Fungicides: An Overlooked Pesticide Class?

Insights on common fungicides: A national survey on farmland soils from Mainland China

Fungicides are a growing concern owing to their ecological and human health threats. In China, which is a large fungicide-consuming country, only a few provincial studies have reported several fungicide residues in agricultural soils. Additionally, terrestrial ecological risk assessments of pesticides are limited to the single species. This study showed that fungicides were commonly found in agricultural soils in mainland China, and the Σ13fungicides concentrations ranged from 0.0548 to 3183 μg/kg, with the major contributing component being difenoconazole. Spatial variation in fungicide concentrations was significant, with the highest concentrations observed in Southern China. The Σ13fungicides concentration was higher in soils covered with plastic films compared to uncovered soils, possibly because microplastics from agro-film sources promote fungicide retention in the soil. Among the crop types, the highest fungicide residues were found in soils planted with fruits. In addition, this study was the first to use the probabilistic species sensitivity distribution (pSSD) approach to deduce the predicted no-effect concentrations of major fungicides as terrestrial safety thresholds. Particularly, soil texture conditions may influence the hazard assessment of fungicides. Finally, from the species taxa perspective, the proportions of ecological risks of carbendazim and tebuconazole in agricultural soils in China were 4.3 % and 5.9 %, respectively.

Co-exposure of pyraclostrobin and biochar promoted antibiotic resistance genes transfer from soil to lettuce

The widespread presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) threatens ecological security and human health. In agricultural production, the simultaneous presence of non-antibiotic substances fungicides and biochar utilized for soil remediation has unclear effects on the spread of ARGs in the soil-vegetable systems. Herein, this study conducted a pots experiment and found that biochar significantly reduced pyraclostrobin accumulation in the soil and lettuce roots. Simultaneously, the co-exposure of pyraclostrobin and biochar increased the microbial community alpha diversity and the abundance of ARGs in soil, while promoting the transfer of ARGs from soil to lettuce. Proteobacteria were identified as potential primary carriers of ARGs. Planting lettuce mitigated the effects of pyraclostrobin or/and biochar on ARGs accumulation in soil. Furthermore, MGEs and bacterial community abundance were the most important direct factors increasing ARGs in soil and lettuce. Overall, these findings evaluated the combined effects of non-antibiotic substances fungicides and soil remediation materials biochar on the generation and transmission of ARGs, providing potential strategies for controlling ARGs transfer in soil-vegetable systems.

Structural optimization and discovery of high effective isopropanolamine-based TPS1 inhibitors as promising broad-spectrum fungicide candidates

To address the growing resistance and environmental issues of existing fungicides, the development of novel broad-spectrum fungicides based on new targets, such as TPS1, has been prioritized. However, related research remains limited. In this study, we optimized our previously reported isopropanolamine-based MoTPS1 inhibitor, j11, by replacing its groups on both sides of its isopropanolamine linker with sulfonamide and 1,2,4-triazole fragments through a fragment replacement combining rational design approach. This approach led to the identification of novel isopropanolamine compounds, including g12, g18, o1, and o3, exhibiting significantly improved TPS1 inhibition compared to j11, with IC50 values against MoTPS1 and BcTPS1 of 8.38-14.73 and 38.70-59.99 μM, respectively. The interaction mechanism research confirmed that hydrogen bonds and salt bridges between the novel isopropanolamine compounds and the Glu396 residue in MoTPS1 were crucial during their interaction. Plant leaf and fruit inoculation experiment revealed that these novel isopropanolamine compounds exhibiting substantial inhibition against MoTPS1 and BcTPS1 significantly suppressed the infection of Magnaporthe oryzae and Botrytis cinerea. Preliminary fungicidal mechanism studies indicated that these novel isopropanolamine compounds disrupted various fungal physiological processes including sporulation, conidia germination, appressorium formation, and turgor pressure accumulation within appressorium, while also causing conidia deformation. The hyphal growth inhibition assay against various plant pathogenic fungi suggested that the novel isopropanolamine compounds such as o1 and o3 held the potential as broad-spectrum fungicide candidates with EC50 values of 2.80-17.55 μg/mL. The toxicological assessment suggested that compounds o1 and o3 had no potential toxicity towards diverse non-target organisms. This study provided a valuable insight for optimizing and developing high effective TPS1 inhibitors to be applied in the control of plant diseases.

trans-2-Octenal controls Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, the causal agent of tomato wilt in vitro, in soil and in the field

BACKGROUND

Fungal plant diseases cause major crop losses. Phytopathogenic fungi's ability to evolve resistance to fungicides, alongside ongoing prohibition of such agents by the European Commission because of their pronounced adverse effects on human health and the environment, make their control a challenge. Moreover, the development of less perilous fungicides is a complex task. Here we describe the process and challenges involved in the development of a novel fungicide, from in-vitro studies to field experiments.

RESULTS

In-vitro experiments with trans-2-octenal, a bioactive compound secreted by the endophytic fungus Daldinia cf. concentrica, revealed its ability to fully inhibit and kill phytopathogenic microorganisms. A formulated version of trans-2-octenal was then used against the soil-borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Forl), the causal agent of tomato vascular wilt disease, in pot experiments with different soil types. We found the highest fungicidal activity in sandy and loam soils, whereas heavy soil impaired activity. Lastly, we investigated the activity of the formulated trans-2-octenal against Forl in semi-field experiments. We achieved complete elimination of Forl, provided the soil is rotavated after trans-2-octenal application.

CONCLUSION

trans-2-Octenal has the potential to control Forl in vitro, in pots and in the field. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of molecular signatures for azole fungicide toxicity in zebrafish embryos by integrating transcriptomics and gene network analysis

Azoles control fungal growth by inhibiting sterol biosynthesis in fungi according to the fungicide resistance action committee. Furthermore, previous studies have highlighted several effects of azole fungicides in fish including endocrine disruption. In this study, we analysed the transcriptome responses of zebrafish embryos exposed to azole fungicides to identify gene expression fingerprints indicating toxic effects such as endocrine disruption induced by sterol biosynthesis inhibition. Firstly, a modified zebrafish embryo toxicity test was conducted following the OECD 236 guideline, exposing embryos to difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, and tebuconazole. After 96 h, RNA was extracted for transcriptome analysis, which revealed concentration-dependent responses for each fungicide. Additionally, overrepresentation analysis of significantly differentially expressed genes revealed biological functions related to sterol biosynthesis and endocrine disruption. A gene set with specific expression patterns was was identified as molecular signature for indicating adverse effects induced by sterol biosynthesis inhibitors in zebrafish embryos. After further validation, the gene expression fingerprints and biomarkers identified in this study may be used in the future to identify endocrine activity of substances under development in a pre-regulatory screening using the zebrafish embryo model.

Detoxification response in honey bee larvae exposed to agricultural intensification

Honey bee Apis mellifera colonies located in agroecosystems are exposed to pesticides and more fragmented habitats. The resources that bees obtain in these environments may be exposed to agrochemicals, which can accumulate in their colonies and be distributed among their nest mates. Hives placed in an agricultural setting located in the region of the Argentine Pampas were studied. Changes in the expression levels of insect cytochrome P450s, enzymes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, and the presence of pesticides in hive products at different times of crop management were evaluated. Our results showed that CYP6AS2 and CYP6AS4 expression in honey bee larvae increased significantly after crop flowering and pesticide application. Furthermore, residues of the herbicides atrazine and glyphosate, and the insecticide chlorantraniliprole were found in beeswax and honey samples collected from the same beehives, and their concentrations correlated with the expression profiles of CYP6AS2, CYP6AS3 and CYP9BD1. These results underscore the potential risks of pesticides exposure to larval development, highlighting the need to mitigate agrochemical use in agricultural landscapes to safeguard honey bee colonies.

Multiple mutations in succinate dehydrogenase subunits conferring resistance to fungicide Pydiflumetofen in Magnaporthe oryzae

BACKGROUND

Magnaporthe oryzae is the causal agent of rice blast disease. Pydiflumetofen, a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), has promising potential for controlling rice blast owing to the antifungal activity of this fungicide.

RESULTS

The median effective concentration (EC50) of 18 M. oryzae isolates obtained from the field to pydiflumetofen ranged from 0.3197 to 0.7381 μg mL-1. Further investigation revealed eight point-mutation types in the MoSdhB/C/D genes, including MoSdhBR243H, MoSdhBH245Y/L/Q, MoSdhBI247T, MoSdhCS77N and MoSdhDD122N/E. These mutations were identified through pydiflumetofen adaptation and resulted in mutants with a resistance factor (RF) > 213. These mutations partially impacted the fitness of the fungus, yet, interestingly, had no effect on pathogenicity. Meanwhile, the expression of MoSdhs genes, and mitochondria fission, fusion and morphology related genes also were influenced. The point mutations exhibited reduced succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. However, the mutations on MoSdhBR243H, MoSdhBH245Q, MoSdhBI247T, and MoSdhDD122N/E enhanced the adaptability of SDH to pydiflumetofen, except mutations on MoSdhBH245Y/L and MoSdhCS77N. Additionally, positive cross-resistance existed between pydiflumetofen and carboxin.

CONCLUSION

The potential resistant risk of M. oryzae to pydiflumetofen could be high. Eight mutations in MoSdhB/C/D are responsible for conferring resistance to this fungicide. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes and the bacterial community after stress from a single Dazomet fumigation

Although chemical fumigants are widely applied in agriculture to control soil-borne diseases, their influence on soil antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remains poorly understood. This study employed metagenomic sequencing to investigate the dynamic response and recovery processes of soil bacterial communities and ARGs after the end of fumigation with Dazomet. The results revealed that the effects of Dazomet were both phased and recoverable. Initially, no significant shifts in bacterial community diversity were observed; however, by day 10 of recovery (Dazomet10), diversity had decreased by 3.1 %. By contrast, ARG levels surged by 17.3 % and 10.9 % on days 10 and 20 (Dazomet20), respectively, before reverting to the baseline by day 50 (Dazomet50). These patterns were corroborated by qPCR data, which showed a 90.8 % reduction in 16S rRNA gene abundance, alongside a 4.17- to 4.38-fold increase in the relative abundance of ARGs at Dazomet10 and Dazomet20. Approximately 63 % of the variation in ARGs was attributed to bacterial community composition and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Combined with community analysis and host-tracking analysis, it was found that Streptomyces and Nocardioides were identified as key ARGs hosts. Overall, the microbial communities and resistome required at least 50 days after the end of fumigation to recover to their pre-fumigation state. This study sheds light on the dynamic interactions between bacterial communities and ARGs during recovery from Dazomet fumigation and underscores the critical need for the rational use of fumigants in agricultural practices.

Discovery of Potential Antifungal Agents: Chalcone Derivatives Containing Thiourea and Piperidine Moieties

Twenty-two chalcone derivatives containing thiourea and piperidine moieties were synthesized. The in vitro antifungal activities of these compounds against nine fungi were evaluated. The results demonstrated that a majority of these compounds exhibited exceptional antifungal activities. Especially, K2 displayed the most potent fungicidal activity against Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici), with a half-effective concentration (EC50) of 5.96 μg/mL, surpassing that of the control drug azoxystrobin (Az, 25.2 μg/mL). The in vivo antifungal experiments of K2 were conducted on pepper leaves and fruits. It exhibited significant protective efficacy against P. capsici in pepper leaves (95.3%) at 200 μg/mL, which surpassed that of Az (79.0%). Morphological investigations utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) unveiled the disruptive impact of K2 on P. capsici mycelium. Moreover, mechanistic studies have demonstrated that K2 exhibited the capacity to disrupt the integrity of the cellular membrane in pathogenic fungi, influence lipid peroxidation processes within the membrane, and induce cellular content release. These experimental findings provided a new idea for effectively preventing plant fungal diseases and developing novel green chemical pesticide products.

Biocontrol activity and antifungal mechanisms of volatile organic compounds produced by Trichoderma asperellum XY101 against pear Valsa canker

BACKGROUND

Synthetic fungicides raise environmental and health concerns, and microorganisms are emerging as promising natural antagonists in plant protection. This study evaluated strain XY101 and its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as biocontrol agents against pear Valsa canker caused by Vasal pyri, aiming to identify the antifungal mechanisms and key compounds.

RESULTS

The biocontrol fungus was identified as Trichoderma asperellum. Trichoderma asperellum XY101 strongly suppressed the mycelial growth of Vasal pyri on culture plates. A colonization assay indicated that the VOCs produced by T. asperellum XY101 significantly reduced the pathogenicity of Vasal pyri on detached pear twigs, with an inhibition rate of 78.96%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser confocal microscopy revealed that VOCs produced by T. asperellum XY101 caused abnormal changes in mycelial ultrastructure and damaged the integrity of fungal cell membrane. The results of headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) analysis showed the detection of 24 possible VOCs produced by strain XY101, with 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol and 1-octen-3-ol identified as the primary antagonistic VOCs affecting pear Valsa canker. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that these VOCs modulated gene expression in pathogenic fungal strains related to metabolism, membrane damage, pathogenicity, and resistance.

CONCLUSION

Trichoderma asperellum XY101 and its VOCs, 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol and 1-octen-3-ol, showed effective inhibitory effects against Vasal pyri, providing a basis for the development of VOCs-based biological fumigants to manage pear Valsa canker. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Natural Antifungal Alkaloids for Crop Protection: An Overview of the Latest Synthetic Approaches

Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds naturally occurring in plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms. Potent biological activities have been reported to date, ranging from neuroprotective to antioxidant and anticancer effects. Alkaloids have recently gained attention as potential antifungal agents for crop protection due to their broad spectrum of activity, eco-friendly nature, and ability to overcome some of the issues associated with synthetic fungicides, such as resistance development and environmental contamination. Several efforts have been made to obtain natural and nature-derived alkaloids endowed with significant activity against numerous pathogenic fungal strains. In this review, we collect synthetic strategies developed over the past decade to produce alkaloid fungicides for crop protection. Special emphasis is given to recent advancements in obtaining pure natural compounds and more potent analogs endowed with tailored and optimized properties.

Effects of the fungicide penconazole on the leaf litter associated aquatic mycobiome in artificial stream channel and flask experiments

Aquatic fungi play a key role in the turnover of organic matter in freshwater ecosystems, such as leaf litter in streams. Even though agriculturally applied fungicides that reach streams through spray drift or surface runoff may endanger the important functions of these organisms, potential effects of fungicides on the diversity of a complex fungal community are still understudied. We used metabarcoding of fungal DNA to investigate composition changes in a natural leaf litter associated aquatic mycobiome in artificial stream channels and flasks treated with 250 µg/L of the fungicide penconazole. Treated samples were compared with control samples from untreated systems and samples from a reference stream over 21 days. Our results show that differences in community composition between fungicide treated and control samples were weak for leaves that were preconditioned for two weeks in the reference stream prior to exposure. Apart from treatment effects on fungal biomass (in terms of ergosterol content), only the read numbers of two key taxa indicated an abundance shift that was probably induced by the fungicide. In contrast, strong diversity effects were observed during the following long-term recolonization (85 days) of sterilized leaves under penconazole stress, in which the occurrences of key taxa were significantly reduced in fungicide treated stream channels. Our results imply that DNA metabarcoding can be particularly effective to detect changes in fungal communities during the colonization of leaf litter, a crucial process for the following decomposition and the conservation of fungal diversity.

Chemical Composition, Antifungal Activity, and Plant-Protective Potential of Rosa damascena Mill. Essential Oil Against Fusarium graminearum

Fusarium graminearum is a common plant pathogen among cereals worldwide. The application of chemical antifungal compounds is the most frequently used method in controlling F. graminearum. However, its excessive use and the genomic plasticity of the fungal genome lead to increased resistance levels to these chemical antifungal compounds. In this context, plant-derived compounds might play a role in protecting against Fusarium head blight (FHB) and crown rot (CR) as an alternative. In this study, we aimed to examine the antifungal effects of an essential oil obtained from Rosa damascena Mill. on the plant pathogen F. graminearum using molecular and analytical methods. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS. The half effective concentration (EC50) value of R. damascena essential oil (REO) for F. graminearum was determined as 604.25 µg mL-1. Water-soluble tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) analyses revealed that REO caused cytotoxicity in F. graminearum. The potential oxidative stress and autophagic cell death capacity of REO towards F. graminearum was revealed via gene expression analysis and fluorescence microscopy. It was also revealed that, due to the plant-protective effect of REO, the disease severity of treated plants decreased by up to 27.78% in juvenile wheat seedlings infected by F. graminearum. Our data show that R. damascena essential oil might be used as an alternative natural ingredient in the field of plant protection.

Laboratory and Field Studies on Bioremediation of Point-source Contamination in Horticultural Crops Using Biobeds

Biobeds are technological tools to minimize point-source contamination on productive farms. A four-step workflow for the efficient setting of biobeds in farms and its proof-of-concept is presented: (1) developing a fit-for-purpose pesticide multiresidue analytical method for pesticides in biomatrix; (2) launching biobeds at lab scale for pesticide degradation evaluation; (3) setting up the biobeds in the field; (4) evaluating the pesticide degradation in the biobed during an agricultural year. An ethyl acetate/sodium tetraborate multiresidue method was adapted and validated for 35 pesticides in the biomixture; lab biobeds were installed, and the degradation of 11 pesticides was confirmed. Then, biobeds were installed in two horticultural farms of different productive profiles, considering farmers' conditions, and included in the farmers' routine work. High dissipation rates (∼80%) in both bioreactors were observed for 10 pesticides. This research studies the performance of biobeds in reducing point source contamination and diminishing pesticide concentration from contaminated machinery washings not only at the lab scale but also at in-field experiments performed in productive farms. Moreover, the evaluation of biobeds in actual conditions where different chemical families of pesticides were applied together and the confirmation that repeated applications and accumulation of some compounds throughout the cycle proved biobeds' versatility in diminishing the point of pesticide contamination in farms.

Enhancing Photostability of Prochloraz via Designing Natural Acid-Derived Prochloraz-Based Ionic Liquids

Converting pesticides into ionic liquids by designing counterions can modulate their physicochemical properties, thus improving their efficacy and environmental safety. In this study, eight prochloraz-based ionic liquids (PILs) were synthesized using natural organic acids, and their physicochemical properties, toxicity, antifungal activity, and efficacy in postharvest mango preservation were evaluated. The results showed that the physicochemical properties of propiconazole, including water solubility, logKow, surface activity, and light stability, could be adjusted by selecting counterions with varying structures. These properties were correlated with toxicity to zebrafish embryos and antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Notably, except for the benzoate PIL, the photostability of the other seven PILs was enhanced under UV irradiation, with the cinnamate PIL exhibiting a half-life 2.28 times longer than prochloraz. Spectral analysis indicated that the anions influenced photostability by shielding or interacting with the cations. Furthermore, the three selected PILs improved pesticide deposition on the mango surface during preservation, and the salicylate PIL enhanced pesticide penetration into the fruit, potentially contributing to its therapeutic activity. In conclusion, the ionic liquid strategy offers an effective method to modify pesticide properties, improve photostability, reduce losses, and optimize pesticide formulation.

Ecological impacts of agrochemical and pharmaceutical antifungals on a non-target aquatic host-parasite model

Agrochemical fungicides and their pharmaceutical counterparts are a major anthropogenic threat to the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems as they affect non-target organisms (including aquatic fungi) and disrupt the processes in which they intervene. The goal of this work was to assess the effects of four common agricultural fungicides differing in their modes of action (azoxystrobin, carbendazim, folpet, and mancozeb) and an antifungal pharmaceutical (clotrimazole) on a host × parasite experimental model. We conducted 21-day life history experiments with Daphnia magna (the host) in the absence or presence of Metschnikowia bicuspidata (a microparasitic yeast) to evaluate the effect of each fungicide on the outcome of this relationship (disease) and the fitness of both host and parasite. Interactive but context-dependent effects were observed in D. magna life history responses upon concomitant exposure to parasite and toxicant. The parasite had a drastic negative effect on host survival and reproduction. Carbendazim, clotrimazole and folpet significantly decreased host fitness. In some cases (depending on the combination of toxicant and measured endpoint), simultaneous exposure of the host to the parasite and fungicides led to a slight decrease in host reproduction, which was absent when only the fungicide was present. In two other cases, the fungicide interfered with the host-parasite relationship: azoxystrobin had an impact on infection intensity (decreasing spore load per host), whereas clotrimazole demonstrated a strong antiparasitic effect, clearing all signs of infection (0 % prevalence). These findings emphasize the context-dependent nature of the interaction between pollution and disease.

Development of a method for the detection of fungicide residues in foods of animal origin based on modified QuEChERS-GC-MS/MS

In this study, an approach involving gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MSMS) combined with a modified QuEChERS method was developed for the detection of 13 novel fungicides in chicken and beef samples, in accordance with the regulatory limits proposed by Japan, South Korea, Codex Alimentarius, and the EU in recent years. The regulatory limits and detection methods for these fungicides in foods of animal origin are yet to be established in China. These 13 fungicides were linearly correlated in a range of 0.1-200 ng mL-1 with a coefficient of determination (R2) of >0.999. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) for the 13 fungicides were found to be in a range of 0.16-1.50 ng mL-1 and 0.54-5.00 ng mL-1, respectively. The recovery of the spiked samples exhibited a range of 79.51-111.39% (RSD ≤ 10.51%), demonstrating satisfactory accuracy and precision. This study establishes a foundation for the identification of novel fungicides in foods of animal origin and provides technical references for the investigation of novel fungicides.

Possible Genotoxic Effects of Post-Harvest Fungicides Applied on Citrus Peels: Imazalil, Pyrimethanil, Thiabendazole and Their Mixtures

Post-harvest fungicides are frequently used on citrus peels to reduce post-harvest fungal contamination during the storage and transport of products. Despite these positive effects, fungicides can pose health risks to consumers. The aim of our study was to perform a genotoxicological risk assessment of imazalil, pyrimethanil, thiabendazole and their mixtures used as post-harvest treatments. A Salmonella mutagenicity Ames test and comet assay were performed to detect reverse mutation and assess DNA damage. Base-pair, frameshift mutations and metabolic activity were analyzed using the Ames test. In the comet assay, lymphocytes were treated with fungicides for 4 and 24 h. Thiabendazole was found to induce both frameshift and base-pair mutations in the Ames test despite the mutagenicity of both imzalil and pyrimethanil (p < 0.05). DNA-strand breaks were observed in lymphocytes, mainly with dimethyl-sulfoxide solvent fungicides (p < 0.05). The long-term exposure and consumption of fruits and vegetables treated with fungicides can increase the risks of developing genotoxic tumors. Our findings raise new questions about the health risks of fungicides and their mixtures to consumers. Further investigations are essential to explore the genotoxicological effects of fungicides on citrus peels.

Insect immunity in the Anthropocene

Anthropogenic activities result in global change, including climate change, landscape degradation and pollution, that can alter insect physiology and immune defences. These changes may have contributed to global insect decline and the dynamics of insect-transmitted diseases. The ability of insects to mount immune responses upon infection is crucial for defence against pathogens and parasites. Suppressed immune defences reduce fitness by causing disease-driven mortality and elevated immune responses reduce energy available to invest in other fitness traits such as reproduction. Understanding the impact of anthropogenic factors on insect-pathogen interactions is therefore key to determining the contribution of anthropogenic global change to pathogen-driven global insect decline and the emergence and transmission of insect-borne diseases. Here, we synthesise evidence of the impact of anthropogenic factors on insect immunity. We found evidence that anthropogenic factors, such as insecticides and heavy metals, directly impacting insect immune responses by inhibiting immune activation pathways. Alternatively, factors such as global warming, heatwaves, elevated CO2 and landscape degradation can indirectly reduce insect immune responses via reducing the energy available for immune function. We further review how anthropogenic factors impact pathogen clearance and contribute to an increase in vector-borne diseases. We discuss the fitness cost of anthropogenic factors via pathogen-driven mortality and reduced reproductive output and how this can contribute to species extinction. We found that most research has determined the impact of a single anthropogenic factor on insect immune responses or pathogen resistance. We recommend studying the combined impact of multiple stressors on immune response and pathogen resistance to understand better how anthropogenic factors affect insect immunity. We conclude by highlighting the importance of initiatives to mitigate the impact of anthropogenic factors on insect immunity, to reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases, and to protect vulnerable ecosystems from emerging diseases.

Exposure to a widely used mito-toxic fungicide negatively affects hemolymph protein and vitellogenin levels in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Mito-toxic fungicides used in crop protection negatively affect pollinating insects. The fungicide formulation Pristine® (ai: 25.2 % boscalid, 12.8 % pyraclostrobin) induces precocious foraging, reduced lifespan, impaired homing abilities, and reduced body size at field-relevant concentrations. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms for these outcomes are poorly understood. To assess the hypothesis that Pristine® negatively affects the nutritional status of honey bees, we collected workers from colonies that were fed field-relevant concentrations of Pristine® fungicide. Workers were collected concurrently from two experiments in which colonies were subjected to long- or short-term fungicide exposure. Pristine® exposure significantly reduced hemolymph protein concentration in bees from the long-term but not short-term study, and reduced vitellogenin levels during the short-term summer exposure. These findings suggest that mito-toxic fungicides can negatively affect the nutritional status of honey bee workers inducing detrimental behavioral and health outcomes which ultimately impact colony health and growth patterns.

Enantioselective Behaviors and Risk Assessments of Chiral Pesticide Mefentrifluconazole in Four Types of Fruits and Vegetables

Mefentrifluconazole was the first novel isopropyl alcohol triazole fungicide. Existing research indicated that R-mefentrifluconazole had high activity and low toxicity, presenting potential for monocase application, while limited data existed on its enantioselective dissipation in crops. Here, after confirming the absolute configuration, the enantioselective dissipation and risk assessments of chiral mefentrifluconazole in soybeans, peanuts, tomatoes, grapes, and soil were conducted. The preferential dissipation of R-mefentrifluconazole was verified in soybean plants, soybeans, peanut plants, tomatoes, and grapes. The preferential dissipation of S-mefentrifluconazole was verified in the peanut shells and soil. The stereoisomeric excess variations of mefentrifluconazole in soybean plants, soybean, peanut plants, and peanut shells exceeded 10%, and the enantiomer toxicity and behavior differences should be considered in risk assessments. The dietary risks of acute (0.020-1.250%) and chronic (0.054-18.328%) of mefentrifluconazole in these crops were acceptable. R-Mefentrifluconazole might be recommended for use as a monocase product.

Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Probiotic to Mitigate Pesticide Stress in Honey Bee

Using probiotics, especially those containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB), to support honey bee health and alleviate the negative effects of pesticides represents a promising approach for sustainable beekeeping. Probiotics have shown their ability to boost honey bee immune systems, counteract pesticide impacts, and lower disease rates. Bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have demonstrated their ability to degrade organophosphorus pesticides using phosphatase enzymes. Additionally, these bacteria are resistant to the harmful effects of pesticides and aid in detoxification. Furthermore, supplementing with LAB positively affects colony growth, resulting in increased honey production, improved pollen storage, and higher brood counts. Various methods of delivering probiotics, such as powdered supplements, sucrose syrup, and pollen patties, have been explored, each with its own set of challenges and considerations. Despite making significant progress, further study is still required to fully comprehend the precise interactions between probiotics and the physiology of honey bees, to improve delivery strategies, and to evaluate the wider ecological effects on hive microbiomes. By implementing probiotic strategies in beekeeping practices, we can create stronger and more resilient honey bee colonies that can thrive amidst environmental challenges, thus promoting the sustainability of pollination services.

Environmental fates of thiophosphate and triazole fungicides in a paddy-dominated basin

Under the widespread use backgrounds of fungicides in paddy-dominated basin, the neglect of fungicide environmental fates may aggravate their pollution risks. By integrating field detection with model simulation, we quantified the loss loads and explored the environmental fates of one thiophosphate and five triazole fungicides. Based on the experimental results, we simulated fungicide loss loads with the coefficient of determination of the verification results greater than 0.5 (with p-value less than 0.01). The model simulation results revealed that the extensive distribution of paddy fields and the rough terrain in the lower reaches attributed to higher loss loads observed downstream than upstream. Meanwhile, the loss loads in study watershed concentrated from May to October, constituting 92.69 % of the annual total. A robust correlation between fungicide loss and precipitation (with the coefficient of determination greater than or equal to 0.51, p-value less than 0.01) underscores the pivotal role of rainfall in mediating fungicide migration. Transportation has emerged as the primary environmental behavior of fungicides, accounting for at least 92.87 % of the total flux. Furthermore, the results of field investigation showed the application pattern of fungicides also affected the spatial and temporal characteristics of fungicide loss and also the loss load. The combination of experiment and model revealed the migration and distribution patterns of fungicides in the paddy-dominated watershed, facilitating effective management at catchment scale.

Acrylpimaric acid-modified chitosan derivatives as potential antifungal agents against Valsa Mali

In order to the antifungal activity of chitosan (CS) and to obtain a better natural bio-antimicrobial agent, CS was modified with acrylpimaric acid (APA). The grafting sites of APA on CS were controlled by adjusting the reaction time and the ratio of reactants to obtain APA grafted with CS C2-NH2 (NCSAA) and C6-OH (CSAA). Intermediates to protect C2-NH2 (PMCSAA) and final sample derivatives (PCSAA) were prepared using phthalic anhydride. The structural and crystal variations of the four derivatives were analyzed and determined by FTIR, 1H NMR and XRD. The in vitro antifungal activities of the four modified samples against V. mali, C. lunata, A. solani, F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum, and F. graminearum were evaluated by the mycelial growth rate method, and PCSAA was screened for optimal inhibitory effect on V. mali with an EC50 = 38.66 μg/mL. The SEM and TEM showed that these derivatives cause the loss of mycelial contents by disrupting the ultrastructure of the mycelium, destroying the internal structure of the mycelium, and preventing the cells from carrying out their normal life activities. In vivo experiments showed better curative effect (79.09 % ± 2.00) and protective effect (80.93 % ± 0.03) of PCSAA at 200 μg/mL.

Chronic exposure to tebuconazole impairs offspring growth and survival in farmland birds: An experiment in captive house sparrows

European farmland bird populations have declined by over 60% in 40 years, with the use of pesticides suspected to be one of the main causes of this decline. However, it remains difficult to test the impact of these pesticides in field studies due to confounding environmental variables that can also affect avian wildlife (e.g., food resources, habitat fragmentation and alteration). Triazoles are a family of fungicides that are ubiquitous in agro-ecosystems due to their use on a wide range of crops. Triazoles are suspected to affect non-target avian species by disrupting key physiological mechanisms and by detrimentally affecting their reproduction. In this captive study, we experimentally investigated the effect of the most commonly used triazole fungicides (i.e., tebuconazole) on the reproduction of an avian species representative of farmlands, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). We examined the impacts of tebuconazole at realistic concentrations (550 μg.L-1 in drinking water to achieve ∼ 60 pg g-1 in plasma of sparrows) under controlled conditions on multiple indicators of breeding performance (clutch size, hatching success, chick growth and survival). We found that chronic exposure to tebuconazole (9 months, including the breeding period) significantly altered the reproduction of sparrows. Although clutch size and hatching success were not affected by tebuconazole, chicks from the exposed group showed reduced growth and a higher mortality rate. Interestingly, these effects were exacerbated in female chicks, highlighting a sex-dependent effect of tebuconazole on sparrow offspring. This study demonstrates that tebuconazole can be detrimental to the reproduction of farmland birds. Further studies are now required to distinguish the direct effects of tebuconazole (toxic and sublethal effects on the developing chick/embryo) from the indirect ones (alteration of egg quality and parental care).

Enantioseparation, bioactivity, environmental fate and toxicity of chiral triazole fungicide ipconazole in soil and earthworm

Ipconazole (IPC) is a chiral triazole fungicide and commonly used for disease control in seeds. This study investigated the bioactivity and potential mechanism of ipconazole against pathogenic microorganisms at the chiral perspective. It explored the accumulation behavior of ipconazole enantiomers within the soil-earthworm system and evaluated its toxic effects on earthworms. Bioactivity evaluation revealed that the bioactivity order of ipconazole against three plant pathogens is (-)-1S,2 R,5S-IPC > rac-IPC > (+)-1R,2S,5R-IPC, and the bioactivity of (-)-1S,2 R,5S-IPC is 34.6-129.5 times higher than that of (+)-1R,2S,5R-IPC. Molecular docking found that (-)-1S,2 R,5S-IPC has a stronger binding affinity for the target protein CYP51 to cause activity differences. Accumulation and metabolism studies revealed that (-)-1S,2 R,5S-IPC is more persistent than that of (+)-1R,2S,5R-IPC, and ipconazole was primarily metabolized into hydroxylated ipconazole through hydroxylation in the soil-earthworm system. Toxicological evaluation found growth inhibitory effects and histopathological damage to earthworms at an exposure concentration of 1.5 mg kg-1 ipconazole. Further investigation indicated that these toxic effects of ipconazole were caused by inducing oxidative damage and influencing the functional gene expression of related growth. These research findings will further enhance the understanding of the activity and risks of ipconazole enantiomers, contributing to the safer use of ipconazole in the agricultural environment.

Current strategies in design and synthesis of antifungals hybrid and chimeric diazine derivatives

In the last decades fungal infections became a major threat to human health having an unacceptably occurrence, a high rate of mortality and the number of patients at risk for these infections continue to increase every year. An effective, modern and very useful strategy in antifungal therapy is represented by the use of chimeric and hybrid drugs, most of them being with azaheterocycle skeleton. In this review, we present an overview from the last five years of the most representative achievements in the field of chimeric and hybrid diazine derivatives with antifungal properties. Within this work we emphasize the most relevant data concerning the synthesis, design, Structure Activity Relationships (SAR) correlations and antifungal activity of the main classes of diazine: 1,2-diazine (pyridazine), 1,3-diazine (pyrimidine), 1,4-diazine (pyrazine) and their fused derivatives.

Behavioral and physiological effects of difenoconazole on stingless bees: A multi-species analysis

Stingless bees, vital to ecosystems and plant production, face increasing threats from pesticide use, with poorly understood potential impacts of fungicides on these pollinators. The goal of this work was to evaluate the effect of contact or oral exposure to difenoconazole, a broad-spectrum fungicide, on foragers of three species of stingless bees: Frieseomelitta varia, Melipona mondury, and Trigona spinipes. The study employed a field-realistic dose of difenoconazole (0.075 mg a.i./mL, referred to as 1×) and its dilutions (10× or 100×) to assess survival and food consumption. The recommended field dose was used to evaluate behaviors, as well as total hemocyte count (THC), and midgut morphology. Contact or oral exposure increased THC in F. varia, while oral exposure decreased food consumed, distance walked, and social interactions, and caused injuries to the midgut. In M. mondury, contact exposure decreased survival and THC while increasing interactions, whereas oral exposure increased walking distance and interactions. For T. spinipes, contact exposure increased walking distance and interactions. Exposures caused adverse effects with variations in the level or type of damage depending on the species and route of exposure. This emphasizes the significance of understanding the potential impacts of fungicides on various pollinators, particularly on stingless bees.

Spray-induced gene silencing to control plant pathogenic fungi: A step-by-step guide

RNA interference (RNAi)-based control technologies are gaining popularity as potential alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the ongoing effort to manage plant pathogenic fungi. Among these methods, spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) emerges as particularly promising due to its convenience and feasibility for development. This approach is a new technology for plant disease management, in which double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting essential or virulence genes are applied to plants or plant products and subsequently absorbed by plant pathogens, triggering a gene silencing effect and the inhibition of the infection process. Spray-induced gene silencing has demonstrated efficacy in laboratory settings against various fungal pathogens. However, as research progressed from the laboratory to the greenhouse and field environments, novel challenges arose, such as ensuring the stability of dsRNAs and their effective delivery to fungal targets. Here, we provide a practical guide to SIGS for the control of plant pathogenic fungi. This guide outlines the essential steps and considerations needed for designing and assessing dsRNA molecules. It also addresses key challenges inherent to SIGS, including delivery and stability of dsRNA molecules, and how nanoencapsulation of dsRNAs can aid in overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, the guide underscores existing knowledge gaps that warrant further research and aims to provide assistance to researchers, especially those new to the field, encouraging the advancement of SIGS for the control of a broad range of fungal pathogens.

Climate Change and Medical Mycology

This review explores how climate change influences fungal disease dynamics, focusing on emergence of new fungal pathogens, increased antifungal resistance, expanding geographic ranges of fungal pathogens, and heightened host susceptibility. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns enhance fungal growth and resistance mechanisms, complicating treatment efforts. Climate-driven geographic shifts are expanding the range of diseases like Valley fever, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis. Additionally, natural disasters exacerbated by climate change increase exposure to fungal pathogens through environmental disruptions and trauma. Many of those impacts affect primarily those already disadvantaged by social determinants of health putting them at increased risk for fungal diseases.

Reshuffling the risk values of pesticides in surface-groundwater systems: Evidence from mining intensity and hydrogeological vulnerabilities

The extensive application of pesticides in agricultural cultivation and crop maintenance has resulted in their widespread occurrence and accumulation across diverse environmental media. This study screened >52 target pesticides occurs in both surface and groundwater, including 16 carbamates, 8 triazines, 6 triazoles, 4 chloroacetanilides, 3 neonicotinoids, 3 pyrazoles, 2 morpholines, and 10 other types of pesticides within the Wulong River Basin, situated on the Shandong Peninsula in China. The target pesticides in surface water ranged from below the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 111.2 ng/L, whereas in groundwater, they ranged from below LOQ to 148.1 ng/L. 63 % (p < 0.05) of the target pesticides follow the migration rule, where the concentration in surface water appears exceeded groundwater. 37 % overcome the pesticide properties and aquifer intrinsic vulnerability and show higher values in groundwater. The risk quotient values for imidacloprid and atrazine exceeded 1 at 86 % of the sampling sites, indicating a high level of chronic ecological risk to aquatic organisms. The assessment of pesticide mixtures posed 15 % to 24 % higher risk levels to aquatic organisms compared to individual pesticides. While the non-carcinogenic risks associated with groundwater across all age groups were below the threshold of 1, there was a significant potential carcinogenic risk, particularly for children, warrants due attention. This study provides a new perspective for the systematic analysis of surface-groundwater systems and identify the exposure potential of pesticides in different water bodies and generate priority levels for risk assessment.

Picoxystrobin causes mitochondrial dysfunction in earthworms by interfering with complex enzyme activity and binding to the electron carrier cytochrome c protein

Picoxystrobin (PICO) poses a great threat to earthworms due to its widespread use in agriculture and its stability in soil. Mitochondria may be a sensitive target organ for the toxic effects of PICO on worms. Therefore, evaluating the effect of PICO on mitochondria can further understand the toxic mechanism of PICO to earthworms. Here, we investigated the mechanism of mitochondrial toxicity of PICO to earthworms at environmentally relevant concentrations (62.5, 125 and 250 μg/kg). Transmission electron microscopy observed that PICO disrupted mitochondrial ultrastructure. PICO reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited the expression of mitochondrial dynamics proteins of 51 kDa (MiD51). PICO interfered with the electron transport chain (ETC) complex activity and the relative transcription of its subunits. In particular, PICO inhibited complex III activity, cytochrome c (Cyt c, an electron carrier protein that transfers electrons from complex III to complex IV) activity, and ATP level. These changes were observed at PICO concentrations as low as 62.5 μg/kg. Molecular docking analysis indicated that PICO can directly bind to Cyt c with a minimum free energy of -7.84 kcal/mol, thus hindering electron transfer in the ETC. This study confirmed that PICO induces mitochondrial dysfunction in earthworms and contributes to effective pesticide management.

Cytoprotective effect of l-carnitine against mancozeb-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes

Mancozeb is a commonly used fungicide that protects crops from numerous fungal pathogens. However, due to its widespread application, mancozeb has emerged as a significant human health hazard. Mancozeb causes oxidative damage to human cells, including erythrocytes. In this study, we have investigated the cytoprotective potential of the dietary antioxidant, l-carnitine, on mancozeb-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes. Incubation of erythrocytes with 100 μM mancozeb for 24 h caused a substantial elevation of markers of hemoglobin, lipid and protein oxidation. Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were considerably increased, and the antioxidant defense system of erythrocytes was severely compromised. Several enzymes catalyzing vital metabolic processes in erythrocytes were significantly inhibited. Mancozeb damaged the plasma membrane, increasing osmotic fragility and cell lysis. Membrane damage resulted in morphological transformation of the normal biconcave erythrocytes to echinocytes and stomatocytes. Erythrocytes incubated with l-carnitine (100-750 μM) for 2 h prior to mancozeb treatment showed a marked reduction in oxidative damage. l-carnitine effectively neutralized free radicals and reactive species, thereby significantly diminishing oxidative stress. The activities of antioxidant and metabolic enzymes were also restored. Preincubation with l-carnitine stabilized the erythrocyte membrane and maintained its standard biconcave shape. Incubation of erythrocytes with l-carnitine alone did not alter any of the above parameters. Thus, l-carnitine can serve as an effective protectant against pesticide-induced cytotoxicity in human erythrocytes.

Capturing temporal variation in aquatic ecotoxicological risks: Chemical- versus effect-based assessment

The integration of effect-based and chemical profiling has been advocated to assess the potential ecotoxicological risks posed by chemical mixtures present in aquatic ecosystems. However, the concentrations of contaminants in surface waters can vary greatly over time and space, making it challenging to ensure risk assessment. Although the first results are promising, it has not yet been proven that these combined approaches are also capable of capturing temporal variation in aquatic ecotoxicological risks. The present study aimed to test this by combining passive time-integrative sampling with effect-based and chemical-analytical techniques in agricultural waterways. Silicone rubber sheets and polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) were deployed in four agricultural water bodies over four consecutive six-week periods. Passive sampler extracts were analysed using a battery of 22 in vitro and in vivo bioassays in tandem with extensive chemical target analysis of 225 compounds. The extracts induced fluctuating bioassay responses over time for all locations during all sampling periods, highlighting the presence of temporal and spatial variation in toxic pressure. A range of compounds, primarily fungicides and herbicides, were detected in the passive sampler extracts during all sampling periods and at all locations at variable concentrations, highlighting the persistent but variable chemical pressure in surface waters in agricultural regions. However, the toxicity observed in the in vitro bioassays could solely be attributed to detected chemicals in 6 % of the cases with those chemicals explaining only 1-16.9 % of the observed effects, indicating that these were predominantly caused by undetected chemicals. Risk assessments based on bioassay responses revealed frequent exceedances of effect-based trigger values at all locations and during all sampling periods. It is concluded that effect-based assessments better capture temporal variations in potential ecotoxicological risks than traditional chemical analyses, but that advanced chemical analysis is needed to explain the bioanalytical response profiles.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma longibrachiatum alter the transcriptome of Vicia villosa in response to infection by the fungal pathogen Stemphylium vesicarium

BACKGROUND

Leaf spot caused by Stemphylium vesicarium is a severe disease of Vicia villosa and first reported in 2019. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma are common beneficial microorganisms in soil that enhance plant resistance to pathogens. This study established a greenhouse experiment to examine the physiological and transcriptomic changes of V. villosa that were co-inoculated with the AMF Sieverdingia tortuosa and Trichoderma longibrachiatum to determine their effects on the development of resistance to disease.

RESULTS

Infection by the pathogen reduced the shoot biomass of V. villosa. Individual inoculation or co-inoculation with AMF and T. longibrachiatum reduced the severity of disease and promoted defense-related reactions, such as the production of salicylic acid (SA), activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and chitinase. Inoculation of Trichoderma alone or in combination with AMF significantly increased the content of SA of the diseased V. villosa by 12.23% and 12.80%, respectively. Treatment with AMF alone significantly increased the chitinase activity of susceptible V. villosa by 6.4% compared with V. villosa only infected with S. vesicarium. Gene ontology terms that related to plant disease resistance, such as upregulated "Defense response", "Peroxidase activity", and "Signal acceptor activity", were significantly enriched in diseased plants that had been inoculated with S. tortuosa and T. longibrachiatum. However, they were not significantly enriched in susceptible plants that had not been inoculated with S. tortuosa and T. longibrachiatum. The expression of the genes that were involved in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways "Isoflavonoid biosynthesis" and "Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis" and were related to disease defense was upregulated.

CONCLUSION

Both of T. longibrachiatum and AMF exhibit significant potential in managing leaf spot disease caused by S. vesicarium in V. villosa. The mechanism includes the increased SA content as well as the expression of pathogen defense-related genes in plant. T. longibrachiatum alone and combined with AMF resulted in a significant increase in SA levels. Furthermore, AMF also significantly up-regulated the expression of NPR1-related genes, which are integral to systemic acquired resistance. Our findings underscore the efficacy of T. longibrachiatum and AMF as potential biological control agents, providing a promising strategy for the management of leaf spot disease in V. villosa.

Migration of fungicides, antibiotics and resistome in the soil-lettuce system

The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become a serious issue in global agricultural production. However, understanding how these ARGs spread across different spatial scales, especially when exposed to both pesticides and antibiotics, has remained a challenge. Here, metagenomic assembly and binning methodologies were used to determine the spread pathway of ARGs in the soil-lettuce system under individual and combined exposure of fungicides (carbendazim and pyraclostrobin) and antibiotics (chlortetracycline and ciprofloxacin). These agrochemicals not only facilitated the spread of ARGs from soil to lettuce but also significantly elevated the risk of developing multi-antibiotic resistance among bacteria, especially to some antibiotic types (i.e. sulfonamide, aminoglycoside, quinolone, and tetracycline). ARGs could be migrated through distinct pathways, including both vertical and horizontal gene transfer, with plasmids playing a crucial role in facilitating the horizontal gene transfer. These transfer pathways have enabled key pathogenic bacteria belonging to the genera Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Pantoea to acquire resistance and remain recalcitrant, posing the potential risk to crop health and food safety. In summary, our findings highlighted that fungicide and antibiotic could drive upward migration of ARGs in the soil-lettuce system and reduced the quality safety of agricultural products.

Comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms conferring resistance to phenamacril in the Fusarium species

The filamentous fungal genus Fusarium contains many species that cause catastrophic diseases in fruits, cereal, and vegetables. These diseases cause substantial losses in yield and contaminate affected crops with toxins. This causes huge losses in the agricultural sector and threatens human and animal health. The most efficient approach to control the Fusarium spp. is fungicide application. Phenamacril is a site-specific fungicide that exerts its antifungal effect on sensitive Fusarium spp. It is a new fungicide developed that targets Fusarium graminearum by inhibiting myosin-5, an important protein in fungal growth and disease development. Because of its remarkable specificity, the new fungicide phenamacril is regarded as environmentally benign. However, many research findings have reported the emergence of the resistance of Fusarium spp. to phenamacril in both the field and laboratory. This article comprehensively analyzes the mechanisms underlying Fusarium spp. resistance to phenamacril. We examine the molecular, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to this resistance. We emphasize the importance of continued research and integrating different approaches to monitoring and managing drug-resistant Fusarium spp. populations. Integrating current inventions to inform strategies for sustainable disease control practices, and increase plant health, and yield will contribute to ongoing global efforts to achieve food and nutritional sustainability for the world's rapidly growing population while ensuring the effectiveness of the fungicidal product.

Online SFE-SFC-MS/MS analysis of pyraclostrobin and chiral mefentrifluconazole residues in mango and mango juice

This study established an on-line SFE-SFC-MS/MS method for the determination of mefentrifluconazole (MFZ) enantiomers and pyraclostrobin (PY) in mango and mango juice. Key parameters of SFC separation and SFE extraction have been optimized for high efficiency, sensitivity, and environmental friendliness. Enthalpy controlled enantioseparations of MFZ were recognized by thermodynamic analysis. Molecular docking estimated the enantiomeric recognition of MFZ enantiomers binding to the chiral stationary phase. The mean recoveries (RSDs) were in the range of 94.5-106.8 % (4.2-15.4 %), 91.1-103 % (3.6-10.3 %), 94.7-102.7 % (3.8-9.8 %), and 93.2-106.9 % (4.1-12.1 %) for R-MFZ, S-MFZ, racemic MFZ, and PY under 3 spiked levels of interday assays (n = 15). The LOQs of R-MFZ, S-MFZ, and PY were 0.5, 0.5, and 1 μg kg-1. The method was further applied to real samples in Guangxi Province, China with low acute and chronic dietary risk for MFZ and PY in mango and mango juice.

Chronic exposure to tebuconazole alters thyroid hormones and plumage quality in house sparrows (Passer domesticus)

Triazoles belong to a family of fungicides that are ubiquitous in agroecosystems due to their widespread use in crops. Despite their efficiency in controlling fungal diseases, triazoles are also suspected to affect non-target vertebrate species through the disruption of key physiological mechanisms. Most studies so far have focused on aquatic animal models, and the potential impact of triazoles on terrestrial vertebrates has been overlooked despite their relevance as sentinel species of contaminated agroecosystems. Here, we examined the impact of tebuconazole on the thyroid endocrine axis, associated phenotypic traits (plumage quality and body condition) and sperm quality in wild-caught house sparrows (Passer domesticus). We experimentally exposed house sparrows to realistic concentrations of tebuconazole under controlled conditions and tested the impact of this exposure on the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), feather quality (size and density), body condition and sperm morphology. We found that exposure to tebuconazole caused a significant decrease in T4 levels, suggesting that this azole affects the thyroid endocrine axis, although T3 levels did not differ between control and exposed sparrows. Importantly, we also found that exposed females had an altered plumage structure (larger but less dense feathers) relative to control females. The impact of tebuconazole on body condition was dependent on the duration of exposure and the sex of individuals. Finally, we did not show any effect of exposure to tebuconazole on sperm morphology. Our study demonstrates for the first time that exposure to tebuconazole can alter the thyroid axis of wild birds, impact their plumage quality and potentially affect their body condition. Further endocrine and transcriptomic studies are now needed not only to understand the underlying mechanistic effects of tebuconazole on these variables, but also to further investigate their ultimate consequences on performance (i.e. reproduction and survival).

Development of a portable SERS tool to evaluate the effectiveness of washing methods to remove pesticide residue from fruit surface

BACKGROUND

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to control pests and enhance crop yields. However, post-harvest, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks posed by pesticide residues on produce surfaces. Analyzing these residues is challenging due to their typically low concentrations and the potential interference from the complex matrix of the produce's surface. The problem addressed in this study is the need for a sensitive, rapid, and on-site capable method to detect and quantify pesticide residues on agricultural products.

RESULTS

We developed a portable surface-enhanced Raman spectrometer (SERS)-based approach that offers a rapid 10-min turnaround, simplified protocol, on-site capability, and high sensitivity. Using the new analytical method, we evaluated pesticide residues on fruit surfaces after household or industrial postharvest washing, specifically the efficacy in removing the fungicide ferbam from peach surfaces. The limit of detection (LOD) for our method was determined to be 0.012 mg/kg, significantly lower than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulated limit of 7 mg/kg for ferbam on peaches. Our data shows that soaking in tap water for 1 min is the least effective method for removing ferbam, with insignificant difference from the control group. In contrast, soaking in a vinegar-water or NaHCO3-water solution for 5 min, as well as in a sodium hypochlorite solution (12 % available chlorine) for 1 or 5 min, proved to be the most effective methods. Extended soaking improved pesticide removal for tap water, vinegar, and NaHCO3, while in the chlorine groups, the effect was insignificant. SERS analysis revealed negligible penetration of ferbam into peach flesh and the inner surface of the skin.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study introduces an innovative method for measuring pesticide residues, significantly enhancing our understanding of pesticide removal and penetration. This new analytical approach is crucial for effectively detecting pesticides and mitigating their exposure through food sources.

Prediction of Potential Risk for Ten Azole and Benzimidazole Fungicides with the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonistic Activity to Aquatic Ecosystems

Azole and benzimidazole fungicides are widely used agrochemicals to prevent and treat fungal growth and are frequently detected in aquatic environments. Here, we aimed to assess the aquatic ecological risks of ten currently used azole and benzimidazole fungicides, which with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonistic activity, and their transformation products (TPs). We obtained over 400 types of aerobic TPs for ten fungicides. Some fungicides and their TPs (approximately 26.7%) exhibited the potential AhR agonistic activity and toxicity to different aquatic species. Meanwhile, some compounds with the chlorine element and benzene ring structure exhibited environmental persistence and mobile ability. Several of them were frequently detected in aquatic environments, posing potential risks to aquatic ecosystems. These harmful fungicides and their TPs should be given attention. This study provides important insight into the aquatic ecological risks caused by azole and benzimidazole fungicides, which can provide theoretical guidance for their pollution control.

Efficient Control of Fusarium Head Blight and Reduction of Deoxynivalenol Accumulation by a Novel Nanopartner-Based Strategy

Chemical control of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat plants is often challenged by the resistance outbreak and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation. Developing green partners for fungicides is crucial for reducing fungal growth, mycotoxin contamination, and agricultural fungicides input. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of MgO nanoparticles (NPs) in controlling FHB. The EC50 of MgO NPs on mycelial growth was 105.2 μg/mL. At this concentration, they inhibited the spore germination, DON production, and wheat colonization of Fusarium graminearum by 56.0%, 24.5%, and 43.8%, respectively, exhibiting superior performance compared to nine other bioactive NPs such as ZnO and TiO2. Importantly, MgO NPs showed an additive effect with carbendazim and azoxystrobin in inhibiting F. graminearum. The extracellular toxicity of MgO NPs against F. graminearum was mainly attributed to the inhibition of fungal growth and germination by oxidative damage, alkaline damage, and cell structure damage. Although MgO NPs could not be absorbed into mycelia, they (EC90) decreased the soluble protein content and DNA concentration of mycelia by 27.8% and 42.3%, respectively, and increased the pyruvate content by 67.4%, demonstrating that the intracellular toxicity was mainly based on their inhibition of protein and DNA production and promotion of carbohydrate degradation. With low risks to nontarget organisms, MgO NPs could be a promising nanopartner for fungicides to protect wheat from FHB and mitigate fungicide overuse.

Assessment of the Photosynthetic Response of Potato Plants Inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani and Treated with Flesh-Colored Potato Extracts Nanoencapsulated with Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Potato has great nutritional and economic importance in agriculture. However, Rhizoctonia solani represents a significant risk, reducing the yield and quality of potato production. Flesh-colored potato (FCP) extracts show in vitro inhibitory effects against R. solani, although environmental factors may reduce their stability. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SNLs) offer a solution by encapsulating these compounds, preventing degradation, and improving delivery, positioning solid lipid nanoparticles as a promising technology for sustainable extract application. A greenhouse potato assay at two phenological stages under R. solani inoculation was used to evaluate the photosynthetic response (photosynthetic parameters and pigments) to two doses of the nanoencapsulated extract (SNL + FCP). During inoculation and commercial fungicide application, stomatal conductance, the photosynthetic rate, and the internal CO2 concentration increased compared with those of the non-inoculated control (NT), whereas the nanoencapsulated extract maintained levels similar to those of the NT, suggesting the possible regulation of the photosynthetic defense system. In terms of photosynthetic pigments, SLN + FCP maintained chlorophyll concentrations, unlike those in inoculated plants, which significantly decreased. Component analysis revealed that a lower dose primarily increased chlorophyll B synthesis, whereas a higher dose increased chlorophyll A compared with the inoculated control. These findings suggest an improved response from SLN + FCP to commercial fungicides, particularly with respect to photosynthetic pigments. However, further research is needed, and the results indicate promising potential for the eco-friendly control of phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture.

Effect of fungicides on soil respiration, microbial community, and enzyme activity: A global meta-analysis (1975-2024)

Fungicides effectively prevent and control crop diseases caused by microorganisms; however, they also unintentionally affect soil microorganisms and enzyme activity. This study conducted a meta-analysis of 73 published studies to investigate the effects of fungicide application concentration and duration on soil respiration, microbial diversity, and enzyme activity. Increasing the concentration of fungicide application significantly reduced soil basal respiration and microbial carbon, with inhibitory effects reaching 1.45 % and 7.37 %, respectively, at 5 times the recommended application rate. The application of fungicides significantly reduced the activities of alkaline phosphatase, neutral phosphatase, acid phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and urease, with the activities of alkaline phosphatase and urease decreasing by 15.43 % and 7.76 %, respectively. Additionally, the application of fungicides significantly reduced fungi, actinomycetes, Shannon index, Simpson index, and McIntosh index while not affecting bacterial diversity. When the fungicide concentration is at 0-1 times, 1-5 times, and > 5 times, the number of fungi decreases by 14.53 %, 19.91 %, and 33.81 %, respectively. Temporally, soil basal respiration and microbial carbon significantly declined in the first 0-21d after fungicide application, but no such inhibitory effect was observed after 21d. Even 56 days after using the fungicide, it inhibited the activities of alkaline phosphatase and catalase by 13.14 % and 7.13 %, respectively. As time after the application of fungicides increases, the number of fungi decreases significantly, while the number of actinomycetes gradually recovers. Overall, fungicides inhibit the abundance, diversity, and enzyme activity of soil microorganisms; however, precise control of fungicide dosage is essential to minimize their toxic effects on soil.

Occurrence, toxicity, dietary exposure, and management of Alternaria mycotoxins in food and feed: A systematic literature review

Alternaria mycotoxins are emerging contaminants frequently detected in food products and threaten human health. This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of scientific data and knowledge and gaps therein of natural occurrence, toxicological effects, dietary exposure, and prevention and control management of Alternaria mycotoxins in food and feed. A systematic review has been performed, using the databases Scopus and PubMed, retrieving relevant scientific papers published in English from 2011 to 2024. Alternaria mycotoxins are widely present in various food and feed products, with tomatoes and cereals being the most contaminated products. From the Alternaria mycotoxins, tenuazonic acid (TeA) and alternariol were reported with the highest detection rate and concentrations. Identified toxicological effects vary between the different Alternaria mycotoxins and include carcinogenicity, immune toxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. Dietary exposure assessments for Alternaria mycotoxins have been conducted in several countries but vary in their scope. The calculations and risk values suggest that exposure of children to TeA via their diet is close to their tolerable daily intake. A similar finding has been reported for exposure of adults to alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether via food consumption. Most Alternaria mycotoxins are heat-stable and cannot easily be removed during food processing; therefore, prevention and control measures for Alternaria mycotoxin contamination in food and feed are crucial. Fungicide and biocontrol applications have been shown effective in reducing Alternaria fungal growth and toxin production, and the development of predictive models may be promising. Collectively, they can contribute to mitigating the impact of Alternaria mycotoxins on human health.

Impacts of nanopolystyrene and/or phoxim exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations on the intestinal histopathology, intestinal microbiota, and metabolome in Eriocheir sinensis

Nanopolystyrene (NP) pollution in aquatic environments has become an increasing concern. Phoxim (PHO), one of the major organophosphorus pesticides, has also been detected in aquatic environments, posing serious health risks to crustaceans. This study aimed to assess the detrimental effects of NP and/or PHO exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations on the intestinal histopathology, intestinal microbiota, and metabolome of adult crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) for 21 days. Our study revealed significant histopathological abnormalities in the intestines. In all the exposure groups, there was a discovery of vacuolar degeneration occurring in epithelial cells. Additionally, the peritrophic membrane exhibited thinning after NP or PHO single exposure, while thickening was observed after co-exposure. Exposure to NP and/or PHO disrupted the intestinal microbiota homeostasis, as evidenced by the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and suppression of beneficial bacteria. Notably, PHO exposure resulted in increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Spiroplasma and Arcobacter) and decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides). Analysis of the metabolome revealed that exposure to NP and/or PHO led to alterations in the metabolic profile as well as several critical pathways. Among these, the upregulation of arachidonic acid metabolism, ABC transporters, and biosynthesis of amino acids was observed in both NP single exposure and co-exposure, while PHO single exposure downregulated these pathways. Additionally, NP and/or PHO exposure downregulated neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the significant reduction of some differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) was potentially regulated by the low-abundance bacterial genera following exposure to NP and/or PHO. And these DEMs have a role in anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties. Collectively, our results offer novel perspectives on the intestinal toxicity of crustaceans by NP and/or PHO at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Mixture of neonicotinoid and fungicide affects foraging activity of honeybees

The use of plant protection products (PPPs) is a major factor contributing to global insect decline. We here use the honeybee (Apis mellifera) as a model to study combined effects of the last neonicotinoid in the EU (acetamiprid) and different fungicides on live-long foraging flights using radio frequency identification. The mixture of the sterol-biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicide difenoconazole and the insecticide acetamiprid significantly reduced the number of foraging trips per day compared to the control and each PPP alone, while a mixture of the insecticide with the non-sterol-biosynthesis inhibiting fungicide boscalid/dimoxystrobin did not affect behaviour. This potential synergistic effect of the fungicide/insecticide mixture supports the notion that some fungicides can enhance the effect of insecticides, which did not lead to significant changes in behaviour when applied on their own. Our results emphasize the need for more studies on the interaction of different PPPs.

FM-568: A Promising Phenyl-Hydrazonomalononitrile Antibacterial Agent for the Sustainable Management of Citrus Canker

Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), poses a significant threat to citrus production worldwide. To develop effective and eco-friendly antibacterial agents, we designed and synthesized phenyl-hydrazonomalononitrile derivatives using a scaffold-hopping strategy. Among these, FM-568 emerged as a potent candidate, exhibiting broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in vitro against various phytopathogenic bacteria, including Xcc. Greenhouse experiments demonstrated that FM-568 achieved a control efficacy of 88.36% against citrus canker at 400 μg/mL, with an EC50 of 26.68 μg/mL. Field trials in two major citrus-producing regions in China confirmed its effectiveness, yielding control efficacies of 86.60 and 77.87% at 400 μg/mL, outperforming conventional agents like zinc thiazole and thiadiazole copper. Density functional theory calculations suggested that FM-568's optimized scaffold and electronic properties contribute to its enhanced antibacterial activity. These findings indicate that FM-568 is a promising eco-friendly alternative for managing citrus canker. Further studies on its mechanism of action, safety profile, and formulation optimization are warranted to advance its development for sustainable citrus production.

Demethylation Inhibitor Fungicides Have a Significantly Detrimental Impact on Population Growth and Composition of Nectar Microbial Communities

Demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides are a mainstay of modern agriculture due to their widespread use for crop protection against plant-pathogenic fungi. However, DMI residues can disperse and persist in the environment, potentially affecting non-target fungi. Previous research has demonstrated that DMIs and other fungicides inhibit yeast growth in floral nectar microbial communities and decrease fungal richness and diversity of exposed flowers with no apparent effect on bacteria. Nevertheless, the effect of DMIs on the population growth of different species of nectar inhabitants and the dynamics of these microbial communities remains understudied. To address these issues, in this study we created synthetic microbial communities including yeasts (Metschnikowia reukaufii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima) and bacteria (Rosenbergiella epipactidis and Comamonas sp.) and propagated them in culture media containing different DMIs (imazalil, propiconazole, and prothioconazole) at different doses or no fungicide. Our results showed that DMIs have a significant impact on some of the most common microbial inhabitants of floral nectar by favoring the growth of bacteria over yeasts. Furthermore, habitat generalists such as M. pulcherrima and Comamonas sp. were more impacted by the presence of fungicides than the nectar specialists M. reukaufii and R. epipactidis, especially upon dispersal across habitat patches. Future research should determine if the patterns observed in the present study hold true for other species of nectar microbes and explore the interaction between growth limitation due to fungicide presence, dispersal limitation, and other mechanisms involved in community assembly in floral nectar.

Dynamic response of soil microbial communities and network to hymexazol exposure

Fungicides are an essential component of current agricultural practices, but their extensive use has raised concerns about their effects on non-target soil microorganisms, which carry out essential ecosystem functions. However, despite the complexity of microbial communities, many studies investigating their response to fungicides focus only on bacteria or fungi at one point in time. In this study, we used amplicon sequencing to assess the effect of the fungicide hymexazol on the diversity, composition, and co-occurrence network of soil bacteria, fungi, and protists at 7, 21, and 60 days after application. We found that hymexazol had very little effect on microbial alpha-diversity, but that microbial community composition and OTU differential abundance were altered over the duration of the experiment, even after hymexazol concentrations were undetectable. The co-occurrence patterns within and between microbial kingdoms were affected by hymexazol dose, suggesting that indirect effects may play a role in the microbial community response. Nitrogen cycling was also affected, with a transient hymexazol-associated increase in the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms and soil nitrate concentration. These findings highlight that the effects of fungicides on soil microorganisms are dynamic and extensive, spanning several taxonomic kingdoms.