Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are highly specialized parasites that cause significant yield losses worldwide. In this study, we isolated Bacillus pumilus strain S1-10 from the rhizosphere soil of Zingiber officinale Rosc. plants and evaluated its fumigant activity against Meloidogyne incognita. S1-10 exhibited a strong repellent effect on second-stage juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita, and in vitro assays indicated that S1-10 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) suppressed J2 activity and egg hatching. Under greenhouse conditions, 71 and 79% reductions of nematodes and eggs were detected on plants treated with S-10 VOCs compared with controls. Ten VOCs were identified through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), of which 2-(methylamino)-ethanol (2-ME) had strong fumigant activity against J2s of M. incognita, with an LC₅₀ value of 1.5 mM at 12 h. These results indicate that S1-10 represents a potential novel biocontrol agent for RKNs.

In plants, WRKY transcription factors play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and response to abiotic and biotic stress. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important legume crop. However, cowpea Fusarium wilt (CFW), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum (Fot), poses a serious threat to its production. In this study, we systematically identified members of the cowpea WRKY (VuWRKY) gene family and analyzed their expression patterns under CFW stress. A total of 91 WRKY transcription factors were identified in the cowpea genome. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses indicated that the expansion of VuWRKY genes in cowpea is primarily due to recent duplication events. Transcriptome analysis of cowpea inoculated with Fo revealed 31 differentially expressed VuWRKY genes, underscoring their role in the response to CFW infection. Four differentially expressed WRKY genes were selected for validation. Subcellular localization and Western blot assays showed their nuclear localization and normal expression in N. benthamiana. Additionally, yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated that VuWRKY2 can bind to the promoter region of the Catalase (CAT) gene, indicating its potential role in transcriptional regulation. This study establishes a foundation for further exploration of the role and regulatory mechanisms of VuWRKY genes in response to CFW stress.

Meloidogyne enterolobii, a highly virulent and broad-host-range plant-parasitic nematode, poses an increasing threat to global agricultural production. By inducing the formation of nutrient-rich giant cells in host roots and deploying a diverse array of effector proteins to modulate plant immune responses, this nematode achieves efficient colonization and invasion, resulting in impaired crop growth and significant economic losses. In recent years, global climate warming combined with the rapid development of protected agriculture has broken the traditional geographical limits of tropical and subtropical regions, thereby increasing the risk of M. enterolobii occurrence in temperate and high-latitude areas. Concurrently, conventional chemical control methods are increasingly limited by environmental pollution and the development of resistance, steering research toward green control strategies. This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress of M. enterolobii in terms of ecological diffusion trends, pathogenic mechanisms, and green control, and explored the feasibility of integrating multidisciplinary technologies to construct an efficient and precise control system. The ultimate aim is to provide theoretical support and technical supports for green and sustainable development of global agriculture.

Cardamine violifohia is an economically-important medicinal plant, and also a valuable plant for strong ability to accumulate selenium (Se) (Ebba et al. 2020). It is not only be used to extract sel...