Will novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic impact agriculture, food security and animal sectors? / Qual será o impacto da pandemia do novo coronavírus (Covid-19) na agricultura, segurança alimentar e setores de produção animal?

The whole world is in a great danger due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In December 2019, the outbreak of COVID-19 took place in Wuhan, China and then rapidly spread all over the world. The current study provides potential expectations for the adverse impact of (COVID-19). The global infection affected globe on agricultural level such as agriculture, food supplies and animal production sectors. Till today, 29th April 2020, there is no vaccine available for treating novel coronavirus, consequently, the outbreak resulted in closing borders and reducing production following social distancing measures. This short communication illustrates the possible implications and expected outcomes of the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) on agricultural, food security, integrated pest management (IPM), animal productivity; and it predicts, as well, the possible adverse impacts on the economy worldwide. Brazil has one of the most important tropical agriculture in the world, being a leader in soybean production in the world. This chain impacts others such as meat and eggs. The impact of COVID-19 will be positive, encouraging the country to consolidate its leadership in the world market, stimulating exports, the machinery, inputs and fertilizers market, as well as generating employment and income in the country.

O mundo inteiro está em grande perigo e conflitos diversos devido à nova pandemia de coronavírus (COVID-19). Em dezembro de 2019, o surto de COVID-19 ocorreu em Wuhan, China e depois se espalhou rapidamente por todo o mundo. O presente estudo fornece expectativas em potencial para o impacto adverso do (COVID-19). A infecção global afetou o mundo no nível agrícola, como os setores de suprimento de alimentos e produção animal. Não há vacina disponível para o tratamento de novos coronavírus, consequentemente, o surto resultou no fechamento de fronteiras e na redução da produção seguindo medidas de distanciamento social. Esta breve comunicação ilustra as possíveis implicações e resultados esperados do surto de coronavírus (COVID-19) na agricultura, segurança alimentar, manejo fitossanitário e produtividade animal. O Brasil tem uma das mais importantes Agriculturas tropicais do mundo. Sendo líder na produção de soja no globo terrestre. Essa cadeia impacta outras como as de carnes e ovos. O impacto da COVID-19 será positivo estimulando o País a consolidar sua liderança no mercado mundial, estimulando as exportações, mercado de máquinas, insumos e fertilizantes, bem como gerrar emprego e renda no País. Prevê também, os possíveis impactos adversos na economia em todo o mundo.

MECANISMOS DE ACCIÓN DE Bacillus spp. (Bacillaceae) CONTRA MICROORGANISMOS FITOPÁTOGENOS DURANTE SU INTERACCIÓN CON PLANTAS / Mechanisms of action of Bacillus spp. (Bacillaceae) against phytopathogenic microorganisms during their interaction with plants

RESUMEN Algunos Bacillus spp. promotores de crecimiento vegetal son microorganismos reconocidos como agentes de control biológico que forman una estructura de resistencia denominada endospora, que les permite sobrevivir en ambientes hostiles y estar en casi todos los agroecosistemas. Estos microorganismos han sido reportados como alternativa al uso de agroquímicos. Sus mecanismos de acción se pueden dividir en: producción de compuestos antimicrobianos, como son péptidos de síntesis no ribosomal (NRPs) y policétidos (PKs); producción de hormonas, capacidad de colonización, formación de biopelículas y competencia por espacio y nutrientes; síntesis de enzimas líticas como quitinasas, glucanasas, protesasas y acil homoserin lactonasas (AHSL); producción de compuestos orgánicos volátiles (VOCs); e inducción de resistencia sistémica (ISR). Estos mecanismos han sido reportados en la literatura en diversos estudios, principalmente llevados a cabo a nivel in vitro. Sin embargo, son pocos los estudios que contemplan la interacción dentro del sistema tritrófico: planta - microorganismos patógenos - Bacillus sp. (agente biocontrolador), a nivel in vivo. Es importante destacar que la actividad biocontroladora de los Bacillus es diferente cuando se estudia bajo condiciones de laboratorio, las cuales están sesgadas para lograr la máxima expresión de los mecanismos de acción. Por otra parte, a nivel in vivo, la interacción con la planta y el patógeno juegan un papel fundamental en la expresión de dichos mecanismos de acción, siendo esta más cercana a la situación real de campo. Esta revisión se centra en los mecanismos de acción de los Bacillus promotores de crecimiento vegetal, expresados bajo la interacción con la planta y el patógeno.

ABSTRACT Some Bacillus spp. plant growth promoters are microorganisms recognized as biological control agents, which form a resistance structure called endospore, which allows them to survive in hostile environments and be in almost all agroecosystems. These microorganisms have been reported as an alternative to the use of agrochemicals. Its mechanisms of action can be divided into: production of antimicrobial compounds, such as non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) and polyketides (PKs); hormone production, colonization capacity, biofilm formation and competition for space and nutrients; synthesis of lytic enzymes such as chitinases, glucanases, protesases and acyl homoserin lactonases (AHSL); production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); and induction of systemic resistance (SRI). These mechanisms have been reported in the literature in several studies, mainly carried out in vitro. However, there are few studies that contemplate the interaction within the tritrophic system: plant - pathogenic microorganisms -Bacillus sp. (biocontrol agent), in vivo level. It is important to note that the Bacillus biocontrol activity is different when studied under laboratory conditions, which are biased to achieve maximum expression of the mechanisms of action. On the other hand, at the in vivo level, the interaction with the plant and the pathogen play a fundamental role in the expression of said mechanisms of action, being this closer to the real field situation. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action of the Bacillus promoters of plant growth, expressed under the interaction with the plant and the pathogen.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of wood vinegars from carambola, coconut shells and mango against selected plant pathogenic microorganisms

Aims@#This work aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of three different sources of wood vinegars obtained from pyrolysis of carambola (Averrhoa carambola), coconut shells (Cocos nucifera) and mango (Mangifera indica) and to identify their chemical composition. @*Methodology and results@#Agar well diffusion technique was employed to assay the antifungal activity of the wood vinegars against Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gleosporoides, and Pestalotiopsis microspora and disc diffusion technique for antibacterial screening against Ralstonia solanacearum. The chemical compositions of these wood vinegars were also analyzed using GC-MS by employing the headspace technique. All wood vinegars exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens. Wood vinegar from carambola exhibited the most promising antimicrobial effect followed by coconut shells and mango. The GC-MS analysis revealed the wood vinegars from coconut shells, carambola, and mango are different in the chemical composition and active compounds. Major compounds identified in coconut shells are furfural, phenol, benzofuran, acetic acid, hexanal, ethanone, and formic acid. In carambola, the main compounds are furfural, imidazole, 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, benzaldehyde, phenol, benzofuran, indene, acetic acid, indazole, naphthalene, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, palmitamide, palmitic acid, heptadecanenitril, and sterylamide. Meanwhile, the main chemical compounds in the pruning of mango-based vinegar consist of toluene, furfural, imidazole, annulene, benzaldehyde, phenol, carbamic acid, acetic acid, naphthalene, heptadecanenitril, and stearylamide.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#It is suggested that wood vinegar from carambola, coconut shells, and mango is a promising antimicrobial agent in plant disease control, showing good potential for inhibition of selected plant pathogenic microorganisms.

Use of phosphites in postharvest to control anthracnose of yellow passionfruit / Uso de fosfitos em pós-colheita para o controle da antracnose do maracujá-amarelo

Brazil is the largest producer of yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and one of its production problems is the anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.). The use of fungicides on control of postharvest diseases is a method that protects the fruits during storage. However, precautions must be taken due to fungicide toxicity. The restriction to the use of fungicides in post-harvest led a demand for alternative methods of disease control, and, the phosphite application is one of these methods. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of fruit immersion in phosphite on postharvest control of anthracnose. Two tests were developed in vitro to assess the effect on the fungus: phosphite Mg2 (40%P2O5+6%Mg), Zn (40%P2O5+10%Zn), Ca1 (30%P2O5+7%Ca) and K1 (40%P2O5+20%K2O). For the in vivo tests, passionfruit (Gigante Amarelo), were wounded and inoculated (50L; 106conidia mL-1). Two tests were done with: Cu (25%P2O5+5%Cu), 2.5mL L-1; Zn, 2.5mL L-1; K1, 2.5mL L-1; Mg1 (30%P2O5+4%Mg), 3mL L-1; Ca1, 3mL L-1; Ca2 (10%P2O5+6%Ca), 4mL L-1; K2 (40%P2O5+20%K2O), 1.5mL L-1; Mg2 (40%P2O5+6%Mg), 1.5mL L-1; K3 (20%P2O5+20%K2O) 1.75 mL L-1; K4 (30%P2O5+20%K2O), 1.75mL L-1. Other two tests with phosphites Mg2, Ca1, Zn and K1 were with CaCl2 (2%) was developed. In addition, phosphites were tested at 25, 50, 100 and 200% of the dose: K2 (100%; 1.5mL L-1) and Ca1 (100%; 3 mL L-1). The phosphites Mg2, Ca1, K1 and Zn in vitro have reduced mycelial growth and fungus conidia production. The phosphites K1, K2, Ca1 and Zn were the ones that most reduced the size of the anthracnose lesion. There were no differences among treatments, concerning the physico-chemical fruit properties analyzed (% fresh mass loss, total soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity).

O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) e um dos problemas para sua produção é a antracnose (Colletotrichum spp.). O uso de fungicidas no controle de doenças pós-colheita é um método que protege os frutos durante o armazenamento, mas, precauções adicionais devem ser tomadas quanto à sua toxidade, presença de resíduos e a provável seleção de fungos resistentes. A restrição ao uso de fungicidas na pós-colheita cresceu e levou à procura de alternativas de controle, e, entre tais está à aplicação de fosfitos. Diante disso, este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da imersão de frutos em soluções de fosfitos no controle da antracnose em pós-colheita. Dois testes in vitro foram feitospara avaliar o efeito de fosfitono fungo: Mg2 (40%P2O5+6%Mg), Zn (40%P2O5+10%Zn), Ca1 (30%P2O5+7%Ca) e K1 (40%P2O5+20%K2O). In vivo, frutos de maracujá (Gigante Amarelo), foram feridos e inoculados (50l; 106conídios mL-1). Dois testes foram feitos com: Cu (25%P2O5+5%Cu), 2,5mL L-1; Zn, 2,5mL L-1; K1, 2,5mL L-1; Mg1 (30%P2O5+4%Mg), 3mL L-1; Ca1, 3mL L-1; Ca2 (10%P2O5+6%Ca), 4mL L-1; K2 (40%P2O5+20%K2O), 1,5mL L-1; Mg2 (40%P2O5+6%Mg), 1,5mL L-1; K3 (20%P2O5+20%K2O), 1,75mL L-1; K4 (30%P2O5+20%K2O), 1,75mL L-1. Outros dois testes com fosfitos foram com CaCl2 (2%) e Mg2, Ca1, Zn e K1. Ainda, dois fosfitos foram testados a 25, 50, 100 e 200% da dose: K2 (100%; 1,5mL L-1) e Ca1 (100%; 3mL L-1). Os fosfitos Mg2, Ca1, K1 e Zn in vitro reduziram o crescimento micelial e a produção de conídios do fungo. Os fosfitos K1, K2, Ca1 e Zn foram que mais reduziram o diâmetro da lesão causada pelo patógeno. Ca1 e K1 com CaCl2 reduziram o tamanho das lesões. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos, quanto as características físico-químicas analisadas (% perda de massa fresca, teor de sólidos solúveis totais, pH e acidez titulável) dos frutos.

Comparative study of the application of jasmonic acid and pesticide in chilli: effects on physiological activities, yield and viruses control / Estudo comparativo da aplicação de ácido jasmônico e pesticida em pimenteira: efeito nas atividades fisiológicas, produção e controle de viroses

The excessive application of pesticides for agricultural production has raised quite some concern about environmental safety and sustainability. To reduce environmental impact of pesticide overuse, there is an increasing interest in using different elicitors including Jasmonic acid (JA) to induce resistance against pathogen and insect in crop. Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), which is an important vegeTable cum spice crop around the world. The aims of this study were to compare the effectiveness of Jasmonic acid on growth, Phyto-physiological responses, yield and viruses control in chilli plant. It was evaluated the effectiveness of single spray of JA (JA1), double spray of JA (JA2), conventional pesticide (Malathion 50%) and without any of those or control. The experimental results showed that pesticide-treated plants perform much better at early growth stages and become less competitive to JA2 treatment at maturity. Double spray of jasmonic acid showed less stress symptoms in different antioxidant enzymes activities (GPX, APX and CAT), reduce percentage of disease incidence and severity as well as improve growth and yielding characters of chilli plant. Therefore application of Jasmonic acid in chilli could be a possible alternative of pesticide application and its two times exogenous spray (0.5mM) is most effective.

A aplicação excessive de pesticidas na produção agrícola tem provocado algumas alterações na segurança ambiental e na sustentabilidade. Para reduzir este impacto ambiental aumentou o interesse no uso de elicitores incluindo o ácido Jasmônico (AJ) para induzir resistência contra os patógenos e insetos na cultura da pimenteira (Capsicum annum L.), a qual é uma importante hortaliça ou planta olerícola ao redor do mundo. Neste estudo foi comparada a eficácia do ácido Jasmônico no crescimento, resposta fisiológica, produção e controle de viroses na pimenteira. Foi avaliada uma simples aplicação (AJ1), duas aplicações (AJ2), inseticida malathion 50 % e uma testemunha (controle). Os resultados experimentais demonstraram uma redução nos sintomas de doenças viróticas pela atividade das enzimas anti oxidantes (GPX, APX e CAT), que reduziram a porcentagem da incidência e severidade das mesmas e promoveram o crescimento e melhoram os caracteres da produtividade da pimenteira. Portanto, a aplicação do ácido jsmônico em pimenteira pode ser uma alternativa para reduzir o uso de inseticidas e sua aplicação em duas vezes durante o ciclo (0,5 mM) foi mais eficiência.

Potencial fungitóxico do óleo essencial de Piper hispidinervum (pimenta longa) sobre os fungos fitopatogênicos Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium oxysporum e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides / Fungitoxic potential of the essential oil the Piper hispidinervum (long-pepper) against phytopathogenic fungi Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium oxysporum e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade fungicida in vitro do óleo essencial das folhas de Piper hispidinervum sobre Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium oxysporum e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Para os ensaios biológicos, empregou-se o teste bioanalítico in vitro utilizando as concentrações de 100, 200, 500, 1000, 1500 e 2000 µg.mL-1 do óleo essencial. Estas foram incorporadas no meio de cultura BDA (batata-dextrose-ágar) para avaliação do crescimento ou inibição micelial. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Na concentração de 200 µg.mL-1, observou-se uma inibição total do fitopatógeno Bipolaris sorokiniana enquanto que, para o Fusarium oxysporum e o Colletotrichum gloeosporioides esta ocorreu na concentração de 1000 µg.mL-1.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of the essential oil of the leaves of Piper hispidinervum against Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. For the biological tests, using the bioanalitic test in vitro the concentrations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 µg.mL-1 the essential oil. This were incorporated into PDA (potato dextrose agar) medium in order to evaluate fungal mycelial growth or inhibition. The statistic design used was completely randomized, with four replicates. In the concentration of 200 µg.mL-1, observed inhibited complete the phytopathogens Bipolaris sorokiniana while the Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides this is occurred in the concentration of 1000 µg.mL-1.

First record of Botryosphaeria ribis associated with leaf spots on Magnolia aff. candollei in Brazil / Primeiro relato de Botryosphaeria ribis associada com doença foliar em Magnolia aff. candollei no Brasil

A leaf spot disease was observed attacking some Magnolia aff. candollei plants grown in a private garden in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Such leaf spots coalesced and led to extensive blight of foliage. A fungus was clearly associated to the disease symptoms and was identified as Botryosphaeria ribis. Its anamorph, Fusicoccum ribis, was also present, although less abundant than the teleomorph. This is first report of this fungus on this host in Brazil and the first record of any fungal disease on a member of the genus Magnolia in Brazil.

Neste trabalho são apresentadas observações feitas sobre a etiologia de uma doença foliar encontrada atacando alguns indivíduos da espécie Magnolia aff. candollei cultivados em um jardim particular na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Esta doença se apresentava como manchas foliares que tendiam a coalescer levando à queima de áreas extensas das folhas atacadas. Um fungo estava claramente associado a estes sintomas e foi identificado como Botryosphaeria ribis. Seu anamorfo, Fusicoccum ribis, também estava presente, embora sendo menos comum que o teliomorfo. Este é o primeiro relato deste fungo neste hospedeiro no Brasil e o primeiro relato de uma doença fúngica em planta do gênero Magnolia no Brasil.

Putative resistance genes in the CitEST database

Disease resistance in plants is usually associated with the activation of a wide variety of defense responses to prevent pathogen replication and/or movement. The ability of the host plant to recognize the pathogen and to activate defense responses is regulated by direct or indirect interaction between the products of plant resistance (R) and pathogen avirulence (Avr) genes. Attempted infection of plants by avirulent pathogens elicits a battery of defenses often followed by the collapse of the challenged host cells. Localized host cell death may help to prevent the pathogen from spreading to uninfected tissues, known as hypersensitive response (HR). When either the plant or the pathogen lacks its cognate gene, activation of the plant’s defense responses fails to occur or is delayed and does not prevent pathogen colonization. In the CitEST database, we identified 1,300 reads related to R genes in Citrus which have been reported in other plant species. These reads were translated in silico, and alignments of their amino acid sequences revealed the presence of characteristic domains and motifs that are specific to R gene classes. The description of the reads identified suggests that they function as resistance genes in citrus.

Genes associated with hypersensitive response (HR) in the citrus EST database (CitEST)

Plants are continuously exposed to pathogen attack, but successful infection is rare because they protect themselves against pathogens using a wide range of response mechanisms. One of them is the hypersensitive response (HR), which is a form of cell death often associated with plant resistance to pathogen infection to prevent the spreadsebpg@cnpq.br sebpg@cnpq.br of the potential pathogen from infected to uninfected tissues. Cell death is activated by recognition of pathogen-derived molecules by the resistance (R) gene products, and is associated with the massive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), salicylic acid (SA), and other pro-death signals such as nitric oxide (NO). The analysis of the citrus EST (CitEST) database revealed the presence of putative genes likely to be involved in HR through their products, like metacaspases, lipoxygenases, phospholipases, pathogenesis-related proteins, glutathione transferases/peroxidases, enzymes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway and in the formation and detoxification of ROS, as well as those involved in the formation and regulation of ion channels, SA and NO. By analysis of the EST database of Citrus, it was possible to identify several putative genes that code for key enzymes involved in HR triggering and also in plant defense against biotic and abiotic stress.

Isolation of Rhizobacteria in Jeju Island Showing Anti-Fungal Effect against Fungal Plant Pathogens

To select active bacterial strains to control plant diseases, 57 bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of the plants growing in various areas such as coast, middle and top of Halla Mountain in Jeju Island. Anti-fungal effect of isolated bactrial strains was tested in vitro by incubating in potato dextrose agar with isolates of four fungal plant pathogens Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. orbiculare, respectively. Thirty-four bacterial strains inhibited the hyphal growth of the plant pathogens, from which 17 strains inhibited one of the tested fungi, 10 strains two fungi, six strains three and a strain TRL2-3 inhibited all of the tested fungi. Some bacterial strains could inhibit weakly the hyphal growth of the plant pathogens, whereas some did very strongly with apparent inhibition zone between the plant pathogens and bacterial strains indicating the unfavorable condition for hyphal growth. Although there was no apparent inhibition zone, some bacterial strains showed a strong suppression of hyphal growth of plant pathogens. Especially, the inhibition by TRL2-3 was remarkably strong in all cases of the tested plant pathogens in this study that could be a possible candidate for biological control of various plant diseases.

Screening for Antifungal Endophytic Fungi Against Six Plant Pathogenic Fungi

A total of 187 endophytic fungi were isolated from 11 plant species, which were collected from 11 locations in Korea. Their antifungal activities were screened in vivo by antifungal bioassays after they were cultured in potato dextrose broth and rice solid media. Antifungal activity against plant pathogenic fungi such as Magnaporthe grisea (rice blast), Corticium sasaki (rice sheath blight), Botrytis cinerea (tomato gray mold), Phytophthora infestans (tomato late blight), Puccinia recondita (wheat leaf rust), and Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (barley powdery mildew) was determined in vivo by observing the inhibition of plant disease development. Twenty (11.7%) endophytic fungi fermentation broths were able to control, by more than 90%, at least one of the six plant diseases tested. Among 187 liquid broths, the F0010 strain isolated from Abies holophylla had the most potent disease control activity; it showed control values of more than 90% against five plant diseases, except for tomato late blight. On the other hand, fourteen (7.5%) solid culture extracts exhibited potent disease control values of more than 90% against one of six plant diseases. The screening results of this study strongly suggested that metabolites of plant endophytic fungi could be good potential sources for screening programs of bioactive natural products.

Progresso na seleção de progênies de tomate resistentes à murcha bacteriana através da avaliação epidemiológica da doença

Data from experiments carried out during the decade 83/92 by the Tomato Breeding Program of the were utilized to evaluate the efficience of the epidemiologic parameter Infection Rate to select resistant progenies to Pseudomonas solanacearum. Evidence were obtained that selected progenies from one to the sequence generation showed increased levels of resistance to the pathogen and yield capacity under infested soils cultivation, using standards of susceptible (Santa Cruz group) or resistente (Caraiba) varieties. The Infection Rate is able to detect high number of significant contrasts when compared to another parameter which do no consider the resistance as a resultant of a process which the expression change with the time.

Dados obtidos em experimentos realizados durante a década 83/92 pelo Programa de Melhoramento Genético do Tomateiro foram utilizados para avaliar a eficiência da utilização do parâmetro epidemiológico Taxa de Infecçâo para seleção de progênies resistentes ao patógeno Pseudomonas solanacearum. Foram obtidas evidências que as progênies selecionadas de uma geração para a seguinte apresentaram níveis crescentes de resistência e maior capacidade produtiva sob condição de cultivo em solos infestados pelo patógeno, usando-se como padrões de susceptibilidade variedades do grupo Santa Cruz e de resistência a variedade Caraiba. A Taxa de Infecção consegue detectar elevado número de contrastes significativos quando comparada com outros parâmetros que não consideram a resistência como resultante de um processo na qual a expressão é modificada com o tempo.