Summary: The control of rhizomania, one of the most important diseases of sugar beet caused by the B eet necrotic yellow vein virus , remains limited to varietal resistance. In this study, we investigated the putative action of B acillus amylolequifaciens lipopeptides in achieving rhizomania biocontrol through the control of the virus vector P olymyxa betae . Some lipopeptides that are produced by bacteria, especially by plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria, have been found to induce systemic resistance in plants. We tested the impact of the elicitation of systemic resistance in sugar beet through lipopeptides on infection by P . betae . L ipopeptides were shown to effectively induce systemic resistance in both the roots and leaves of sugar beet, resulting in a significant reduction in P . betae infection. This article provides the first evidence that induced systemic resistance can reduce infection of sugar beet by P . betae .

Aims The objective of this work was to identify a fungal strain showing potential biocontrol abilities against two Fusarium damping‐off agents and to test it as a Biological Control Agent (BCA) in maize seed coating under field conditions. Methods and Results A collection of native fungal strains associated with maize in Belgium was screened for antagonistic potential against Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium culmorum. The strain with highest biocontrol potential was identified as an endophytic Trichoderma atroviride BC0584. In greenhouse, it significantly improves the emergence of seedlings infected by Fusarium avenaceum or F. culmorum pathogens. In most field trials carried out during the season 2017, it significantly increased the emergence rate of infected seedlings compared to untreated seeds. One slurriable powder formulation allows BCA conidia to survive over a six‐month storage period at 4°C. Conclusions The fungal BC0584 strain is a promising BCA that could be an alternative to synthetic fungicides. It is adapted to local environmental conditions, is easily and cheaply produced and can be stored in a low‐cost formulation. Significance and Impact of the Study In Belgium, this is the first study to use a T. atroviride native strain against Fusarium damping‐off on maize crop. Modes of action and required conditions for ensuring high biocontrol activity in the field have still to be investigated.

To assess producers’ exposure level to pesticides in vegetable production in Burkina Faso, a study was carried out in 2016 and 2017 among 30 tomato producers in the municipalities of Kouka and Toussiana. Eighteen (18) commercial formulations were identified, with more than 50% of pesticides destined for cotton production. Eleven active substances have been identified and the most frequently used are λ-cyhalothrin (35%), acetamiprid (22%) and profenofos (13%). The most commonly used chemical families are pyrethroids (28%) and organophosphates (18%). The study revealed a low level of training for producers, a high use of pesticides according to the Frequency Treatment Indicator, and a very low level of protection used by producers. The Health Risk Index shows that active substances such as methomyl, λ-cyhalothrin and profenofos present very high risk to operators’ health. Based on the UK-POEM model, the predictive exposure levels obtained varied from 0.0105 mg/kg body weight/day to 1.7855 mg/kg body weight/day, which is several times higher than the Acceptable Operator Exposure Level. However, the study also shows that exposure can be greatly reduced if the required Personal Protective Equipment is worn. Producers’ awareness and training on integrated pest management are necessary to reduce the risks linked to the pesticides use in Burkina Faso.