Deciphering the Physicochemical and Microscopical Changes in Ganoderma boninense-Infected Oil Palm Woodblocks under the Influence of Phenolic Compounds

An In-Depth Study of Phytopathogenic Ganoderma: Pathogenicity, Advanced Detection Techniques, Control Strategies, and Sustainable Management

Phytopathogenic Ganoderma species pose a significant threat to global plant health, resulting in estimated annual economic losses exceeding USD (US Dollars) 68 billion in the agriculture and forestry sectors worldwide. To combat this pervasive menace effectively, a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology, and plant infection mechanisms of these pathogens is imperative. This comprehensive review critically examines various aspects of Ganoderma spp., including their intricate life cycle, their disease mechanisms, and the multifaceted environmental factors influencing their spread. Recent studies have quantified the economic impact of Ganoderma infections, revealing staggering yield losses ranging from 20% to 80% across various crops. In particular, oil palm plantations suffer devastating losses, with an estimated annual reduction in yield exceeding 50 million metric tons. Moreover, this review elucidates the dynamic interactions between Ganoderma and host plants, delineating the pathogen's colonization strategies and its elicitation of intricate plant defense responses. This comprehensive analysis underscores the imperative for adopting an integrated approach to Ganoderma disease management. By synergistically harnessing cultural practices, biological control, and chemical treatments and by deploying resistant plant varieties, substantial strides can be made in mitigating Ganoderma infestations. Furthermore, a collaborative effort involving scientists, breeders, and growers is paramount in the development and implementation of sustainable strategies against this pernicious plant pathogen. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based practices, we can strive towards safeguarding global plant health and mitigating the dire economic consequences inflicted by Ganoderma infections.

Advances in Alternative Measures in Plant Protection

Food production, along with the constant demand for higher yields, is an imperative of contemporary agricultural production [...].

Sustainable Use of Apple Pomace (AP) in Different Industrial Sectors

In many countries, apple pomace (AP) is one of the most produced types of agri-food waste (globally, it is produced at a rate of ~4 million tons/year). If not managed properly, such bio-organic waste can cause serious pollution of the natural environment and public health hazards, mainly due to the risk of microbial contamination. This review shows that AP can be successfully reused in different industrial sectors—for example, as a source of energy and bio-materials—according to the idea of sustainable development. The recovered active compounds from AP can be applied as preservatives, antioxidants, anti-corrosion agents, wood protectors or biopolymers. Raw or processed forms of AP can also be considered as feedstocks for various bioenergy applications such as the production of intermediate bioenergy carriers (e.g., biogas and pyrolysis oil), and materials (e.g., biochar and activated carbon). In the future, AP and its active ingredients can be of great use due to their non-toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Given the increasing mass of produced AP, the commercial applications of AP could have a huge economic impact in the future.

Alterations in Mycelial Morphology and Flow Cytometry Assessment of Membrane Integrity of Ganoderma boninense Stressed by Phenolic Compounds

Global increase in demand for palm oil has caused an intensification in oil palm plantation; however, production is greatly hindered by Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma boninense. There are many approaches to controlling BSR, although, there is no accurate, sustainable and effective method to suppress G. boninense completely. Hence, four phenolic compounds [Gallic acid (GA), Thymol (THY), Propolis (PRO) and Carvacrol (CARV)] were selected to evaluate their antifungal effect, ability to alter the mycelium morphology, and fungal cell integrity against G. boninense. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed and 94% of inhibition was exerted by GA on G. boninense growth. Scanning Electron Microscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy observations revealed that GA and THY treatment caused severe damage to the mycelium and recorded the highest amount of sugar and electrolyte leakage. The study of cell integrity and morphological disruption has elucidated the reduction of G. boninense cell viability. Generally, our findings confirm the fungistatic effects of GA and THY. The evolution of phenolic compounds during the phytopathology studies indicated their coherence in eradicating the G. boninense. It is proposed that GA and THY had the potential to be developed further as a natural antifungal treatment to suppress G. boninense.