Khadija Javed

Rhododendron latoucheae is a globally renowned ornamental plant valued for its aesthetic appeal and economic significance. In May 2023, a leaf blight disease was observed on R. latoucheae in Guizhou Province, China, with approximately 20% of 500 surveyed plants showing symptoms of irregular reddish‐brown lesions bearing black conidial clusters. The causal agent was identified as Neopestalotiopsis cubana through morphological characterisation and multilocus phylogenetic analysis (ITS, tef1‐α, tub2 ). Pathogenicity was confirmed in accordance with Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. cubana causing leaf blight on R. latoucheae . In vitro screening of nine fungicides revealed high efficacy of mancozeb, azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, oxime·tebuconazole, and osthole, with EC ₅₀ values below 10 μg·mL ⁻¹ . These results provide key insights for diagnostic and chemical management strategies against this emerging disease.

The increasing challenges posed by pest infestations in contemporary agriculture demand sustainable alternatives to conventional pesticides. Biological control (BC), which utilizes natural enemies (NEs) such as predators and parasitoids, offers an eco‐friendly approach to pest management. However, large‐scale production of NEs faces significant challenges, including high costs, time‐consuming processes, and inconsistent quality. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied in modern agriculture to enhance the efficient mass production of NEs for BC. By leveraging automation, machine learning (ML), computer vision, and real‐time data analytics, AI can improve key aspects of NEs production, including diet formulation, environmental control, behavioral monitoring, and quality assurance. AI‐driven systems promote consistency and scalability in NE manufacturing, while adaptive feedback mechanisms enable continuous process optimization. Furthermore, AI supports the development of predictive models and customized distribution strategies, ensuring the timely and effective deployment of NEs. Despite challenges such as high initial investment and limited data availability, the integration of AI in NEs production holds considerable promise for cost‐effective, scalable, and sustainable BC strategies. This review explores the intersection of AI and BC, highlighting current applications, key challenges, and future opportunities in AI‐enhanced BC and NEs mass production. It synthesizes recent advancements and identifies research gaps, providing a comprehensive overview of AI's evolving impact on crop protection. By optimizing NE production and reducing dependence on chemical inputs, AI contributes to improved biodiversity, alignment with global sustainability goals, and a more resilient agricultural future. These insights are valuable for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working toward sustainable and inclusive pest management solutions. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

During a field study in the Baili Azalea Forest Area in Guizhou Province, China (27°12'N, 105°48'E) between May and July 2023, symptoms of leaf spot were observed on Rhododendron latoucheae Franch. The incidence of leaf spot on R. latoucheae leaves was about 12% in a field of 1 hm2, significantly reducing their ornamental and economic value. The affected leaves bore irregular, grey-white lesions with distinct dark brown borders, accompanied by black conidiomata. To isolate the pathogen, 15 symptomatic leaves were collected from 10 plants. Conidiomata present on the lesions were transferred onto water agar and incubated at 25℃ for 24 hours. Germinated spores were then transferred onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) to generate single spore cultures for morphological analysis. This process yielded three single-spore isolates: GZULJ 3-6.1, GZULJ 3-6.2, and GZULJ 3-6.3, all displaying identical morphological characteristics. Representative isolate GZULJ 3-6.1 was used for further study. The colonies, cultivated on PDA at 25°C in the dark, appeared pale gray with white aerial mycelium. Alpha conidia were single celled, translucent and fusiform, measuring 6.2 to 8.1 × 2.6 to 3.0 μm (n=50). Beta conidia were filamentous and hook-shaped, measuring 17.0 to 23.0 × 0.9 to 1.5 μm (n=50). The morphological features were consistent with the established description of Diaporthe hongkongensis (Zhang et al. 2021). For molecular identification, total genomic DNA was extracted. The complete internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), partial sequence of beta-tubulin (TUB), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1), and calmodulin (CAL) gene were amplified and sequenced using primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), Bt2a/Bt2b (Glass and Donaldson. 1995), EF1-728F/EF1-986R and CAL-228F/CAL-737R (Carbone and Kohn. 1999), respectively. The ITS, TUB, TEF1, and CAL sequences (GenBank accession nos. OR807761, OR825453, OR825450, and OR825447, respectively) were obtained, and BLASTn analysis against sequences in GenBank showed 97.37 to 99.30% identity with Diaporthe hongkongensis CBS 115448. Phylogenetic analysis reaffirmed the isolate's placement within a well-supported cluster alongside D. hongkongensis. The pathogenicity of GZULJ 3-6.1 was evaluated using three 2-year-old R. latoucheae plants inoculated with spore suspension (106 spores per ml). The inoculation targeted three leaves per plant, while an additional three plants, serving as controls, were sprayed with sterile water. The plants were maintained in the growth chamber at 25°C, with a 12-hour photoperiod and 75% relative humidity. The pathogenicity test was repeated three times. After 14 days, the inoculated leaves developed brown lesions similar to those observed in the field, whereas the control leaves remained symptom-free. The fungus was successfully reisolated from the infected leaves and identified through morphological characterization and molecular analyses, confirming its identity. D. eres, a closely related species to D. hongkongensis, has been reported to induce similar disease symptoms on R. latoucheae (Wu et al. 2024). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of D. hongkongensis causing leaf spot disease on R. latoucheae in China. This finding will facilitate the development of effective management strategies to control the complex leaf spot disease affecting R. latoucheae and provide critical insights into its broader implications for the health of this species.

Rhododendron simsii (indoor azalea) is widely cultivated for its high ornamental value (Xu et al. 2021). In April to May 2023, a leaf spot disease occurred in a field study at the Baili Azalea Forest Area (27°12'N, 105°48'E), Guizhou Province, China. About 500 plants were investigated, and the results showed that the incidence of leaf spot was 20 ~ 30%. To study this disease, 10 plants showing severe symptoms were collected. Initially, the symptoms were round or irregularly shaped brown spots (1 to 10 mm). With time, the spots enlarged and merged. Symptomatic leaves were washed with sterile distilled water, and 5 × 5 mm pieces of the infected tissues were removed. After surface sterilization (30 s with 75% ethanol, 2 min with 3% NaOCl, then washed three times with sterilized distilled water), the leaf pieces were dried and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25℃ for 5 days. Fungal colonies developed from leaf tissues, and the germinated spores were transferred onto PDA for further purification and morphological observation. Three isolates (GUBJ23, GUBJ24, and GUBJ12) with similar morphology were obtained from five affected leaves. The representative strain GUBJ23 was selected for further study. On PDA the mycelium was initially white but with sporulation turned gray and then black. Black, single-celled conidia, spherical to sub-spherical, from 11.80 to 21.39 × 13.38 to 21.83 μm (n = 50) in diameter were borne singly on hyaline vesicles at the tips of conidiophores. These morphological characteristics were similar to those of Nigrospora sphaerica (Wang et al. 2017). To confirm the identification, primer pairs for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS5/ITS4), β-tubulin (TUB2) (Bt-2a/Bt-2b), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) (EF1-728F/EF1-986R), were used for PCR amplification of DNA from strain GUBJ23 (Carbone and Kohn 1999; Glass et al. 1995; White et al. 1990). The resulting sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers OR818025 (ITS), OR835150 (TUB2), and OR835147 (TEF1-α). BLAST searches of the sequences revealed 99.80% identity (503/504 bp) of the ITS sequence, 100.00% identity (395/395 bp) of the TUB2 sequence, and 100.00% identity of the TEF1-α sequence (241/241 bp) with N. sphaerica LC7294 (accessions KX985932, KY019602, and KY019397, respectively.) Based on a combined dataset of ITS, TEF1-α, and TUB2 sequences, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method and confirmed that isolates GUBJ23, GUBJ24, and GUBJ12 were N. sphaerica (Wang et al. 2017). Leaves of three healthy R. simsii plants were spray-inoculated with a spore suspension (105 conidia/mL), and an additional three plants were sprayed with sterile water. These plants were incubated at 25℃ in 75% relative humidity. After 5 to 7 days of inoculation, 0.5 to 1.8 mm spots appeared on the leaves. At 10 to 14 days after inoculation, grayish brown, semicircular or irregular lesions appeared on the leaves, usually with a diameter of 0.8 to 3 mm. The symptoms were like symptoms seen on naturally infected leaves, while the control leaves remained asymptomatic. The pathogen was re-isolated from diseased leaves and identified by morphological characterization and molecular analyses (ITS, TUB and TEF1-α), and the reisolated pathogen was identical to N. sphaerica. Thus completing Koch's postulates. According to previous research, N. sphaerica is a widely distributed phytopathogenic fungus that has a wide host range (Wang et al. 2017). This study is the first to identify N. sphaerica as the cause of leaf spot disease in R. simsii. Given the popularity of R. simsii as a pot plant and landscape shrub in Asia and othr regions, the occurrence of leaf spot disease seriously affects its ornamental and economic value. Therefore, it is crucial to establish and implement effective disease management practices to reduce impact of the disease.

Rhizoctonia solani is a significant pathogen affecting various crops, including tobacco. In this study, a bacterial strain, namely Y246, was isolated from the soil of healthy plants and exhibited high antifungal activity. Based on morphological identification and DNA sequencing, this bacterial strain was identified as Bacillus safensis. The aim of this investigation was to explore the antifungal potential of strain Y246, to test the antifungal stability of Y246 by adjusting different cultivation conditions, and to utilize gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to predict the volatile compounds related to antifungal activity in Y246. In vitro assays demonstrated that strain Y246 exhibited a high fungal inhibition rate of 76.3%. The fermentation broth and suspension of strain Y246 inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani by 66.59% and 63.75%, respectively. Interestingly, treatment with volatile compounds derived from the fermentation broth of strain Y246 resulted in abnormal mycelial growth of R. solani. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed bent and deformed mycelium structures with a rough surface. Furthermore, the stability of antifungal activity of the fermentation broth of strain Y246 was assessed. Changes in temperature, pH value, and UV irradiation time had minimal impact on the antifungal activity, indicating the stability of the antifungal activity of strain Y246. A GC-MS analysis of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by strain Y246 identified a total of 34 compounds with inhibitory effects against different fungi. Notably, the strain demonstrated broad-spectrum activity, exhibiting varying degrees of inhibition against seven pathogens (Alternaria alternata, Phomopsis. sp., Gloeosporium musarum, Dwiroopa punicae, Colletotrichum karstii, Botryosphaeria auasmontanum, and Botrytis cinerea). In our extensive experiments, strain Y246 not only exhibited strong inhibition against R. solani but also demonstrated remarkable inhibitory effects on A. alternata-induced tobacco brown spot and kiwifruit black spot, with impressive inhibition rates of 62.96% and 46.23%, respectively. Overall, these findings highlight the significant antifungal activity of B. safensis Y246 against R. solani. In addition, Y246 has an excellent antifungal stability, with an inhibition rate > 30% under different treatments (temperature, pH, UV). The results showed that the VOCs of strain Y246 had a strong inhibitory effect on the colony growth of R. solani, and the volatile substances produced by strain Y246 had an inhibitory effect on R. solani at rate of 70.19%. Based on these results, we can conclude that Y246 inhibits the normal growth of R. solani. These findings can provide valuable insights for developing sustainable agricultural strategies.

This study investigated the impact of Aphis gossypii watery saliva on the induction of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant resistance. To examine the role of A. gossypii saliva, we collected watery saliva from A. gossypii after a 48 h feeding period on an artificial diet. SDS-PAGE resolving gel 12% was used to separate the salivary proteins. Relative expression of gene analysis revealed that the intrusion of A. gossypii saliva dripping onto S. lycopersicum leaves triggered robust defense responses mediated by a signaling molecule, i.e., salicylic acid, while the signaling molecule’s jasmonic acid-dependent defense responses were moderately activated. Aphid saliva infiltrated S. lycopersicum leaves slowed the intrinsic rate of population growth of A. gossypii and significantly reduced the number of nymphs produced daily, compared to untreated leaves. During a choice test with untreated S. lycopersicum, aphids showed a repellent response towards saliva-infiltrated S. lycopersicum. Moreover, the (EPG) electrical penetration graph analysis demonstrated that the eating pattern of A. gossypii compared to untreated S. lycopersicum, that had been exposed to saliva was negatively impacted. These results provide compelling evidence for the involvement of salivary components of A. gossypii in inducing resistance against aphids in S. lycopersicum plants. Furthermore, the study underscores the crucial role of watery saliva in the intricate interactions between aphids and plants. The activation of pathways was also part of the defensive response (jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) signaling molecules). The findings of this research deliver valuable insights into the potential of watery aphid saliva as a natural defense mechanism against aphid infestations in S. lycopersicum crops.

The emerging elicitor protein PeBL1, extracted from Brevibacillus laterosporus A60, was tested against the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) for its biocontrol potential. Its effects on M. euphorbiae survival, lifespan, immature development, adult reproductive performance, and pest–pathogen interaction were assessed using electrical penetration graphs (EPGs), The levels of jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET) were significantly increased in the B. laterosporus-treated C. annuum seedlings, indicating substantial accumulation. Brevibacillus laterosporus improved the height of the C. annuum L. plant and the surface structure of the leaves, by reducing M. euphorbiae reproduction and preventing colonization, according to the findings of this study. The activation of pathways was also part of the defensive response (JA, SA, and ET). The use of B. laterosporus for integrated pest management in the agroecosystem appears to be suitable based on these findings against M. euphorbiae.

The hazardous pest known as rice leaf roller (Marasmia ruralis Wlk.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), which undermines rice (Oryza sativa L.) output globally, folds the leaves of the rice plant. Protein elicitors are thought to be biological elements that causes the rice to become resistant to herbivores. The potential for biocontrol of the emerging elicitor protein evaluated from Verticillium lecanii 2 (PeVL1) was evaluated against M. ruralis. To assess the impact of PeVL1 on immature development, survival, and lifetime, four different PeVL1 concentrations were allocated. Electrical penetration graphs (EPGs) against M. ruralis were used to evaluate adult reproductive efficiency and the interaction between the pest and the pathogen. Furthermore, the characterization of active substances in PeVL1 with multi-acting entomopathogenic effects looked into the direct interactions of PeVL1 with temperature and climatic change in rice (O. sativa) plants. PeVL1 treatments reduced the population increase of second and third generation M. ruralis compared to controls. In a test of host selection, M. ruralis colonized control plants more quickly than PeVL1-treated O. sativa plants. PeVL1 concentrations prolonged the M. ruralis larval stage. Similar to fecundity, PeVL1-treated seedlings produced fewer offspring than control seedlings. On PeVL1-treated leaves, trichomes and wax production created an unfavorable habitat for M. ruralis. PeVL1 changed the surface structure of the leaves, which inhibited colonization and decreased M. ruralis reproduction. The activation of pathways was another aspect of systemic defense activities including jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET). Based on these results against M. ruralis, the use of PeVL1 in the agroecosystem with integrated pest management and biocontrol seems appropriate. Our research provides a novel insight into a cutting-edge biocontrol method utilizing V. lecanii 2.

The dangerous insect pest known as rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis exigua (Butler), which reduces rice output globally, twists and feeds on the young rice plant’s leaves. Protein elicitors are hypothesized to be biological components that promote rice in becoming herbivore resistant. The evolving elicitor protein PeBL2, obtained from Brevibacillus laterosporus A60, was tested for biocontrol against C. exigua. Four distinct PeBL2 doses (74.23, 45.53, 22.26, and 11.13 μg mL⁻¹) were assigned to evaluate the impact of PeBL2 on immature growth, survivability, and lifespan. Adult reproductive efficiency and the interaction between the pest and the disease were assessed against C. exigua. Further, the assessment of active compounds in PeBL2 with multi-acting entomopathogenic effects investigated the direct correlations of PeBL2 with temperature and climatic change in plants of rice (Oryza sativa L.). When compared to controls, PeBL2 treatments reduced the growing population of second- and third-generation C. exigua. Cnaphalocrocis exigua colonized control plants faster than PeBL2-treated O. sativa plants in a host selection test. PeBL2 doses delayed the development of the larval stage of C. exigua. PeBL2-treated seedlings generated less offspring than control seedlings, identical to fecundity. Trichomes and wax formation on PeBL2-treated leaves generated an adverse environment for C. exigua. PeBL2 altered the surface topography of the leaves, preventing colonization and reducing C. exigua reproduction. PeBL2-treated O. sativa seedlings exhibited somewhat increased amounts of jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET). Systemic defensive processes also included the activation of pathways (JA, SA, and ET). Following these results versus C. exigua, the use of PeBL2 in an agroecosystem with integrated pest management and biocontrol appears to be reasonable. These findings shed new light on a cutting-edge biocontrol technique based on B. laterosporus A60.