Bacterial leaf blight, which is caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. allii, annually causes significant yield losses to Welsh onion in many producing countries, including Vietnam. In this study, we isolated and characterized lytic phages Φ16, Φ17A and Φ31, specific to X. axonopodis pv. allii and belonging to a new phage species and genus within the Autographiviridae, from four provinces in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Moreover, we evaluated their efficacy for the biocontrol of leaf blight in greenhouse and field conditions. When applying the three highly related phages individually or as a three-phage cocktail at 108 PFU/mL in greenhouse conditions, our results show that treatment with Φ31 alone provides higher disease prevention than the two other phages or the phage cocktail. Furthermore, we compared phage concentrations from 105 to 108 and showed optimal disease control at 107 and 108 PFU/mL. Finally, under field conditions, both phage Φ31 alone and the phage cocktail treatments suppressed disease symptoms, which was comparable to the chemical bactericide oxolinic acid (Starner). Phage treatment also significantly improved yield, showing the potential of phage as a biocontrol strategy for managing leaf blight in Welsh onion.

Speaking and writing are crucial skills that have a significant impact on the effectiveness of foreign language learning. Using synonyms in speaking and writing correctly has always been challenging for learners. This study was conducted with the aim to identify common errors in using synonyms in spoken and written English and providing solutions to solve the problems. The participants in this research were 50 second-year and 50 final-year students from the EFL high-quality program at Can Tho University. Two tools were used to collect data: A multiple-choice test and a questionnaire. With the test, data on the student’s proficiency in synonyms were collected. With the questionnaire, students’ perceptions and attitudes toward synonyms were measured. By using the SPSS program, the responses to the test were analyzed by calculating the frequency and percentage of correct and incorrect answers. The responses to the questionnaire were measured with descriptive analysis of errors and solutions using synonyms. The findings revealed that students often misunderstood the meaning of synonyms and they did not understand all the layers of meaning of a word. This study contributes to the field of linguistics by presenting several possible solutions that can assist students in avoiding the misuse of synonyms in spoken and written English.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0251/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>