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Cobalt nitrate, nickel sulphate, hydrogen peroxide, sodium nitroprusside, and culture filtrates of Pseudomonas monteili, Bacillus circularans, Trichoderma atroviridae, and Trichoderma harzianum were tested to elicit ginsenoside production in a cell suspension line of Panax quinquefolius. Abiotic elicitors preferentially increased panaxadiols whereas biotic elicitors upregulated the panaxatriol synthesis. Cobalt nitrate (50 μM) increased total ginsenosides content by twofold (54.3 mg/L) within 5 days. It also induced the Rc synthesis that was absent in the control cultures. Elicitation with P. monteili (2.5 % v/ v, 5 days) also supported 2.4-fold enhancement in saponin yield. Elicitation by T. atroviridae or hydrogen peroxide induced the synthesis of Rg3 and Rh2 that are absent in ginseng roots. The highest ginsenosides productivity (3.2-fold of control) was noticed in cells exposed to 1.25 % v/ v dose of T. atroviridae for 5 days. Treating cells with T. harzianum for 15 days afforded maximum synthesis and leaching (8.1 mg/L) of ginsenoside Rh1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ocimum sanctum L. (O. tenuiflorum) family-Lamiaceae is an important component of Indian tradition of medicine as well as culture around the world, and hence is known as "Holy basil" in India. This plant is mentioned in the ancient texts of Ayurveda as an "elixir of life" (life saving) herb and worshipped for over 3000 years due to its healing properties. Although used in various ailments, validation of molecules for differential activities is yet to be fully analyzed, as about 80% of the patents on this plant are on extracts or the plant parts, and mainly focussed on essential oil components. With a view to understand the full metabolic potential of this plant whole nuclear and chloroplast genomes were sequenced for the first time combining the sequence data from 4 libraries and three NGS platforms. Results: The saturated draft assembly of the genome was about 386 Mb, along with the plastid genome of 142,245 bp, turning out to be the smallest in Lamiaceae. In addition to SSR markers, 136 proteins were identified as homologous to five important plant genomes. Pathway analysis indicated an abundance of phenylpropanoids in O. sanctum. Phylogenetic analysis for chloroplast proteome placed Salvia miltiorrhiza as the nearest neighbor. Comparison of the chemical compounds and genes availability in O. sanctum and S. miltiorrhiza indicated the potential for the discovery of new active molecules. Conclusion: The genome sequence and annotation of O. sanctum provides new insights into the function of genes and the medicinal nature of the metabolites synthesized in this plant. This information is highly beneficial for mining biosynthetic pathways for important metabolites in related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The production of cellulases by Trichoderma citrinoviride fermented on marc of Artemisia annua, and bioconversion of the same marc by produced cellulase system was studied. The effects of pretreatments, substrate concentration, particle size, initial pH, temperature and concentration of the medium components on production of FPase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase were monitored and comparatively evaluated. Among the three pretreatment processes, alkali hydrolysis with autoclaving was found to be most suitable for production of all the three enzymes. Optimum production of FPase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase was obtained at 96 h, 96 h and 72 h of fermentation period, respectively. Substrate concentration of 1% with particle size between 200 μm and 475 μm gave the higher yields. Higher production of all the three enzymes was obtained with initial pH value of 5.5, temperature of 28 °C and 75% of mineral salt solution. Partially purified enzyme system obtained by optimized fermentation procedure, was applied for saccharification. Forty six percent of saccharification was noticed after 48 h of incubation on alkali hydrolyzed and autoclaved substrate which was 3.26 fold more than that of unpretreated substrate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study demonstrates the usefulness of natural microbial growth-promoting compounds for improving the stability and life of vermicompost-based (both granular and its aqueous extract) bioformulations. Granular vermicompost maintained the number of cells of Rhizobium meliloti Rmd 201 up to 5.9 × 108 after 180 days at 28°C compared with 2.1 × 108 in charcoal (powdered), while aqueous extract of the vermicompost supported the 5.6 × 107 rhizobia numbers even after 270 days. The addition of 25 μL/mL cow urine and 0.01 mM calliterpinone, a natural plant growth promoter, increased the rhizobia number significantly in granular vermicompost and its aqueous extract, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytes are beneficial microbes that reside intercellularly inside the plants. Interaction of endophytes with the host plants and their function within their host are important to address ecological relevance of endophyte. Four endophytic bacteria OS-9, OS-10, OS-11, and OS-12 were isolated from healthy leaves of Ocimum sanctum. These isolated microbes were screened in dual culture against various phytopathogenic fungi viz. Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Fusarium solani, Alternaria solani, and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Of these, strain OS-9 was found to be antagonistic to R. solani, A. solani, F. solani, and C. lindemuthianum while OS-11 was found antagonistic against A. solani only. The growth-promoting benefits of the endophytes were initially evaluated in the glasshouse by inoculated seeds of O. sanctum. Treatment with endophytes OS-10 and OS-11 resulted in significant enhancement of growth as revealed by increase in fresh as well as dry weight. Further, field trials involving two genotypes OS Purple and CIM-Angana were conducted with strains OS-10 and OS-11. The growth-promoting effect was visible on both the genotypes tested as the endophytes significantly enhanced fresh herbage yield (t/ha). Interestingly, these endophytes increased the content of essential oil particularly in cultivar OS Purple and thereby increasing the total oil yields. Molecular characterization of strain OS-11 indicated the strain to be highly related to the type strain of Bacillus subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematode problems are increasing tremendously in arable soil due to the continuous cultivation of susceptible agricultural crops. Besides the scope of effective chemical armory to combat with, this pest is gradually decreasing. The major factor behind such a scenario is the adverse effect of chemical nematicides on human health, useful organisms, the environment as well as underground water. Therefore, effective chemical nematicides for field use may not be available in the future. Consequently, it has become inevitable to manage this pathogen through such non-chemical management tactics like fallow, flooding, changes in time of sowing/planting material, tillage practices, crop rotations, use of antagonistic crop, trap crop/cover crop, use of nematode free planting materials or seeds, solarization, organic amendment and biological control. Plant parasitic nematodes, if not checked, prove to be a major obstacle in the future prospects of medicinal and aromatic plants in India causing significant damage. Pogostemon cablin (Syn. P. patchouli) suffers greatly from infection of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, resulting in a considerable reduction in oil yield. A glasshouse experiment was designed to evaluate the relative efficacy of bioagents (Glomus mosseae, Trichoderma harzianum), and a pesticide (Furadan) on reproduction and infection potential of M. incognita in P. cablin. Trichoderma harzianum enhanced the growth, biomass and oil yield of the test plant. Significant reduction in the severity of root-knot disease and population of M. incognita was recorded in the pots treated with T. harzianum when compared to the Furadan treated pots. G. mosseae also performed well but it was less effective than Furadan. It is therefore suggested that T. harzianum can be considered as a wise option instead of hazardous pesticides for reducing root-knot disease in P. cablin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capabilities of cellulase production, using delignified bioprocessings of medicinal and aromatic plants, viz. citronella ( Cymbopogon winterianus) and Artemisia annua (known as marc of Artemisia) and garden waste (chiefly containing Cynodon dactylon), by the six species of Trichoderma were comparatively evaluated. Among the members of Trichoderma studied, T. citrinoviride was found to be the most efficient producer of cellulases along with a high level of β- glucosidase (produced 102.4 IU g−1 on marc of Artemisia; 101.33 IU g−1 on garden waste; 81.86 IU g−1 on distillation waste of citronella and 94.77 IU g−1 on pure cellulose). Although T. virens was noticed to be the minimal enzyme producer fungus, it interestingly could not produce complete cellulase enzyme complex on any test waste or pure cellulose, except on marc of Artemisia, where it produced all three enzymes of the complex. Immediate reduction in pH was also noticed during fermentation in the case of pure polymer (cellulose) by all tested fungi, while it was delayed with delignified agrowastes. The pH profile varied with the substrate used as well as with individual species of Trichoderma. On the other hand, no alteration in pH with any species of Trichoderma was noticed when grown on marc of A. annua, which might be due to the buffering capacity of this marc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Considering importance of a microbial strain capable of increased cellulases production and insensitive to catabolite repression for industrial use, we have developed a mutant strain of Trichoderma citrinoviride by multiple exposures to EMS and ethidium bromide. The mutant produced 0.63, 3.12, 8.22 and 1.94IUml-1 FPase, endoglucanase, β-glucosidase and cellobiase, respectively. These levels were, respectively, 2.14, 2.10, 4.09 and 1.73 fold higher than those in parent strain. Glucose (upto 20mM) did not repress enzyme production by the mutant under submerged fermentation conditions. In vitro activity assay with partially purified cellulase showed lack of inhibition by glucose. Interestingly, the partially purified endoglucanase and β-glucosidase were activated by 2.0 fold and 2.6 fold, respectively, by 20mM and 30mM ethanol in the assay mixture. Genetic distinction of the mutant was revealed by the presence of two unique amplicans in comparative DNA fingerprinting performed using 20 random primers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ricinoleic acid (RA) from castor oil was employed in biotransformation of peach-flavoured γ-decalactone (GDL), using a Candida parapsilosis strain (MTCC13027) which was isolated from waste of pineapple crown base. Using four variables—pH, cell density, amount of RA, and temperature—the biotransformation parameters were optimized using RSM and BBD. Under optimized conditions (pH 6, 10 % of microbial cells, 10 g/L RA at 28°C), the conversion was maximum and resulted to 80 % (+)-GDL (4.4 g/L/120 h) yield in shake flask (500 mL). Furthermore, optimization was achieved by adjusting the aeration and agitation parameters in a 3 L bioreactor, which were then replicated in a 10 L bioreactor to accurately determine the amount of (+)-GDL. In bioreactor condition, 4.7 g/L (>85 %) of (+)-GDL is produced with 20 % and 40 % dissolved oxygen (1.0 vvm) at 150 rpm in 72 h and 66 h, respectively. Further, a new Al-Mg-Ca-Si composite column-chromatography method is developed to purify enantiospecific (+)-GDL (99.9 %). This (+)-GDL is 100 % nature-identical as validated through 14C-radio-carbon dating. Thorough chemical investigation of enantiospecific (+)-GDL is authenticated for its use as flavour. This bioflavour has been developed through a cost-effective biotechnological process in response to the demand from the food industry on commercial scale. • Efficient Candida parapsilosis (MTCC 13027) strain produces (+)- γ -Decalactone (GDL). • Biotransformation parameters were optimized through RSM and Box Behnken Design. • (+)- γ -GDL is produced 4.4 g/L/120 h in shake-flask and 4.7 g/L/64 h in 10 L bioreactor. • Novel Al-Mg-Ca-Si composite produced to purify 99 % (+)- γ -GDL through Column. • (+)-GDL is identified 100 % biobased and safe for food-flavour application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant lipocalins perform diverse functions. Recently, allene oxide cyclase, a lipocalin family member, has been shown to co‐express with vindoline pathway genes in Catharanthus roseus under various biotic/abiotic stresses. This brought focus to another family member, a temperature‐induced lipocalin (CrTIL), which was selected for full‐length cloning, tissue‐specific expression profiling, in silico characterization, and upstream genomic region analysis for cis‐regulatory elements. Stress‐mediated variations in CrTIL expression were reflected as disturbances in cell membrane integrity, assayed through measurement of electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation product, MDA, which implicated the role of CrTIL in maintaining cell membrane integrity. For ascertaining the function of CrTIL in maintaining membrane stability and elucidating the relationship between CrTIL expression and vindoline content, if any, a direct approach was adopted, whereby CrTIL was transiently silenced and overexpressed in C. roseus. CrTIL silencing and overexpression confirmed its role in the maintenance of membrane integrity and indicated an inverse relationship of its expression with vindoline content. GFP fusion‐based subcellular localization indicated membrane localization of CrTIL, which was in agreement with its role in maintaining membrane integrity. Altogether, the role of CrTIL in maintaining membrane structure has possible implications for the intracellular sequestration, storage, and viability of vindoline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant lipocalins perform diverse functions. Recently, allene oxide cyclase, a lipocalin family member, has been shown to co‐express with vindoline pathway genes in Catharanthus roseus under various biotic/abiotic stresses. This brought focus to another family member, a temperature‐induced lipocalin (CrTIL), which was selected for full‐length cloning, tissue‐specific expression profiling, in silico characterization, and upstream genomic region analysis for cis‐regulatory elements. Stress‐mediated variations in CrTIL expression were reflected as disturbances in cell membrane integrity, assayed through measurement of electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation product, MDA, which implicated the role of CrTIL in maintaining cell membrane integrity. For ascertaining the function of CrTIL in maintaining membrane stability and elucidating the relationship between CrTIL expression and vindoline content, if any, a direct approach was adopted, whereby CrTIL was transiently silenced and overexpressed in C. roseus. CrTIL silencing and overexpression confirmed its role in the maintenance of membrane integrity and indicated an inverse relationship of its expression with vindoline content. GFP fusion‐based subcellular localization indicated membrane localization of CrTIL, which was in agreement with its role in maintaining membrane integrity. Altogether, the role of CrTIL in maintaining membrane structure has possible implications for the intracellular sequestration, storage, and viability of vindoline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornmint (Mentha arvensis) is cultivated to produce essential oil, which consists of about 75% of menthol. Fresh biomass is hydrodistilled for ∼5 h to obtain essential oil (1%), and the rest of the pre-treated biomass (99%) is generated as waste. A novel, green and economical two-step process has been developed using a mixture of imidazole (IM:1 M)-p-toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA:1.2 M), and IM (0.2 M)-20%NH 3 for the separation of lignin and hemicellulose, respectively. The lignin and hemicellulose were isolated from the respective solution by precipitation, and final undissolved solid residue was obtained as cellulose. This process was scaled-up, recovering cellulose (38%), hemicellulose (27%), and lignin (14%) using 7 L double jacketed reactor. The processing parameters such as temperature, solvent ratio, and time were optimized using single factorial design mathematical model for the isolation of biopolymers. Further, cellulose was enzymatically biotransformed to glucose through submerged and solid-state fermentation (SSF) using Trichoderma reesei, T. harzianum (TH, TH10) , and T. atroviride. Isolated cellulose was produced 61.5% of glucose at 30 °C, pH 5 in 72 h through SSF process using TH10 strain. This glucose solution was transformed to methyl levulinate (74%) under aqueous-methanol (5:1) solvent system for 2 h at 160 °C using La(OTf) 3.H 2 O catalyst. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited vanillin (3a) production from plant sources requires identifying some renewable and sustainable approaches for its synthesis. This study aimed to develop an efficient, eco-friendly process for synthesizing vanillin (3a) from eugenol (1a) and eugenol-rich essential oils. The chemical methodology for vanillin (3a) synthesis involved base-mediated isomerization of eugenol (1a) to isoeugenol (2a), followed by OsO 4 /NaIO 4 mediated oxidation of isoeugenol to vanillin (3a) using different additives such 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and substituted pyridines in reusable environment-friendly solvents. Use of 2,6-dimethylpyridine and 2,6-dimethylpyridine N-oxide as additives in the oxidation step offered a significantly higher product yield (vanillin 3a , 70 %). The process synthesized vanillin (3a) irrespective of the cis/ trans stereochemistry of isoeugenol (2a). The peculiarity of the method relates to converting eugenol (1a) to vanillin (3a) without phenolic group protection, which offers step economy. Besides efficient vanillin (3a) synthesis, the process's general implications involve converting other naturally occurring phenylpropenes or phenylpropenes-enriched oils to the corresponding phenyl aldehydes (59–82 % yield). [Display omitted] • The eco-friendly process uses environmentally safe solvents and offers step economy. • Devoid of chromatographic separation of cis- & trans-isomers of phenylpropenes. • High purity of product (>99 %), Improved product yield over existing processes. • No requirement for any specific reaction conditions. • Broad applicability for value addition of phenylpropenes(s) rich essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continual crop monitoring and harvesting at optimum time to ensure maximum economic returns is a huge challenge for farmers having small landholdings in Indo-Gangetic plains where Mentha arvensis is a popular cash crop. The present study evaluates different hyperspectral indices for phenotyping the canopy of M. arvensis winter crop (cv. CIM-Kranti) for detection of optimum harvest time using ground-based plant traits. Field experiments were conducted during mid-crop growth stage to late crop growth period for two consecutive years using hyperspectral camera (400–940 nm) to acquire images representing the spectral reflectance of crop canopies. Hyperspectral vegetation indices (HVIs) derived from these images were further evaluated with an aim to identify those hyperspectral indices showing a strong correlation to measured crop parameters. Out of the 18 HVIs, 4 HVI's i.e. photochemical reflectance index (PRI), carotenoids reflectance index (CRIr), hyperspectral normalized difference vegetation index (HNDVI) and plant senescence reflectance index (PSRI) were recognized as potential predictors for sucker traits (weight and length) and thereby indicators of optimum harvesting time for M. arvensis winter crop (cv. CIM-Kranti) cultivated primarily to produce suckers for crop propagation. Our results show promise for the development of non-destructive methods for the detection of optimum harvest time using crop reflectance. This study holds importance for the menthol mint farmers, who cultivate the crop for suckers during winter months for additional income generation. • Optimization of harvest time for M. arvensis based on evaluation of 18 hyperspectral indices. • Hyperspectral indices predict the traits of M. arvensis suckers with high accuracy. • Photochemical reflectance index (PRI) has high positive correlation with sucker traits. • Carotenoid reflectance index (CRIr) has high negative correlation with sucker traits. • No hyperspectral index could detect harvest time corresponding to higher oil yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vindoline is an important alkaloid produced in Catharanthus roseus leaves. It is the more important monomer of the scarce and costly anticancer bisindole alkaloids, vincristine, and vinblastine, as unlike catharanthine (the other monomer), its biosynthesis is restricted to the leaves. Here, biotic (bacterial endophyte, phytoplasma, virus) and abiotic (temperature, salinity, SA, MeJa) factors were studied for their effect on vindoline accumulation in C. roseus. Variations in vindoline pathway-related gene expression were reflected in changes in vindoline content. Since allene oxide cyclase (CrAOC) is involved in jasmonate biosynthesis and MeJa modulates many vindoline pathway genes, the correlation between CrAOC expression and vindoline content was studied. It was taken up for full-length cloning, tissue-specific expression profiling, in silico analyses, and upstream genomic region analysis for cis-regulatory elements. Co-expression analysis of CrAOC with vindoline metabolism-related genes under the influence of aforementioned abiotic/biotic factors indicated its stronger direct correlation with the tabersonine-to-vindoline genes (t16h, omt, t3o, t3r, nmt, d4h, dat) as compared to the pre-tabersonine genes (tdc, str, sgd). Its expression was inversely related to that of downstream-acting peroxidase (prx) (except under temperature stress). Direct/positive relationship of CrAOC expression with vindoline content established it as a key gene modulating vindoline accumulation in C. roseus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downy mildew is one of the most serious diseases of Papaver somniferum. Endophytes isolated from different parts of P. somniferum were screened for their ability to enhance resistance against downy mildew caused by the obligate biotrophic oomycete Peronospora meconopsidis. Two endophytes (SMR1 and SMR2) reduced the downy mildew on three P. somniferum genotypes (Sampada, J‐16, and I‐14). SMR1 (Microbacterium sp.) also enhanced the resistance of P. somniferum against downy mildew under field conditions. The biochemical markers of plant susceptibility under biotic stresses (proline and malondialdehyde) were found to be reduced in P. somniferum upon SMR1 treatment. To understand the mechanisms underlying the enhanced resistance to downy mildew in SMR1 endophyte‐treated P. somniferum genotype J‐16, we compared the expression profiles using the next‐generation RNA sequencing approach between P. somniferum pretreated with SMR1 and untreated endophyte‐free control plants following exposure to downy mildew pathogen. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression of transcripts belonging to broad classes of signal transduction, protein modification, disease/defense proteins, transcription factors, and phytohormones in SMR1‐primed P. somniferum after infection with downy mildew pathogen. Furthermore, enhanced salicylic acid content was observed in SMR1‐primed P. somniferum after exposure to downy mildew pathogen. This study sheds light on molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced resistance to downy mildew in SMR1‐primed P. somniferum. Finally, we propose that the SA‐dependent defense pathway, the hallmark of systemic acquired resistance, is activated in SMR1‐primed P. somniferum, triggering the endophyte‐induced resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The untapped microbial communities in medicinal plants can have a genetically varied population with multi-functional plant growth promoting characters. An attempt was made to investigate the effect of bioinoculant, Cohnella sp., Chryseobacterium taklimakanense, Lysobacter soli and Paenibacillus glycanilyticus isolated from the medicinal plant (Hemidesmus indicus) rhizosphere on the growth parameters of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) without chemical fertilizers. A vermicompost carrier based single, dual and multiple bio-inoculant formulation was developed and tested for the survival of individual strains, showed a maximum population of 1 × 106 cells g−1 after 90 days of storage at 28 ± 2 °C invariably in all formulations. The inoculums' efficiency on Kalmegh under greenhouse conditions resulted in boosted growth with the maximum plant height (95.8 cm) in Cohnella sp. application, followed by consortium of all strains recorded 91.5 cm. Flower initiation occurred sooner in plants inoculated with bacterial consortium of all as well in Cohnella sp. alone, consecutively resulted in highest Andrographolide content of 3.06% and 3.50%, respectively. Maximum fresh weight herbage yield of 39.5% and 27.5% (dry weight) was recorded in plants treated with bacterial consortium (Cohnella sp, C. taklimakanense, L. soli and P. glycanilyticus) over non-inoculated control as well the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content. Germination of seed experiment revealed the synergism of bacterial isolates in consortium for promoting plant growth. Further, the quanta of inoculums is reduced by 25 percent in composite inoculation, in turn reduces the fertilizers expenditure and persist until the harvesting stage of the crop with the need to apply once. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biotechnology has improved chemical production for using as flavour and fragrance. • Various biofermentation process are used for production of flavour and fragrance. • Biocatalysts are eco-friendly and boost aroma chemicals commercial production. • Whole cell biotransformation is sustainable & need advance method to improve yield. • Flavour impact lactones production is enhanced through immobilization techniques. Biocatalysis entails the use of purified enzymes in the manufacturing of flavouring chemicals food industry as well as at the laboratory level. These biocatalysts can significantly accelerate organic chemical processes and improve product stereospecificity. The unique characteristics of biocatalyst helpful in synthesizing the environmentally friendly flavour and aroma compounds used as a food additive in foodstuffs. With methods like enzyme engineering on biotechnological interventions the efficient tuning of produce will fulfil the needs of food industry. This review summarizes the biosynthesis of different flavour and aroma component through microbial catalysts and using advanced techniques which are available for enzyme improvement. Also pointing out their benefits and drawbacks for specific technological processes necessary for successful industrial application of biocatalysts. The article covers the market scenario, cost economics, environmental safety and regulatory framework for the production of food flavoured chemicals by the bioprocess engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Treatment of palmarosa and ajwain oils inhibited sprouting of potato tubers. • Treatments of lemon grass and clove oils induced sprouting of potato tubers. • Selected oils treatments modulated accumulation of reducing sugars and ethylene. • Selected oils treatments modulated expression of key genes of tuber-sprouting. • Selected oils can be used for reducing post-harvest losses of potato crop. Abstract Use of harmful chemicals and expensive maintenance of cold-storage conditions for controlling sprouting are among the major problems in potato storage. Here, 20 essential oils (EOs) were tested for their sprouting-inhibiting and sprouting-inducing activities. Overall, treatments of lemon grass (LG) and clove (CL) oils could induce sprouting whereas palmarosa (PR) and ajwain (AZ) oils could inhibit sprouting of potato tubers at normal-room-temperature (25 ± 2 °C) storage. Selected-EOs treatments affected sprouting by modulation of accumulation of reducing sugars, ethylene, and expression of genes involved in tuber-sprouting such as ARF , ARP , AIP and ERF. Surprisingly, 7-days AZ-treatments could inhibit sprouting for 30-days which was mediated via damaging apical meristem. However, LG- and CL-treated tubers could produce enhanced potato yield as well. Present work clearly demonstrates that selected-EOs can be used as a promising eco-friendly approach for inducing/inhibiting sprouting of potato tubers during potato storage and those enhancing sprouting can be used for enhancing productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Co-inoculation of PGPRs and Trichoderma was tested for enhancing plant productivity. • B. halotolerans and T. harzianum synergistically enhanced the plant productivity. • Microbial cooperation boosts the essential oil yields in Mentha arvensis. Abstract The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of co-inoculation of Trichoderma harzianum (Th) with the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) on the growth and essential oil yield of Mentha arvensis under pot as well as field conditions. For in vitro screening of compatible strains, cross streak assays were undertaken and further assessed to confirm their ability to form biofilm help in root colonization. in vitro interaction studies showed that Trichoderma harzianum (Th) did not antagonize with Stenotrophomonas spp (Az-30), Bacillus flexus (Sd-30) and Brevibacterium halotolerans (Sd-6) strains individually, indicating the possibility of using these combinations for plant growth promotion studies. These compatible combinations were further screened in vivo under greenhouse conditions on M. arvensis seedlings. The results revealed that co-inoculation of Th and Sd-6 increased plant growth, oil content, leaf-stem ratio, photosynthetic pigments, and nutrient uptake resulting in higher oil yields over other microbial treatments. The density (colony forming unit) of Th, as well as rhizobacteria, was significantly higher when compared to the single inoculations and control in the rhizospheric soil. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant colonization of microbial biofilms on the root surface particularly for the best combination of Th and Sd-6. These results suggest the synergistic interactions between Brevibacterium halotolerans and Trichoderma harzianum for survival and improving plant growth and yield. The association of Sd-6 and Th, when applied under field conditions showed increased plant growth which provides an evidence that Th and Sd-6 together enhance the growth promoting abilities of each other significantly improving growth and yield of the crop. A higher number of propagules of both Th and Sd-6 may exert similar crop growth benefits in the subsequent crops while higher population of Th may protect the subsequent crops from many phytopathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • 100% mortality in Rose-scented geranium during extreme climatic condition is a major problem. • Developed field method such as semi-protective shed, manipulating growing medium and date of planting. • Seven protective sheds having different environmental conditions were compared. • On application of novel method, survival rate of geranium propugule increased up to 95%. • The new method reduces the cost of planting materials up to 0.025$ plant-1. Abstract Rose Scented Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) can be a profitable crop for the farmers of northern Indian plains. But, the commercialization of the crop is facing 100% mother plants mortality in extreme climatic conditions during the rainy season and non-economic saving under Air Conditioned glass house. Hence, four-year experiment (2013–2016) was carried out for the development of economically viable technology to save the propagules. Results revealed that geranium propagules could be savedup to 95% during monsoon period by employing cost-effective field practice, i.e.,optimization of time of propagule development under open condition (middle of March). Growing soil medium (sandy clay loam) and shifting them in specially designed shed before the onset of monsoon (Polythene + green net shed), whereas under air condistioned (AC) glass house survival was only up to 85%.Plants were healthier in the shed as compared to AC glass house. They provided more cutting when grown in particular shed.The number of mother plants required for one-hectare commercial plantation reduced in the range of 63.64%–85.19% and area required for developing them reduced in the range of 63.63%to45.98% for the planting between November to February in the newly developed method as compared with AC glass house. It will reduce the cost of the one-hectare commercial plantation from 98.42% to 97.11%. Also cost per propagule was reduced from 0.48 $ plant−1 in AC glass house to 0.025$ plant−1 in field method having shed of transparent polythene + green net. The method used here could be beneficial for the farmers as it generates more planting material without any electricity requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-treatment is the key to unlock renewable lignocellulosic biomass for the production of valuable polysaccharides and biochemicals. Mentha arvensis represent an essential oil crop widely cultivated in world for producing high value flavour constituent like menthol (75.8%). After extraction of essential oil (0.93%), the remaining biomass is generally treated as distilled lignocellulosic biomass. Present study aimed to report the potential of newly developed chemical process for the isolation of major biopolymers from distilled M. arvensis biomass and saccharification of isolated cellulose to glucose. The terpene free distilled biomass was used for the isolation of cellulose (38%), hemicellulose (20%) and lignin (8%). The physical and chemical characteristics of fresh and distilled biomass were carried out using bomb calorimeter, XRD, TGA, ICP-MS, FT-IR and CHNS. Isolated cellulose was further enzymatically hydrolysed using Cellic CTec2 (114 FPU/ml) and Trichoderma reesei enzymes (68 FPU/ml) for the maximum glucose production in shake flask method. Our studies showed that Cellic CTec2 is more suitable enzyme for the production of glucose from distilled M. arvensis biomass with the enzyme loading of 10 FPU/g isolated cellulose in 48 h at 50 °C and 4.8 pH. The maximum glucose concentration obtained experimentally was 615 mg/g of isolated cellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursery treatment with efficient microbial inoculants, using vermicompost as rooting medium, is not popular technique and underutilized for the management of complex root diseases (involved phyto-pathogens: Fusarium , Ralstonia and Meloidogyne ) of Coleus forskohlii . To find a probable profound solution of the above problem we designed an experiment to study the potential of efficient bioinoculants and AM fungus as nursery treatment, where the vermicompost was added as rooting and microbial inoculants multiplying medium, for effective management of complex root disease of C. forskohlii for higher root yield, forskolin content and also to sustain the health of soil. Nursery (cuttings of C. forskohlii ) treated with efficient microbial inoculants Pseudomonas monteilii (PM) and Glomus intraradices (GI) showed maximum control efficacy for root-rot/wilt (complex disease) of C. forskohlii and improved the growth, yield attributes and also the content of forskolin in the plants. The efficient bioinoculant P. monteilii (strain CRC1) and AM fungus ( G. intraradices ) thus proved to be a potent/novel antagonist and can be better utilised for biological management of complex root disease of C. forskohlii under organic field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual metabolite, i.e., ginsenoside and anthocyanin, co-accumulating cell suspensions of Panax sikkimensis were subjected to elicitation with culture filtrates of Serratia marcescens (SD 21), Bacillus subtilis (FL11), Trichoderma atroviridae (TA), and T. harzianum (TH) at 1.25% and 2.5% v/v for 1- and 3-week duration. The fungal-derived elicitors (TA and TH) did not significantly affect biomass accumulation; however, bacterial elicitors (SD 21 and FL11), especially SD 21, led to comparable loss in biomass growth. In terms of ginsenoside content, differential responses were observed. A maximum of 3.2-fold increase (222.2 mg/L) in total ginsenoside content was observed with the use of 2.5% v/v TH culture filtrate for 1 week. Similar ginsenoside accumulation was observed with the use of 1-week treatment with 2.5% v/v SD 21 culture filtrate (189.3 mg/L) with a 10-fold increase in intracellular Rg2 biosynthesis (31 mg/L). Real-time PCR analysis of key ginsenoside biosynthesis genes, i.e., FPS, SQS, DDS, PPDS, and PPTS, revealed prominent upregulation of particularly PPTS expression (20-23-fold), accounting for the observed enhancement in protopanaxatriol ginsenosides. However, none of the elicitors led to successful enhancement in in vitro anthocyanin accumulation as compared to control values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioconversion of photosynthetic cyanobacteria biomass feedstock into biofuels, and commodity chemical compounds is limited. Seven strains of cyanobacteria, namely: Synechocystis PCC 6803, Synechococcus PCC 7942, Nostoc muscorum, Oscillatoria sp., Anabaena cylindrica, Lyngbya sp. and Phormidium sp. were characterized for their growth, biomass, carbohydrates and lipids production. The maximum specific growth rate, the number of generations, biomass, and lipid yield as well as lipid content (13.1%) were observed in Synechocystis PCC 6803 among the evaluated strains. Overall 11.0, 7.5, 8.9, 4.8, 10.3, and 8.4% lipid, and 14.8, 32.1, 18.6, 26.2, 17.3, 27.8% carbohydrate content were obtained in Synechococcus PCC 7942, N. muscorum, Oscillatoria sp., A. cylindrica, Lyngbya sp. and Phormidium sp., respectively. In contrast, carbohydrate content in Synechocystis PCC 6803 cells was 9.89%. N. muscorum and Phormidium sp. were elucidated as a good candidate species for the carbohydrate enriched biomass. Therefore, Synechocystis PCC 6803 was screened as a robust species for lipid-based biofuels, while Phormidium sp. and N. muscorum can be exploited for the carbohydrate enriched biomass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stresses such as salt and drought represent adverse environmental conditions that significantly damage plant growth and agricultural productivity. In this study, the mechanism of the plant growth-promoting rhizo-bacteria (PGPR)-stimulated tolerance against abiotic stresses has been explored. Results suggest that PGPR strains, Arthrobacter protophormiae (SA3) and Dietzia natronolimnaea (STR1), can facilitate salt stress tolerance in wheat crop, while Bacillus subtilis (LDR2) can provide tolerance against drought stress in wheat. These PGPR strains enhance photosynthetic efficiency under salt and drought stress conditions. Moreover, all three PGPR strains increase indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content of wheat under salt and drought stress conditions. The SA3 and LDR2 inoculations counteracted the increase of abscisic acid (ABA) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) under both salt and drought stress conditions, whereas STR1 had no significant impact on the ABA and ACC content. The impact of PGPR inoculations on these physiological parameters were further confirmed by gene expression analysis as we observed enhanced levels of the TaCTR1 gene in SA3-, STR1- and LDR2 -treated wheat seedlings as compared to uninoculated drought and salt stressed plants. PGPR inoculations enhanced expression of TaDREB2 gene encoding for a transcription factor, which has been shown to be important for improving the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress conditions. Our study suggest that PGPR confer abiotic stress tolerance in wheat by enhancing IAA content, reducing ABA/ACC content, modulating expression of a regulatory component (CTR1) of ethylene signaling pathway and DREB2 transcription factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic acid rich vermicompost (HARV) was used to impart plant and soil health as compared to chemical fertilizers (CF), and normal vermicompost (NV) involving pea ( Pisum sativum cv. Bonneville) as the host plant. The plant growth parameters of the crop were recorded at the time of harvesting and soil microbial structure was studied by using DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) on a temporal basis (0 day, 12th day, 30th day and 60th day). The growth parameters showed an increase of 34.04%, 50.61% and 33.12% in total height, fresh weight, and dry weight as compared to conventional chemical fertilizers (CF) and 25.53%, 70.13% and 59.49% as compared to control. The DGGE profiles revealed that maximum bacterial and fungal diversity and density occur in soil supplemented with HARV on 12th day (both Shannon’s index and Margalef’s index showed highest bacterial diversity (2.87) and richness (5.52) and highest fungal diversity (2.76) and richness (4.96)). The lowest values for the indices (Margalef’s and Shannon for bacteria 2.51 and 1.78 and Margalef’s and Shannon for fungi 2.12 and 1.43 respectively) were observed in CF applied soils on the 60th day where diversity was even lower than in case of control soil indicating the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers on soil microbial diversities. Amendment of soil with organic fertilizers improved root nodulation and AMF colonization; the increment being higher in HARV. External application of AMF and Rhizobium further improved these parameters suggesting that AMF and Rhizobium act synergistically with HARV in improving plant growth and soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of combined use of farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers on biomass and essential oil yields, chemical and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen of soil grown with peppermint (Mentha piperita) in a hilly region, Bageshwar, India. Combined application of both farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers increased the biomass and oil yields of peppermint compared to sole inorganic fertilizers treatments. The treatments receiving both farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers improved the soil organic carbon and total N from initial value of 3.9 to 7.0 g kg-1soil and 0.27 to 0.58 g kg-1soil, respectively. A significant improvement has been noticed in soil respiration, soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen compared to inorganic fertilizer alone. Moreover, different proportions of inorganic fertilizers with farm yard manure had significant variation on available major soil nutrients. A significant correlation coefficient (r= 0.41* to 0.98**) was observed between yields and soil properties. The quality of essential oil was good and acceptable for the market. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The escalating population has amplified the pressure on fertile lands for cultivation of food crops has augmented; therefore, utilization of degraded agricultural fields or wastelands including salt affected soils is a possible alternative for farming of medicinal and aromatic plants. Mentha arvensis L. is grown for its menthol-rich essential oil used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, flavor, food, beverage and associated industries. The present study is aimed at identifying potential combinations of PGPR and AMF and assesses their potential in improving M. arvensis growth and yield under salt stressed conditions in both controlled and field conditions. Four AM fungi, viz. Glomus aggregatum (Ga), Glomus mosseae (Gm), Glomus fasciculatum (Gf) and Glomus intraradices (Gi) and two PGPR Halomonas desiderata (STR8, GenBank Accession no. JQ436849 ) and Exiguobacterium oxidotolerans (STR36, GenBank Accession no. JQ804988 ) were inoculated in M. arvensis in combination to assess their effects on plant growth and yield under salt stressed conditions through glasshouse trials. The plants applied with G. fasciculatum + E. oxidotolerans (Gf + STR36) recorded highest fresh weights, oil yield as compared to all other treatments as well as control plants in saline conditions. Based on the data obtained in the glasshouse experiments, G. fasciculatum + E. oxidotolerans (Gf + STR36) along with vermicompost were tested for its efficacy in promoting plant growth under naturally occurring salt stressed field conditions. The field trials indicated positive interactive effects of combined application of G. fasciculatum + E. oxidotolerans and vermicompost (Gf + STR36 + VC) as observed through improved plant growth and better AMF colonization. Our results promote the idea of multi-microbial inoculations together with vermicompost as efficient biofertilizers in promoting M. arvensis growth in salt affected fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth promoting microorganisms (rhizospheric bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi) provide a sustainable alternative to enhanced crop production along with improved soil health in varying environments. The present study was aimed to elucidate the alteration occurring in innate rhizospheric microbial communities associated with inoculation of AM fungi and PGPR along with organic manure and the resulting improved plant growth under naturally occurring salt stress. The results demonstrate improved growth of Ocimum basilicum CIM-Saumya plants applied with bio-inoculants ( Dietzia natronolimnaea STR1 and Glomus intraradices (Gi)) along with organic manure (vermicompost) under salt stressed soil conditions in both glasshouse and field trials. Rhizospheric microbial (bacteria and fungi) community structure as analyzed through terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) demonstrated a positive effect of microbial inoculation on the indigenous microbial community structure. A notable impact of combined inoculations on the bacterial community was observed in comparison to single applications of either of the bio-inoculants; however, this effect was not iterated in fungal community structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inedible, lignocellulosic biomass has been recognized as most promising renewable resource for the production of high value bio-chemicals. The pretreated biomass or isolated cellulose is a biopolymer of glucose used as a stating material for the synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). HMF is listed among the top 10 bio-based chemicals by USA Department of Energy and it acts as feedstock for deriving a number of commodity products (Bonzell and Petersen, 2010, Green Chem. 12, 539). In present review, we have systematically summarized the catalytic reaction for the synthesis of HMF from pretreated biomass/isolated cellulose using green processes. Further, through catalytic approach, HMF is translated into industrial important chemicals (2,5-diformylfuran, furan-2,5-dicarboxylicacid, 2,5-furandimethanol, furfuraylalcohol, etc) or high calorific value biofuel (2,5-dimethylfuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-bis(alkoxymethyl)furans, etc). In the profitable scale of HMF production, levulinic acid (LA) is generated as a major byproduct. Besides HMF, this review also outlines the catalytic strategy for the conversion of LA to industrially important chemicals along with the biofuel additives. Finally, the bio-toxicity of synthesized chemicals, which connected into different functional groups have been summarized to meet the criteria of the green technology for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resilience of soil microbial populations and processes to environmental perturbation is of increasing interest as alteration in rhizosphere microbial community dynamics impacts the combined functions of plant-microbe interactions. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of inoculation with halotolerant rhizobacteria Bacillus pumilus (STR2), Halomonas desiderata (STR8), and Exiguobacterium oxidotolerans (STR36) on the indigenous root-associated microbial (bacterial and fungal) communities in maize under non-saline and salinity stress. Plants inoculated with halotolerant rhizobacteria recorded improved growth as illustrated by significantly higher shoot and root dry weight and elongation in comparison to un-inoculated control plants under both non-saline and saline conditions. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction ordination analysis revealed that plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculations as well as salinity are major drivers of microbial community shift in maize rhizosphere. Salinity negatively impacts microbial community as analysed through diversity indices; among the PGPR-inoculated plants, STR2-inoculated plants recorded higher values of diversity indices. As observed in the terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, the inoculation of halotolerant rhizobacteria prevents major shift of the microbial community structure, thus enhancing the resilience capacity of the microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes are a significant reservoir of novel bioactive secondary metabolites. Present communication describes isolation and structure determination of isochromenone, from endophytic microorganism Aspergillus fumigatus hosted in Bacopa monnieri plant. Further, its biological evaluation revealed it as antioxidant and antitubercular. The methanol extract of A. fumigatus inhibits the growth of the virulent strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37RV with minimum inhibitory concentration 500 μg/mL. This is the first report of isolation of isochromenone from A. fumigatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic disturbances are detrimental to the functioning and stability of natural ecosystems. Critical ecosystem processes driven by microbial communities are subjected to these disturbances. Here, we examine the stabilizing role of bacterial diversity on community biomass in the presence of abiotic perturbations such as addition of heavy metals, NaCl and warming. Bacterial communities with a diversity gradient of 1-12 species were subjected to the different treatments, and community biomass (OD600) was measured after 24 h. We found that initial species richness and phylogenetic structure impact the biomass of communities. Under abiotic perturbations, the presence of tolerant species in community largely contributed in community biomass production. Bacterial diversity stabilized the biomass across the treatments, and differential response of bacterial species to different perturbations was the key reason behind these effects. The results suggest that biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the stability of ecosystem functioning and acts as ecological insurance under abiotic perturbations. Biodiversity in natural ecosystems may also uphold the ecosystem functioning under anthropogenic disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elicitors play an important role in challenging the plant defense system through plant-environment interaction and thus altering the secondary metabolite production. Culture filtrates of four endophytic fungi, namely, Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus niveoglaucus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, and Trichoderma harzianum were tested on embryogenic cell suspensions of latex-less Papaver somniferum in dose-dependent kinetics. Besides this, abiotic elicitors salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and carbon dioxide were also applied for improved sanguinarine production. Maximum biomass accumulation (growth index (GI) = 293.50 ± 14.82) and sanguinarine production (0.090 ± 0.008 % dry wt.) were registered by addition of 3.3 % v/ v T. harzanium culture filtrate. Interestingly, it was further enhanced (GI = 323.40 ± 25.30; 0.105 ± 0.008 % dry wt.) when T. harzanium culture filtrate was employed along with 50 μM shikimate. This was also supported by real-time (RT) (qPCR), where 8-9-fold increase in cheilanthifoline synthase (CFS), stylopine synthase (STS), tetrahydroprotoberberine cis- N-methyltransferase (TNMT), and protopine 6-hydroxylase (P6H) transcripts was observed. Among abiotic elicitors, while hydrogen peroxide and carbon dioxide registered low level of sanguinarine accumulation, maximum sanguinarine content was detected by 250 μM salicylic acid (0.058 ± 0.003 % dry wt.; GI = 172.75 ± 13.40). RT (qPCR) also confirms the downregulation of sanguinarine pathway on CO supplementation. Various parameters ranging from agitation speed (70 rpm), impeller type (marine), media volume (2 l), inoculum weight (100 g), and culture duration (9 days) were optimized during upscaling in 5-l stirred tank bioreactor to obtain maximum sanguinarine production (GI = 434.00; 0.119 ± 0.070 % dry wt.). Addition of 3.3 % v/ v T. harzanium culture filtrate and 50-μM shikimate was done on the 6th day of bioreactor run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Induction of stress ethylene production in the plant system is one of the consequences of salt stress which apart from being toxic to the plant also inhibits mycorrhizal colonization and rhizobial nodulation by oxidative damage. Tolerance to salinity in pea plants was assessed by reducing stress ethylene levels through ACC deaminase-containing rhizobacteria Arthrobacter protophormiae (SA3) and promoting plant growth through improved colonization of beneficial microbes like Rhizobium leguminosarum (R) and Glomus mosseae (G). The experiment comprised of treatments with combinations of SA3, G, and R under varying levels of salinity. The drop in plant biomass associated with salinity stress was significantly lesser in SA3 treated plants compared to non-treated plants. The triple interaction of SA3+G+R performed synergistically to induce protective mechanism against salt stress and showed a new perspective of plant-microorganism interaction. This tripartite collaboration increased plant weight by 53%, reduced proline content, lipid peroxidation and increased pigment content under 200mM salt condition. We detected that decreased ACC oxidase (ACO) activity induced by SA3 and reduced ACC synthase (ACS) activity in AMF (an observation not reported earlier as per our knowledge) inoculated plants simultaneously reduced the ACC content by 60% (responsible for generation of stress ethylene) in SA3+G+R treated plants as compared to uninoculated control plants under 200mM salt treatment. The results indicated that ACC deaminase-containing SA3 brought a putative protection mechanism (decrease in ACC content) under salt stress, apart from alleviating ethylene-induced damage, by enhancing nodulation and AMF colonization in the plants resulting in improved nutrient uptake and plant growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trichoderma citrinoviride EB-104 has recently been developed as a hyper β-glucosidase producing mutant strain. In the present study, efforts were made to further enhance its enzyme titers using low molecular weight stimulators viz., calliterpinone (a natural plant diterpenoid), dl-2-aminobutyric acid (isomer of an amino acid, aminobutyric acid) and jasmonic acid (a natural plant growth regulator). Among test stimulators, calliterpinone and dl-2-aminobutyric acid significantly enhanced activities of all three enzymes of cellulase complex i.e., FPase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase. A 5.0 and 2.7 fold increase in FPase and endoglucanase activities, respectively, could be achieved by incorporating 12.5 mmol dl-2-aminobutyric acid into fermentation media. On the other hand, more than fivefold enhanced β-glucosidase activity was evident with 10 μmol of calliterpinone, raising its activity from 8.28 to 43.38 IU cm−3. This β-glucosidase activity of T. citrinoviride EB-104 is far higher than that of reported earlier. These test stimulators, which improved enzyme activities of cellulase complex in T. citrinoviride EB-104, may also be explored for enhancing the activities of other fungal enzymes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cyanobacteria have evolved photosynthetic mechanisms in which solar energy is used to fix CO into carbohydrates. The lipids from cyanobacteria can be converted to biodiesel by extraction-transesterification methods. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of the natural plant and microbial growth promoter calliterpenone from the plant Callicarpa macrophylla supplemented at three different doses (15, 25, 50 μL of a 0.01 mM solution) per 100 mL BG11 medium for enhancing total biomass, carbohydrate, and lipid yields and reducing the surface-to-volume ratios of cells of Synechocystis PCC 6803. The enhanced total dried biomass, carbohydrate, and lipid production was 316.1, 140.34, and 130.76 %, respectively, higher than the control, and were obtained after 15 days of cultivation at the dose of 15 μL (0.01 mM) of calliterpenone per 100 mL BG11 medium. A decrease in surface-to-volume ratio of cells from 1.19 to 0.84 compared to the control was also observed. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the doses of calliterpenone at different pH of growth media. An increase of 346.95, 187.2, and 134.46 % in biomass, carbohydrate, and lipid yields, respectively, was achieved after 10 days of cultivation in optimized BG11 media at pH 7.5 and with 20 μL (0.01 mM) calliterpenone per 100 mL. Thus, this biomolecule can be exploited for higher yields of Synechocystis PCC 6803 in a relatively shorter culture time making this an attractive strategy for fuel production using this cyanobacterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermicompost (VC) produced from distillation waste of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), farmyard manure (FYM) produced from animal excreta mixed with pine needle (Pinussp.), and biofertilzer (Azotobacter) were utilized for this experiment. The plant growth attributes, biomass, and oil yield of geranium were significantly increased with integrated nutrient supply, and maximum increase was found in T8treatments (N100P60K60+ 5t VC). Soil organic carbon (Corg) significantly increased by 4.2% to 81.8% in T4and T8treatments, respectively, over the control. Data obtained on total nitrogen (Nt) and available N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) clearly showed that the integrated nutrient supply considerably improved the soil health and sustainability. The soil respiration and microbial biomass C (Cmic) and N (Nmic) were increased by the manures according to the application rate. The Cmicaccounted for 1.8 to 2.7% of the soil Corgcontent and microbial N accounted for 3.9 to 5.8 % of Ntunder different treatment combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Efforts were made to produce bioinoculants enriched vermicompost. [•] Selected bioinoculants were cellulase producer, antagonist and growth promoter. [•] Pre-treatment with microbial consortium significantly enhanced the degradation. [•] Resultant enriched vermicompost reduced root-rot and improved the essential oil yields. [•] Application of vermicompost resulted in a marked improvement in soil health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND Mentha arvensis is cultivated in large parts of the world for its menthol-rich essential oil. The study investigates the potential of four mycorrhizal fungi, viz. Glomus mosseae (Gm), Glomus aggregatum (Ga), Glomus fasciculatum (Gf) and Glomus intraradices (Gi) in alleviating NaCl-induced salt stress in Mentha arvensis cv. Kosi and establishes the specificity of interaction between different mycorrhizal species and their effectiveness in mitigating salt stress in Mentha arvensis. Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Mentha plants were subjected to NaCl-induced salinity. RESULTS Among the four Glomus species, Gm and Gi reduced salt-induced herb yield losses: a loss of 27.53% and 25.58% respectively under salt stress in comparison to 51.00% in non-mycorrhizal M. arvensis salt-stressed plants. Gm- and Gi-inoculated plants also recorded higher leaf:stem ratio, oil content, and oil yield and menthol concentration in essential oil under both saline and non-saline conditions. CONCLUSION Better performance in terms of herb yield, and oil content and yield was observed in Gi- and Gm-inoculated M. arvensis plants, suggesting the capability of Gi and Gm in protecting plants from the detrimental effects of salt stress; beneficial effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, however, may vary with host and environment. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Catharanthus roseus is particularly known for its therapeutically useful terpenoid indole alkaloids, including the anticancer bisindole alkaloids (vinblastine and vincristine), as well as other alkaloids like ajmalicine and serpentine. The high cost, scarcity and commercially non-viable chemical syntheses of the bisindole alkaloids have sustained the research effort on the plant till date. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of endophytes isolated from C. roseus on the growth parameters/biomass and in planta content of key terpenoid indole alkaloids like vindoline, vincristine, serpentine and ajmalicine. Out of the four endophytes isolated three were bacterial (V1, V2, V3) and one was fungal (V4). In the initial glasshouse experiments, V1 and V3 treatments were found to outperform the remaining two in terms of improvement in plant growth parameters. The bacterial endophytes, V1 and V3 were identified as Staphylococcus sciuri and Micrococcus sp., respectively through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Treatment with both these endophytes was used on field grown plants to determine their effect on plant growth parameters and in planta contents of selected terpenoid indole alkaloids. It was found that both of them significantly increased the plant height but V3 was found to be superior to V1 when enhancement in weight of shoot, root and leaf or in planta content of vindoline, ajmalicine and serpentine was considered. The results of this study clearly indicate the possibility of using bacterial endophytes like V3 as bio-inoculants for enhancing plant growth/biomass and in planta content of key terpenoid indole alkaloids like vindoline (that may be used for bisindole alkaloid semi-synthesis), serpentine and ajmalicine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Application of Thiosalicylic acid+Bacillus cereus; O-Acetylsalicylic acid + Pseudomonas fluorescens reduced root rot severity by 85 and 88% and enhanced root yields by 358 and 419%, respectively, against Fusarium solani induced root rot disease in Withania somnífera. Reduction in disease severity was correlated with defence-related enzymes peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenyl ammo-nium lyase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two year field studies indicated that seed treatment of Ocimum basilicum var. CIM-Saumya with efficient bioinoculants (Pseudomonas monteilii – strain CRC1, Cronobacter dublinensis – strain CRC3 and Bacillus spp. – strain AZHGF1) can significantly improve the essential oil yield (45–56%); maximum essential oil yield was observed in plants inoculated with P. monteilii (56%) followed by C. dublinensis (49%) and Bacillus spp. (45%). The content of essential oil was also significantly improved (15%) when inoculated with P. monteilii compared to un-inoculated control. The higher concentrations of linalool (40.40%) and β-caryophyllene (14.15%) were observed in the plants inoculated with P. monteilii. P. monteilii also produced maximum biomass yield; an increase of about 55% followed by C. dublinensis (42%) and Bacillus spp. (30%). To the best of our knowledge this might be an exclusive report suggesting the use of bioinoculants for higher yields and disease management for organic growers of sweet basil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ocimum sanctum grown as rain-fed crop, is known to be poorly adapted to waterlogged conditions. Many a times the crop suffers extreme damages because of anoxia and excessive ethylene generation due to waterlogging conditions present under heavy rain. The usefulness of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase-containing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria was investigated under waterlogging stress. The comparison of herb yield and stress induced biochemical changes of waterlogged and non-waterlogged plants with and without ACC deaminase-containing microbiological treatments were monitored in this study. Ten plant growth promoting rhizobacteria strains containing ACC-deaminase were isolated and characterized. Four selected isolates Fd2 (Achromobacter xylosoxidans), Bac5 (Serratia ureilytica), Oci9 (Herbaspirillum seropedicae) and Oci13 (Ochrobactrum rhizosphaerae) had the potential to protect Ocimum plants from flood induced damage under waterlogged glass house conditions. Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of these ACC deaminase-containing selected strains for reducing the yield losses caused by waterlogging conditions. Bacterial treatments protected plants from waterlogging induced detrimental changes like stress ethylene production, reduced chlorophyll concentration, higher lipid peroxidation, proline concentration and reduced foliar nutrient uptake. Fd2 (A. xylosoxidans) induced maximum waterlogging tolerance as treated waterlogged plants recorded maximum growth and herb yield (46.5% higher than uninoculated waterlogged plants) with minimum stress ethylene levels (53% lower ACC concentration as compared to waterlogged plants without bacterial inoculation) whereas under normal non-waterlogged conditions O. rhizosphaerae was most effective in plant growth promotion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The usefulness of vermicompost as a supporting media for growth of bioinoculants was evaluated for successful transfer of sufficient propagules of bioinoculants into the organic fields. The rooted plants after 50 days were pot and field tested for their growth and yield performances when transplanted along with rooting medium into pots/organic fields. The rooting medium, 50 days of inoculation, contained sufficient population of bioinoculants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Treatment with bioinoculants (except Trichoderma harzianum) substantially improved the root and shoot biomass of nursery raised rooted cuttings particularly in treatments containing Azotobacter chroococcum (150 and 91.67%, respectively), Glomus intraradices (117 and 91.67%, respectively) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (117 and 83%, respectively). The transplanted rooted plants in pots, over two harvests, yielded higher shoot biomass when rooting medium contained A. chroococcum (147%), G. intraradices (139%) and P. fluorescencs (139%). Although the treatments did not affect the content of essential oil, the quality of essential oil as measured by the content of patchouli alcohol improved with Glomus aggregatum (18%). Similar trends were observed in field trials with significantly higher biomass yield achieved with A. chroococcum (51%), G. intraradices (46%) and P. fluorescencs (17%) compared to control (un-inoculated) plots. Increased in herb yield was found to be related with increased nutrient uptake. The population of bioinoculants in the rhizosphere was observed to be considerably higher in plots receiving vermicompost enriched with bioinoculants. This technology can be a successful way of delivering sufficient propagules of bioinoculants along with vermicompost especially in organic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of herbs in pharmaceutical preparation is ever increasing, and the demand for pesticides free material by the concern industries is on the rise. Consequently the need to grow disease-free plants using non-chemical fertilizers and pesticides is the need of the hour. Mentha arvensis cv. kosi is highly infested with Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, and severe oil yield loss occurs due to this nematode pest. Employing ecofriendly ways of nematode management, the mutualistic endophytes (Trichoderma harzianum strain Thu, Glomus intraradices) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescens) were assessed individually and in combination on plant biomass, oil yield of menthol mint (M. arvensis cv. kosi), reproduction potential and population development of root knot nematode, M. incognita under glasshouse conditions. These microbes enhanced the plant biomass and percent oil yield both with and without M. incognita inoculation. Dual application of mutualistic fungal endophytes and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) may be a wise option for enhancing the oil yield and tolerance of menthol mint against M. incognita infection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae) is an important medicinal plant whose secondary metabolite artemisinin is used for the treatment of cerebral malaria. A study was undertaken to determine the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Glomus mosseae, Glomus aggregatum, Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus intraradices and two free living nitrogen fixing bacteria (NFB) (identified as Bacillus subtilis and Stenotrophomonas spp. through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis), inoculated alone or in combinations on the biomass, nutrient uptake, and content of artemisinin in A. annua under glass house conditions. Various parameters like plant height, total plant biomass, NPK content, leaf yield, mycorrhizal colonization, bacterial population in rhizosphere, phosphatase activity and artemisinin content were determined and found to vary with different treatments. Among all the treatments, plants inoculated with G. mosseae + B. subtilis performed better than any other treatment or uninoculated control plants. The results of the experiment clearly indicated the compatibility and synergy between G. mosseae and B. subtilis and suggested the use of this microbial consortium in A. annua for enhancing growth, biomass yield, and the content and yield of artemisinin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2004 and 2005 at the research farm of Central Institute of Medicinal And Aromatic Plants, Lucknow located at 26.5° N 80.5° E and 120m above the mean sea level to study the effect of harvesting stage and cutting height on growth, yield and quality of Indian basil. The objective of this study was to increase the essential oil yield of Indian basil without adverse effect on quality by taking two harvests through manipulating harvesting stage and cutting height and to increase the land and rain water utilization efficiency under rain fed condition. The treatments consisted of four stages of first harvest (40, 60, 80 and 100 days after transplanting (DAT)) and three cutting height (0, 7.5 and 15.0cm above ground level). The Indian basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) crop harvested at 40 and 60 days after transplanting maintaining 7.5 and 15cm height from ground level could produce second (ratoon) crop. The crop harvested at 40 DAT at a 15cm height produced 20% higher essential oil (162.5kgha−1) compared to 132.0kgha−1 oil obtained from traditional practice of harvesting at 80 days after transplanting from ground level, without any adverse effect on the quality of essential oil. For maximizing oil production first harvest of Indian basil at 40 DAT from 7.5 or 15cm above the ground level and ratoon crop at 50 days after first harvest is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increase in human population is accelerating the rate of land use change, biodiversity loss and habitat degradation, triggering a serious threat to life supporting ecosystem services. Existing strategies for biological conservation remain insufficient to achieve a sustainable human-nature relationship and this situation has fueled a debate on the conservation-exploitation dilemma. We need to devise novel strategies, in a mutually inclusive way, which can support biological conservation and secure economic development of deprived populations. Here we propose the use of designer ecosystems which can ensure ecological sustainability while providing ample and some new means of livelihood to local people. Such designer ecosystems may provide a solution to the conservation-exploitation dilemma through lessening population pressure on conserved ecosystems and remediating environmental pollution and ecosystem degradation to secure a broad range of ecosystem services of economic and cultural values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]