Two plant-associated Bacillus velezensis strains selected after genome analysis, metabolite profiling, and with proved biocontrol potential, were enhancing harvest yield of coffee and black pepper in large field trials

Elimination of chemically synthesized pesticides, such as fungicides and nematicides, in agricultural products is a key to successful practice of the Vietnamese agriculture. We describe here the route for developing successful biostimulants based on members of the Bacillus subtilis species complex. A number of endospore-forming Gram-positive bacterial strains with antagonistic action against plant pathogens were isolated from Vietnamese crop plants. Based on their draft genome sequence, thirty of them were assigned to the Bacillus subtilis species complex. Most of them were assigned to the species Bacillus velezensis. Whole genome sequencing of strains BT2.4 and BP1.2A corroborated their close relatedness to B. velezensis FZB42, the model strain for Gram-positive plant growth-promoting bacteria. Genome mining revealed that at least 15 natural product biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) are well conserved in all B. velezensis strains. In total, 36 different BGCs were identified in the genomes of the strains representing B. velezensis, B. subtilis, Bacillus tequilensis, and Bacillus. altitudinis. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated the potential of the B. velezensis strains to enhance plant growth and to suppress phytopathogenic fungi and nematodes. Due to their promising potential to stimulate plant growth and to support plant health, the B. velezensis strains TL7 and S1 were selected as starting material for the development of novel biostimulants, and biocontrol agents efficient in protecting the important Vietnamese crop plants black pepper and coffee against phytopathogens. The results of the large-scale field trials performed in the Central Highlands in Vietnam corroborated that TL7 and S1 are efficient in stimulating plant growth and protecting plant health in large-scale applications. It was shown that treatment with both bioformulations resulted in prevention of the pathogenic pressure exerted by nematodes, fungi, and oomycetes, and increased harvest yield in coffee, and pepper.Peer Reviewe

Occurrence of CWBD in 3 countries in Southeast Asia

The monitoring was conducted during 2020 in the main cassava producing areas in the countries of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The monitoring protocol was defined by CIAT's Virology and Crop Protection group and is part of the project "Sustainable cassava disease solution in Southeast Asia". A sample size of 60 photographs per hectare was defined following an X or Z pattern across the field, a photograph was taken of each plant and 500-1000 milligrams of young leaves were collected on paper towels, the tissue was stored in hermetically sealed plastic bags with silica gel. Data was uploaded to the PestDisPlace platform where visual recognition of CWBD symptoms was identified for each photograph

SLCMV and CMD-field survey dataset using a standard BSP for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam

Standard surveillance and diagnostic protocols need to be evaluated and implemented at regional level, for early warning and coordination of rapid responses among neighbor countries. This dataset provides a description of 2020 surveillance data for cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in Laos, East Cambodia and Northern Vietnam, indicating location of the surveyed fields, and presence/absence of visual symptoms. The image data was accessed and validated through the PestDisPlace platform by experts working with CMD. All data was collected using standard protocols (e.g. 60 observations per Hectare). Detailed information is available upon request

Updates on phytoplasma diseases associated with sugarcane in Asia.

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Genetic Relationship of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Populations That Invaded Africa and Asia

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is an important agricultural pest native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere, and has invaded Africa and further spread into most countries of Asia within two years. Here, we analyzed the genetic variation of invaded populations by comparing the nucleotide sequences of two genes: the nuclear Z-chromosome linked gene triose phosphate isomerase (Tpi) and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) of 27 specimens collected in Africa (DR Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe) and Asia (Bangladesh, Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam). The results revealed that 25 specimens were from a heterogeneous hybrid (Tpi-corn strain and COI-rice strain; Tpi-C/COI-R) of the corn strain male and rice strain female, but two specimens were from a homogenous corn strain (Tpi-corn strain and COI-corn strain; Tpi-C/COI-C). The further analysis of the fourth exon and the fourth intron sequences of the Tpi gene identified at least four subgroups of the corn strain. These four genetic subgroups were identified in Africa and Asia, suggesting no significant genetic change due to the rapid migration within two years. Our study provides essential information for understanding the genetic diversity of fall armyworm in new habitats