The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture leads to the accumulation of harmful compounds in soil and plants that can cause diseases of humans and animals. The biological method of plant protection is a promising alternative to chemical pesticides. The purpose of this study was to analyze the antagonistic activity of the Acinetobacter sp. GET13 strain against common bacterial and fungal pathogens of plant diseases in in vitro and in planta experiments. As a result, the effect of the bacterium on the growth of phytopathogenic bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis, Erwinia carotovora, Pectobacterium carotovorum and Pseudomonas syringae), as well as phytopathogenic fungi (Helminthosporium sativum, Piricularia oryzae.) that cause serious damage to agriculture, was studied. To confirm the results obtained in these experiments, an in planta experiment was conducted on Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) The effectiveness of Acinetobacter GET13 strain for plant protection against phytopathogens was proved based on the results of taking into account the linear function between weight and volume parameters of plants at the end of the experiment. Therefore, this strain has the potential to create a biological product.

Pine forests in the North-east German Plain (Brandenburg) are typical areas for outbreaks of insect pests, like Dendrolimus pini (L.). The reasons for the landscape-defining cultivation of Pinus sylvestris L. are mainly climatic and historical. In interest of forest management, it is important to prevent large-scale larvae feeding and defoliation damages. Therefore, insecticides can be applied to the crown area of pine forests, if a high risk of forest damage is predicted after using monitoring methods. According to Paragraph 18 of the German Plant Protection Act (PflSchG), the aerial application with helicopter is possible. Ecological-chemical monitoring can generate data on the fate and persistence of the plant protection products respectively incorporated active substances applied in the environment, which can be used to estimate the effects on the ecosystem. In the present study, aerial forest protection measures were monitored and further field trials were carried out to determine the active substance levels of tebufenozide and lambda-cyhalothrin on different compartments (insect pests/non-target organisms, pine needles and forest soil) in time-dependent sampling before and after application. The results of the trace analysis and exposure estimation allowed an evaluation of the exposure situation in pine forests.

Phytoliths, the microscopic silica structures formed within plant tissues, are an emerging component of many sustainable plant protection attempts. They offer defense in multiple directions, physically strengthening plant tissues and biochemically engaging with the surroundings, and can diminish reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Physically, phytoliths enhance plant tissue rigidity and toughness, rendering them indigestible and less nutritious to herbivores and pathogens, thereby reducing feeding damage and disease incidence. Biochemically, phytoliths influence plant-microbe and plant-herbivore interactions by decreasing leaf palatability to herbivores, altering rhizosphere microbial communities including silica-specializing, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and diminishing pathogen proliferation. These effects enhance plant health by reducing pathogen spread and improving overall resilience. Furthermore, phytoliths accomplish crucial biogenic environmental roles such as facilitating biogeochemical silica and participating in essential nutrient cycles that uphold soil pH, fertility, and agricultural sustainability. Their enduring presence in soil enhances its structure, augments water retention, and improves nutrient availability, thereby fostering optimal conditions for plant growth. Additionally, phytoliths play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration and can immobilize heavy metals, mitigating soil contamination and advocating safer agricultural practices. This dual function in bolstering direct plant defense and indirectly enhancing soil health through carbon sequestration underscores the significant potential of phytoliths in sustainable agriculture. In our comprehensive exploration, we delve deeply into the imperative of integrating phytoliths into sustainable agricultural practices to cultivate innovative, eco-friendly, and resilient farming systems. Harnessing the complete potential of phytoliths can lead to advanced strategies for sustainable plant protection, aligning with global initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience.

Cyst-forming nematodes have been known since the second half of the 19th century as one of the causes of soil fatigue and highly harmful agricultural pests. In Ukraine, the sugarbeet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii Schmidt, 1871; cereal cyst nematode H. avenae Wollenweber, 1924; golden potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis Wollenweber, 1923; clover cyst nematode H. trifolii Goffart, 1932; alfalfa cyst nematode H. medicaginis Kirjanova & Krall, 1971; hop cyst nematodeH. H. humuli Filipev, 1934 are currently economically significant species. Their distribution mainly coincides with the traditional cultivation of sugar beets, grain cereals, potatoes, clover, alfalfa and hops. Long-term studies of the impact of abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors on their populations made it possible to identify the dominant species and improve the set of protective measures. Anti-nematode crop rotations are the main limiting factor in preventing mass reproduction of cyst-forming nematodes, provided there is scientifically justified crop rotation. To prevent the mass accumulation of alfalfa and clover cyst-forming nematodes, the maximum share of perennial grasses in crop rotations should not exceed 30% (crops under cover of grain cereals + perennial legumes - one-two-year use); oat nematode - 40% of grain cereals; beet nematode - 20% of Chenopodioideae and cruciferous crops; golden potato nematode - 20% of potatoes (10% susceptible + 10% resistant varieties). The rational saturation of modern crop rotations with intermediate crops makes it possible to reduce the level of crop weediness caused by potential host plants of cyst-forming nematodes and to increase their anti-nematode effectiveness in general. The developed ecologically oriented system of phytosanitary control provides mandatory measures, which must be applied regardless of the level of initial population density, and additional measures specific to each culture and species of cyst-forming nematodes. Considering the current high specialization of crop production, the use of biological preparations in modern systems of integrated plant protection will contribute to the greening of agricultural output. Pre-planting treatment of tubers with metabolic biological preparations ( Streptomyces avermitilis) ) of multifunctional action ensured the achievement of a higher (79.2-91.7%) efficiency of biological cleaning of the soil from the golden potato nematode, compared to the use of only potato-resistant varieties. A logical combination of various anti-nematode measures makes it possible to effectively keep the density of populations at an economically insignificant level and prevent crop yield losses.

Drought is one of the environmental stresses that threaten food availability. It results in decreased crop yields and developments and diminishes overall plant health. Chemical solutions for alleviating drought stress may be harmful to the environment. Using an alternative, microorganisms help counter the effects of drought stress. Endophytes have a mutualistic relationship with the host as they provide protection and get nutrients. Fungal endophytes assist plants in countering the damaging results of drought stress by producing phytohormones and growth-promoting compounds that promote root and shoot growth and enhance crop productivity. Inoculating maize plants with endophytic fungi like Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium sp. have a higher chance of surviving drought stress. These organisms can increase root length, allowing moisture to reach deeper into the soil. This review explores endophytic fungi's roles in alleviating drought stress's consequences on plants. More investigations should be carried out on the favourable effects of fungal endophytes in the mitigation of drought stress through pot and field inoculation.