Gaseous ozone and ozonized mist in the control of Escherichia coli on 'Rama Forte' persimmon.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using two ozone applications (gaseous and mist) as a disinfection method for fresh persimmon. To test these sanitizers, in vitro and in vivo assays were performed, and the Escherichia coli was selected because it is a pathogen that causes foodborne diseases in humans. For in vitro experiments, a plate was inoculated with Escherichia coli strain ATCC 25922 and treated. For in vivo assays, persimmon fruit surface was inoculated with the bacteria and treated. For both assays, it was used 10,15,20,30,40 and 50 µL L-1 of gaseous ozone or ozonized mist for five minutes. The results demonstrated that the gas ozone application significantly reduced the growth of E. coli on the plate surface in vitro at doses of 30, 40 and 50 µL L-1 (with 0.83, 0.89 and 0.95 log CFU mL-1, respectively). The application of ozonized mist showed a significant reduction for 50 µL L-1 (with 1.28 log CFU g-1). And, for the in vivo assays, ozonized mist significantly reduced the number of bacteria on the persimmon surface, with a 1.57 log reduction, which was the largest for 40 µL L-1. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the ozone application can contribute to the control of microorganisms present on fruit surfaces.

Analysis of X-ray irradiation effects on the mortality values and hemolymph immune cell composition of Apis mellifera and its parasite, Varroa destructor.

Varroa destructor is one of the most destructive enemies of the honey bee, Apis mellifera all around the world. Several control methods are known to control V. destructor, but the efficacy of several alternative control methods remains unexplored. Irradiation can be one of these unknown solutions but before practical application, the effectiveness, and the physiological effects of ionizing radiation on the host and the parasite are waiting to be tested. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate the effects of different doses (15, 50, 100, and 150 Gy) of high-energy X-ray irradiation through mortality rates and hemocyte composition changes in A. mellifera workers and record the mortality rates of the parasite. The mortality rate was recorded during short-term (12, 24, and 48 h) and long-term periods (3, 6, 12, 18, and 24d). The sensitivity of the host and the parasite in case of the higher doses of radiation tested (50, 100, and 150 Gy) been demonstrated by total mortality of the host and 90 % of its parasite has been observed on the 18th day after the irradiation. V. destructor showed higher sensitivity (1.52-times higher than the adult honey bee workers) at the lowest dose (15 Gy). A. mellifera hemocytes were influenced significantly by radiation dosage and the elapsed time after treatment. The higher radiation doses increased plasmatocyte numbers in parallel with the decrease in prohemocyte numbers. On the contrary, the numbers of granulocytes and oencoytes increased in the treated samples, but the putative effects of the different dosages on the recorded number of these hemocyte types could not be statistically proven. In summary, based on the outcome of our study X-ray irradiation can be deemed an effective tool for controlling phoretic V. destructor. However, further research is needed to understand the physiological response of the affected organisms.

Phenolic compounds and antifungal activity of ethyl acetate extract and methanolic extract from Capsicum chinense Jacq. ripe fruit

Abstract Food loss due to contamination caused by fungi has much impact on agriculture and leads to significant economic losses. Synthetic and natural fungicides have been used for avoiding losses of several food products due to fungal contamination. As a result, species of the genus Capsicum have been used for preserving food because of their chemical compounds with antifungal activity. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying some phenolic compounds found in both ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and methanolic extract (ME) from habanero pepper (C. chinense) ripe fruit by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and at evaluating their antifungal activities against fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Extracts resulted from a sequential process of maceration. Antifungal activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method (DDM) at the following doses of both diluted extracts: 25 µL, 50 µL, 100 µL and 200 µL. The chemical analysis showed that there were protocatechuic acid, gentisic acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol-3-O-robinobiosideo and naringenin in both extracts. EAE showed high inhibition of mycelial growth at both doses 100µL and 200µL against the three fungi while methanolic exhibited weak activity even at the highest dose under investigation. However, further in-depth studies are needed to reinforce their uses and practical applications to the agricultural field.

Resumo As perdas de alimentos por contaminação causada por fungos são de grande impacto negativo para a agricultura, gerando altos prejuízos econômicos. Para evitar as perdas de diversos produtos alimentícios pela contaminação fúngica são utilizados fungicidas sintéticos e naturais. As espécies do gênero Capsicum são usadas há muitos anos para auxiliar na conservação de alimentos por possuírem substâncias químicas com ação antifúngica entre outras. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar alguns compostos fenólicos por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada à espectrometria de massas sequencial (LC-ESI-MS/MS) presentes nos extratos acetato de etila (EAE) e metanólico (ME) dos frutos maduros da pimenta biquinho (C. chinense) e avaliar atividade antifúngica de EAE e ME contra os fungos Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizopus stolonifer e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Os extratos foram obtidos de forma sequencial, utilizando o procedimento de maceração. A atividade antifúngica foi avaliada seguindo a metodologia de difusão em disco, nas doses de 25 µL, 50 µL, 100 µL e 200 µL de cada extrato diluído. A análise química evidenciou a presença de ácido protocatequico, ácido gentisico, ácido vanílico, kaempferol-3-O-robinobiosídeo e naringenina em ambos os extratos. EAE revelou maior poder de inibição do crescimento micelial nas doses de 100µL e 200µL contra os três fungos testados, enquanto ME exibiu fraca atividade inclusive na maior dose investigada. Entretanto, estudos mais aprofundados ainda são necessários para consolidar seu uso e aplicação prática na área agronômica.

Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for the behavioral control of Sitophilus zeamais

Abstract Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.

Resumo A etologia dos insetos é um fator importante quando se deseja relizar manejo de pragas. Através deste conhecimento, é possível manipular atividades comportamentais, repelir, ou atrair os insetos de acordo com as necessidades e interesses. O gorgulho do milho Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), uma das principais pragas de grãos armazenados tem sido alvo de estudos de alterações comportamentais através de substâncias naturais devido à sua resistência a diferentes classes de insecticidas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de concentrações subletais de extrato de neem e do óleo de copaíba sobre o comportamento de movimentação de S. zeamais. As características comportamentais consideradas foram: a atividade de caminhamento, a frequência do contato dos insetos com a massa de grãos tratada, e o tempo gasto para realização destes comportamentos. A atividade de caminhamento do S. zeamais aumentou quando os insetos foram expostos ao extrato de Neem e ao óleo de copaíba. Em geral, o extrato de Neem e o óleo de Copaíba induziram mais contato com a massa de grãos do que o controle, sugerindo um efeito atrativo sobre o inseto, contudo este efeito foi mais significativo para o óleo de Neem. O comportamento do inseto foi alterado, apresentando um caminhamento específico devido aos estímulos do óleo de copaíba e do extrato de Neem. Estes resultados indicam que o óleo de copaíba e o extrato de Neem podem ser alternativas potenciais para o controle do S. zeamais em produtos armazenados, uma vez que alterações no comportamento desta praga podem reduzir os danos qualitativos e quantitativos nos grãos. Assim, o desenvolvimento de produtos baseados no óleo de copaíba e no extrato de Neem pode ser útil para o manejo de pragas de armazenamento.

Phenolic compounds and antifungal activity of ethyl acetate extract and methanolic extract from Capsicum chinense Jacq. ripe fruit / Compostos fenólicos e atividade antifúngica dos extratos acetato de etila e metanólico dos frutos maduros de Capsicum chinense Jacq

Food loss due to contamination caused by fungi has much impact on agriculture and leads to significant economic losses. Synthetic and natural fungicides have been used for avoiding losses of several food products due to fungal contamination. As a result, species of the genus Capsicum have been used for preserving food because of their chemical compounds with antifungal activity. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying some phenolic compounds found in both ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and methanolic extract (ME) from habanero pepper (C. chinense) ripe fruit by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and at evaluating their antifungal activities against fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Extracts resulted from a sequential process of maceration. Antifungal activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method (DDM) at the following doses of both diluted extracts: 25 µL, 50 µL, 100 µL and 200 µL. The chemical analysis showed that there were protocatechuic acid, gentisic acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol-3-O-robinobiosideo and naringenin in both extracts. EAE showed high inhibition of mycelial growth at both doses 100µL and 200µL against the three fungi while methanolic exhibited weak activity even at the highest dose under investigation. However, further in-depth studies are needed to reinforce their uses and practical applications to the agricultural field.

As perdas de alimentos por contaminação causada por fungos são de grande impacto negativo para a agricultura, gerando altos prejuízos econômicos. Para evitar as perdas de diversos produtos alimentícios pela contaminação fúngica são utilizados fungicidas sintéticos e naturais. As espécies do gênero Capsicum são usadas há muitos anos para auxiliar na conservação de alimentos por possuírem substâncias químicas com ação antifúngica entre outras. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar alguns compostos fenólicos por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada à espectrometria de massas sequencial (LC-ESI-MS/MS) presentes nos extratos acetato de etila (EAE) e metanólico (ME) dos frutos maduros da pimenta biquinho (C. chinense) e avaliar atividade antifúngica de EAE e ME contra os fungos Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizopus stolonifer e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Os extratos foram obtidos de forma sequencial, utilizando o procedimento de maceração. A atividade antifúngica foi avaliada seguindo a metodologia de difusão em disco, nas doses de 25 µL, 50 µL, 100 µL e 200 µL de cada extrato diluído. A análise química evidenciou a presença de ácido protocatequico, ácido gentisico, ácido vanílico, kaempferol-3-O-robinobiosídeo e naringenina em ambos os extratos. EAE revelou maior poder de inibição do crescimento micelial nas doses de 100µL e 200µL contra os três fungos testados, enquanto ME exibiu fraca atividade inclusive na maior dose investigada. Entretanto, estudos mais aprofundados ainda são necessários para consolidar seu uso e aplicação prática na área agronômica.

The Effect of Wood Ash and Soil Applications on the Behavior and Survival of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae on Maize.

Cryptic feeding inside maize whorls makes it difficult to control fall armyworm (FAW). Smallholder farmers use alternative methods of control, of which the efficacy is uncertain. We determined the efficacy of wood ash and soil for the control of FAW and recorded its effect on larval preference and ballooning. Maize plants were artificially infested with larvae of different instars and treatments were either soil, wet ash, or dry ash, applied as single preventative or curative applications. Larvae exhibited non-preference for treated leaves in choice tests. The efficacy of treatments varied largely between experiments. Under laboratory conditions, ash treatments resulted in significant mortality of 1st and 5th instars. Dry and wet ash as curative applications for 1st instars resulted in 67 and 66% mortality, respectively, compared to mortality recorded in the control (22%). Under field conditions, survival of 3rd instars on treated plants was low (21-34%), compared to 70% on untreated plants. Due to the high variability in efficacy, the use of these alternative methods does not guarantee effective control. They do, however, have a place in IPM systems if applied as soon as infestations are observed and when larvae as still small. Recommendations on the use of ash and soil as spot treatments against FAW are provided.

Effect of 4-Ethylbenzaldehyde from the Volatilome of Annona muricata on Meloidogyne incognita.

The demand for new soil fumigants has increased as a result of more restrictive legislation regarding the use of pesticides. In the present study, the potent nematicidal activity of volatile organic compounds released by the Annona muricata leaf macerate was demonstrated. In addition, we searched in the A. muricata volatilome for a molecule with potential to be developed as a new fumigant nematicide. In the greenhouse, even the lowest concentration of soursop leaf macerate tested (1.0%) as a biofumigant caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in Meloidogyne incognita infectivity and reproduction when compared with the nontreated control (0%). Forty-one compounds were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, of which three (sabinene, caryophyllene oxide, and 4-ethylbenzaldehyde) were selected for studies against the nematode. Among these compounds, in in vitro trails, only 4-ethylbenzaldehyde showed nematicidal activity at 250 µg ml-1. The effective doses of 4-ethylbenzaldehyde predicted to kill 50 and 95% of the M. incognita second-stage juvenile population after 48 h of exposure were 35 and 88 µg ml-1, respectively. In in vitro tests, 4-ethylbenzaldehyde at 150 µg ml-1 reduced M. incognita egg hatching to values similar (P > 0.05) to those of the commercial nematicide fluensulfone at a concentration of 200 µg ml-1. In plant experiments, as a soil fumigant, 4-ethylbenzaldehyde at a dose of 1 ml/liter of substrate had an effect similar (P > 0.05) to that of the commercial fumigant Dazomet (250 µg ml-1). Therefore, 4-ethylbenzaldehyde shows potential for development as a new nematicide.

Design and Evaluation of an Alternative Control for a Quad-Rotor Drone Using Hand-Gesture Recognition.

Gesture recognition is a mechanism by which a system recognizes an expressive and purposeful action made by a user's body. Hand-gesture recognition (HGR) is a staple piece of gesture-recognition literature and has been keenly researched over the past 40 years. Over this time, HGR solutions have varied in medium, method, and application. Modern developments in the areas of machine perception have seen the rise of single-camera, skeletal model, hand-gesture identification algorithms, such as media pipe hands (MPH). This paper evaluates the applicability of these modern HGR algorithms within the context of alternative control. Specifically, this is achieved through the development of an HGR-based alternative-control system capable of controlling of a quad-rotor drone. The technical importance of this paper stems from the results produced during the novel and clinically sound evaluation of MPH, alongside the investigatory framework used to develop the final HGR algorithm. The evaluation of MPH highlighted the Z-axis instability of its modelling system which reduced the landmark accuracy of its output from 86.7% to 41.5%. The selection of an appropriate classifier complimented the computationally lightweight nature of MPH whilst compensating for its instability, achieving a classification accuracy of 96.25% for eight single-hand static gestures. The success of the developed HGR algorithm ensured that the proposed alternative-control system could facilitate intuitive, computationally inexpensive, and repeatable drone control without requiring specialised equipment.

Chemical composition and effect of essential oils of Thymus vulgaris and Origanum vulgare on adults and ovigerous masses of Pseudosuccinea columella.

Fasciolosis is a worldwide distribution zoonosis that causes great damage in ruminant breeding and has the aquatic mollusc Pseudosuccinea columella as an intermediate host. Synthetic molluscicides are the most used for control; however, they are harmful to fauna and flora. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of essential oils from Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, and terpene carvacrol, on adult molluscs and eggs of P. columella. Analysis of EO volatile components was carried out on a gas chromatograph equipment coupled with mass spectrometry selective detector. The studied components were diluted in concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm, and it was observed that O. vulgare at concentrations of 60, 80 and 100 ppm, carvacrol at the concentrations of 80 and 100 ppm, and T. vulgaris at a concentration of 80 ppm led to 100% mortality of molluscs. All concentrations the substances tested showed 100% ovicidal activity.

Reducing anthelmintic inputs in organic farming: Are small ruminant farmers integrating alternative strategies to control gastrointestinal nematodes?

To counter the global spread of anthelmintic resistance (AR), considerable efforts have been invested in the development and dissemination of sustainable alternatives to control gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in small ruminants. The degree to which these have been accepted and integrated by farmers, particularly in organic systems, where the drive to reduce chemical inputs is arguably even more pressing, has been little studied. To identify whether more comprehensive actions are needed to support the uptake of alternative GIN controls amongst organic farmers, this study conducted a survey in five European countries on organic dairy goat and meat sheep farmers to gain insight into current GIN control strategies and farmer attitudes towards AR and alternative measures in these countries. The structured survey was disseminated in the five European countries Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Lithuania and United Kingdom, receiving a total of 425 responses, 106 from organic dairy goat farmers and 319 from organic meat sheep farmers. Regression analyses were carried out to identify factors impacting anthelmintic drenching on meat sheep production systems, whereas all data were analysed descriptively. Four key findings emerged: i) The frequency of anthelmintic treatments averaged less than two per animal a year in all production systems; ii) Overall, organic farmers seemed well informed on the availability of alternative GIN control methods, but fewer stated to put them into practice; iii) Targeted selective treatment (TST) strategies of anthelmintics appears to be not commonly incorporated by organic farmers; iv) Despite operating under national and EU organic regulations, each of the organic dairy goat (Switzerland, France and Netherlands) and meat sheep (Switzerland, Lithuania and United Kingdom) production systems developed distinct approaches for GIN control. To increase uptake of alternatives to GIN control and optimise anthelmintic use, initiatives that promote research dissemination, farmer participatory and knowledge transfer activities at national level would be desirable.

Antiparasitic treatment using herbs and spices: A review of the literature of the phytotherapy.

This study sought to make a literature review of the medicinal plants Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris L., Cuminum cynimum L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. with antiparasitic potential. Articles and theses were selected from the LILACS, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, which comprised the period from 2000 to 2021 (22 years). In all, 49 studies were selected, and the majority were with the plant Origanum vulgare L. (oregano), followed by Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme). Twenty-five genera of parasites were detected, which were described being tested with phytotherapic. The nematode Haemonchus spp. was the most evaluated in these studies, followed by the parasite genera Leishmania, Trichostrongylus, and Toxocara. All plants showed antiparasitic effects, with more or less action, therefore with the potential to continue research in the search for biomolecules to control these parasites.

O presente trabalho faz uma revisão bibliográfica das plantas medicinais Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris L., Cuminum cynimum L. e Rosmarinus officinalis L. com potencial antiparasitário. Foram selecionados artigos e teses nos bancos de dados LILACS, PubMed e Google Acadêmico que compreendiam o período de publicação de 2000 a 2021 (22 anos). Ao todo, foram selecionados 49 estudos, sendo que na maioria constava a planta Origanum vulgare L. (orégano), seguido de Thymus vulgaris L. (tomilho). Foram detectados 25 gêneros de parasitos, os quais foram descritos sendo testados frente a algum fitoterápico. O nematoda Haemonchus spp. foi o mais avaliado nestes estudos, seguido dos gêneros dos parasitos Leishmania, Trichostrongylus e Toxocara. Todas as plantas apresentaram efeitos antiparasitários, com maior ou menos ação, portanto com potencial para dar continuidade aos estudos em buscas de biomoléculas para controle destes parasitos.

Medicinal Plants as an Alternative to Control Poultry Parasitic Diseases.

Parasitic infections are a major public health concern affecting millions of people universally. This review elaborates on the potential impacts of plants and their bioactive components that have been widely used in the cure of several parasitic infections of poultry. The medicinal importance of natural herbs depends upon their bioactive ingredients, which are originated from crude plants, consequently leading to the specific action on the body. Due to the limited availability of effective drugs and high cost, the development of drug resistance in several harmful parasites and microbes leads to huge economic losses in the poultry industry. This will impose the development of innovative sources for drugs to overwhelm the therapeutic failure. Moreover, the environment-friendly feed additives which can be applied as a substitute to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) for broilers were proven. The application of natural products with therapeutic characteristics is an ancient practice that is appropriately gaining more acceptance. Globally, it is assessed that some 20,000 species of higher plants are used medicinally, although traditional medicine has a scarcity of knowledge on its efficiency and wellbeing. This review explores the usage of medicinal herbs for parasitic infections, emphasizing the recent knowledge available while detecting the research gaps which may be explored to find the usage of herbal medicines for parasitic infections in poultry. In conclusion, herbal medicines are the effective source of prime components for drug detection and the formation of phytopharmaceuticals in the control of devastating parasitic infections. There is a prerequisite to applying the traditional medicine information in clinical applications via value addition.

Liquid preparation of diatomaceous earth against the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The lesser mealworm (LMW) is the most important pest in poultry production. Insects are associated to avian pathogens, mainly Salmonella. Its control is based on chemical insecticide, with limited efficacy in population reduction. Also, insect populations are resistant to the main active ingredients used. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a mineral dust that has activity against the LMW when used in dust application. No information is available about DE liquid preparation against this insect. Thus, bioassays were conducted aiming to develop a strategy for DE liquid preparation to this insect control. In laboratory the ideal concentration for poultry house experiment was estimated and the effect of insect contact with poultry litter or chicken feed after application was checked. In the poultry house, DE liquid preparation (10% in water, 1 L·m­2) was applied on the dirt soil of a cleaned and empty poultry house. In the control poultry house, a chemical insecticide was used (cypermethrin 15 g + chlorpyriphos 25 g + piperonyl butoxide 15 g) (1 L·m­2). DE at all concentrations was efficient mainly when insects were dried for 24 h before contact with a substrate. In poultry house, both treatments obtained similar results at 15 days after treatment (94% of reduction of insect population). At 45 days after treatment, the insect population with DE treatment increased 39% while the insect population remained 17% smaller than the initial population with a chemical insecticide. DE liquid preparation has potential to be used as a safe treatment in LMW population management, as a shock treatment.

New treatments to disinfect vine cuttings with Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and the reason for the control

Petri disease is a problem for vineyard caused mainly by the fungus Phaeomoniella chlamydospora. Contaminated seedlings are source of inoculum for the disease. Treatment to disinfect vine rootstock cuttings for seedling production is hot water treatment (HWT) by 50 °C for 30 min, but the efficiency is contested. To improve its efficacy, the study aimed to assess the combination of the following methods and the reason for the control: i) exposition of the fungus to five different temperatures in HWT bath for 30 min; ii and iii) exposition of the fungus and also plants infected with P. chlamydospora to different disinfection treatments (biofumigation = soil + cabbage at 40 °C; temperatures of 40 and 23 °C, all in microcosm), in different periods (7, 14 and 21 days), with and without additional HWT (51 °C for 30 min). The results showed that HWT with high temperatures (55­70 °C) for 30 min inactivated the fungus. Biofumigation technique at 40 °C and the temperature solely of 40 °C applied for up to 21 days and combined with HWT (51 °C for 30 min) inhibited mycelial growth and inactivated the fungus in vine plant tissues without compromising the rooting.

Hexane Extract from Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt (Commelinaceae): Its Volatile Constituents and in vitro Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activities

Abstract: Tradescantia pallida (Commelinaceae) has shown promising antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. This study aimed at extracting hexane from T. pallida (HE-TP) aerial parts to identify and quantify its volatile compounds by GC-MS and GC-FID and at evaluating its antifungal and antiproliferative activities. (E)-4-Methoxycynnamic acid (50.2%), 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (13.7%) and epijuvabione (10.4%) were the major components identified in HE-TP. HE-TP was incorporated into PDA medium, poured into Petri dishes and transferred to mycelial discs of pathogens. Percentages of inhibition of fungal growth were determined. HE-TP showed remarkable antifungal potential at the dose of 400 µL since it inhibited 100% of Penicillium digitatum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum growth and 92.6% of Rhizopus stolonifer growth. Besides, HE-TP demonstrated cytotoxic activity against different human tumor cell lines with IC50 values between 231.43 and 428.76 µg/mL. Therefore, results showed that HE-TP has potential against fungi of agronomic interest and tumor cells.

Recent advances and future perspective of essential oils in control Colletotrichum spp.: A sustainable alternative in postharvest treatment of fruits.

The world population growth has raised concerns about food security. Agricultural systems are asked to satisfy a growing demand for food with increasingly limited resources, and simultaneously still must reduce the impacts on the environment. This scenario encourages the search for safe and sustainable production strategies. Reducing losses in the production process can be one of the main ways to guarantee food safety. In fruticulture, it is estimated that more than 50% of the production can be lost between harvest and the final consumer due to postharvest diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi. The fungi of the genus Colletotrichum are opportunistic and are associated with several diseases, being the anthracnose the most relevant in terms of the quality and yield losses in fruit species around worldwide. To control these diseases, the use of synthetic fungicides has been the main instrument utilized, however, because of their phytotoxicity to human health, the environment, and strong selection pressure imposed by continuous applications, the fungicides have caused resistance in the pathogen populations. So reducing the excessive application of these products is indispensable for human health and for sustainable Agriculture. Towards this purpose, research has been carried out to identify the phytopathological potentiality of essential oils (EOs) extracted from plants. Therefore, this review aims to contribute to the formation of knowledge bases, about the discoveries, recent advances, and the use of EOs as a strategy to alternatively control fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. in postharvest fruits. Here, we provide valuable information exploring the application potential of essential oils as commercially useful biorational pesticides for food preservation, contributing to sustainable production and global food security.

A journey through 50 years of research relevant to the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminant livestock and thoughts on future directions.

This review article provides an historical perspective on some of the major research advances of relevance to ruminant livestock gastrointestinal nematode control over the last 50 years. Over this period, gastrointestinal nematode control has been dominated by the use of broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs. Whilst this has provided unprecedented levels of successful control for many years, this approach has been gradually breaking down for more than two decades and is increasingly unsustainable which is due, at least in part, to the emergence of anthelmintic drug resistance and a number of other factors discussed in this article. We first cover the remarkable success story of the discovery and development of broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs, the changing face of anthelmintic drug discovery research and the emergence of anthelmintic resistance. This is followed by a review of some of the major advances in the increasingly important area of non-pharmaceutical gastrointestinal nematode control including immunology and vaccine development, epidemiological modelling and some of the alternative control strategies such as breeding for host resistance, refugia-based methods and biological control. The last 50 years have witnessed remarkable innovation and success in research aiming to improve ruminant livestock gastrointestinal nematode control, particularly given the relatively small size of the research community and limited funding. In spite of this, the growing global demand for livestock products, together with the need to maximise production efficiencies, reduce environmental impacts and safeguard animal welfare - as well as specific challenges such as anthelmintic drug resistance and climate change- mean that gastrointestinal nematode researchers will need to be as innovative in the next 50 years as in the last.

Assessment of weight gain and control of parasitism by Rhipicephalus microplus in dairy cattle in the field using organosynthetic parasiticide, phytotherapics and homeopathy / Avaliação do ganho de peso e controle do parasitismo por Rhipicephalus microplus em bovinos leiteiros a campo usando parasiticida organosintético, fitoterápicos e homeopatia

The goal of this research was to compare the effect of the following products on dairy cattle, parasitized by Rhipicephalus microplus: organosynthetics - Clorfenvinfós and Ivermectina (OG); phytotherapics - Eucalyptus oil (EG) and Neem cake (NG); Homeopathy (HG); The control group (CG) received no treatment. Infestation was by R. microplus (MIC) and weight gain (GP) were evaluated. The study included 60 animals (5 groups) from ­ Dutch / Zebu, aged between 25-44 months and initial weight between 211-477kg. EG and NG showed MIC 84.9% and 14.0% greater than CG, respectively (P <0.05; P = 0). HG and OG had MIC less than CG 24.4% and 16.9%, respectively (P<0.05; P <0.05). EG, NG and OG obtained GP lower than CG in 7.9%, 8.9% and 8.06% (P <0.05) respectively. The HG GP was 4.9% higher (P <0.05) than CG. This was the first research to prove parasitism control by R. microplus in a field test, using homeopathy. The methodology for choosing Homeopathy for the control of enzooties, developed and tested for the first time in this study, proved to be adequate and efficient, opening the possibility for establishing a new methodology for strategic control of parasitism by R. microplus.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi comparar o efeito dos seguintes produtos sobre bovinos leiteiros, parasitados por Rhipicephalus microplus: organossintéticos - clorfenvinfós e ivermectina (OG); fitoterápicos - óleo de eucalipto (EG) e torta de Neem (NG) e homeopatia (HG). O grupo controle (CG) não recebeu tratamento. Foram avaliados infestação por R. microplus (MIC) e ganho de peso/grupo (GP) em 60 animais (5 grupos), a partir de ­ holandês/zebu, com idade entre 25 e 44 meses e peso inicial entre 211 e 477kg. EG e NG apresentaram MIC 84,9% e 14,0% maior que CG, respectivamente (P<0,05; P=0). HG e OG apresentaram MIC menor que CG 24,4% e 16,9%, respectivamente (P<0,05; P<0,05). EG, NG e OG obtiveram GP menor que CG em 7,9%, 8,9% e 8,06% (P<0,05), respectivamente. O GP do HG foi 4,9% maior (P<0,05) que o CG. Esta foi a primeira pesquisa a comprovar controle do parasitismo por R. microplus em teste a campo, usando homeopatia. A metodologia para escolha de medicamentos homeopáticos para controle de enzootias, desenvolvida e testada pela primeira vez neste estudo, mostrou-se adequada e eficiente, abrindo a possibilidade para estabelecimento de nova metodologia para controle estratégico do parasitismo por R. microplus.(AU)

Phytophthora Crown Rot of Florida Strawberry: Inoculum Sources and Thermotherapy of Transplants for Disease Management.

Phytophthora crown rot, caused mainly by Phytophthora cactorum but also by P. nicotianae, reported in 2018, is an important disease in the Florida strawberry annual production system. Mefenoxam is the most effective and widely used fungicide to manage this disease. However, because of pathogen resistance, alternatives to chemical control are needed. Phytophthora spp. were rarely recovered during the summer from soil of commercial farms where the disease was observed during the season. In a more detailed survey on research plots, neither of the two species was recovered 1 month after the crop was terminated and water was shut off. Therefore, Phytophthora spp. does not seem to survive in the soil over summer in Florida. In a field trial, asymptomatic nursery transplants harboring quiescent infections were confirmed as the major source of inoculum for these pathogens in Florida. Heat treatment of P. cactorum zoospores at 44°C for as little as 5 min was effective in inhibiting germination and colony formation; however, oospore germination was not inhibited by any of the tested temperatures in vitro. In the field, thermotherapy treatment of inoculated plants was shown to have great potential to serve as a nonchemical approach for managing Phytophthora crown rot in production fields and reducing mefenoxam-resistant populations in nursery transplants.

Botanical and chemical fungicides in the treatment of commercial seeds of Brachiaria brizantha and Panicum maximum.

Brazil is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of forage seeds in the world. However, the high incidence of pathogens threatens the seed production system, resulting in decreases in production and quality. Currently, the emphasis has been placed on the use of alternative products as a way of maintaining productivity and environmental sustainability. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mycoflora associated with the commercial seeds of Brachiaria brizantha and Panicum maximum treated with chemical and alternative fungicide. To test with chemical and alternative treatments, seeds were subjected to fluazinam + thiophanate-methyl, fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M, noni essential oil, rosemary pepper essential oil, sulfuric acid. There was also an untreated control. The most efficient products in the control of incident fungi were, in decreasing order, fluazinam + thiophanate-methyl, fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M, noni essential oil, rosemary pepper essential oil, and sulfuric acid. Fungicides mainly controlled the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Bipolaris, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, Phoma and Rhizopus. Essential oils showed positive effects in controlling Bipolaris, Curvularia, and Fusarium. Sulfuric acid reduced the incidence of Bipolaris, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Phoma, and Rhizopus. Seed treatment is one of the promising strategies for obtaining seeds of a healthy quality. As a result, the fungicides and botanical components listed above were promising in reducing fungi associated with forage seeds and can be used for seed treatments and in the development of new products with a natural base through essential oils.