Systemic resistance inducer acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) and its microencapsulated formulations: their long-lasting control efficacy against cucumber diseases and mitigation of phytotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: The development of fungicide resistance by pathogens is a major limiting factor for the control of plant diseases. To combat resistance development, the use of broad-spectrum but nonfungitoxic resistance inducers such as acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) is a promising approach because the orchestrated mechanisms underlying systemic acquired resistance induced by ASM are less likely to be overcome easily by pathogens. However, phytotoxicity is the main limiting factor of ASM. RESULTS: ASM was highly active at inducing systemic resistance against powdery and downy mildews, the two major cucumber diseases. Based on the duration of the control, ASM effectiveness against these diseases was maintained well in plastic greenhouses and the number of sprays could be reduced. Control efficacy after seed treatment with ASM and the applications of microencapsulated ASM was also high against mildews in pots as well as in greenhouse experiments, with no problematic phytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: The use of ASM is a potential integrated pest management-based tactic to control cucumber powdery and downy mildews because its long-lasting efficacy allows the application of typical fungicides to be reduced. The risk for resistance development in mildew pathogens will also be reduced. ASM seed treatment as well as soil amendment with microencapsulated ASM is effective in lowering the risk for the phytotoxicity of this compound. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

A literature review on the safety assessment of genetically modified plants.

In recent years, there has been a notable concern on the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods/plants, an important and complex area of research, which demands rigorous standards. Diverse groups including consumers and environmental Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) have suggested that all GM foods/plants should be subjected to long-term animal feeding studies before approval for human consumption. In 2000 and 2006, we reviewed the information published in international scientific journals, noting that the number of references concerning human and animal toxicological/health risks studies on GM foods/plants was very limited. The main goal of the present review was to assess the current state-of-the-art regarding the potential adverse effects/safety assessment of GM plants for human consumption. The number of citations found in databases (PubMed and Scopus) has dramatically increased since 2006. However, new information on products such as potatoes, cucumber, peas or tomatoes, among others was not available. Corn/maize, rice, and soybeans were included in the present review. An equilibrium in the number research groups suggesting, on the basis of their studies, that a number of varieties of GM products (mainly maize and soybeans) are as safe and nutritious as the respective conventional non-GM plant, and those raising still serious concerns, was currently observed. Nevertheless, it should be noted that most of these studies have been conducted by biotechnology companies responsible of commercializing these GM plants. These findings suggest a notable advance in comparison with the lack of studies published in recent years in scientific journals by those companies. All this recent information is herein critically reviewed.