Plant Development of Early-Maturing Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Inoculation with Bacillus sp. V2026

The effect of a plant growth-promoting bacterium (PGPB) Bacillus sp. V2026, a producer of indolyl-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA), on the ontogenesis and productivity of four genotypes of early-maturing spring wheat was studied under controlled conditions. The inoculation of wheat plants with Bacillus sp. V2026 increased the levels of endogenous IAA and GA in wheat of all genotypes and the level of trans-Zeatin in Sonora 64 and Leningradskaya rannyaya cvs but decreased it in AFI177 and AFI91 ultra-early lines. Interactions between the factors “genotype” and “inoculation” were significant for IAA, GA, and trans-Zeatin concentrations in wheat shoots and roots. The inoculation increased the levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids and reduced lipid peroxidation in leaves of all genotypes. The inoculation resulted in a significant increase in grain yield (by 33–62%), a reduction in the time for passing the stages of ontogenesis (by 2–3 days), and an increase in the content of macro- and microelements and protein in the grain. Early-maturing wheat genotypes showed a different response to inoculation with the bacterium Bacillus sp. V2026. Cv. Leningradskaya rannyaya was most responsive to inoculation with Bacillus sp. V2026

The Quality and Productivity of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Improved by the Inoculation of PGPR Bacillus velezensis BS89 in Field Experiments

Efficient plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) used as biofertilizers and biological control agents are promising substitutes for minimizing the application of synthetic agrochemicals in crop production. We studied the effect of PGPR strain Bacillus velezensis BS89 alone and in combination with three forms of nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, carbamide, and ammonium sulfate) on the productivity of two strawberry varieties in three-year field experiments. We first showed that the application of PGPR Bacillus velezensis BS89 on strawberries demonstrated the same effect as the application of nitrogen fertilizers. Use of the strain BS89 increased the chlorophyll content in plant leaves by 2.7–6.8%, and also increased the yield of berries by 6.7–36.4% for cv. Rusich and 7.5–19.3% for cv. Troitskaya depending on the form of nitrogen fertilizer. The best results in the yield of strawberry plants of the cv. Rusich were achieved in the variant BS89 + ammonium nitrate (41.9–57.4%), and the cv. Troitskaya—in the BS89 + carbamide variant (8.1–38.8%). Three-year use of strain BS89 for cv. Rusich resulted in an increase of runner’s weight by 212.1%, and also the weight of the roots by 120%, thereby significantly improving the mineral nutrition of plants. This is mainly associated with the plant growth-promoting activity of Bacillus velezensis BS89, which was able to produce a high amount of IAA—494.1 µg/mL. We believe that the PGPR strain BS89 can be successfully used for growing strawberries. However, each variety requires careful selection of the composition of nitrogen fertilizers and analysis of the compatibility of fertilizers and the PGPR strain

Epiphytic PGPB <i>Bacillus megaterium</i> AFI1 and <i>Paenibacillus nicotianae</i> AFI2 Improve Wheat Growth and Antioxidant Status under Ni Stress

The present study demonstrates the Ni toxicity-ameliorating and growth-promoting abilities of two different bacterial isolates when applied to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as the host plant. Two bacterial strains tolerant to Ni stress were isolated from wheat seeds and selected based on their ability to improve the germination of wheat plants; they were identified as Bacillus megaterium AFI1 and Paenibacillus nicotianae AFI2. The protective effects of these epiphytic bacteria against Ni stress were studied in model experiments with two wheat cultivars: Ni stress-tolerant Leningradskaya 6 and susceptible Chinese spring. When these isolates were used as the inoculants applied to Ni-treated wheat plants, the growth parameters and the levels of photosynthetic pigments of the two wheat cultivars both under normal and Ni-stress conditions were increased, though B. megaterium AFI1 had a more pronounced ameliorative effect on the Ni contents in plant tissues due to its synthesis of siderophores. Over the 10 days of Ni exposure, the plant growth promotion bacteria (PGPB) significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation (LPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and proline content in the leaves of both wheat cultivars. The PGPB also increased peroxidase (POX) activity and the levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in the wheat leaves. It was concluded that B. megaterium AFI1 is an ideal candidate for bioremediation and wheat growth promotion against Ni-induced oxidative stress, as it increases photosynthetic pigment contents, induces the antioxidant defense system, and lowers Ni metal uptake

Epiphytic PGPB Bacillus megaterium AFI1 and Paenibacillus nicotianae AFI2 Improve Wheat Growth and Antioxidant Status under Ni Stress

The present study demonstrates the Ni toxicity-ameliorating and growth-promoting abilities of two different bacterial isolates when applied to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as the host plant. Two bacterial strains tolerant to Ni stress were isolated from wheat seeds and selected based on their ability to improve the germination of wheat plants; they were identified as Bacillus megaterium AFI1 and Paenibacillus nicotianae AFI2. The protective effects of these epiphytic bacteria against Ni stress were studied in model experiments with two wheat cultivars: Ni stress-tolerant Leningradskaya 6 and susceptible Chinese spring. When these isolates were used as the inoculants applied to Ni-treated wheat plants, the growth parameters and the levels of photosynthetic pigments of the two wheat cultivars both under normal and Ni-stress conditions were increased, though B. megaterium AFI1 had a more pronounced ameliorative effect on the Ni contents in plant tissues due to its synthesis of siderophores. Over the 10 days of Ni exposure, the plant growth promotion bacteria (PGPB) significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation (LPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and proline content in the leaves of both wheat cultivars. The PGPB also increased peroxidase (POX) activity and the levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in the wheat leaves. It was concluded that B. megaterium AFI1 is an ideal candidate for bioremediation and wheat growth promotion against Ni-induced oxidative stress, as it increases photosynthetic pigment contents, induces the antioxidant defense system, and lowers Ni metal uptake

Bioactivity Study of the C60-L-Threonine Derivative for Potential Application in Agriculture

The present paper reports data on the biological activity of nanocompositions based on a C60-L-threonine (C60-Thr) derivative. These nanocompositions promote the nonspecific resistance of plants to the action of stress factors (ultraviolet radiation, pesticides, and phytopathogens). Additionally, we determined the perspectives of the C60-Thr adduct application in the cultivation of plants due to the decrease of the pesticide load on the environment. The biological study of C60-Thr revealed the plant growth-stimulating ability due to its influence on the photosynthetic apparatus activity and antioxidant properties