacts of climatic factors on populations of the parasitoid, <i>Aphytis</i> <i>lepidosaphes</i>, during two successive years (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) in Esna district, Luxor Governorate, Egypt. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Estimation of the relationship between the population density of <i>L. tapleyi</i> and <i>A. lepidosaphes</i> activity, by using different models of correlation and regression analyses. The estimate of the effects of climatic factors (daily mean max. temp., min. temp., mean of % relative humidity and mean of dew point) on seasonal activity of the parasitoid, <i>A. lepidosaphes</i>, during two successive years (2017/2018 and 2018/2019). <b>Results:</b> The results showed that the relationship between the population density of <i>L. tapleyi</i> and <i>A. lepidosaphes </i>activity was positive during both years. Furthermore, simple regression analysis indicated that the abundance of <i>A. lepidosaphes </i>was more highly correlated with the <i>L. tapleyi</i> population density in each whole year during the two successive years. The percentages of explained variance EV (%) indicated that all tested variables, i.e. daily mean maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and dew point were responsible for 76.26 and 65.40% of the changes in parasitoid, respectively. Furthermore, the dew point was the most effective variable for the change in the parasitoid populations by 33.61 and 18.62%. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results showed that <i>A. lepidosaphes </i>had three peaks of seasonal abundance over the entire year. As well, the activity of <i>A. lepidosaphes</i> was more highly correlated with the <i>L. tapleyi </i>population size over the two successive years.

Mortality of cutworm larvae is not enhanced by Agrotis segetum granulovirus and Agrotis segetum nucleopolyhedrovirus B coinfection relative to single infection by either virus.

Mixed infections of insect larvae with different baculoviruses are occasionally found. They are of interest from an evolutionary as well as from a practical point of view when baculoviruses are applied as biocontrol agents. Here, we report mixed-infection studies of neonate larvae of the common cutworm, Agrotis segetum, with two baculoviruses, Agrotis segetum nucleopolyhedrovirus B (AgseNPV-B) and Agrotis segetum granulovirus (AgseGV). By applying quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis, coinfections of individual larvae were demonstrated, and occlusion body (OB) production within singly infected and coinfected larvae was determined in individual larvae. Mixtures of viruses did not lead to changes in mortality rates compared with rates of single-virus treatments, indicating an independent action within host larvae under our experimental conditions. AgseNPV-B-infected larvae showed an increase in OB production during 2 weeks of infection, whereas the number of AgseGV OBs did not change from the first week to the second week. Fewer OBs of both viruses were produced in coinfections than in singly infected larvae, suggesting a competition of the two viruses for larval resources. Hence, no functional or economic advantage could be inferred from larval mortality and OB production from mixed infections of A. segetum larvae with AgseNPV-B and AgseGV.