Effects of field inoculation with VAM and bacteria consortia on root growth and nutrients uptake in common wheat

This study investigated the effects of a commercial biofertilizer containing the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis and the diazotrophic N-fixing bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii on root and shoot growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in order to improve the sustainable cultivation of this widespread crop. The trials were carried out in controlled conditions (rhizoboxes) and in open fields over two years to investigate the interaction between inoculation and three doses of nitrogen fertilization (160, 120 and 80 kg ha1) in a silty-loam soil of the Po Plain (NE Italy). In rhizoboxes, efficient root colonization by R. irregularis was observed at 50 days after sowing with seed inoculation, together with improved root tip density and branching (+~30% vs. controls), while the effects of post-emergence inoculation by soil and foliar spraying were not observable at plant sampling. In the open, field spraying at end tillering significantly increased the volumetric root length density (RLD, +22% vs. controls) and root area density (+18%) after about two months (flowering stage) in both years under medium and high N fertilization doses, but not at the lowest N dose. In absence of inoculation, RLD progressively decreased with increased N doses. Inoculation had a negligible effect on grain yield and N uptake, which followed a typical N dose-response model, while straw Zn, P, and K concentrations were seldom improved. It is concluded that medium-high N fertilization doses are required to achieve the target yield and standards of quality (protein contents) in wheat cultivation, while the use of this mixed VAM-PGPR biofertilizer appears to be a sustainable mean for minimizing the adverse effects of chemical N fertilizers on root expansion and for improving the uptake of low-mobility nutrients, which has potentially relevant environmental benefits

Biofertilizer Fertilizer And Food Scarcity Removal: A Path Towards Sustainable Agriculture In India: A Review

Food scarcity and security have been longstanding challenges faced bymany countries, including India. With a growing population and increasingdemand for food, the need for sustainable agricultural practices has becomemore critical than ever. One of the essential components of modernagriculture is the use of chemical fertilizers, which has significantlycontributed to increasing crop yields and addressing food scarcity. Howeverprolonged usage of chemical fertilizer not only degrades soil quality anddecreased the agricultural production, but also affects soil, water bodies’atmosphere and finally human health. The easy and eco-friendly solution tothis growing issue is traditional organic agricultural process however due toits time consuming characteristics it was not became acceptable method.Biofertilizers are natural or organic substances containing livingmicroorganisms that enhance soil fertility and plant nutrition. Via metabolicprocesses these microorganisms accelerates nutrient availability for theplants in the soil. Moreover, this is a cheaper and eco-friendly alternativewhich can develop a sustainable agricultural system. In this review we havediscussed regarding the utility of bio-fertilizer usage over chemicalbiofertilizer and current status in Indian agriculture system to acceptingbiofertilizer usage for sustainable developme

Immobilization of Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria and Possibilities for Application in Food Biopreservation

Bacteriocins are biologically active compounds produced by a large number of bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which exhibit antimicrobial activity against various saprophytic and pathogenic microorganisms. In recent decades, bacteriocins are increasingly becoming more important in different branches of the industry due to their broad antibacterial and antifungal spectrum - in the food industry for natural food preservation and expiry date extension; in the health sector for preparation of probiotic foods and beverages; in the clinical practice as alternatives of conventional antibiotics; in the agriculture as biocontrol agents of plant pathogens and alternatives of chemical pesticides for plant protection. The broad antimicrobial spectrum of bacteriocins has stimulated the research attention on their application mainly in the food industry as natural preservatives. Most scientific achievements concerning the application food biopreservation are related to bacteriocins produced by LAB. The lactic acid bacteria bacteriocins can be produced in the food substrate during its natural fermentation or can be added in the food products after obtaining by in vitro fermentations under optimal physical and chemical conditions. Moreover, the immobilization of LAB bacteriocins on different matrices of organic and inorganic origin has been proposed as an advanced approach in the natural food preservation for their specific antimicrobial activity, anti-biofilm properties and potential use as tools for pathogen detection

Quantification and Visualization of Fungal Degradation of Polyurethane Foam in Homes

People spend 90% of their time in the indoor environment including homes. Homes contain many exposures that can cause harm to human health, and one harmful exposure potentially comes from the degradation of polyurethanes. This deterioration of the polymer causes the release of a carcinogenic compound called 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4-DAT). Polyurethane foam is a common household material and is used to make many items such as mattresses, couches, insulation, and carpet backing. It is uncertain if growth of fungi on this foam can cause biodegradation to occur, which could potentially result in the release of 2,4-DAT. The goal of this study is to better understand under what conditions one common fungal species, Aureobasidium pullulans, degrades polyurethane foam. We tested the effects of nutrient availability, foam age, and relative humidity levels on the ability of Aureobasidium pullulans to degrade polyurethane foam. The effects of nutrient availability on fungal degradation were evaluated by incubating polyurethane foam with different agars and comparing weight loss of foam samples as a result. The effects of foam age were tested by obtaining 2 foam types; one new and one already used in a home and incubating them to compare weight loss as a result. The effects of relative humidity (RH) on fungal degradation of foam were evaluated by incubating foam at varying equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) levels and performing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify fungal growth. Polyurethane foam incubated with Aureobasidium pullulans was observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to visually observe the growth of fungi on polyurethane foam. The ideal conditions for fungal degradation were foam type 1 with an additional carbon source and high RH level. The peak weight loss of foam from fungal degradation was found to be 56% and fungal growth was highest at 100% ERH. Spore chains and fruiting bodies were observed via microscopy wrapped around the foam after incubation indicating Aureobasidium pullulans can grow and reproduce on polyurethane foam given appropriate conditions. This information can be used in the future to prevent fungal degradation of polyurethane foam and potentially decrease carcinogen exposure.OSU OUR&CI Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship ProgramOSU College of Engineering Research Distinction ScholarshipNo embargoAcademic Major: Environmental Engineerin

Microbial Consortium Promotes Growth of Zinnia and Balsam Seedlings Raised in pro trays

Zinnia and Balsam are flowering plants with high economic importance in floriculture. Inoculation of the planting medium with a beneficial microbial consortium is an innovative approach to produce quality and healthy seedlings in floriculture. In the present study the influence of a microbial consortium of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Funneliformis mosseae and a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) Bacillus sonorensis on flowering plants Zinnia and Balsam in pro-trays under poly house conditions was investigated. Estimation of various plant growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, bio-volume index, vigour index, plant strength, fresh weight, dry weight and nutrient uptake was carried out to analyse the ability of the consortium to improve seedling growth. Microbial parameters such as mycorrhizal root colonization and spore count, and population of PGPR in substrate was also studied. The results suggested that inoculating the substrate in pro trays before sowing the seeds with the consortium increased plant growth significantly compared to the uninoculated plants

Research collaboration between China and Denmark for development of systemic approaches to agro-ecological pest management without pesticides with focus on vegetable, fruit and berry crops. Proceedings and recommendations from two network workshops

This report is the result of a network project which was established to discuss the potential for collaboration on development of systemic approaches to pest management without pesticides between Chinese and Danish researchers. The focus is on systemic approaches rather than input substitution of synthetic chemicals with agents of natural origin, however, the latter is considered as an integrated tool for the development and design of systemic approaches. The discussions were, furthermore, limited to management of invertebrate pests as well as diseases, while other pests such as weeds have not been included in the discussions. The discussions took place at two workshops and were based on presentations of research from the two countries and field visits in China and Denmark. After the first workshop that took place in China, it was agreed that Chinese and Danish researchers in this particular field had mutual interests and priorities and that there was a potential for creating collaboration that could yield results beneficial for the agricultural/horticultural sectors in both countries. It was also agreed that in spite of the many differences between variation in climate and ecosystems, as well as in farming systems and their organization in China and Denmark, there were many similarities in the production of high-value crops in the two countries, such as vegetables, fruit and berries and, therefore, an obvious focus for joint research efforts. It was also agreed that joint research efforts could aim at specific crops as well as aiming at the development of specific research approaches. Based on the observations and the agreements of the first workshop, the second workshop, which took place in Denmark, focused more specifically on the development of a research framework with specified research questions/topics. Two groups were formed – one working with vegetables and one with fruit and berries working in parallel – both looking into what kind of research is needed for development of systemic approaches to pesticide-free pest management should include both well-known practices and new practices. Although the discussions in the two groups took separate routes and unfolded and described the research topics in each their way, there was a clear consistency between the outputs of the work of the two groups. Each had identified three main research themes that more or less followed the same line and has been merged into three specific recommendations on themes for collaboration, namely: 1) ‘Research to provide the biological foundation and understanding of mechanisms and interactions for development of non-chemical solutions and to improve efficiency of new and existing control methods for severe pest problems’. 2) Research in ‘How best to integrate multifunctional plants (and crops) and use diversification to create a more healthy and productive farming system which is resilient to pests?’ 3) Research in ‘How to design and integrate pest management in eco-functional cropping systems at field and farm/landscape level?

Utilization of plant growth-promoting bacteria to ameliorate iron nutrition in legumes

Iron (Fe) deficiency is an important micronutrient disorder that leads to severe yield losses and low nutritional crop value, particularly in calcareous soils. There is an urgent need to find sustainable and greener agricultural practices to achieve higher crop yields with higher nutritional value. Biofortification allows the increase of micronutrient concentrations in edible crop tissues and contributes to achieving such demands. The utilization of bioinoculants (BIs) with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) has been suggested as a promising approach for biofortification and prevention of Fe deficiency. So far, little work has been done on the role of PGPB in soybean (Glycine max) grown under alkaline conditions. The main purpose of this study was to test the potential of PGPB on plant growth and Fe uptake, unveiling mechanisms underlying Fe uptake and accumulation. Soybean was selected as a model species since it is severely affected by Fe deficiency and several underlying factors related to Fe homeostasis are identified. Firstly, an in-depth and critical literature review was conducted concerning the global importance of Fe and the Fe deficiency, the importance of soybean in the fulfillment of global policies, and the potential of PGPB as a sustainable approach to improve Fe nutrition and cope with Fe deficiency. Concerning the experimental work, the first study of this thesis aimed to evaluate the ability of 24 PGPB strains from a CBQF collection to enhance Fe uptake-related processes in soybean grown for 21 days in calcareous soil. Sphingobium fuliginis ZR 1-6 and Pseudomonas jessenii ZR 3-8 were selected based on their in vitro ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase, siderophores, and organic acids, to tolerate high pH, and to reduce Fe3+. Bacterial isolates were inoculated singly and as a mixture, and a series of morphological, physiological, and molecular parameters were evaluated. S. fuliginis improved ferric chelate reductase (FC-R) activity (111 %), FRO2 expression (646 %), and root Fe (62 %); combined inoculation fostered Fe accumulation in trifoliates (144 %) and increased IRT1 (239 %) and FER4 expression (5036 %). Overall, S. fuliginis alone or in combination with P. jessenni were the best treatments. In a second study, PGPB were isolated from root tissues and rhizosphere of soybean grown in a Portuguese soil; 76 bacterial strains were isolated from roots (53 %), rhizosphere (29 %), and shoots (18 %), and 29 genera were identified. Two bacterial strains – B. licheniformis P2.3 and B. aerius S2.14 – were selected for in vivo experiments, and inoculated plants were grown to maturity. Photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll content, total fresh weight, and Fe concentrations were not significantly affected by inoculation. Nevertheless, inoculation with B. licheniformis increased pod number (33 %), decreased FC-R activity (45 %), and increased expression of Fe-related genes; inoculation with B. aerius decreased root length (20 %), FC-R activity (55 %), and FRO2 expression, and increased expression of the remaining genes. Furthermore, inoculation with bacterial isolates improved the accumulation of Mn, Zn, and Ca in soybean tissues. In this study, B. licheniformis showed potential to be incorporated in formulations for improving soybean grown in calcareous soil. The formulation of BIs contemplate a series of requirements and their effective implementation is still challenging. However, they are a promising trend to the accomplishment of future global politics and present a series of advantages to greener agriculture practices that are critically reviewed in the last part of this thesis. In general, the results presented in this thesis contribute to better understand the mechanisms by which PGPB improve Fe uptake and plant growth, under alkaline conditions, and their potential as bioinoculants in a sustainable perspective.A deficiência de ferro (Fe) é uma carência nutricional que leva a graves perdas de produtividade e valor nutricional das culturas, particularmente em solos calcários. Existe uma necessidade urgente de encontrar práticas agrícolas mais sustentáveis para a produção de culturas com maior rendimento e valor nutricional. A biofortificação permite aumentar a concentração de micronutrientes nas culturas e contribui para cumprir estas necessidades. A utilização de bioinoculantes (BIs) com bactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (BPCP) tem sido sugerida como uma abordagem de biofortificação e prevenção da deficiência de Fe. Até agora, existem poucos estudos sobre o papel das BPCP em soja crescida em condições alcalinas. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi testar o potencial de BPCP no crescimento das plantas e na absorção do Fe, elucidando os mecanismos subjacentes à absorção e acumulação do Fe. A soja foi escolhida pois é bastante afetada pela deficiência de Fe, e foram identificados vários fatores subjacentes relacionados com a sua homeostasia. Inicialmente, fez-se uma revisão crítica da literatura tendo em conta a importância do Fe e da sua carência, o papel da soja face às políticas globais, e o potencial das BPCP como abordagem sustentável para melhorar a nutrição de Fe e combater a sua deficiência. O primeiro estudo experimental teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade de 24 estirpes de BPCP de uma coleção do CBQF em melhorar os processos de absorção do Fe em soja crescida em solo calcário durante 21 dias. Sphingobium fuliginis ZR 1-6 e Pseudomonas jessenii ZR 3-8 foram selecionadas com base na sua capacidade in vitro de produzir ácido indol-3-acético (AIA), ácido 1- carboxílico-1-aminociclopropano (ACC) oxidase, sideróforos e ácidos orgânicos, tolerar pH elevado, e reduzir Fe3+. Os isolados bacterianos foram inoculados isoladamente e em mistura, e foram avaliados vários parâmetros morfológicos, fisiológicos e moleculares. S. fuliginis melhorou a atividade da redutase férrica (FC-R) (111 %), a expressão de FRO2 (646 %), e a concentração de Fe na raiz (62 %); a inoculação combinada promoveu a acumulação de Fe nos trifoliados (144 %) e aumentou a expressão de IRT1 (239 %) e FER4 (5036 %). No geral, a inoculação com S. fuliginis sozinho ou em combinação com P. jessenni revelaram-se os melhores tratamentos. Num segundo estudo, as BPCP foram isoladas dos tecidos e da rizosfera de soja cultivada num solo português; foram isoladas 76 estirpes das raízes (53 %), rizosfera (29 %), e parte aérea (18 %), e foram identificados 29 géneros bacterianos. Foram selecionadas duas estirpes – B. licheniformis P2.3 e B. aerius S2.14 – para experiências in vivo em plantas crescidas até à maturidade. Os parâmetros fotossintéticos, teor de clorofila, peso fresco total e concentrações de Fe não foram afetados significativamente pela inoculação. No entanto, a inoculação com B. licheniformis aumentou o número de vagens (33 %), diminuiu a atividade da FC-R (45 %) e aumentou a expressão de genes relacionados com o Fe; a inoculação com B. aerius diminui o comprimento da raiz (20 %), a atividade da FC-R (55 %) e a expressão de FRO2, e aumentou a expressão dos restantes genes. Além disso, a inoculação com as bactérias melhorou a acumulação de Mn, Zn e Ca nos tecidos da soja. Neste estudo, B. licheniformis apresentou potencial para ser incorporado em formulações para o melhoramento da soja crescida em solo calcário. A formulação de BIs contempla vários requisitos e sua implementação representa ainda um desafio. No entanto, estes são uma tendência promissora para o cumprimento das políticas globais futuras, apresentado várias vantagens para práticas agrícolas mais “verdes”, analisadas na última parte desta tese. No geral, os resultados apresentados contribuem para compreender melhor os mecanismos pelos quais as BPCP melhoram a absorção do Fe e o crescimento das plantas em condições alcalinas, e demonstram o seu potencial como bioinoculantes numa perspetiva sustentável

Synthetic Communities of Bacterial Endophytes to Improve the Quality and Yield of Legume Crops

Plant-associated microbiomes confer fitness advantages to the plant host by growth promotion through different mechanisms including nutrient uptake, phytohormones production, resistance to pathogens, and stress tolerance. These effects of the potentially beneficial microbes have been used in a diversity of biotechnological approaches to improve crop performance applying individual bacterial cultures. However, healthy plants host a diversity of microorganisms (microbiota). Next-generation sequencing technologies have offered insights into the relative abundances of different phylogenetic groups in a community and the metabolic and physiological potential of its members. In the last decade, researchers have started to explore the possibilities to use temporal and functional combinations of those bacteria in the form of synthetic communities. In this chapter, we review the benefits of using endophytic bacteria in legumes, the available methodological approaches to study the effects of bacterial communities, and the most recent findings using synthetic communities to improve the performance of legume crops.Instituto de Patología VegetalFil: Monteoliva, Mariela Ines. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Fisiología y Recursos Genéticos Vegetales; ArgentinaFil: Monteoliva, Mariela Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Estudios Agropecuarios (UDEA) ; ArgentinaFil: Valetti, Lucio. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Valetti, Lucio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Fitopatología y Modelización Agrícola (UFyMA); ArgentinaFil: Taurian, Tania. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC). Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Taurian, Tania. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas; ArgentinaFil: Crociara, Clara Sonia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Fitopatología y Modelización Agrícola (UFyMA); ArgentinaFil: Crociara, Clara Sonia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Guzzo, María Carla. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Fisiología y Recursos Genéticos Vegetales; ArgentinaFil: Guzzo, María Carla. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Estudios Agropecuarios (UDEA) ; Argentin

Utilizing Nanomaterials Linked With Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria For Agricultural Advancements A Short Review

Growing concerns about food supply sustainability and security are drivingexploration of eco-friendly approaches in agriculture. One promisingmethod involves using microbe-based biofertilizers – beneficial bacteriathat enhance nutrient uptake and promote plant growth in soil and plants.Nanotechnology is also valuable, as nanoparticles can boost biofertilizereffectiveness in natural environments. Review examines how nanoparticlesaffect plant bacteria for sustainable agriculture