Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 93-105 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 102 Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis, have also demonstrated efficacy in reducing Fusariumincidence and mycotoxin levels while promoting plant growth and yield. Additionally, seed treatments with natural extracts like Jacaranda mimosifolia have been effective in inducing defense-related enzymes and enhancing disease resistance in maize. Cultural practices and genetic approaches, including the use of resistant hybrids and Bt technology, have further contributed to reducing fungal infections and mycotoxin contamination. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple strategies to manage Fusarium and other fungal pathogens effectively. The importance of integrated approaches in managing Fusariumand other fungal pathogens in maize cannot be overstated. Single-method strategies, such as the exclusive use of chemical fungicides, often fall short in providing comprehensive protection and can even exacerbate mycotoxin levels. Integrated approaches that combine chemical, biological, and cultural methods offer a more sustainable and effective solution. For instance, the combination of insecticides with biological agents like Bacillus subtilis has shown to significantly reduce fumonisin levels compared to conventionaltreatments. Similarly, the use of resistant maize genotypes in conjunction with cultural practices and biological treatments has proven to be effective in managing Fusarium infections and reducing mycotoxin contamination. These integrated strategies not only enhance disease control but also promote plant health and yield, making them crucial for sustainable maize production. Future research should focus on further optimizing integrated management strategies for Fusarium and other fungal pathogens in maize. This includes exploring the synergistic effects of combining various biological agents with chemical treatments and cultural practices. More studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the efficacy of natural extracts like Jacaranda mimosifolia and their potential integration with other control methods. Additionally, the development of maize hybrids with enhanced resistance to multiple fungal pathogens should be prioritized. Research should also investigate the long-term impacts of integrated management practices on soil health and the broader agroecosystem. In practice, farmers should be encouraged to adopt integrated approaches tailored to their specific environmental conditions and pest pressures. Extension services and agricultural policies should support the dissemination of knowledge and resources necessary for implementing these integrated strategies effectively. Acknowledgments Thank you to each peer reviewer for the feedback on the initial draft of this manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Abdallah M., Boevre M., Landschoot S., Saeger S., Haesaert G., and Audenaert K., 2018, Fungal endophytes control Fusarium graminearum and reduce Trichothecenes and zearalenone in maize, Toxins, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins10120493 Bacon C., Yates I., Hinton D., and Meredith, F., 2001, Biological control of Fusariummoniliforme in maize, Environmental Health Perspectives, 109: 325-332. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP.01109S2325 Blacutt A., Gold S., Voss K., Gao M., and Glenn A.,2018, Fusarium verticillioides: advancements in understanding the toxicity, virulence, and niche adaptations of a model mycotoxigenic pathogen of maize, Phytopathology, 108(3): 312-326. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-06-17-0203-RVW Bryła M., Pierzgalski A., Zapaśnik A., Uwineza P., Ksieniewicz-Woźniak E., Modrzewska M., and Waśkiewicz A., 2022, Recent research on Fusarium mycotoxins in maize-a review, Foods, 11(21): 3465. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213465 Galletti S., Paris R., and Cianchetta S., 2019, Selected isolates of Trichoderma gamsii induce different pathways of systemic resistance in maize upon Fusarium verticillioides challenge.. Microbiological Research, 233: 126406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2019.126406
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