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Although laccase has been recognized as a wonder molecule and green enzyme, the use of low yielding fungal strains, poor production, purification, and low enzyme kinetics have hampered its large-scale application. Thus,this study aims to select high yielding fungal strains and optimize the production, purification, and kinetics of laccase of Aspergillus sp. HB_RZ4. The results obtained indicated that Aspergillus sp. HB_RZ4 produced a significantly large amount of laccase under meso-acidophilic shaking conditions in a medium containing glucose and yeast extract. A 25 μM CuSO4 was observed to enhance the enzyme yield. The enzyme was best purified on a Sephadex G-100 column. The purified enzyme resembled laccase of A. flavus. The kinetics of the purified enzyme revealed high substrate specificity and good velocity of reaction,using ABTS as a substrate. The enzyme was observed to be stable over various pH values and temperatures. The peptide structure of the purified enzyme was found to resemble laccase of A. kawachii IFO 4308. The fungus was observed to decolorize various dyes independent of the requirement of a laccase mediator system.Aspergillus sp. HB_RZ4 was observed to be a potent natural producer of laccase, and it decolorized the dyes even in the absence of a laccase mediator system. Thus, it can be used for bioremediation of effluent that contains non-textile dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous reports on poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) depolymerases produced by various microorganisms isolated from various habitats, however, reports on PHB depolymerase production by an isolate from plastic rich sites scares. Although PHB has attracted commercial significance, the inefficient production and recovery methods, inefficient purification of PHB depolymerase and lack of ample knowledge on PHB degradation by PHB depolymerase have hampered its large scale commercialization. Therefore, to ensure the biodegradability of biopolymers, it becomes imperative to study the purification of the biodegrading enzyme system. We report the production, purification, and characterization of extracellular PHB depolymerase from Stenotrophomonas sp. RZS7 isolated from a dumping yard rich in plastic waste. The isolate produced extracellular PHB depolymerase in the mineral salt medium (MSM) at 30°C during 4 days of incubation under shaking. The enzyme was purified by three methods namely ammonium salt precipitation, column chromatography, and solvent purification. Among these purification methods, the enzyme was best purified by column chromatography on the Octyl-Sepharose CL-4B column giving optimum yield (0.7993 Umg-1mL-1). The molecular weight of purified PHB depolymerase was 40 kDa. Studies on the assessment of biodegradation of PHB in liquid culture medium and under natural soil conditions confirmed PHB biodegradation potential of Stenotrophomonas sp. RZS7. The results obtained in Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) study and Gas Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed the biodegradation of PHB in liquid medium by Stenotrophomonas sp. RZS7. Changes in surface morphology of PHB film in soil burial as observed in Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis confirmed the biodegradation of PHB under natural soil environment. The isolate was capable of degrading PHB and it resulted in 87.74% biodegradation. A higher rate of degradation under the natural soil condition is the result of the activity of soil microbes that complemented the biodegradation of PHB by Stenotrophomonas sp. RZS7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) depolymerase is known to decompose PHB, biodegradable polymers and therefore has great commercial significance in the bioplastic sector. However, reports on PHB depolymerases from isolates obtained from plastic-contaminated sites that reflect the potential of the source organism is scarce. In this study, we evaluated the production of extracellular PHB depolymerase from Microbacterium paraoxydans RZS6 isolated from the plastic-contaminated site in the municipal area of Shahada, Maharashtra, India, for the first time. The isolate was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (GC-FAME), and BIOLOG method. Ithydrolyzed PHB on minimal salt medium (MSM) containing PHB as the only source of carbon. The isolate produced PHB depolymerase at 45°C during 48 h of incubation. The enzyme was purified most efficiently using octyl-sepharose CL-4B column, with the highest purification yield of 6.675 Umg-1mL-1. The activity of the enzyme was enhanced in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions but inhibited by Fe2+ (1 mM) ions and mercaptoethanol (1000 rpm). the nzyme kinetic analysis revealed that the enzyme was a metalloenzyme; requiring Mg2+ ions, that showed optimum enzyme activity at 30°C (mesophilic) and under neutrophilic (pH 7) conditions. Scale-up from the shake-flask level to a laboratory-scale bioreactor further enhanced the enzyme yield by 0.809 UmL-1. The molecular weight of the enzyme (40 kDa), as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, closely resembled the PHB depolymerase of Aureobacterium saperdae. Our findings highlighted the applicability of M. paraoxydans as a producer of extracellular PHB depolymerase having potential of degrading PHB under diverse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human haplotypes include essential information about SNPs, which in turn provide valuable information for such studies as finding relationships between some diseases and their potential genetic causes, e.g., for Genome Wide Association Studies. Due to expensiveness of directly determining haplotypes and recent progress in high throughput sequencing, there has been an increasing motivation for haplotype assembly, which is the problem of finding a pair of haplotypes from a set of aligned fragments. Although the problem has been extensively studied and a number of algorithms have already been proposed for the problem, more accurate methods are still beneficial because of high importance of the haplotypes information. In this paper, first, we develop a probabilistic model, that incorporates the Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) of SNP sites, which is missed in the existing maximum likelihood models. Then, we show that the probabilistic model will reduce to the Minimum Error Correction (MEC) model when the information of MAF is omitted and some approximations are made. This result provides a novel theoretical support for the MEC, despite some criticisms against it in the recent literature. Next, under the same approximations, we simplify the model to an extension of the MEC in which the information of MAF is used. Finally, we extend the haplotype assembly algorithm HapSAT by developing a weighted Max-SAT formulation for the simplified model, which is evaluated empirically with positive results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Salinity stress is the second most devastating abiotic factor limiting plant growth and yields. Climate changes have significantly increased salinity levels of soil. Besides improving the physiological responses under stress conditions, jasmonates modulate Mycorrhiza—Plant relationships. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJ) and Funneliformis mosseae (Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) on morphology and improving antioxidant mechanisms in Crocus sativus L. under salinity stress. After inoculation with AM, pre-treated C. sativus corms with MeJ were grown under low, moderate, and severe salinity stress. Intense salinity levels damaged the corm, root, total leaf dry weight, and area. Salinities up to 50 mM increased Proline content and Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, but MeJ increased this trend in proline. Generally, MeJ increased anthocyanins, total soluble sugars, and PPO. Total chlorophyll and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased by salinity. The maximum catalase and SOD activities in + MeJ + AM were 50 and 125 mM, respectively, and the maximum total chlorophyll in –MeJ + AM treatment was 75 mM. Although 20 and 50 mM increased plant growth, using mycorrhiza and jasmonate enhanced this trend. Moreover, these treatments reduced the damage of 75 and 100 mM salinity stress. Using MeJ and AM can improve the growth of saffron under various ranges of salinity stress levels; however, in severe levels like 120 mM, this phytohormone and F. mosseae effects on saffron could be adverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress is the second most devastating abiotic factor limiting plant growth and yields. Climate changes have significantly increased salinity levels of soil. Besides improving the physiological responses under stress conditions, jasmonates modulate Mycorrhiza—Plant relationships. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJ) and Funneliformis mosseae (Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) on morphology and improving antioxidant mechanisms in Crocus sativus L. under salinity stress. After inoculation with AM, pre-treated C. sativus corms with MeJ were grown under low, moderate, and severe salinity stress. Intense salinity levels damaged the corm, root, total leaf dry weight, and area. Salinities up to 50 mM increased Proline content and Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, but MeJ increased this trend in proline. Generally, MeJ increased anthocyanins, total soluble sugars, and PPO. Total chlorophyll and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased by salinity. The maximum catalase and SOD activities in + MeJ + AM were 50 and 125 mM, respectively, and the maximum total chlorophyll in –MeJ + AM treatment was 75 mM. Although 20 and 50 mM increased plant growth, using mycorrhiza and jasmonate enhanced this trend. Moreover, these treatments reduced the damage of 75 and 100 mM salinity stress. Using MeJ and AM can improve the growth of saffron under various ranges of salinity stress levels; however, in severe levels like 120 mM, this phytohormone and F. mosseae effects on saffron could be adverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Haplotypes include essential SNP information used for a variety of purposes such as investigating potential links between certain diseases and genetic variations. Given a set of genotypes, the haplotype inference problem based on pure parsimony is the problem of finding a minimum set of haplotypes that explains all the given genotypes. The problem is especially important because, while it is fairly inexpensive to obtain genotypes, other approaches to obtaining haplotypes are significantly expensive. There are two types of methods proposed for the problem, namely exact and inexact methods. Existing exact methods guarantee obtaining purely parsimonious solutions but have exponential time-complexities and are not practical for large number or length of genotypes. However, inexact methods are relatively fast but do not always obtain optimum solutions. In this paper, an improved heuristic is proposed, based on which new inexact and exact methods are provided. Experimental results indicate that the proposed methods replace the state-of-the-art inexact and exact methods for the problem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Given a set of aligned fragments, haplotype assembly is the problem of finding the haplotypes from which the fragments have been read. The problem is important because haplotypes contain SNP information, which is essential to many genomic analyses such as the analysis of potential association between certain diseases and genetic variations. The current state-of-the-art haplotype assembly algorithm, HapSAT, does not exploit genotype information and only receives a read matrix as input. However, the imminent importance of haplotypes and inexpensiveness of genotype information motivate for exploiting genotype information to obtain more accurate haplotypes. In this paper, an improved haplotype assembly method, xGenHapSAT, is proposed, which exploits xor genotype information for more accurate haplotype assembly. Xor genotype information is even less expensive than full genotype information, e.g., using the Denaturing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (DHPLC) technique. It is shown that using this inexpensively obtainable information significantly improves the accuracy of the assembled haplotypes. In addition, a new, more efficient, Max-2-SAT formulation is adopted in xGenHapSAT, which, on average, increases the speed of the algorithm. Moreover, the proposed xGenHapSAT method replaces the current state-of-the-art haplotype assembly method based on genotype information. Finally, our state-of-the-art haplotype assembly software, HapSoft, which includes both xGenHapSAT and HapSAT, is made freely available for research purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two fold increase in the yield of glucose and maltose containing exo-polysaccharide (EPS) by Rhizobium sp. was observed during its growth in modified YEMB. EPS production, plant growth promotion activity and root colonization of Rhizobium sp. studies showed enhanced EPS synthesis, more seed germination and over all improvement in plant growth over control and R. meliloti treatment. Groundnut seeds bacterized with Rhizobium sp. resulted in 69.75% more root length, 49.51% more shoot height, 13.75% more number of branches and 13.60% more number of pods over the control and R. meliloti treatment. Bacterization of wheat seeds increased the dry matter yield of roots (1.7-fold), and roots adhering soil (RAS) (1.5) and shoot mass (1.9-fold). Rhizobium sp. inoculation also increased the population density of EPS-producing bacteria on the rhizoplane. Roots of plants inoculated with Rhizobium sp. maintained a higher K/Na ratio and K-Na selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study in vitro phytopathogen suppression activity of siderophoregenic preparations of Ni and Mn resistant Alcaligenes sp. STC1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa RZS3 SH-94B isolated from soil were found superior over the chemical pesticide. Siderophore rich culture broth and siderophore rich supernatant exerted antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger NCIM 1025, Aspergillus flavus NCIM 650, Fusarium oxysporum NCIM 1281, Alternaria alternata ARI 715, Cercospora arachichola, Metarhizium anisopliae NCIM 1311 and Pseudomonas solanacerum NCIM 5103 . Siderophore rich broth and supernatant exhibited potent antifungal activity vis-à-vis oraganophosphorus chemical fungicide; kitazine. The minimum fungicidal concentration required was 25 μl for Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Cercospora arachichola, Metarhizium anisopliae, Pseudomonas solanacerum and 75 μl for A. alternata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the production of two types of siderophores namely catecholate and hydroxamate in modified succinic acid medium (SM) from Alcaligenes faecalis. Two fractions of siderophores were purified on amberlite XAD, major fraction was hydroxamate type having a λ at 224 nm and minor fraction appeared as catecholate with a λ of 264 nm. The recovery yield obtained from major and minor fractions was 297 and 50 mg ml respectively. The IEF pattern of XAD-4 purified siderophore suggested the pI value of 6.5. Cross feeding studies revealed that A. faecalis accepts heterologous as well as self (hydroxamate) siderophore in both free and iron complexed forms however; the rate of siderophore uptake was more in case of siderophores complexed to iron. Siderophore iron uptake studies indicated the differences between hydroxamate siderophore of A. faecalis and Alc E, a siderophore of Alcaligenes eutrophus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The haplotype assembly problem seeks the haplotypes of an individual from which a set of aligned SNP fragments are available. The problem is important as the haplotypes contain all the SNP information, which is essential to such studies as the analysis of the association between specific diseases and their potential genetic causes. Using Minimum Error Correction as the objective function, the problem is NP-hard, which raises the demand for effective yet affordable solutions. In this paper, we propose a new method to solve the problem by providing a novel Max-2-SAT formulation for the problem. The proposed method is compared with several well-known algorithms proposed for the problem in the literature on a recent extensive benchmark, outperforming them all by achieving solutions of higher average quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the in vitro phytopathogen suppression activity of siderophoregenic preparations of Alcaligenes feacalis vis-à-vis the oraganochlorine fungicide, bavistin. Siderophore-rich culture broth, siderophore-rich supernatant, and purified siderophore preparation exerted antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger NCIM 1025, A. flavus NCIM 650, Fusarium oxysporum NCIM 1008, and Alternaria alternata IARI 715. Among all the preparations, siderophore-rich broth exhibited potent antifungal activity. The minimum fungicidal concentration required was 75 μl for A. niger and F. oxysporum and 50 μl for A. flavus and A. alternata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: It is imperative to understand the synergetic actions of Melatonin (MET) and salicylic acid (SA) in counteracting drought stress. A pot experiment was performed to investigate the interactive effects of exogenously applied MET and SA on morphology, physiology, and biochemical characteristics of drought-stressed canola (Brassica napus). Methods: Two cultivars (Super canola and Faisal canola) were used. MET (0.1 µM) and SA (0.50 mM) were applied as seed priming and foliar spray. Plants were exposed to severe drought (45% field capacity) at the reproductive stage. Results: Drought stress caused a significant reduction in shoot length (19%), plant fresh (15%) and dry (17%) biomass, yield (30%), photosynthetic rate (43%), water potential (29%) and osmotic potential (33%) values. Increased activity of free amino acids (20%), total soluble sugars (5%), and different antioxidant enzymes like catalase (27%), peroxidase (23%), superoxide dismutase (20%) and ascorbate peroxidase (35%), were recorded under drought. Seed priming and foliar application of MET and SA reduced the negativity of drought. Priming of seeds with MET, as well as synergetic application of MET priming and SA foliar spray, were the most effective treatments, showing the most significant growth criteria (22% increase in plant height, 46% in fresh and 40% in dry biomass), yield components (49%), water (54%) and osmotic potential (28%), and endogenous MET (17%) and SA (16%) content. Super canola cultivar showed better growth than Faisal canola. Conclusion: Study showed that the synergetic application of MET and SA has the potential to induce stress resistance and enhance canola plants' growth under drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to evaluate the suitability of agro-wastes and crude vegetable oils for the cost-effective production of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), to evaluate growth kinetics and PHB production in Alcaligenes faecalis RZS4 and Pseudomonas sp. RZS1 with these carbon substrates and to study the biodegradation of PHB accumulated by these cultures. Alcaligenes faecalis RZS4 and Pseudomonas sp. RZS1 accumulates higher amounts of PHB corn (79.90% of dry cell mass) and rice straw (66.22% of dry cell mass) medium respectively. The kinetic model suggests that the Pseudomonas sp. RZS1 follows the Monod model more closely than A. faecalis RZS4. Both the cultures degrade their PHB extract under the influence of PHB depolymerase. Corn waste and rice straw appear as the best and cost-effective substrates for the sustainable production of PHB from Alcaligenes faecalis RZS4 and Pseudomonas sp. RZS1. The biopolymer accumulated by these organisms is biodegradable in nature. The agro-wastes and crude vegetable oils are good and low-cost sources of nutrients for the growth and production of PHB and other metabolites. Their use would lower the production cost of PHB and the low-cost production will reduce the sailing price of PHB-based products. This would promote the large-scale commercialization and popularization of PHB as an ecofriendly bioplastic/biopolymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root-knot nematode (RKN) causes significant yield loss in tomatoes. Understanding the interaction of biocontrol agents (BCAs)-nematicides-soil microbiomes and RKNs is essential for enhancing the efficacy of biocontrol agents and nematicides to curb RKN damage to crops. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effectiveness of BACa and nematicide against RKN and to apply the amplicon sequencing to assess the interaction of Bacillus velezensis (VB7) and Trichoderma koningiopsis (TK) against RKNs. Metagenomic analysis revealed the relative abundance of three phyla such as Proteobacteria (42.16%), Firmicutes (19.57%), and Actinobacteria (17.69%) in tomato rhizospheres. Those tomato rhizospheres treated with the combined application of B. velezensis VB7 + T. koningiopsis TK and RKN had a greater frequency of diversity and richness than the control. RKN-infested tomato rhizosphere drenched with bacterial and fungal antagonists had the maximum diversity index of bacterial communities. A strong correlation with a maximum number of interconnection edges in the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria was evident in soils treated with both B. velezensis VB7 and T. koningiopsis TK challenged against RKN in infected soil. The present study determined a much greater diversity of bacterial taxa observed in tomato rhizosphere soils treated with B. velezensis VB7 and T. koningiopsis TK than in untreated soil. It is suggested that the increased diversity and abundance of bacterial communities might be responsible for increased nematicidal properties in tomato plants. Hence, the combined applications of B. velezensis VB7 and T. koningiopsis TK can enhance the nematicidal action to curb RKN infecting tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its nutritional value and health benefits, the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential dietary food crop throughout Middle Eastern and African countries. Consumers are concerned about the possible microbial contamination of dates, especially since most dates arriving in local markets are unprocessed. The absence of processing increases the possibility of microbial contamination, which raises the probability of microbial contamination. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the variability of fungal and bacterial microbiota identified in the most popular date palm fruits in Saudi Arabia. The study assessed ten date variety fruits from the most popular date palm varieties for consumption in Saudi Arabia and analyzed the microbial count. Morphological and molecular characterization and comparison of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences identified 78 fungi, including 36 distinct species across 15 fungal genera. Alternaria, Fusarium, Curvilaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium were the most frequent genera among the ten fruit cultivars studied, according to ITS-rDNA sequence analysis. Furthermore, 36 bacterial isolates were obtained from ten date varieties studied, each with a unique colony morphology. These isolates were identified based on sequence alignment and comparison of their 16S rDNA internal spacer regions to those available in public databases. The results showed that the bacterial isolates included 15 species from five bacterial genera. The results suggested that Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and Brucella were the prevailing genera among the ten tested fruit varieties. Some bacterial genera, such as Brucella, Achromobacter, and Stenotrophomonas, are well-known potential human pathogens. Chaetomium globosum was also recognized as air pollution causing adverse health effects such as allergies and as the causal agent of human fungal infections among the tested date varieties; the Rashodiah type exhibited the highest fungal contamination, whereas the Sagai variety displayed the lowest fungal contamination. Conversely, the Sukkari, Barhi, and Mejdool varieties were the most contaminated with bacteria among the ten tested varieties, while the Khalas variety showed the least bacterial contamination. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study provides the initial comprehensive account of the molecular and morphological identification of all fungal and bacterial genera associated with date palm (P. dactylifera) fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tissue of insects, pests, and fungi has a chitin layer followed by protein in the cell membrane. The complete biodegradation of chitin and protein-present in the waste requires the action of two enzymes, namely chitinase, and protease. Combining chitinase and protease in a single protein/enzyme will serve as a bifunctional enzyme that can efficiently degrade the chitin and protein-rich biomass. The present study was aimed to fuse these two enzymes to produce a single protein and study the kinetics of the recombinant fusion protein. A chitinase and alkaline protease genes were isolated, cloned, and expressed successfully as a fusion product in heterologous host Escherichia coli. The two native genes were successfully fused in E.coli by using flexible glycine–serine (G4S)2 linker (GGGGS, GS linker). The recombinant fusion protein in E.coli showed hydrolyzed chitin and protein on chitin and bovine serum albumin agar plates confirming the successful cloning and expression of chitinase and protease enzymes in a single fusion protein. The common pUC18-T7 mini vector with the ompA signal sequence helps the extracellular expression of fusion protein efficiently. The native gel electrophoresis revealed a molecular mass of purified protein as 92.0 kDa. The fusion protein's maximal chitinase and protease activity occurred at pH 5.0 and 8.0 and 30 0C, respectively resembling the individual enzymes'. In the kinetic studies of the fusion protein, it was observed that the presence of metal ions such as Cu2+, Na2+, and Ca2+; significantly enhanced the enzyme activities while organic solvents oxidants and chemicals have drastically affected the activities of both the enzymes in the fusion protein. No such fusion protein has been produced in a heterologous host yet. The reports on fusion protein with biomass-degrading capacity are also scarce. This is probably the first report of a bifunctional chitinase/protease expressed in E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus species appearas the most attractive plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. The present study examined the antagonistic potential of spore forming-Bacilli isolated from organic farm soil samples of Allahabad, India. Eighty-seven Bacillus strains were isolated and characterized based on their morphological, plant growth promoting traits and molecular characteristics. The diversity analysis used 16S-rDNA, BOX-element, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus. Two strains, PR30 and PR32, later identified as Bacillus sp., exhibited potent in vitro antagonistic activity against Ralstonia solanaceorum. These isolates produced copious amounts of multiple PGP traits, such as indole-3-acetic acid (40.0 and 54.5 μg/mL), phosphate solubilization index (PSI) (4.4 and 5.3), ammonia, siderophore (3 and 4 cm), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (8.1and 9.2 μM/mg//h) and hydrogen cyanide. These isolates were subjected to the antibiotic sensitivity test. The two potent isolates based on the higher antagonistic and the best plant growth-promoting ability were selected for plant growth-promoting response studies in tomatoe, broccoli, and chickpea. In the pot study, Bacillus subtilis (PR30 and PR31) showed significant improvement in seed germination (27–34%), root length (20–50%), shoot length (20–40%), vigor index (50–75%), carotenoid content (0.543–1.733), and lycopene content (2.333–2.646 mg/100 g) in tomato, broccoli, and chickpea. The present study demonstrated the production of multiple plant growth-promoting traits by the isolates and their potential as effective bioinoculants for plant growth promotion and biocontrol of phytopathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, drought stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity. Improving the drought tolerance of crops with microbial biostimulants is a sustainable strategy to meet a growing population's demands. This research aimed to elucidate microbial biostimulants' (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) role in alleviating drought stress in oil-seed crops. In total, 15 bacterial isolates were selected for drought tolerance and screened for plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes like phosphate solubilization and production of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and exopolysaccharide. This research describes two PGPR strains: Acinetobacter calcoaceticus AC06 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BA01. The present study demonstrated that these strains (AC06 and BA01) produced abundant osmolytes under osmotic stress, including proline (2.21 and 1.75 µg ml− 1), salicylic acid (18.59 and 14.21 µg ml− 1), trehalose (28.35 and 22.74 µg mg− 1 FW) and glycine betaine (11.35 and 7.74 mg g− 1) respectively. AC06 and BA01 strains were further evaluated for their multifunctional performance by inoculating in Arachis hypogaea L. (Groundnut) under mild and severe drought regimes (60 and 40% Field Capacity). Inoculation with microbial biostimulants displayed distinct osmotic-adjustment abilities of the groundnut, such as growth parameters, plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, proline, and soluble sugar in respective to control during drought. On the other hand, plant sensitivity indexes such as electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were decreased as well as cooperatively conferred plant drought tolerance by induced alterations in stress indicators such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Thus, Acinetobacter sp. AC06 and Bacillus sp. BA01 can be considered as osmolyte producing microbial biostimulants to simultaneously induce osmotic tolerance and metabolic changes in groundnuts under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms produce siderophores, which are low-molecular-weight iron chelators when iron availability is limited. The present analyzed the role of LNPF1 as multifarious PGPR for improving growth parameters and nutrient content in peanut and soil nutrients. Such multifarious PGPR strains can be used as effective bioinoculants for peanut farming. In this work, rhizosphere bacteria from Zea mays and Arachis hypogaea plants in the Salem area of Tamil Nadu, India, were isolated and tested for biochemical attributes and characteristics that stimulate plant growth, such as the production of hydrogen cyanide, ammonia (6 µg/mL), indole acetic acid (76.35 µg/mL), and solubilizing phosphate (520 µg/mL). The 16S rRNA gene sequences identified the isolate LNPF1 as Pseudomonas fluorescens with a similarity percentage of 99% with Pseudomonas sp. Isolate LNPF1 was evaluated for the production of siderophore. Siderophore-rich supernatant using a Sep Pack C18 column and Amberlite-400 Resin Column (λmax 264) produced 298 mg/L and 50 mg/L of siderophore, respectively. The characterization of purified siderophore by TLC, HPLC, FTIR, and 2D-NMR analysis identified the compound as desferrioxamine, a hydroxamate siderophore. A pot culture experiment determined the potential of LNPF1 to improve iron and oil content and photosynthetic pigments in Arachis hypogaea L. and improve soil nutrient content. Inoculation of A. hypogea seeds with LNPF1 improved plant growth parameters such as leaf length (60%), shoot length (22%), root length (54.68%), fresh weight (47.28%), dry weight (37%), and number of nuts (66.66) compared to the control (untreated seeds). This inoculation also improved leaf iron content (43.42), short iron content (38.38%), seed iron (46.72%), seed oil (31.68%), carotenoid (64.40%), and total chlorophyll content (98.%) compared to control (untreated seeds). Bacterized seeds showed a substantial increase in nodulation (61.65%) and weight of individual nodules (95.97) vis-à-vis control. The results of the present study indicated that P. fluorescens might be utilized as a potential bioinoculant to improve growth, iron content, oil content, number of nuts and nodules of Arachishypogaea L., and enrich soil nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable increase in agricultural productivity to feed the growing population demands eco-friendly remedies including the use of biocontrol agents to control diseases in food crops. Trichoderma spp. is one such agent which provides multiple plant health benefits, like disease control, plant growth promotion, development of resistance and stress tolerance. However, inappropriate concentration and less effective formulations with a poor shelf life of Trichoderma spp. have hampered its customized applications at large scale. Here, we studied the influence of various parameters on growth and mass production of customized applications of Trichoderma spp., including carrier materials, its shelf life and evaluation of antifungal activity of T. viridae. We observed optimum growth of T. viridae at 40°C, pH 6.0, maximum sporulation at 45°C and pH 6.0, with cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose as a best utilizable carbon source. Neem cake came out as an excellent carrier as it gave a prolonged shelf life of 200 days during storage at 28°C with 35.78×106 cfu g-1 of T. viridae. Antifungal assay against plant pathogenic fungi revealed complete inhibition of growth and sporulation of fungal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable increase in agricultural productivity to feed the growing population demands eco-friendly remedies including the use of biocontrol agents to control diseases in food crops. Trichoderma spp. is one such agent which provides multiple plant health benefits, like disease control, plant growth promotion, development of resistance and stress tolerance. However, inappropriate concentration and less effective formulations with a poor shelf life of Trichoderma spp. have hampered its customized applications at large scale. Here, we studied the influence of various parameters on growth and mass production of customized applications of Trichoderma spp., including carrier materials, its shelf life and evaluation of antifungal activity of T. viridae. We observed optimum growth of T. viridae at 40°C, pH 6.0, maximum sporulation at 45°C and pH 6.0, with cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose as a best utilizable carbon source. Neem cake came out as an excellent carrier as it gave a prolonged shelf life of 200 days during storage at 28°C with 35.78×106 cfu g-1 of T. viridae. Antifungal assay against plant pathogenic fungi revealed complete inhibition of growth and sporulation of fungal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An opportunistic human pathogenic bacterium, Chromobacterium violaceum resists the potency of most antibiotics by exploiting the quorum sensing system within their community to control virulence factor expression. Therefore, blocking the quorum sensing mechanism could help to treat several infectious caused by this organism. The quorum sensing receptor (CviR) of C. violaceum was used as a model target in the current investigation to identify potentially novel quorum sensing inhibitors from Cladosporium spp. through in silico computational approaches. The molecular docking results confirmed the anti-quorum sensing potential of bioactive compounds from Cladosporium spp. through binding to CviR with varying docking scores between – 5.2 and – 9.5 kcal/mol. Relative to the positive control [Azithromycin (– 7.4 kcal/mol)], the top six metabolites of Cladosporium spp. had higher docking scores and were generally greater than – 8.5 kcal/mol. The thermodynamic stability and binding affinity refinement of top-ranked CviR inhibitors were further studied through a 160 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The Post-MD simulation analysis confirmed the top-ranked compounds' affinity, stability, and biomolecular interactions with CviR at 50 ns, 100 ns, and 160 ns with Coniochaetone K of the Cladosporium spp. having the highest binding free energy (– 30.87 kcal/mol) and best interactions (two consistent hydrogen bond contact) following the 160 ns simulation. The predicted pharmacokinetics properties of top selected compounds point to their drug likeliness, potentiating their chance as a possible drug candidate. Overall, the top-ranked compounds from Cladosporium spp., especially Coniochaetone K, could be identified as potential C. violaceum CviR inhibitors. The development of these compounds as broad-spectrum antibacterial medicines is thus possible in the future following the completion of further preclinical and clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An opportunistic human pathogenic bacterium, Chromobacterium violaceum resists the potency of most antibiotics by exploiting the quorum sensing system within their community to control virulence factor expression. Therefore, blocking the quorum sensing mechanism could help to treat several infectious caused by this organism. The quorum sensing receptor (CviR) of C. violaceum was used as a model target in the current investigation to identify potentially novel quorum sensing inhibitors from Cladosporium spp. through in silico computational approaches. The molecular docking results confirmed the anti-quorum sensing potential of bioactive compounds from Cladosporium spp. through binding to CviR with varying docking scores between – 5.2 and – 9.5 kcal/mol. Relative to the positive control [Azithromycin (– 7.4 kcal/mol)], the top six metabolites of Cladosporium spp. had higher docking scores and were generally greater than – 8.5 kcal/mol. The thermodynamic stability and binding affinity refinement of top-ranked CviR inhibitors were further studied through a 160 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The Post-MD simulation analysis confirmed the top-ranked compounds' affinity, stability, and biomolecular interactions with CviR at 50 ns, 100 ns, and 160 ns with Coniochaetone K of the Cladosporium spp. having the highest binding free energy (– 30.87 kcal/mol) and best interactions (two consistent hydrogen bond contact) following the 160 ns simulation. The predicted pharmacokinetics properties of top selected compounds point to their drug likeliness, potentiating their chance as a possible drug candidate. Overall, the top-ranked compounds from Cladosporium spp., especially Coniochaetone K, could be identified as potential C. violaceum CviR inhibitors. The development of these compounds as broad-spectrum antibacterial medicines is thus possible in the future following the completion of further preclinical and clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizoctonia solani causes root rot in soybean, a worldwide severe concern for soybean cultivation. The fungus grows and clogs the xylem tissue of the host plant by producing numerous sclerotia, which results in disease symptoms, such as yellowing of leaves, wilt, and plant death. Overuse of chemical fungicides increases the threat of developing resistance to pathogens, reduces soil productivity, and negatively impacts the health of the soil, the environment, and humans. An integrated pest management strategy improves crop yield, profit, and safety. The present study focused on a fungicide (carbendazim) compatibility test with a biocontrol agent (Pseudomonas fluorescence). It evaluated the effect of this combined approach on photosynthetic reactions and growth in soybean in the presence of the fungal pathogen R. solani. The study showed that P. fluorescence significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani (43%) and tolerated 0.05–0.15% concentration of carbendazim. This confirms the suitability compatibility of P. fluorescence with chemical fungicides for IPM. These novel blending significantly reduced the disease incidence by about 75%, and a 72% decrease in disease severity was observed compared to pathogen control. Moreover, this combined approach has also improved plant growth, yield parameters, and photosynthetic efficiency in the presence of R. solani treated with an integrated system showed better overall growth despite being infected by the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and global warming are leading to severe drought stress, causing damage to crops in different regions of the world. Drought stress is an abiotic stress that interferes with major metabolic pathways, influencing mainly morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of plants, ultimately resulting in decreased growth and yield of crops. Plants should be able to utilise available moisture efficiently, and there is a need to focus on organic and eco-friendly methods for improving crops facing drought stress. A practical approach for enhancing growth and development under stressful conditions is the application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), soil microbes that help plants to cope with extreme ecological conditions. This review aims to highlight the function of various PGPR metabolites that help to mitigate water-deficit conditions. These microbes exist naturally in the rhizosphere of plants, and they enhance plant growth by several direct mechanisms such as aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase and osmolyte production, secretion of exopolysaccharides and phytohormones, triggering of antioxidant defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species and production of volatile organic compounds, as well as by indirect mechanisms including enhancing induced systemic resistance and pathogen suppression. This review recommends the use of PGPR for improving growth and development of crops under drought stress and supports their role as effective and sustainable bioinoculants for enhancing the growth and production of crops. This review aims to highlight the function of various metabolites produced by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that can help in mitigating water-deficit conditions in crops. PGPR are microbes that naturally exist in the rhizosphere of plants and enhance plant growth by several direct and indirect mechanisms including production of aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, osmolytes and volatiles, secretion of exopolysaccharides and phytohormones, triggering of antioxidant defence mechanisms, enhancing induced systemic resistance and pathogen suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now reads: "The authors thank Yasouj University, Iran, for providing the necessary material and facilities to perform this work and the Deanship of Scientific Research at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for supporting this work by Grant Code (Project Code: 22UQU4310387DSR002). "The authors thank Yasouj University, Iran, for providing the necessary material and facilities to perform this work and the Deanship of Scientific Research at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for supporting this work by Grant Code (Project Code: 22UQU4310387DSR12). [Extracted from the article]

A mass casualty incident (MCI) is a challenging scenario in any healthcare setting. It puts to test the potential of a healthcare facility to perform under stress and manage utilisation of all available resources in a limited time. Over the last few years, Pakistan has been the site for many MCI secondary to terrorist bombings. The Aga Khan University Hospital having evolved as a major trauma centre of Karachi has dealt with a few of such MCI. We have reviewed four MCI over the last few years in which our hospital received patients. These incidents involved the French bombing in 2002, Hyderi Mosque Blast in 2004, Karsaz Bombing in 2007 and the most recent Ashura Procession Bombing in December 2009. Some of these events were a result of suicide bombing. We attempt to look at the injury patterns of each event and the way these incidents were dealt at our institution and in doing so examine our evolution in the management of MCI. Recommendations based on deficiencies in management and limitations felt are addressed. We infer that comparison of the four events will help our institution formulate a better plan to deal with future MCI and suggest a similar review for such incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), whose annual production is 26 million tons worldwide, is one of the main sources of protein and is known as one of the most important food sources. In this study, the karyotype variations and the genome size of four common bean genotypes in Turkey were investigated to determine whether the geographic variables in these regions affected the genome size and the karyotype parameters. In addition, it is known that as that the cytological and chromosomal parameters change under the influence of the climatic conditions of each region, appropriate and stable cytological methods for each plant facilitate and enable the determination of the chromosomal structure and the identification of specific chromosomes in the genotypes of the relevant region. Correct and valuable information such as this enables breeders and researchers to determine the correct shape and actual size of chromosomes. The genome size of the genotypes was measured with a flow cytometer, and chromosome analyses were performed with the squash method. For each genotype, the karyotype parameters, such as the number of somatic chromosomes, the Mean Total Chromosome Length (MTCL), the Mean Centromere Index (MCI), and the Mean Arm Ratio (MAR), were measured. The results showed that the highest and the lowest amounts of DNA per nucleus (3.28 pg and 1.49 pg) were observed in the Bitlis and Elaziğ genotypes. In addition, all genotype chromosome numbers were counted to be 2n = 2x = 22. The Mean Total Chromosome Length varied from 15.65 µm in Elaziğ to 34.24 µm in the Bitlis genotype. The Mean Chromosome Length ranged between 1.42 µm and 3.11 µm in the Elaziğ and Bitlis genotypes. The Hakkari and Van genotypes consist of eleven metacentric chromosomes, while the Bitlis and Elaziğ genotypes consist of ten metacentric chromosomes and one sub-metacentric chromosome. However, the Mean Centromere Index and Arm Ratio differed considerably among the genotypes. The highest (46.88) and the lowest (43.18) values of the Mean Centromere Index were observed in the Hakkari and Elaziğ genotypes, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest (1.15) and the highest (1.36) values of the Mean Arm Ratio were obtained in the Bitlis and Elaziğ genotypes, respectively. Eventually, intraspecies variations in genome size and chromosomal parameters were observed, and it was determined that the changes in nuclear DNA content and different chromosomal parameters among the four Phaseolus genotypes from four different regions of Turkey indicate the effect of climate change in the regions on these parameters. Such information in these areas can be used as useful information for the improvement of this plant and breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that have deteriorating effects on the growth and quality of the end product of wheat. Consequently, this research was designed to evaluate the role of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus fertilizer on wheat facing Cr+6 stress. Methods and Results: The soil was incubated with Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus fertilizer before sowing. The statistical analysis of the data showed that the co‐application of B. subtilis and phosphorus yielded considerably more significant (p < 0.05) results compared with an individual application of the respective treatments. The co‐treatment improved the morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of plants compared with untreated controls. The increase in shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight and root fresh weight was 38.17%, 29.31%, 47.89% and 45.85%, respectively, compared with untreated stress‐facing plants. The application of B. subtilis and phosphorus enhanced osmolytes content (proline 39.98% and sugar 41.30%), relative water content and stability maintenance of proteins (86.65%) and cell membranes (66.66%). Furthermore, augmented production of antioxidants by 67.71% (superoxide dismutase), 95.39% (ascorbate peroxidase) and 60.88% (catalase), respectively, were observed in the Cr+6 – stressed plants after co‐application of B. subtilis and phosphorus. Conclusion: It was observed that the accumulation of Cr+6 was reduced by 54.24%, 59.19% and 90.26% in the shoot, root and wheat grains, respectively. Thus, the combined application of B. subtilis and phosphorus has the potential to reduce the heavy metal toxicity in crops. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study explored the usefulness of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus application on wheat in heavy metal stress. It is a step toward the combinatorial use of plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria with nutrients to improve the ecosystems' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genera Triticum and Aegilops have been considered as the main gene pool of wheat due to their features, such as tolerance of all types of abiotic and biotic stresses. This study was conducted to evaluate the cytogenetic analyses in 115 native and wild populations from eleven Aegilops species using their nuclear DNA quantification. Mean 2C nuclear DNA contents of different ploidy levels in the wild wheat of Turkey and Iran were measured using the flow cytometry technique. The obtained results showed that the mean nuclear DNA content in diploid species varied from 10.09 pg/2C (Ae. umbellulata) to 10.95 pg/2C (Ae. speltoides var. ligustica) in Turkey. In Iranian diploids, the mean nuclear DNA content varied from 10.20 pg/2C (Ae. taushii) to 11.56 pg/2C (Ae. speltoides var. ligustica). This index in the tetraploid species of Turkey varied from 18.09 pg/2C (Ae. cylindrica) to 21.65 pg/2C (Ae. triaristata), and in Iranian species, it was from 18.61 pg/2C (Ae. cylindrica) to 21.75 pg/2C (Ae. columnaris). On the other hand, in the hexaploid species of Turkey, this index varied from 31.59 pg/2C (Ae. crassa) to 31.81 pg/2C (Ae. cylindrica); in the Iranian species, it varied from 32.58 pg/2C (Ae. cylindrica) to 33.97 pg/2C (Ae. crassa). There was a significant difference in the DNA content of Turkey and Iran diploid as well as tetraploid species; however, in hexaploid species, the difference was not significant. It was concluded that the variation in intraspecific genome size was very low in diploid and tetraploid populations; this means that the low variation is not dependent on geographic and climatic parameters. On the other hand, the interspecific variation is significant at the diploid and tetraploid populations. It is generally very difficult to distinguish Aegilops species from each other in natural conditions; meanwhile, in this study, all species could be, easily, quickly and unambiguously, distinguished and separated using the FCM technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 70% of our planet is covered by extremely cold environments, nourishing a broad diversity of microbial life. Temperature is the most significant parameter that plays a key role in the distribution of microorganisms on our planet. Psychrophilic microorganisms are the most prominent inhabitants of the cold ecosystems, and they possess potential cold-active enzymes with diverse uses in the research and commercial sectors. Psychrophiles are modified to nurture, replicate, and retain their active metabolic activities in low temperatures. Their enzymes possess characteristics of maximal activity at low to adequate temperatures; this feature makes them more appealing and attractive in biotechnology. The high enzymatic activity of psychrozymes at low temperatures implies an important feature for energy saving. These enzymes have proven more advantageous than their mesophilic and thermophilic counterparts. Therefore, it is very important to explore the efficiency and utility of different psychrozymes in food processing, pharmaceuticals, brewing, bioremediation, and molecular biology. In this review, we focused on the properties of cold-active enzymes and their diverse uses in different industries and research areas. This review will provide insight into the areas and characteristics to be improved in cold-active enzymes so that potential and desired enzymes can be made available for commercial purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The innovative concept of environmental DNA has found its foot in aquatic ecosystems but remains an unexplored area of research concerning terrestrial ecosystems. When making management choices, it is important to understand the rate of eDNA degradation, the persistence of DNA in terrestrial habitats, and the variables affecting eDNA detectability for a target species. Therefore an attempt has been made to provide comprehensive information regarding the exertion of eDNA in terrestrial ecosystems from 2012 to 2022. The information provided will assist ecologists, researchers and decision-makers in developing a holistic understanding of environmental DNA and its applicability as a biodiversity monitoring contrivance. The dearth of cardinal data on species presence, dispersion, abundance, and habitat prerequisites, besides the threats impeded by escalating human pressure has enormously affected biodiversity conservation. The innovative concept of eDNA, has been introduced as a way of overcoming many of the difficulties of rigorous conventional investigations, and is hence becoming a prominent and novel method for assessing biodiversity. Recently the demand for eDNA in ecology and conservation has expanded exceedingly, despite the lack of coordinated development in appreciation of its strengths and limitations. Therefore it is pertinent and indispensable to evaluate the extent and significance of eDNA-based investigations in terrestrial habitats and to classify and recognize the critical considerations that need to be accounted before using such an approach. Presented here is a brief review to summarize the prospects and constraints of utilizing eDNA in terrestrial ecosystems, which has not been explored and exploited in greater depth and detail in such ecosystems. Given these obstacles, we focused primarily on compiling the most current research findings from journals accessible in eDNA analysis that discuss terrestrial ecosystems (2012–2022). In the current evaluation, we also review advancements and limitations related to the eDNA technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocontrol agents (BCAs) added in the soil or applied to the seeds face many abiotic and biotic stress challenges. Only those BCAs that survive under harsh conditions perform well. Improving the survival of BCAs along with inhibiting the biotic stresses imposed by bacterial, fungal, and viral infections has been a major challenge in agriculture, especially in hot-arid climates. The present study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of soil solarization and Brassica amendments on the survival of two biocontrol agents (BCAs), namely Trichoderma harzianum and Aspergillus versicolor, and on the reduction in a cumin wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini (Foc) in a field experiment conducted for two years under hot-arid climates. BCAs performed well in the solarized pots; it caused the maximum reduction in viable F. oxysporum propagules, significantly higher at 5 cm than at 15 cm of depth. Brassica amendment with BCAs caused a greater decrease in F. oxysporum propagules (95.7 to 96.7%) compared to a combination of BCAs and solarization (91.0 to 95.7%). Combining T. harzianum with A. versicolor increased the survival of T. harzianum, whereas integration with Brassica amendment could only improve the survival of T. harzianum at a depth of 5 cm and not at lower depths. The slightest decrease in A. versicolor population at high soil temperature was estimated when combined with T. harzianum. However, combining A. versicolor with Brassica amendment improved the survival of A. versicolor at high compared to low soil temperatures. Still, elevated soil temperature reduced the viable propagules. These studies demonstrate that both the native BCAs are compatible, and their integration with the Brassica amendment improves their survival and ability to reduce the population of cumin wilt pathogen. Thus, these BCAs with Brassica amendments can survive and perform well under hot-arid climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to having a long history of traditional uses as a functional food, Zingiber zerumbet was selected here to explore the inherent antioxidant and antineoplastic activities of methanolic extract of its rhizome (MEZZR) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The rich polyphenol containing MEZZR showed a marked DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide radicals and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity with an IC50 of 3.43 ± 1.25, 11.38 ± 1.39, 23.12 ± 3.39 and 16.47 ± 1.47 µg/ml, respectively, when compared to the standard catechin. In vivo, MEZZR significantly inhibited EAC cell growth, decreased body weight gain, increased life span and restored the altered hematological characteristics of EAC-bearing mice. Moreover, MEZZR induced nuclear condensation and fragmentation, which are notable features of apoptosis as observed by fluorescence microscopy after staining EAC cells of MEZZR-treated mice with Hoechst 33342. Additionally, in vitro, the cell growth inhibition caused by the MEZZR in MTT assay, was remarkably decreased in the presence of caspase-3, -8 and -9 inhibitors. This study thus suggests that MEZZR may possess promising antiproliferative efficacy against EAC cells by inducing cell apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematodes are non-segmented roundworms evenly distributed with various habitats ranging to approximately every ecological extremity. These are the least studied organisms despite being the most diversified group. Nematodes are the most critical equilibrium-maintaining factors, having implications on the yield and health of plants as well as well-being of animals. However, taxonomic knowledge about nematodes is scarce. As a result of the lack of precise taxonomic features, nematode taxonomy remains uncertain. Morphology-based identification has proved inefficacious in identifying and exploring the diversity of nematodes, as there are insufficient morphological variations. Different molecular and new evolving methodologies have been employed to augment morphology-based approaches and bypass these difficulties with varying effectiveness. These identification techniques vary from molecular-based targeting DNA or protein-based targeting amino acid sequences to methods for image processing. High-throughput approaches such as next-generation sequencing have also been added to this league. These alternative approaches have helped to classify nematodes and enhanced the base for increased diversity and phylogeny of nematodes, thus helping to formulate increasingly more nematode bases for use as model organisms to study different hot topics about human well-being. Here, we discuss all the methods of nematode identification as an essential shift from classical morphometric studies to the most important modern-day and molecular approaches for their identification. Classification varies from DNA/protein-based methods to the use of new emerging methods. However, the priority of the method relies on the quality, quantity, and availability of nematode resources and down-streaming applications. This paper reviews all currently offered methods for the detection of nematodes and known/unknown and cryptic or sibling species, emphasizing modern-day methods and budding molecular techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder with multiple etiologies, mainly characterized by the excess production of androgens. It is equally contributed to by genes and environment. The CYP11A1 gene is imperative for steroidogenesis, so any dysregulation or mutation in this gene can lead to PCOS pathogenesis. Therefore, nucleotide diversity in this gene can be helpful in spotting the likelihood of developing PCOS. The present study was initiated to investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in human CYP11A1 gene on different attributes of encoded mutated proteins, i.e., sub-cellular localization, ontology, half-life, isoelectric point, instability index, aliphatic index, extinction coefficient, 3-D and 2-D structures, and transmembrane topology. For this purpose, initially coding sequence (CDS) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were retrieved for the desired gene from Ensembl followed by translation of CDS using EXPASY tool. The protein sequence obtained was subjected to different tools including CELLO2GO, ProtParam, PHYRE2, I-Mutant, SIFT, and PolyPhen. It was found that out of seventy-eight SNPs analyzed in this project, seventeen mutations, i.e., rs750026801 in exon 1, rs776056840, rs779154292 and rs1217014229 in exon 2, rs549043326 in exon 3, rs755186597 in exon 4, rs1224774813, rs757299093 and rs1555425667 in exon 5, rs1454328072 in exon 7, rs762412759 and rs755975808 in exon 8, and rs754610565, rs779413653, rs765916701, rs1368450780, and rs747901197 in exon 9 considerably altered the structure, sub-cellular localization, and physicochemical characteristics of mutated proteins. Among the fifty-nine missense SNPs documented in present study, fifty-five and fifty-three were found to be deleterious according to SIFT and PolyPhen tools, respectively. Forty-nine missense mutations were analyzed to have a decreasing effect on the stability of mutant proteins. Hence, these genetic variants can serve as potential biomarkers in human females for determining the probability of being predisposed to PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar transporter proteins (STPs) are membrane proteins required for sugar transport throughout cellular membranes. They plays an imperative role in sugar transmission across the plant and determinants of crop yield. However, the analysis of these important STPs Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEET) family in legumes is still not well-documented and remains unclear. Therefore, the in-silico analysis of STPs has been performed to unravel their cellular, molecular, and structural composition in legume species. This study conducted a systematic search for STPs in Cajanus cajan using the Blastp algorithm to understand its molecular basis. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of 155 identified SWEET proteins across 12 legumes species, namely (Cajanus cajan, Glycine max, Vigna radiate, Vigna angularis, Medicago truncatula, Lupinus angustifolius, Glycine soja, Spatholobus suberectus, Cicer arietinum, Arachis ipaensis, Arachis hypogaea, Arachis duranensis). The amino acid composition and motif analysis revealed that SWEET proteins are rich in essential amino acids such as leucine, valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and serine while less profuse in glutamine, tryptophan, cysteine, and histidine. A total of four main conserved motifs of SWEET proteins are also highly abundant in these amino acids. The present study deciphered the details on primary physicochemical properties, secondary, tertiary structure, and phylogenetic analysis of SWEETs protein. Majorities of SWEET proteins (72.26%) are in stable form with an average instability index of 36.5%, and it comprises a higher fraction of positively charged amino acid Arg + Lys residues. Secondary structure analysis shown that these proteins are richer in alpha-helix (40%) than extended strand (30%) and random coil (25%), respectively. Furthermore, to infer their mechanism at a structural and functional level which play an essential roles in growth, development, and stress responses. This study will be useful to examine photosynthetic productivity, embryo sugar content, seed quality, and yield enhancement in Fabaceae for a sustainable source of essential amino acids and carbon source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectate lyase is a hydrolytic enzyme used by diverse industries to clarify food. The enzyme occupies a 25% share of the total enzyme used in food industries, and their demand is increasing gradually. Most of the enzymes in the market belong to the fungal origin and take more time to produce with high viscosity in the fermentation medium, limiting its use. The bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus have vast potential to produce diverse metabolites of industrial importance. The present experiment aimed to isolate pectate lyase-producing bacteria that can tolerate an alkaline environment at moderate temperatures. Bacillus subtilis PKC2, Bacillus licheniformis PKC4, Paenibacillus lactis PKC5, and Bacillus sonorensis ADCN produced pectate lyase. The Paenibacillus lactis PKC5 gave the highest protein at 48 h of incubation that was partially purified using 80% acetone and ammonium sulphate. Purification with 80% acetone resulted in a good enzyme yield with higher activity. SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of 44 kDa molecular weight of purified enzyme. The purified enzyme exhibits stability at diverse temperature and pH ranges, the maximum at 50 °C and 8.0 pH. The metal ions such as Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, and Co2+ significantly positively affect enzyme activity, while increasing the metal ion concentration to 5 mM showed detrimental effects on the enzyme activity. The organic solvents such as methanol and chloroform at 25% final concentration improved the enzyme activity. On the other hand, detergent showed inhibitory effects at 0.05% and 1% concentration. Pectate lyase from Paenibacillus lactis PKC5 had Km and Vmax values as 8.90 mg/ml and 4.578 μmol/ml/min. The Plackett–Burman and CCD designs were used to identify the significant process parameters, and optimum concentrations were found to be pectin (5 gm%) and ammonium sulphate (0.3 gm%). During incubation with pectate lyase, the clarity percentage of the grape juice, apple juice, and orange juice was 60.37%, 59.36%, and 49.91%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reveals the production of dark, extracellular melanin pigment (386 mg/L) on peptone yeast extract iron agar medium by Streptomyces puniceus RHPR9 using the gravimetric method. UV-Visible, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H) (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of melanin. Extracted melanin showed antibacterial activity against human pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli except for Klebsiella pneumoniae. A potent free radical scavenging activity was observed at 100 μg/mL of melanin by the DPPH method with a concentration of 89.01±0.05% compared with ascorbic acid 96.16±0.01%. Antitumor activity of melanin was evaluated by MTT assay against HEK 293, HeLa, and SK-MEL-28 cell lines with IC50 values of 64.11±0.00, 14.43±0.02, and 13.31±0.01 μg/mL respectively. Melanin showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity with human red blood cells (hRBC) (78.63 ± 0.01%) and minimum hemolysis of 21.37±0.2%. The wound healing potential of the pigment was confirmed on HeLa cells, cell migration was calculated, and it was observed that cell migration efficiency decreased with an increase in the concentration of melanin. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of melanin produced from S. puniceus RHPR9 that exhibited profound scavenging, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants roots are colonized by soil inhabitants known as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which increase plant productivity, and enhance carbon storage in the soil. We found mycorrhizal vesicles, arbuscles, and mycelium in the root of more than 89% of the selected plants of University of Rajshahi campus, Bangladesh. The rate of their presence differed in plant to plant of a family and different families. The highest root colonization (98±1.0%) was found to be present in Xanthium strumarium (Asteraceae). Mycorrhiza was not found in the root of Sphagneticola calendulacea (Asteraceae), Cestrun nocturnum (Solanaceae), Acacia nilotica and Acacia catechu (Mimosoidae), Rorippa nasturtium, Brassica oleracla var botrytis (Brasicaceae), Punica granatum (Lythraceae), Tecoma capensis (Bignoniacea), Spinacia oleracia (Chenopodiaceae), Chenopodium album (Goosefoot). Result of soil analysis reveals that the rhizospheric soils were deficient in nutrients which might be suitable for mycorrhizal symbiosis with plants. In the rhizospheric soils, 22 species of Glomus, Scutelospora, Gigaspora, Archaeospora, and Acullospora were found. We also found the genera 'Glomus' dominance in the plant root and rhizospheric soil. So, it can be concluded that the highly colonized roots as well as spores can be used to prepare mycorrhizal inoculum for future purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drastic changes in the climate and ecosystem due to natural or anthropogenic activities have severely affected crop production globally. This concern has raised the need to develop environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategies, particularly for keeping pace with the demands of the growing population. The use of nanobiofertilizers in agriculture opens a new chapter in the sustainable production of crops. The application of nanoparticles improves the growth and stress tolerance in plants. Inoculation of biofertilizers is another strategy explored in agriculture. The combination of nanoparticles and biofertilizers produces nanobiofertilizers, which are cost-effective and more potent and eco-friendly than nanoparticles or biofertilizers alone. Nanobiofertilizers consist of biofertilizers encapsulated in nanoparticles. Biofertilizers are the preparations of plant-based carriers having beneficial microbial cells, while nanoparticles are microscopic (1–100 nm) particles that possess numerous advantages. Silicon, zinc, copper, iron, and silver are the commonly used nanoparticles for the formulation of nanobiofertilizer. The green synthesis of these nanoparticles enhances their performance and characteristics. The use of nanobiofertilizers is more effective than other traditional strategies. They also perform their role better than the common salts previously used in agriculture to enhance the production of crops. Nanobiofertilizer gives better and more long-lasting results as compared to traditional chemical fertilizers. It improves the structure and function of soil and the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes of plants. The formation and application of nanobiofertilizer is a practical step toward smart fertilizer that enhances growth and augments the yield of crops. The literature on the formulation and application of nanobiofertilizer at the field level is scarce. This product requires attention, as it can reduce the use of chemical fertilizer and make the soil and crops healthy. This review highlights the formulation and application of nanobiofertilizer on various plant species and explains how nanobiofertilizer improves the growth and development of plants. It covers the role and status of nanobiofertilizer in agriculture. The limitations of and future strategies for formulating effective nanobiofertilizer are mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study involves isolation of Streptomyces spp. from rhizosphere of Coscinium fenestratum Gaertn, an endangered medicinal plant from Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Four potential isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Streptomyces sp. RHPR3, Streptomyces puniceus RHPR9, Streptomyces sp. RHPR14 and Streptomyces mediolani RHPR25. An enrichment culture method was used for the isolation of Streptomyces spp. for biosurfactant activity. Among four potential Streptomyces spp., S. puniceus RHPR9 showed highest Emulsification index (EI) (78±0.2%) and Emulsification assay (EA) (223±0.2 EU mL-1). Thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectrometric analysis revealed that as glycolipid. Further confirmed by presence of fatty acids like hexanoic acid methyl ester, decanoic acid by Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. S. puniceus RHPR9 showed a significant IAA production (41μg mL-1), solubilized P (749.1 μg mL-1), growth promotion of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) was evaluated using paper towel method and greenhouse conditions. S. puniceus RHPR9 showed a significant increase in seed vigor index (2047) and increase in plant biomass (65%) when compared to uninoculated control. To our knowledge, this is the first report on epiphytic S. puniceus RHPR9 isolated from an endangered medicinal plant C. fenestratum Gaertn, for biosurfactant production and plant growth promotion activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is a widely cultivated crop and it is one of the major food sources worldwide. Among the various tools used to study diversity of wheat species, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) assessment emerges to be the more appropriate approach. In the present study, we evaluated 15 genotypes of Iranian wheat cultivars (wild, native, and breed) using ITS gene sequences. Similarity matrices and dendrogram of phylogenic relationship were constructed using Mega ver6 software. We report the major nucleotide changes in the same position between diploid and hexaploid species. dN/dS ratio for diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid species indicated a pure selection in the examined gene, with no key changes in the genes, and 91% ITS diversity within individual wheat was evident. The results suggest that as evolution moves forward, nucleotide changes are reduced so that only a few changes in nucleotides occur. ITS marker can distinguish different wheat genotypes at the genomic level and thus prove to be the most appropriate assessment tool for analyzing inter and intra-species relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.), is an extensively cultivated legume crop used as a herb, spice, and traditional medicine in India. The symbiotic efficiency and plant growth-promoting potential of fenugreek rhizobia depend on the symbiont strain and environmental factors. We isolated 176 root-nodulating bacteria from fenugreek cultivated in different agroclimatic regions of India. MALDI-TOF MS-based identification and phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and five housekeeping genes classified the fenugreek-rhizobia as Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) meliloti. However, the strains represent separate sub-lineages of E. meliloti , distinct from all reported sub-lineages across the globe. We also observed the spatial distribution of fenugreek rhizobia, as the three sub-lineages of E. meliloti recorded during this study were specific to their respective agroclimatic regions. According to the symbiotic gene (nodC and nifH) phylogenies, all three sub-lineages of E. meliloti harboured symbiotic genes similar to symbiovar meliloti ; as with the housekeeping genes, these also revealed a spatial distribution for different clades of sv. meliloti. The strains could nodulate fenugreek plants and they showed plant growth-promoting potential. Significant differences were found in the plant growth parameters in response to inoculation with the various strains, suggesting strain-level differences. This study demonstrates that fenugreek rhizobia in India are diverse and spatially distributed in different agro-climatic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's primary purpose was to investigate the possible amelioration of limited irrigation conditions by mycorrhiza (AMF), vermicompost, and green manure for lingrain plants. This experiment was accomplished as a factorial based on the completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor was green manure (without green manure and with Trifolium pratense as green manure); the second factor consisted of Rhizophagus irregularis mycorrhiza, vermicompost, a combination of mycorrhiza and vermicompost and none of them, and also the third factor was irrigation regime (full irrigation and late-season water limitation). Green manure, vermicompost, and mycorrhiza single-use enhanced the plant's underwater limitation conditions compared to the control. However, vermicompost and green manure or mycorrhiza developed a positive synergistic effect on most traits. Combining green manure with the dual fertilizer (mycorrhiza + vermicompost) resulted in the vermicompost and mycorrhiza synergistic effects, especially under limited irrigation. Consequently, the combination of green manure, mycorrhiza, and vermicompost experienced the highest amount of leaf relative water content, root colonization, leaf nitrogen, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, antioxidant enzymes activity, grain yield, and oil yield, which would lead to more resistance of plants to limited irrigation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is the major abiotic factor limiting crop production. Co-inoculating crops with nitrogen fixing bacteria and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improves plant growth and increases drought tolerance in arid or semiarid areas. Soybean is a major source of high-quality protein and oil for humans. It is susceptible to drought stress conditions. The co-inoculation of drought-stressed soybean with nodulating rhizobia and root-colonizing, PGPR improves the root and the shoot growth, formation of nodules, and nitrogen fixation capacity in soybean. The present study was aimed to observe if the co-inoculation of soybean (Glycine max L. (Merr.) nodulating with Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA110 and PGPR Pseudomonas putida NUU8 can enhance drought tolerance, nodulation, plant growth, and nutrient uptake under drought conditions. The results of the study showed that co-inoculation with B. japonicum USDA110 and P. putida NUU8 gave more benefits in nodulation and growth of soybean compared to plants inoculated with B. japonicum USDA110 alone and uninoculated control. Under drought conditions, co-inoculation of B. japonicum USDA 110 and P. putida NUU8 significantly enhanced the root length by 56%, shoot length by 33%, root dry weight by 47%, shoot dry weight by 48%, and nodule number 17% compared to the control under drought-stressed. Co-inoculation with B. japonicum, USDA 110 and P. putida NUU8 significantly enhanced plant and soil nutrients and soil enzymes compared to control under normal and drought stress conditions. The synergistic use of B. japonicum USDA110 and P. putida NUU8 improves plant growth and nodulation of soybean under drought stress conditions. The results suggested that these strains could be used to formulate a consortium of biofertilizers for sustainable production of soybean under drought-stressed field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional agricultural practices and rising energy crisis create a question about the sustainability of the present-day food production system. Nutrient exhaustive crops can have a severe impact on native soil fertility by causing nutrient mining. In this backdrop, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of bio-priming intervention in red cabbage production considering nutrient uptake, the annual change in soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, energy budgeting, and economic benefits for its sustainable intensification, among resource-poor farmers of Middle Gangetic Plains. The compatible microbial agents used in the study include Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. Field assays (2016–2017 and 2017–2018) of the present study revealed supplementing 75% of recommended NPK fertilizer with dual inoculation of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens increased macronutrient uptake (N, P, and K), root length, heading percentage, head diameter, head weight, and the total weight of red cabbage along with a positive annual change in soil organic carbon. Maximum positive annual change in available N and available P was recorded under 75% RDF + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis and 75% RDF + T. harzianum + B. subtilis, respectively. Bio-primed plants were also higher in terms of growth and nutrient use efficiency (agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency, partial factor productivity). Energy output (26,370 and 26,630 MJ ha−1), energy balance (13,643 and 13,903 MJ ha−1), maximum gross return (US $ 16,030 and 13,877 ha−1), and net return (US $ 15,966 and 13,813 ha−1) were considerably higher in T. harzianum, and P. fluorescens treated plants. The results suggest the significance of the bio-priming approach under existing integrated nutrient management strategies and the role of dual inoculations in producing synergistic effects on plant growth and maintaining the soil, food, and energy nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]