In this research, our objective was to investigate the combined impact of microbial extracts and chemical fungicides on Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), which is induced by Exserohilum turcicum, and the growth-promoting effect of the crude extracts was also determined. NCLB poses a serious threat to global maize production, necessitating sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Mycelial growth rate assays were used to assess the single or synergistic effects of microbial crude extracts and chemical fungicides, and the seed-soaking and root irrigation method was used to detect the growth-promoting effect of the crude extracts on maize seedlings. The results revealed an 84.60% inhibition rate of B. amyloliquefaciens gfj-4 against E. turcicum, and with an EC₅₀ of 49.01 mg·L⁻¹ for the crude extracts. Chemical fungicides demonstrated varying toxicity levels, with fludioxonil exhibiting the highest potency. The mixture of the crude extracts and pyraclostrobin at an 8:2 volume ratio displayed the highest toxicity ratio of 1.24, indicating a synergistic effect. The selected combinations exhibited strong synergistic effects. Soaking maize seeds with 80 mg·L⁻¹ of the crude extracts followed by root irrigation with 40 mg·L⁻¹ produced the most significant growth-promoting effect on maize seedlings. This study highlights the potential of microbial crude extracts to enhance the control of NCLB when combined with pyraclostrobin, along with its growth-promoting effects on maize seedlings.

This study aimed to address stalk rot in sweet waxy corn while simultaneously decreasing the chemical fertilizer usage without affecting the crop yield. The investigators implemented an innovative approach that integrated disease management with environmentally sustainable agricultural practices by developing an enhanced microbial vetch fertilizer (MVF). This novel fertilizer was produced through the fermentation of vetch (Vicia villosa var. glabrescens) straw utilizing beneficial strains of Trichoderma and Bacillus species. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the antifungal microbial strains effectively inhibited Fusarium graminearum growth by 46.9% to 64.0%. Subsequent pot trials revealed that MVF application significantly reduced the incidence of stalk rot, resulting in a disease index of 21.2, which was equivalent to control efficacy of 60.2%. Field experiments further demonstrated that applying MVF at 5250 kg·ha⁻¹ produced optimal ear and grain weights, with the peak grain yield reaching 11,259.7 kg·ha⁻¹ when combined with 90% of the standard chemical fertilizer regime. This study contributes to the advancement of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices by effectively managing corn stalk rot and improving productivity by using eco-friendly techniques. The MVF shows potential as a biological alternative to boost sweet corn yields and enhance the protective enzyme activity. This study advances the field of sustainable agriculture by introducing eco-friendly techniques that effectively combat corn stalk rot and enhance crop yields.