Synergistic Enhancement of Pear Disease Control and Fruit Quality by Microbial Pesticides

Abstract

The escalating concerns over human health and environmental hazards due to excessive chemical pesticide use in agriculture have emphasized the need for safer and more sustainable pest management alternatives. This study evaluates the microbial pesticide Nongkang120 (TF-120), derived from Streptomyces hygrospinosus var. beijingensis, for its efficacy in controlling pear rust and its potential to enhance fruit quality. Field trials revealed that TF-120 significantly suppressed pear rust, achieving over 96% pathogen inhibition and reducing disease incidence by 86.59%. Notably, its components, such as fengycin and tetramycin, synergistically improved the shelf life, flavor, and nutritional characteristics of pears, including increased soluble total sugars (77 mg/g), soluble solids (17%), titratable acidity (3.75%), firmness (5 N), total phenols (0.47 mg/g), and vitamin C levels (3 mg/100 g). These findings suggest that TF-120, as an ecofriendly microbial pesticide, offers not only effective disease control but also significant fruit quality enhancement, positioning it as a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides in pear cultivation.