Essential Oils and Antagonistic Microorganisms as Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Coffee Leaf Rust Control

Coffee leaf rust (CLR) is caused by the biotrophic fungus Hemileia vastatrix Berk. & Br., a disease of economic importance, reducing coffee yield up to 60%. Currently, CLR epidemics have negatively impacted food security. Therefore, the objective of the present research study is to show a current framework of this disease and its effects on diverse areas, as well as the biological systems used for its control, mode of action, and effectiveness. The use of essential plant oils and antagonistic microorganisms to H. vastatrix are highlighted. Terpenes, terpenoids, and aromatic compounds are the main constituents of these oils, which alter the cell wall and membrane composition and modify the basic cell functions. Beneficial microorganisms inhibit urediniospore germination and reduce disease incidence and severity. The antagonistic microorganisms and essential oils of some aromatic plants have great potential in agriculture. These biological systems may have more than one mechanism of action, which reduces the possibility of the emergence of resistant strains of H. vastatrix.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep of Veracruz State, southeast Mexico

Toxoplasma gondii is widely prevalent in sheep and their products pose a risk to public health. The aim of this study was to identify the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in sheep in Veracruz State, Mexico. The study was cross-sectional and it was carried out in thirteen municipalities distributed in three regions of Veracruz State. A total of 414 blood samples were collected from four districts of Veracruz State and analyzed for T. gondii antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total seroprevalence was 35.90% (149/414; 95.00% CI = 31.40-40.80). Seroprevalence by the municipality was 10.50% to 85.70% and for the district was 28.80% to 47.80%, respectively. Age, breed and productive status were identified as risk factors associated with T. gondii infection significantly. The infection by T. gondii is widely present in the districts of the Veracruz State with a high seroprevalence and risk factors associated with infection.

Lipid extraction from the biomass of Trichoderma koningiopsis MX1 produced in a non-stirring culture for potential biodiesel production

Oleaginous microorganisms such as microalgae, yeasts, bacteria and filamentous fungi are alternative sources of vegetal or animal fats for biodiesel production. This research evaluated the lipid production by the biomass Trichoderma koningiopsis MX1 with a non-stirring culture at room temperature, and fungal lipids were extracted through three techniques for biodiesel generation purposes. The three modified lipid extraction techniques yielded 18.4, 10.3 and 17.1 % of fungal lipids. The trans-esterification of lipids indicated that the controlling components for biodiesel were palmitic (40.8 %) and linoleic acids (ranging from 37.6 % to 41.2 %). Results show that fungal cultural conditions and the lipid extraction technique are determinants for producing biodiesel from fungal lipids. Therefore, the modification of some of these conditions could increase their efficiency and viability.