In vitro screening of different Pseudomonas fluorescens isolates to study lytic enzyme production and growth inhibition during antagonism of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini, wilt causing pathogen of cumin

peer-reviewedLand plants exist in close association with bacterial and fungal microbes, where some associations can be pathogenic and others can be mutualistic/beneficial. One such relation exists between host plant, Cuminum cyminum L. (Cumin) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini (Foc), the causal pathogen of cumin wilt and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf), where Pf acts as a bio-agent for inhibiting Foc and promoting plant growth of cumin. In this study, antagonism by 10 different Pf isolates against Foc was studied under laboratory conditions through percent growth inhibition and biochemical mechanisms. Among these Pf isolates, Pf-5 exhibited the highest in vitro growth inhibition (82.51%). A positive correlation was observed between percent growth inhibition and specific activities of hydrolytic enzymes, chitinase, β-1, 3 glucanase, and protease, where a negative correlation was observed with cell wall degrading enzymes, cellulase and polygalacturonase. To conclude, isolate Pf-5 could be a potential biocontrol agent for Fusarium wilt disease of cumin

Combined effects of enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation and mineral nutrients on growth, biomass accumulation and yield characteristics of two cultivars of vigna radiate L

Abstract: In a field experiment, the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation (simulating 20% ozone depletion at Allahabad, 20 0 47' N latitude) was studied on two cultivars of Vigna radiata L. with various levels of mineral nutrients (N and P). Study showed decrease in total biomass accumulation, harvest index, RSR and yield after exposure with enhanced level of UV-B. RGR and CGR also showed decline after exposure with UV-B. Application of recommended dose of mineral nutrients alleviated the deleterious effect of UV-B and increased plant dry matter vis a vis yield. Both cultivars showed sensitivity to UV-B but cultivar Malviya Janpriya was more responsive to UV-B than Malviya Jyoti

Sustainable utilization of crop residues for energy generation: A life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective

Not AvailableModernization in the crop cultivation and development of high yielding varieties resulted in increased crop residues. A large portion of crop residues is not handled appropriately, which leads to environmental burden on society. The crop residues are rich in organic substances, which can be better utilized for various purposes, including energy generation. The utilization of crop residues for energy generation has partially contributed to resolve the inappropriate handling practices, thus reducing their environmental impacts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is used as a tool to investigate environmental sustainability and can be explored to integrate with social and economic effects to quantify environmental impacts for energy generation from crop residues. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding on LCA inference for decision support to policy-makers and different relevant choices to various applications for sustainable energy generation from crop residues.Not Availabl

Biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass: Technology and sustainability

Among the various renewable energy sources, biohydrogen is gaining a lot of traction as it has very high efficiency of conversion to usable power with less pollutant generation. The various technologies available for the production of biohydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass such as direct biophotolysis, indirect biophotolysis, photo, and dark fermentations have some drawbacks (e.g., low yield and slower production rate, etc.), which limits their practical application. Among these, metabolic engineering is presently the most promising for the production of biohydrogen as it overcomes most of the limitations in other technologies. Microbial electrolysis is another recent technology that is progressing very rapidly. However, it is the dark fermentation approach, followed by photo fermentation, which seem closer to commercialization. Biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass is particularly suitable for relatively small and decentralized systems and it can be considered as an important sustainable and renewable energy source. The comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass and its comparison with other biofuels can be a tool for policy decisions. In this paper, we discuss the various possible approaches for producing biohydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass which is an globally available abundant resource. The main technological challenges are discussed in detail, followed by potential solutions

Growth Responses of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. HD 2329) Exposed to Ambient Air Pollution under Varying Fertility Regimes

The problem of urban air pollution has attracted special attention in India due to a tremendous increase in the urban population; motor vehicles vis a vis the extent of energy utilization. Field studies were conducted on wheat crops (Triticum aestivum L. var. HD 2329) by keeping the pot-grown plants in similar edaphic conditions at nine different sites in Allahabad City to quantify the effects of ambient air pollution levels on selected growth and yield parameters. Air quality monitoring was done at all the sites for gaseous pollutants viz. SO 2 , NO 2 , and O 3 . Various growth parameters (plant height, biomass, leaf area, NPP, etc.) showed adverse effects at sites receiving higher pollution load. Reduction in test weight and harvest index was found to be directly correlated with the levels of pollutant concentrations. The study clearly showed the negative impact of air pollution on periurban agriculture

Growth Responses of Wheat (Triticum aestivumL. var. HD 2329) Exposed to Ambient Air Pollution under Varying Fertility Regimes

The problem of urban air pollution has attracted special attention in India due to a tremendous increase in the urban population; motor vehicles vis a vis the extent of energy utilization. Field studies were conducted on wheat crops (Triticum aestivum L. var. HD 2329) by keeping the pot-grown plants in similar edaphic conditions at nine different sites in Allahabad City to quantify the effects of ambient air pollution levels on selected growth and yield parameters. Air quality monitoring was done at all the sites for gaseous pollutants viz. SO2, NO2, and O3. Various growth parameters (plant height, biomass, leaf area, NPP, etc.) showed adverse effects at sites receiving higher pollution load. Reduction in test weight and harvest index was found to be directly correlated with the levels of pollutant concentrations. The study clearly showed the negative impact of air pollution on periurban agriculture

The Good, the Bad, and the Useable Microbes within the Common Alder (<i>Alnus glutinosa</i>) Microbiome—Potential Bio-Agents to Combat Alder Dieback

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) is a tree species native to Ireland and Europe with high economic and ecological importance. The presence of Alder has many benefits including the ability to adapt to multiple climate types, as well as aiding in ecosystem restoration due to its colonization capabilities within disturbed soils. However, Alder is susceptible to infection of the root rot pathogen Phytophthora alni, amongst other pathogens associated with this tree species. P. alni has become an issue within the forestry sector as it continues to spread across Europe, infecting Alder plantations, thus affecting their growth and survival and altering ecosystem dynamics. Beneficial microbiota and biocontrol agents play a crucial role in maintaining the health and resilience of plants. Studies have shown that beneficial microbes promote plant growth as well as aid in the protection against pathogens and abiotic stress. Understanding the interactions between A. glutinosa and its microbiota, both beneficial and pathogenic, is essential for developing integrated management strategies to mitigate the impact of P. alni and maintain the health of Alder trees. This review is focused on collating the relevant literature associated with Alder, current threats to the species, what is known about its microbial composition, and Common Alder–microbe interactions that have been observed worldwide to date. It also summarizes the beneficial fungi, bacteria, and biocontrol agents, underpinning genetic mechanisms and secondary metabolites identified within the forestry sector in relation to the Alder tree species. In addition, biocontrol mechanisms and microbiome-assisted breeding as well as gaps within research that require further attention are discussed

Effect of Elevated Ozone on Soybean (Glycine max L.) Cultivar: Role of Orange Juice and Synthetic Ascorbic Acid

Ozone is a hazardous gas for the environment and negatively affects plant and human health. These days, phytoextracts are commonly used as a source of bioactive compounds for reducing the detrimental environmental effects on plants. In the presented study, soybean cultivar JS-335 was used to assess the protective role of synthetic ascorbic acid (SAA) and orange juice (25% orange juice, enriched ascorbic acid) under ozone stress conditions. The results showed that under ozone stress, soybean cultivar JS-335 reduced growth and biomass and negatively affected the biochemical properties of plants due to these changes, finally causing yield losses. Foliar-applied OJ >and SAA improved plant growth and development and increased crop yield. It was discovered that a 25% OJ coupled with ascorbic acid and other essential nutrients and biomolecules was almost as effective as a 100 ppm SAA in reducing the harmful effects of ozone stress on soybean plants. As a result, it was determined that OJ, a less expensive source of ascorbic acid, can improve ozone resistance in plants in ozone-prone areas