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[Display omitted] • HCSOF exhibits high levels of organic carbon and nutrient content. • HCSOF exhibits favorable adsorption properties. • HCSOF holds promise as a substitute for conventional chemical fertilizers. • HCSOF serves to enhance growth and bolster disease resistance of corn. Traditional methods of producing organic fertilizers result in significant nutrient loss and greenhouse gas emissions, making it challenging to align with sustainable development and the achievement of net-zero emissions goals. Hydrothermal cracking, as a novel clean technology for the utilization of organic waste into fertilizer, has been extensively studied and refined in laboratory settings, but its large-scale industrial evaluation remains limited. This study investigates the properties and field application of hydrothermal cracking solid organic fertilizer (HCSOF) produced at a pilot scale with an annual output of 10,000 tons. The results indicate that the organic matter content and total nutrient content (TN + P 2 O 5 + K 2 O) of HCSOF reached 50.6 % and 5.46 %, respectively, which are 20.6 % and 1.46 % higher than the standards for organic fertilizers in China. Additionally, contaminants such as pathogens and antibiotics in the product were completely eliminated. Elemental analysis and pore size distribution highlighted the unique adsorptive attributes of HCSOF, which showed significant effect in reducing soil ammonium nitrogen. Results from field trials indicate that the complete substitution of chemical fertilizers with HCSOF did not reduce corn yield, which remained at 9.03 t/ha. Particularly, compared to the exclusive use of chemical fertilizers, HCSOF treatments resulted in a 7.03 % and 4.70 % decrease in fresh corn lodging and disease incidence, respectively. Antibacterial tests further confirmed its ability to counter pathogens. This study provides robust evidence for scaling up hydrothermal cracking fertilizer production from laboratory to industrial levels. Future research should focus on multi-batch sampling and extended field experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic entomopathogenic species are known to systematically colonize host plants and form symbiotic associations that benefit the plants they live with. The actin-depolymerizing factors (ADFs) are a group of gene family that regulate growth, development, and defense-related functions in plants. Systematic studies of ADF family at the genome-wide level and their expression in response to endophytic colonization are essential to understand its functions but are currently lacking in this field. 14 ADF genes were identified and characterized in the Citrus sinensis genome. The ADF genes of C. sinensis were classified into five groups according to the phylogenetic analysis of plant ADFs. Additionally, the cis -acting analysis revealed that these genes play essential role in plant growth/development, phytohormone, and biotic and abiotic responses; and the expression analysis showed that the symbiotic interactions generate a significant expression regulation level of ADF genes in leaves, stems and roots, compared to controls; thus enhancing seedlings' growth. Additionally, the 3D structures of the ADF domain were highly conserved during evolution. These results will be helpful for further functional validation of ADFs candidate genes and provide important insights into the vegetative growth, development and stress tolerance of C. sinensis in responses to endophytic colonization by B. bassiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This review states the isolation, culture, characterization and application of OMF. • Major bottlenecks of traditional identification of OMF and its elucidation are discussed. • States the application OMF for bio-hardening and growth promotion of seedlings. • Provides insights for mass cultivation and conservation of orchids. In nature all orchids develop a mutualistic association with specialized group of fungi called orchid mycorrhiza. In natural environment, orchids are exclusively reliant on mycorrhizal fungi for seed germination, establishment, growth and development. In the early developmental stages, all orchids are mycoheterotrophic, and in most cases the association subsists throughout their lifespan. The significance of orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) for seed germination, nourishment, growth promotion, and survival has been established more than a century ago and tremendous advancements were made in recent decades. Till date, understanding the mode of interaction between orchids and mycorrhizal fungi and determining the architecture of interaction networks are major challenges in ecology and evolutionary biology. The development of molecular techniques has empowered us to unscramble the fungal diversity comprised in the symbiosis and has facilitated us to overcome the difficulties associated with the conventional identification of OMF and orchid-fungal interactions. In addition, the application of modern biotechnological approaches resolved many controversial issues of OMF. Recently, OMF are used for biological hardening and growth promotion of in vitro raised seedlings, early flowering and quality improvement of flowers, and diseases and pests management. The aim of this communication is to update and summarize orchid mycorrhizal research including isolation, culture, and characterization of OMF, understanding the mechanisms of orchid-fungus symbiosis, and application of OMF in seed germination, growth promotion, and survival of asymbiotically raised seedlings and conservation of orchids. This appraisal will convey valuable insights to orchidologists engaged in biology, propagation, and conservation of orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental conditions are becoming increasingly challenging in managed ecosystems, especially in agricultural fields, where environmentally friendly solutions are urgently needed. Fungal symbionts offer great opportunities to enhance crop production and ecosystem sustainability under environmental stress. Some fungi are relatively well investigated (e.g., arbuscular mycorrhiza) and regularly used in commercial products, while others, such as fungal endophytes, are not well-known in this market, yet. Here, we review I) the characteristics and benefits, II) the advantages and challenges of principal isolation, preservation, inoculation, and field applications methods, and III) the environmental stress resistance mechanisms for different beneficial fungi. Utilization of mycorrhizae is still facing many challenges, particularly in terms of acquiring pure cultures and successfully establishing their symbiosis in the field. Effects of mycorrhizal associations on the above-ground organs through molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Although biochemical values of some endophytes are well recognized, molecular mechanisms involved in endophytic-induced stress tolerance are poorly known. Fungal endophytes present several important advantages over mycorrhizal fungi including broader host range as well as straightforward isolation and application protocols. Further studies are necessary for selecting the best strains and communities, producing inoculum on a large-scale, and understanding the potential environmental hazards. • Fungal symbionts present significant biotechnological values under climate change. • Methodological challenges limit utilization of fungi in agriculture and forestry. • Endophytic fungi provide several methodological advantages over mycorrhizal fungi. • Assessment of potential hazards of large-scale fungal inoculation is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the priming efficacy of chitosan and chitosan-derived nanoparticles (CNPs) against bacterial wilt of tomato. In the current study, seed-treated CNPs plus pathogen-inoculated tomato seedlings recorded significant protection of 62 % against pathogen-induced wilt disease and subsequently better growth. The induced resistance was witnessed by a prominent increase in lignin, callose and H 2 O 2 deposition, followed by superoxide radical accumulation in leaves. Additionally, chitosan and CNPs-treated tomato plants recorded a remarkable increase in the upregulation of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT) and β-1, 3 glucanase (GLU) in comparison with untreated plants. The chitosan and CNPs-induced antioxidant enzymes were positively correlated with the stimulation of corresponding gene expression in CNPs treated plants related to pathogen-inoculated ones. The results of this study describe that how the application of chitosan and CNPs elicit defense responses at the cellular, biochemical and gene expression in tomato plants against bacterial wilt disease, thereby improve growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of growth-promoting microorganisms with biostimulant characteristics is an important biological asset for the acclimatization of micropropagated seedlings. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the application of Trichoderma spp. on the promotion of the growth of micropropagated banana seedlings during acclimatization. The experiment was performed in an 8 × 6 completely randomized design using the following treatments: water, seedlings fertilized with controlled-release fertilizer, commercial biological inputs (A: T. asperellum , B/C: T. harzianum), and LPPC299 and LPPC300 strains. Plant height, pseudostem diameter, number of leaves, total leaf area, root length, fresh and dry mass of the plant, and accumulation of sodium, macronutrients, and micronutrients were evaluated 60 days after inoculation. Strains LPPC299 and LPPC300 were subjected to molecular identification by DNA sequencing of the ITS/5.8S locus. In vitro detection of growth promotion-related mechanisms and mycelial growth of biostimulants were performed using scanning electron microscopy. LPPC299 and LPPC300 had a greater similarity to T. longibrachiatum. LPPC299 was able to promote greater pseudostem diameter, number of leaves, and total leaf area in banana seedlings. T. asperellum (A) favored seedling performance in terms of fresh and dry mass of the plants. The strains were able to produce siderophores, indoleacetic acid, and catalase in vitro. Seedlings inoculated with the strains accumulated Mn, S (LPPC300), and Mg (LPPC299). LPPC299 from the banana rhizosphere was efficient in promoting performance in banana seedlings, showing its potential as a biostimulant for this crop. [Display omitted] • Trichoderma longibrachiatum is associated with the rhizosphere of banana trees. • T. longibrachiatum produces siderophores, indoleacetic acid and catalase. • T. longibrachiatum increases the growth of banana seedlings under acclimatization. • T. longibrachiatum increases the build-up of nutrients in banana under acclimatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the growth-promoting action of 16 isolates of the entomopathogenic fungal genus Metarhizium spp., representing 14 from the native pastures and two commercial isolates, on the forage grass Urochloa brizantha , via drench application to seeds. Multivariate analysis of plant height, length of the longest leaf and root, and dry and fresh weight of leaves and roots indicated the most promising isolates, five from native pastures (CEPAF_ENT25, CEPAF_ENT26, CEPAF_ENT27, CEPAF_ENT42, and CEPAF_ENT59) and one commercial (IBCB 425), all isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae. Except for isolate CEPAF_ENT59, there was a positive correlation between growth parameters of U. brizantha with the contents of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids and with the contents of N, P, and Zn in the leaves. Endophytic colonization tests indicated the presence of Metarhizium spp. in all plant parts, most frequently in the stems. Furthermore, the selected isolates of Metarhizium spp. were recovered from the cultivation substrate and positively affected the germination and initial growth of U. brizantha. Thus, the most promising isolates have potential for application to seeds of U. brizantha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we discussed the relationship between Entermorpha linza polysaccharide (EP) and Bacillus subtilis , which can transform nitrate. A sole carbon source experiment showed that Bacillus subtilis could utilize EP, and the bacterial density was maximally increased by 54.43% in the EP groups. The results of reducing sugar determination proved the secretion of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the EP groups had fewer spores and shrunken bacteria, indicating that EP could improve the growth environment and maintain bacterial integrity. Additionally, the ratios of periplasmic nitrate reductase (NAP), nitrite reductase (NIR), and dissimilatory nitrate reductase (D-NRase) in the EP groups were maximally increased by 107.22%, 84.70% and 36.10%, respectively. Transcriptome analysis further confirmed the above mentioned results. For example, the high expression of quorum sensing genes indicated that EP groups had higher bacterial density. Moreover, the high expression of antioxidant genes in the EP groups may be related to morphological integrity. Our study provides a basis for further discussion of the mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for plant growth, biosynthesis, and metabolism. It enhances plant tolerance to salinity and acidity by triggering various defense mechanisms. These characteristics are particularly important to agricultural production in the Vietnam Mekong River Delta, experiencing increased saltwater intrusion, precipitation extremes and unpredictable drought. This study isolated and selected indigenous potassium-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from Vietnam Mekong Delta rhizospheric soils collected from three different ecological systems producing rice, maize, kumquat, and green onion. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of indigenous PSB on rice seedlings and future potential as biostimulants for commercial field application. To isolate PSB, solid Aleksandrov medium supplemented with 0.2% muscovite was used. The soluble K was quantified using the atomic absorption method at a wavelength of 766.5 nm. Among 24 isolates, Burkholderia vietnamiensis L1.1 and Staphylococcus hominis T7.3 exhibited the highest K solubilization, releasing 567 μg L−1 and 488 μg L−1 liquid medium, respectively. The study explored the optimal conditions for K release, revealing that a temperature of 35 °C, a pH 5, and NaCl concentration up to 1 % in a medium favored K solubilization. B. vietnamiensis L1.1 significantly enhanced rice seed germination (95.3 %) compared to the control treatment without PSB (82 %). Furthermore, the combined application of B. vietnamiensis L1.1 and S. hominis T7.3 notably improved rice growth under K deficient conditions. This research suggests that these indigenous PSB can effectively increase plant available K and improve the productivity of rice and other crops grown under saline and acidic stresses. [Display omitted] • Potassium solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were found in different cropping system soils. • Burkholderia vietnamiensis L1.1 and Staphylococcus hominis T7.3 are two promising PSB. • B. vietnamiensis L1.1 and S. hominis T7.3 are salt, heat and acidity tolerant PSB. • Co-inoculation of L1.1 and T7.3 improved rice seed germination, biomass, and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haloxylon ammodendron , a typical xerophyte, tolerates various abiotic stresses and is widely distributed in desert areas. Two PGPR strains, Bacillus sp. WM13-24 and Pseudomonas sp. M30-35, were previously isolated from the rhizosphere of H. ammodendron in Tengger Desert, Gansu province, northwest China. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of M30-35 and WM13-24 in drought stress alleviation of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Under normal condition, both M30-35 and WM13-24 increased shoot fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content, total nitrogen and phosphorus contents and altered phytohormone distribution compared to control. Moreover, after 7 days of drought stress, WM13–24 and M30-35 enhanced photosynthetic capacity, relative water content, the activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) and proline content, resulted in decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, relative membrane permeability (RMP) and H 2 O 2 accumulation; interestingly, the two strains decreased ABA content in leaves. This study demonstrated that the two PGPR strains promoted ryegrass growth and root development via regulating plant hormone distribution and enhanced drought tolerance of ryegrass through improving the activities of antioxidant enzymes, regulating ABA signaling and maintaining plant growth. Our results indicated that PGPR strains from rhizosphere of the desert plant species could be considered as promising bioinoculants for grass plants. • Both strains Bacillus sp. WM13-24 and Pseudomonas sp. M30-35 had plant growth promoting traits. • Both strains improved root system architecture and promoted the growth of ryegrass seedlings. • Both strains enhanced drought tolerance of ryegrass via enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and regulating ABA signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, rhizobacterial strains associated with paddy rhizosphere were screened for plant growth promotion efficacy against Vigna radiata. Plant growth promotion effect was determined by measuring indole acetic acid (IAA) phosphate solubilisation efficacy and antagonistic activity. Among the isolates, Azosprillum strain AZOSP -V1 strain (114.2 μg/mL) and the AZOSP-S1 strain (104.2 μg/mL) were known to produce maximum production of IAA. High phosphate solubilisation efficacy was recorded in the Pseudomonas fluorescens- PS-V4 strain. Antagonistic activity of rhizobacterial isolates was tested against plant pathogenic fungal strains Pythium sp , Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Trichosporium vesiculosum. Among the rhizobacterial strains, notable growth inhibition of all the tested fungal pathogens was recorded in Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus megaterium treatment. Seed priming of the respective rhizobacterial strain supported seedlings' emergence plant growth promotion of V. radiata without inducing any undesirable oxidative stress. Further, rhizobacterial strains were screened for bioactive metabolites production. Among the strains, bioactive metabolites were extracted from Pseudomonas fluorescens strain PS-V4 which showed potential pesticidal and antibacterial activity against gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera and plant pathogenic bacterial strain Xanthomonas campestris. Biocompatibility of the metabolites was also screened with the zebrafish model by measuring embryonic toxicity. No sign of toxic effect on all the embryonic stages of zebrafish treatment confirmed the best biocompatibility. The present study suggests the possible utilisation of allochthonous rhizobacteria as an effective biofertiliser and biocontrol agent to their high growth promotion, biocontrol efficacy, and coupled oxidative stress modulation. [Display omitted] • A total of 973 rhizobacterial strains with high plant growth promotion, biocontrol efficacy, and bioactive metabolite production were isolated. • Seed inoculation of selected rhizobacterial strains supported high seedlings emergence with notable growth promotion efficacy of Vigna radiata. • Rhizobacterial seed inoculation did not induce any undesirable effect on enzymatic antioxidants, revealing an oxidative stress modulatory effect. • P. fluorescens and B. megaterium exhibited high antagonistic activity against plant pathogenic fungal strains. • Metabolites extracted from PS-V4 rhizobacterial strain showed pesticidal effect and antibacterial activity against life stages of major gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera and plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The optimal concentration of FeNPs (10 mg L-1) and the optimal application method (seed soaking plus leaf spraying) were determined in alfalfa. • FeNPs improved the growth via increasing leaf chlorophyll content and photosynthesis rate and nitrogen fixation capacity via enhancing root activity and nodule development in alfalfa. • FeNPs might recruit more beneficial microbes, enhance the intensity of corporations and competitions among fungal taxa, and improve the function of microbes in the rhizosphere of alfalfa. Iron (Fe) is one of the essential nutrient elements for plant growth and development. However, the potential roles of iron nanomaterials in regulating growth and nitrogen fixation and modulating rhizomicrobiome in legume plants are poorly known. In this study, we reported that 10 mg L-1 is the optimal concentration for the application of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) and seed soaking plus leaf spraying is the optimal application method of FeNPs in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.); FeNPs had more positive effects on the growth and nitrogen fixation capability in alfalfa than FeCl 2 ; FeNPs enhanced the intensity of corporations and competitions among rhizosphere fungal taxa of alfalfa. This work provides insights into the regulation mechanism of FeNPs on growth, nitrogen fixation, and the composition and function of rhizosphere microbial community in legume plants as well as the potential application value of FeNPs in agriculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important worldwide vegetable crop. This paramount crop would be infected by a serious set of pathogenic fungal diseases. Growth and production are hampered by early blight caused by Alternaria phragmospora. In vitro the production of growth promoted hormone indole acetic acid (IAA) by Aspergillus flavus isolated from the medicinal plant, Euphorbia geniculata was stimulated in culture media supplemented or not by tryptophan (120 and 40 μg mL−1) respectively. The blue fluorescence test showed that the endophytic A. flavus was lacking to produce aflatoxins. Inoculation of S. lycopersicum with A. flavus enhanced the fresh weight (FW) and plant length (PL) of S. lycopersicum significantly in comparison to untreated plants. The PL of treated plants was 39.05 cm ± 3.16, while control was 22.19 cm ± 4.54. IAA stimulated overproduction of lateral roots and root hairs in treated plants compared to control. After spraying with A. phragmospora , the treated plant with A. flavus showed healthy leaves and completely protected (100%) from the disease symptoms. There were significant increases in chlorophyll (1.68 mg g−1 FW), flavonoids (105.4 mg g−1 dry weight), carbohydrates (155.5 mg g−1 dry weight), phenolics (0.9 mg g−1 dry weight) and total proteins contents (94.13 mg g−1 dry weight) in treated plants relative to untreated control plants. Our findings demonstrated the contribution of A. flavus to improve the growth and the secondary metabolites contents of tomato, which subsequently leads to the improvement of the resistance of this plant to an aggressive plant pathogen like A. phragmospora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bacterial endophytes live inside the host and play a crucial role in plant growth, development and protect their hosts from various biotic and abiotic stresses. • Isolated and characterized bacterial endophyte from four plant tissues of six rice varieties grown in the central, eastern and north eastern states of India. • Screened and identified bacterial endophytes having plant growth promoting attributes and antagonistic potential against bacterial and fungal pathogens. • PCR based detection of lipopeptide (surfactin, iturin D and bacillomycin D) genes in bacterial endophyte having antagonistic activities. • It is assumed that the bacterial endophytes living inside the rice plant tissues and helps the host plant to acquire nutrition as well as providing defense against pathogenic organisms by producing antibiotics. Bacterial endophytes live inside the plant tissues and known to play a crucial role in the functioning of host plants through influencing their physiology and development. In present study, a total of 32 bacterial endophytes were isolated from four plant tissues (root, stem, leaf and grain) of six rice varieties cultivated in central-eastern and northeastern states of India. Microbial composition varied among the plant tissues studied, they were predominant in the root and leaf tissues. Biochemical and molecular characterization identified these bacterial isolates belonging to phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes representing 5 genera. Out of 32 isolates, (19) 59.3% Gram's stain-positive, (17) 53.1% were able to produce indole acetic acid, (9) 28.1% siderophore development and (18) 56.2% phosphate solubilization activities indicating the plant growth-promoting (PGP) ability. The antagonistic activity of identified bacterial endophytes was determined against bacterial leaf blight disease-causing pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (8 isolates) and soilborne fungal pathogens viz, Rhizoctonia solani (17 isolates), Fusarium verticillioides (15 isolates) and Sclerotium rolfsii (9 isolates) were exhibiting antagonistic activities against tested pathogens. Further, to confirm the probable role of lipopeptides in antagonism, PCR based detection of lipopeptide genes in the genome of bacterial endophytes showed the presence of antibacterial (surfactin) and antifungal (iturin D and bacillomycin D) genes in Bacillus subtilis (NIBSM_OsR10). This Bacillus subtilis isolate showed potential antibacterial activities against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and strong antagonistic activities against fungal pathogens Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium verticelloides and Sclerotium rolfsii. Potential isolates exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal activities in the present study may be used for the development of biocontrol formulations for controlling multiple biotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented dairy products have been recognized as the best carriers for the administration of probiotics. Because one of the potential probiotic strains, Lactobacillus plantarum , has poor proteolytic ability and weak acidifying capacity in milk fermentation, the aim of this study was to preliminarily investigate the stimulation effect of plant-based meals on L. plantarum CCFM8661 growth in milk, and subsequently develop a yogurt or yogurt drinks containing probiotic strain L. plantarum CCFM8661. Milk supplemented with different concentrations (5 to 10%, wt/wt) of oat extract and malt extract, inoculated with 2.5 × 107 cfu/mL of L. plantarum CCFM8661, and then incubated at 35°C. The pH value, titration acidity, and viable cell counts during 48-h fermentation at 35°C and 25-d storage at 4°C, were determined at different intervals. The results showed that the promotion effects of oat extract and malt extract on L. plantarum CCFM8661 growth rate in milk were much stronger than almond, walnut, sweet corn, peanut, and soybean meals. In addition, the stimulation effect of oat extract was associated with its concentration, and was much stronger than that of malt extract. Furthermore, viable counts and titration acidity of yogurt were gradually increased in the oat extract group, whereas viable counts were gradually decreased and titration acidity were slightly increased in the malt extract group during the 25-d storage at 4°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study was the first to report EPS synthesis by K. cowanii LT-1 through SSF. • Comparative transcriptome reveals the mechanism of NaNO 3 promoting EPS production. • A maximum EPS production of 41.62 mg/gds was achieved in single batch SSF. • Fermented SSF substrate increased seed germination and growth vigor of maize. Exopolysaccharide has the activity of promoting plants growth. Herein, several agro-industrial residues were used for EPS biosynthesis through solid-state fermentation (SSF) using an EPS producing stain Kosakonia cowanii LT-1. Then the influences of cane molasses powder (CMP), NaNO 3 and temperature on EPS biosynthesis through SSF were studied using response surface methodology. Maximum EPS yield (41.62 mg/gds) was obtained in a mixed substrate composed of cane bagasse and broadbean seed capsule (2:1, w/w) supplemented with CMP (5.09%, w/w) and NaNO 3 (4.16‰, w/w), which achieved about 30.43% cost savings for substrates. Transcriptomic analysis explained the mechanism of NaNO 3 promoting EPS production. Repeated batch SSF was performed eight times with 10% substrate as the seeds of the next SSF cycle successfully. Therefore, the fermented SSF substrate containing K. cowanii LT-1 and its EPS was applied in maize growth, which could promote seed germination rate and growth vigor of maize. Hence, fermented SSF substrates would be an ideal candidate for application as a plant growth promoter in agriculture field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola is the most devastating disease in pearl millet which leads to decrease in fodder and grain yield. Application of nanoparticles has become a major thrust for disease management in agriculture. In this study, green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were evaluated for their efficiency to suppress downy mildew. Saponin rich fraction from aqueous extract of Eclipta alba was used to synthesise zinc oxide nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, XRD, DLS and EDAX analysis. Under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, seed treatment with synthesized nanoparticles (NP) significantly enhanced pearl millet seed germination, vigor, plant height, fresh and dry weight of seedlings. In inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis, the zinc content in nanoparticle treated seedlings was found to be higher compared to control seedlings. Sporangicidal assay of ZnO NP showed that 50 ppm of nanoparticle treatment led to plasmolysis and inhibition of spore germination of S. graminicola zoospore. ZnO NP was applied as seed treatment and foliar spray which resulted in 35% reduction in downy mildew incidence in comparison to untreated control. ZnO NP treated seedlings showed high lignification and callose deposition upon downy mildew infection. Analysis of defense enzymes showed that nanoparticle treatment significantly enhanced the activities of peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, lipoxygenase and polyphenol oxidase in comparison to untreated control. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed differentially expressed transcripts of the defense enzymes where the genes were over expressed in treated seedlings compared to low expression in control. These results indicate that synthesized ZnO NP could promote growth and induce systemic resistance in pearl millet against S. graminicola and can be effectively used to manage downy mildew. • Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using saponin fraction of Eclipta alba. • Characterization of nanoparticles was carried out using FTIR, SEM, XRD, DLS and EDAX. • Seed treatment of pearl millet with zinc oxide nanoparticles improved the germination percentage and seedling vigour. • Nanoparticle treatment led to plasmolysis and inhibition of spore germination of S. graminicola zoospore. • ZnO NP treatment resulted in reduction in downy mildew incidence in pearl millet and the defense enzymes were found significantly over expressed in nanoparticle treated seedlings compared to untreated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) promote plant growth and activate defense response against phytopathogens. At the subcellular level plant-PGPR interaction is less understood, which would be essential for future improvement(s) of PGPR formulations. In a rigorous screening process, that also involved efficient PGPR strains, Bacillus sonorensis RS4 was selected to study partner-triggered interactions. The potential of B. sonorensis RS4 to improve growth of groundnut, efficiency to colonize roots, and influence on root topology was assessed. Twenty four cell wall proteins of B. sonorensis RS4 [in presence of groundnut root exudates (REs)], and 22 groundnut root proteins (in RS4-bacterized plants) were differentially expressed. The alterations in cell wall proteins of B. sonorensis RS4 were primarily related to the amino acids synthesis, chemotaxis, antioxidant-metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, transporters, and antibiosis-related secondary metabolites. Root proteins that were differentially expressed during the interaction may be involved in plant growth, defense responses, and in transportation. The changes in B. sonorensis RS4 cell wall proteome and groundnut root proteome, suggest that at least a part of the proteome changes triggered by each of the partners appear to play a significant role in helping each other akin to symbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Sinopodophyllum hexandrum transcriptome expression shifted with elevation. • Over 100 million high-quality reads and ca. 54 K unigenes were obtained. • Over 700 genes were differentially expressed based on elevation. • Seven podophyllotoxin-biosynthetic genes were up regulated at 3300 m above sea level. • Greater than 200 growth-promotion genes were differentially expressed with higher elevation. Abstract Sinopodophyllum hexandrum , a perennial rhizomatous herb that produces the anti-cancer metabolite podophyllotoxin (PPT), is distributed in the Himalayan region. While greater plant growth and PPT accumulation is observed at higher compared with lower elevations, the mechanism responsible for elevation-dependent growth promotion and PPT biosynthesis has not been reported. Here, the de novo sequenced transcriptome of S. hexandrum is described. When plants were grown at 3300 versus 2300 m above sea level (asl), a total of 53,691 unigenes were generated and 736 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed. DEGs (357) were identified with 234 characterized genes showing greater up than down regulation, 171 versus 63, respectively. Functional annotation classified 23 DEGs involved in PPT biosynthesis, including phenylpropanoid enzymes: phenylalanine ammonia layse (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol-dehydrogenase (CAD), dirigent protein (DIR), pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductase (PLR), CYP719A23, CYP71CU1, and 2-oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenase (2-ODD) which directly participate in PPT biosynthesis. Over 200 DEGs that participate in plant growth and development are categorized into: cell morphogenesis, bio-signaling, primary metabolism, photosynthesis/energy, transcription/polynucleotide metabolism, translation/protein synthesis, transport, and stress tolerance. This transcriptomic analysis provides insight into the mechanism that enhances plant growth and PPT accumulation in S. hexandrum under higher elevation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulation of rhizosphere microbiota is an effective strategy to facilitate crop growth in dry farming systems. Actinobacteria, such as Streptomyces spp., have the potential to alleviate plant damage induced by drought stress. However, whether exogenous actinobacteria can promote naked oat (Avena nuda L.) growth in drylands by reshaping rhizosphere bacterial community structure is still unclear. This study evaluated the effects of S. albidoflavus T4 and S. pactum Act12 on the growth and yield of naked oat through a two-year field experiment conducted in Taigu, Shanxi Province, China. Streptomyces -mediated shifts in rhizosphere bacterial diversity and community composition were analyzed based on 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Both T4 and Act12 inoculation improved plant growth and grain yield by 21.5 %–27.4 % compared with the uninoculated control. Despite no significant changes in the alpha diversity of rhizosphere bacteria, their community composition varied in different patterns following inoculation. In T4-treated soils, there were increased proportions of Chloroflexi (rare phylum), Stenotrophomonas (abundant genus), and Acidovorax (moderate genus), along with a decreased proportion of Polycyclovorans (moderate genus). These differential taxa were closely related to increased soil available phosphorus and potassium contents as well as alkaline phosphatase activity, thereby contributing to plant growth. Act12-treated soils showed increased proportions of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 (abundant genus), Pantoea (rare genus), and Kluyvera (rare genus), in contrast to the decreasing trend of Microvirga (moderate genus). These differential taxa were mainly associated with enhanced soil sucrase and leaf catalase activities, which indirectly increased plant biomass and grain yield. The findings demonstrate that inoculation with S. albidoflavus T4 and S. pactum Act12 conveys benefits to naked oat growth under dry farming conditions as an indirect consequence of alterations in key taxa abundance in rhizosphere microbiota coupled with changes in soil chemical environment and plant antioxidant activity. [Display omitted] • S. albidoflavus and S. pactum promote oat growth under dry farming conditions. • Exogeneous Streptomyces alters key bacterial taxa abundance in rhizosphere soil. • Key taxa coupled with soil chemistry and plant antioxidation benefits oat growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciliates have been suggested as potential live food organisms for the first-feeding stage of various aquaculture animal larvae because of, among others, their wide range of body size and relatively good availability in the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, studies on the nutritional contents or large-scale cultivation methods of ciliates are relatively sparse. Here we report a novel approach to efficiently separate the spermidine-enriched bacterial feeds from marine planktonic ciliate Strombidium parasulcatum. We also report the role of spermidine (Spd) in the standard mass culture of this ciliate. Our method was able to concentrate the ciliates up to 1.22 × 105 cells/mL (approximately 12-fold higher than the normal cultivation) with a recovery rate of 63.89 ± 2.254%. Regarding the role of Spd, we have allowed the bacterial feeds to accumulate a high amount of intracellular Spd from the culture medium (4.10-fold that of the control group). The ciliates receiving Spd-enrich feed exhibited a significant increase in the growth rate (increased by 10.5% to 56.4%), cellular Spd (increased by 1.23-fold to 2.81-fold), and clearance rate (∼20% within 4 h). In terms of stress vulnerability, we observed that S. parasulcatum was still able to accumulate Spd under low-salt stress (10‰ salinity). Besides, the addition of Spd could also assist ciliates in overcoming oxidative stress. Taken together, we concluded that Spd has an important function in the cultivation of the ciliate S. parasulcatum and our novel method facilitated its mass production. Therefore, the applied concepts and findings provided in this study may serve as a baseline for the future development of S. parasulcatum as a commercial live feed. • The role of spermidine (Spd) in the mass culture of S. parasulcatum ciliates was investigated. • Evaluation of Spd effects on the growth rate of live feed ciliates. • Investigation of ciliates receiving Spd under oxidative stress. • Suction filtration can concentrate the ciliates up to 1.22 × 105 cells/mL. • The ciliates receiving Spd-enrich feed exhibited a significant increase in the growth rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wood as a sustainable biofuel results in the generation of residual wood ash. The ash contains high amounts of plant macronutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium as well as several micronutrients. To explore the potential use of wood ash as a fertiliser, the growth enhancing properties of Sitka spruce ( Picea sitchensis Bong.) wood ash were contrasted with the potential toxic action, using common duckweed ( Lemna minor L.) as a model test species. The growth of L. minor exposed to wood bottom and fly ash solids and corresponding leachates was assessed in ultra-oligotrophic and eutrophic media. Ash solids and leachates were also tested as neutralized preparations. Suspended ash solids promoted L. minor growth up to concentrations of 2.5–5 g/L. Leachates promoted growth up to 10 g ash equivalents per litre, but for bottom ash only. Beneficial effects of wood ash were most pronounced on ultra-oligotrophic medium. However, on such nutrient-deficient medium severe inhibition of L. minor biomass and frond growth was observed at relatively low concentrations of fly ash (EC 50 = 14 g/L). On standard, eutrophic medium, higher concentrations of fly ash (EC 50 = 21 g/L), or neutralized fly ash (EC 50 = 37 g/L) were required to impede growth. Bottom ash, or neutralized bottom ash retarded growth at concentrations of 51 g/L and 74 g/L (EC 50 ), respectively, in eutrophic medium. It appears that phytotoxicity is due to the elemental composition of the ash, its alkaline character, and possible interactions between these two properties. Growth promotion was due to the substantial content of plant nutrients. This study underlines the importance of the receiving environment (nutrient status and pH) in determining the balance between toxicity and growth promotion, and shows that the margin between growth promoting and toxicity inducing concentrations can be enlarged through ash neutralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fungal Kingdom is responsible for many ecosystem services as well as many industrial and agricultural products. Nevertheless, how these fungal species function and carry out these services is dependent on their capacity to grow under different stress conditions caused by a variety of abiotic factors such as ionizing radiation, UV radiation, extremes of temperature, acidity and alkalinity, and environments of low nutritional status, low water activity, or polluted with, e.g. toxic metals or xenobiotics. This article reviews some natural or synthetic environments where fungi thrive under stress and have important impacts in agriculture and forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to circumvent the problems of herbicidal toxicity, tolerant N 2 fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacterial strains were isolated and identified. Among 20 bacterial isolates, Azotobacter sp. strain AZ1 survived 2400, 3200, and 1600 μg/mL while Bacillus sp. strain PSB2 tolerated up to 1600, 2400 and 1600 μg/mL glyphosate, quizalofop and metribuzin, respectively. Under in vitro conditions, these bacterial strains secreted IAA, siderophores, exopolysaccharides, ammonia and transformed inorganic P into organic P even under herbicides stress. SEM and CLSM images revealed a clear toxic impact of herbicides on bacterial cells above tolerance limit. Phytotoxicity to greengram plants increased with increasing concentrations of herbicides. Herbicide tolerant Azotobacter strain AZ1 and Bacillus sp. strain PSB2 when used as inoculant, substantially reduced the herbicidal toxicity to greengram. For instance, strain AZ1 increased the length of roots (10%) and shoot (6%), dry biomass of root (28%) and shoot (6%), different symbiotic parameters like nodule number (6%), nodule dry biomass (8%), LHb (15%), photosynthetic pigments and seed yield (39%), whereas, Bacillus sp. strain PSB2 enhanced the measured parameters by 12%, 13%, 23%, 21%, 4%, 6%, 22%, 5% and 27%, respectively relative to positive control (1444 μg/kg glyphosate). Additionally, proline in shoot tissues declined rapidly in bio-inoculated plants. Conclusively, the microbial cultures resulted in better management of herbicidal toxicity to greengram plants. And hence, Azotobacter sp. strain AZ1 and Bacillus sp. strain PSB2 could be recommended for use as an effective and inexpensive microbial inoculant/biofertilizer to augment the production of greengram in herbicide contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic bacteria occupy the same niche of phytopathogens and may produce metabolites that induce the host plant systemic resistance and growth. Host and environmental variables often determine the endophytic community’s structure and composition. In this study, we addressed whether the plant genotype, organ, and geographic location influence the structure, composition, and functionality of endophytic bacterial communities in Paullinia cupana . To characterize the communities and identify strains with potential application in agriculture, we analyzed two P. cupana genotypes cultivated in two cities of the State of Amazonas, Brazil. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-disinfested root, leaf, and seed tissues through the fragmentation and maceration techniques. The colonization rate, number of bacteria, richness, diversity, and functional traits were determined. The plant growth-promoting ability of selected bacterial strains was assessed in Sorghum bicolor . We identified 95 bacterial species distributed in 29 genera and 3 phyla (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes). The colonization rate, richness, diversity, and species composition varied across the plant organs; the last parameter also varied across the plant genotype and location. Some strains exhibited relevant plant growth-promoting traits and antagonistic traits against the main phytopathogens of P. cupana , but they were not separated by functional traits. The main bacterial strains with plant growth-promoting traits induced S. bicolor growth. Altogether, our findings open opportunities to study the application of isolated endophytic bacterial strains in the bioprospection of processes and products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is an essential immune response that seeks to contain microbial infection and repair damaged tissue. Increased pro-inflammatory mediators have been associated with enhanced resistance to a range of important poultry and pig pathogens. However, inflammation may also have undesirable consequences, including potentially exacerbating tissue damage and diverting nutrients away from productive purposes. The negative effects of inflammation have led to the active pursuit of anti-inflammatory feed additives and/or strategies. These approaches may, however, impair the ability of an animal to respond appropriately and effectively to the array of pathogens that are likely to be encountered in commercial production, and specifically young animals who may be particularly reliant on innate immune responses. Thus, promoting an animal's capacity to mount a rapid, acute inflammatory response to control and contain the infection and the timely transition to anti-inflammatory, tissue repair processes, and a homeostatic state are suggested as the optimum scenario to maintain an animal's resistance to pathogens and minimize nonproductive nutrient losses. Important future studies will help to unravel the trade-offs, and relevant metabolic pathways, between robust immune defense and optimum productive performance, and thus provide real insight into methods to appropriately influence this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt is an economically important disease of tomato crops ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in Brazil that can reduce tomato yield. Among the alternative approaches for controlling this fungal disease, application of antagonistic bacteria has recently been increasing. This study aimed to select and identify phylogenetically bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus that have antagonistic activity toward three races of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici ( Fol ) that colonizes tomato plants grown in infested areas and cause fusarium wilt. The 16S rRNA subunit sequences of 32 bacterial strains isolated from 20 healthy tomato plants showed high diversity and many had high similarity to species of the genus Bacillus : B. toyonensis , B. cereus , B. aryabhattai , B. megaterium , B. aerius , B. stratosphericus and Paenibacillus barcinonensis . In vitro antagonism tests showed that some bacterial strains reduced mycelial growth of the three fungal races in a dual method. Among the four tomato genotypes tested, the Perinha Água Branca variety was the most susceptible to all three fungal races (highest percentage of vascular infection) and was used for a greenhouse experiment to evaluate the antagonistic role of Bacillus strains against fungal pathogens. The B. cereus strain controlled 100% of the damage caused by the race 1 isolate, whereas strains from species B. megaterium controlled 100% the damage caused by the race 2 isolate. B. toyonensis controlled 100% of disease caused by race 2 and race 3 isolates. Among the bacterial strains tested, 82% and 94% had proteolytic and cellulolytic activity, respectively. Together the results suggest that some Bacillus strains could control fusarium wilt in tomatoes caused by Fol race 1, 2 and 3. In addition, these strains have functional activities that may improve growth of tomato plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many beneficial effects of Trichoderma spp. on plant growth and/or resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses can result from the production of bioactive compounds including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We evaluated the effects of the volatile mixtures from 13 strains of different Trichoderma species on induction of tolerance to salt stress (100 mM NaCl) as well as growth promotion of Arabidopsis thaliana. Plants responded differently due to the presence of VOCs from various Trichoderma species ranging from both growth promotion and induction of salt tolerance to no significant changes under any of the conditions tested. In plants exposed for 2 weeks to VOCs of the selected strain, i.e. Trichoderma koningii, there was less H 2 O 2 accumulation under salt stress compared to that in control plants. This result may reflect the possible role of VOCs of this strain in plant protection against oxidative damage under salt stress. Together, induction of salt tolerance using VOCs should be added to the known mechanisms of plant vigor enhancement by Trichoderma spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to enhance the utilization of millet straw and endow it with the fertilizer function through modifying the carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-NH 4), based on wheat straw, by acidification and ammonification to improve water and fertilizer efficiency. Amine group was introduced through the electrophilic substitution to supply nutrients to crops. The order of influential factors on the water absorption property was determined by an orthogonal experiment and showed that the highest water absorbency of 224.7 g/g, which was achieved for the conditions of 3:1 carboxymethylcellulose to nitric acid solution (mass percentage concentration of 50%), 3:1 carboxymethylcellulose to ammonia solution with the mass percentage concentration is 30%. The CMC-NH 4 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, fourier-transform infrared, x-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques, and the results indicated that application of CMC-NH 4 promoted the growth indexes of wheat, improved wheat yields. Therefore, the waste straw was modified into the soil conditioner with specific function by the group targeted modification strategy. In addition, the fertilizer efficiency and water-retention behavior of CMC-NH 4 encouraged its use as a safe water- and fertilizer-retaining agent in agricultural applications. [Display omitted] • The product prepared by straw can reduces cost, is easy for agricultural extension. • The CMC-NH 4 is rich in ammonium, could provide fertilizer for crop growth. • The product shows excellent water retention and could prevent water percolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of freeze-dried red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) root (FDBR) and stem/leaves (FDBSL) on the growth and metabolic activities of the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus La-05, Lacticaseibacillus casei 26, and Lismosilactobacillus fermentum 296, as well as on their survival and physiological states when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGIC). The changes in the contents of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of FDBR and FDBSL when exposed to SGIC were also evaluated. FDBR and FDBSL had high contents of soluble (5.25 and 11.10 g/100 g) and insoluble fiber (21.43 and 37.03 g/100 g), pectins (8.45 and 9.51 g/100 g), betalains (3.36–28.99 g/100 g), and a variety of phenolic compounds. FDBR and FDBSL stimulated the growth of the probiotic strains with high viable counts (>9 log CFU/mL), the production of acetic, butyric, lactic, and propionic acids, and alterations in the contents of phenolic compounds during 72 h of cultivation. FDBR and FDBSL had positive prebiotic activity scores on the tested probiotics (≥0.17) linked to selective stimulatory effects. FDBR and FDBSL increased the survival and maintenance of active physiological functions in the probiotic during exposure to SGIC. The contents of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of FDBR and FDBSL increased after exposure to the stomach conditions, while the antioxidant activity decreased after exposure to intestine conditions. The stimulatory and protective effects of FDBR and FDBSL on probiotic strains could be associated with their dietary fiber and phenolic compound contents, which could be exploited in the formulation of functional foods or dietary supplements. • Effects of red beet root (RBR) and leaves/stems (RBLS) on probiotics were evaluated. • RBR and RBLS simulated the growth and metabolism of probiotic lactobacilli. • RBR and RBLS exerted selective stimulatory effects on probiotic lactobacilli. • RBR and RBLS protected probiotic lactobacilli to harsh gastrointestinal conditions. • Phenolic and fiber contents of RBR and RBLS could be linked to their effects on probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osmotic variations in the soil can affect bacterial growth diminishing the number of inoculated bacteria. In a scenario of water deficit having tolerant bacteria would be beneficial to achieve a better response of the plant to stress. Thus, selection of more resistant bacteria could be useful to design new inoculants to be used in arid zones. In this sense, a group of Azospirillum isolates deposited in INTA collection was characterized in order to select strains tolerant to osmotic stress. The results obtained demonstrated that Az19 strain has similar in vitro PGPR characteristics to Az39, the most used strain in Argentina for inoculants industries, with the advantage of a better tolerance to osmotic and salt stress. Inoculation of maize plants with this strain resulted in a better response against water deficit compared to Az39 strain, encouraging us to further study the behavior of this strain in greenhouse and field trials in view of developing new inoculants suitable for areas with water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics have played a critical role in the prevention, control, and treatment of bacterial diseases in humans and animals, and as growth promoters (AGPs) when used at sub-therapeutic concentrations in animal production. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for the effectiveness of AGPs, which have largely centered on the beneficial modulation of the intestinal microbiota. However, these hypotheses have been doubted by some researchers, as AGPs are fed at concentrations that would typically be below minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) for the antibiotic used. More recently, pro-inflammatory immune responses have been associated with poor growth performance, and this, along with reported direct, antiinflammatory effects of some antibiotics, have led to suggestions that reducing the nutrient cost of (intestinal) inflammation may explain the growth promoting or permitting effect of AGPs. However, doubts about antibacterial effects of AGPs, and the search for alternative explanations, overlook the sub-MIC effects of antibiotics. This paper summarizes some of the reported sub-MIC effects of antibiotics and considers these in the context of helping to explain the mode of action of AGPs and effects seen in studies in vivo. This leads to suggestions for the features that alternatives to AGPs could exhibit to achieve similar performance efficacy as AGPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current scenario, crop productivity is being challenged by decreasing soil fertility. To cope up with this problem, different beneficial microbes are explored to increase the crop productivity with value additions. In this study, Brassica napus L., an important agricultural economic oilseed crop with rich source of nutritive qualities, was interacted with Piriformospora indica , a unique root colonizing fungus with wide host range and multifunctional aspects. The fungus-treated plants showed a significant increase in agronomic parameters with plant biomass, lodging-resistance, early bolting and flowering, oil yield and quality. Nutritional analysis revealed that plants treated by P. indica had reduced erucic acid and glucosinolates contents, and increased the accumulation of N, Ca, Mg, P, K, S, B, Fe and Zn elements. Low erucic acid and glucosinolates contents are important parameters for high quality oil, because oils high in erucic acid and glucosinolates are considered undesirable for human nutrition. Furthermore, the expression profiles of two encoding enzyme genes, Bn-FAE1 and BnECR , which are responsible for regulating erucic acid biosynthesis, were down-regulated at mid- and late- life stages during seeds development in colonized plants. These results demonstrated that P. indica played an important role in enhancing plant growth, rapeseed yield and quality improvement of B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new nitrogen source derived from silver carp by-products for BB-12 was proposed. • By-products hydrolyzed by papain for 2hrs promoted the growth of BB-12. • Sulfhydryl and hydrophobic amino acids in hydrolysates promote the growth of BB-12. • Note: BB-12 is the abbreviation for Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12. Appropriate utilization of silver carp by-products is critical for enhancing industry profit and sustainability of aquaculture. This study explored the effect of the silver carp by-product hydrolysates on the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12. Results indicated that papain recovered more nitrogen and < 1 kDa components from silver carp by-products than neutrase and alcalase. Papain-2 h (by-products hydrolyzed by papain for 2 hrs) was more effective in promoting the growth of BB-12. The content of < 1 kDa components, sulfhydryl-containing amino acids, and peptides composed of all the hydrophobic amino acids in hydrolysates was positively correlated to the growth of BB-12. BB-12 cultured by papain-2 h substituted medium exhibited a thinner and shorter morphology at 4 hrs of cultivation. This study provided a new nitrogen source for Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 and possible strategy for converting by-products to reduce aquacultural waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although attempts to improve the phosphate (Pi) uptake and use efficiency by constitutively overexpressing phosphate transporters have resulted in enhanced Pi or total phosphorous contents, growth promotion by Pi acquisition was observed in only a few cases. This study examined the effect of the tissue-specific overexpression of phosphate transporter on Pi acquisition and plant growth. We cloned cDNA for a wheat phosphate transporter, TaPT2 , using PCR and confirmed its Pi transport activity in Arabidopsis suspension cells. The overexpression of TaPT2 by the Arabidopsis Shaker family inward rectifying potassium channel 1 (AKT1) promoter, dominantly expressed in root epidermal cells, resulted in increased root and shoot growth of transgenic Arabidopsis under Pi-replete and Pi-depleted conditions. However, their Pi and total P contents did not increase. The overexpression of TaPT2 by the constitutive promoter, actin8 (ACT8), increased shoot total P contents in transgenic plants, but did not promote their growth. These results suggested that enhanced Pi uptake in root epidermal cells is suitable as a driving force for Pi transport from roots to shoots, improving subsequent Pi use in shoots. Thus, the root epidermal cell-specific expression of TaPT2 may be a simple and promising strategy for enhancing plant Pi uptake and efficiency. • Tissue-specific overexpression of TaPT2 improved Pi acquisition and growth of plants. • The growth promotion was confirmed under both Pi-replete and Pi-depleted conditions. • Enhanced Pi uptake in root epidermal cells may be sufficient to improve plant Pi use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus massoniana is an important afforestation and industrial timber tree species in China; However, its growth and productivity are often suffered from phosphorus deficiency. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) can increase phosphorus efficiency and may have the important potential for use in forestry ecosystem. In order to evaluate whether the co-inoculation of PSMs would enhance plant growth than single inoculation, and better understand the synergistic mechanisms of PSM compound strains regulating P. massoniana growth, we used plant physiology, microbiome, and transcriptome technologies to assess the effects of combined PSMs on plant growth, rhizosphere microecology and plant physiological system. The results demonstrated that combined endophytic fungus (Penicillum oxalicum G17) and rhizosphere bacteria (Burkholderia sp. WJ27) significantly increased phosphate-dissolving ratio and promoted P. massoniana growth compared with a single strain or non-inoculation. The combination of G17 and WJ27 strains (G17&WJ27) evidently enhanced soil nutrients, as well as P, N, and K contents in seedlings. Although the diversities of fungi and bacteria were reduced under G17&WJ27 treatment, the relative abundances of ectomycorrhizal fungi (Trichophaea and Thelephora) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Sphingomonas , Burkholderia , Chitinophaga , Ramlibacter, and Rhodanobacter) increased. Transcriptome profiles showed that compared with non-inoculated plants, there were 7115 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in G17&WJ27 treatment, which were involved in various biological pathways associated with growth regulation, including photosynthesis, sugar metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activity, plant hormones, amino acid biosynthesis, and inorganic phosphate transporters. This study would provide a theoretical basis for the development of compound microbial fertilizers for cultivation and management of Masson pine forests. [Display omitted] • Compound phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) promoted Masson pine growth. • Compound PSMs evidently enhanced soil nutrient and P uptake. • Combined PSMs changed microbial structure in rhizosphere soil. • Combined PSMs stimulated key biological pathways associated with growth promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verticillium wilt caused by a highly virulent, defoliating (D) pathotype of Verticillium dahliae is threatening olive production in Spain and other Mediterranean countries. This disease must be managed by an integrated strategy, in which biocontrol agents can play an important role. We have investigated the potential of Trichoderma asperellum strains for antagonism against V . dahliae and suppression of Verticillium wilt of olive caused by the D pathotype. First, we tested the antagonistic potential of T . asperellum strains Bt2, Bt3 and T25 against six V . dahliae isolates, four of the D and two of the nondefoliating (ND) pathotypes, in different in vitro assays. All T . asperellum strains overgrew the colonies of all V . dahliae isolates to a similar extent. However, extracellular compounds from strains Bt3 and T25 showed higher anti- V . dahliae activities than those of Bt2 in membrane assays. Also, growth of Bt2 was reduced by ND V . dahliae whereas that of Bt3 and T25 was not affected by V . dahliae -secreted compounds. In planta assays using strains Bt3 and T25, and ’Picual’ olive plants, showed that the two T . asperellum strains significantly reduced the severity of symptoms and the standardized area under the disease progress curve caused by highly virulent D V . dahliae , but not the final disease incidence. Strain T25 significantly increased growth of ‘Picual’ plants and displayed higher ability for colonizing the olive rhizosphere and establishing endophytic infection in olive roots than Bt3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some microorganisms are adapted to an endophytic mode, living symbiotically with plants through vertical transmission in seeds. The role of plant growth-promoting endophytes has been well studied, but those of seed-associated endophytic bacteria are less understood. The current study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial endophytes associated with rice ( Oryza sativa L. ‘Jin so mi’) seeds, their potential to produce gibberellins (GAs), and role in improving host-plant physiology. The isolated bacterial endophyte RWL-1 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by using 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The pure culture of B. amyloliquefaciens RWL-1, supplied with deuterated internal standards, was subjected to gas chromatography and mass spectrometric selected ion monitoring (GC-MS/SIM) for quantification of GAs. Results showed the presence of GAs in various quantities (ng/mL) viz., GA 20 (17.88 ± 4.04), GA 36 (5.75 ± 2.36), GA 24 (5.64 ± 2.46), GA 4 (1.02 ± 0.16), GA 53 (0.772 ± 0.20), GA 9 (0.12 ± 0.09), GA 19 (0.093 ± 0.13), GA 5 (0.08 ± 0.04), GA 12 (0.014 ± 0.34), and GA 8 (0.013 ± 0.01). Since endogenous seed GAs are essential for prolonged seed growth and subsequent plant development, we used exogenous GA 3 as a positive control and water as a negative control for comparative analysis of the application of B. amyloliquefaciens RWL-1 to rice plants. The growth parameters of rice plants treated with endophytic bacterial cell application was significantly increased compared to the plants treated with exogenous GA 3 and water. This was also revealed by the significant up-regulation of endogenous GA 1 (17.54 ± 2.40 ng), GA 4 (310 ± 5.41 ng), GA 7 (192.60 ± 3.32 ng), and GA 9 (19.04 ± 2.49 ng) as compared to results of the positive and negative control treatments. Rice plants inoculated with B. amyloliquefaciens RWL-1 exhibited significantly higher endogenous salicylic acid (1615.06 ± 10.81 μg), whereas endogenous abscisic acid (23.31 ± 2.76 ng) and jasmonic acid (25.51 ± 4.20 ng) were observed to be significantly lower in these inoculated plants than in those treated with exogenous GA 3 and water. Results of the present study suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens RWL-1 has the ability to produce GAs and that its inoculation in seedlings can be beneficial to rice plants. Broader field trials should be conducted to determine its use as an alternative biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to characterize potentially endophytic culturable bacteria from leaves of cultivated tomato and analyze their potential for growth promotion and biocontrol of diseases caused by Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae . Bacteria were obtained from inner tissues of surface-disinfected tomato leaves of field-grown plants. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified bacterial isolates related to Exiguobacterium aurantiacum (isolates BT3 and MT8), Exiguobacterium spp. (isolate GT4), Staphylococcus xylosus (isolate BT5), Pantoea eucalypti (isolate NT6) , Bacillus methylotrophicus (isolate MT3) , Pseudomonas veronii (isolates BT4 and NT2), Pseudomonas rhodesiae (isolate BT2) and Pseudomonas cichorii (isolate NT3). After seed inoculation, BT2, BT4, MT3, MT8, NT2 and NT6 were re-isolated from leaf extracts. NT2, BT2, MT3 and NT6 inhibited growth of Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in vitro, produced antimicrobial compounds and reduced leaf damage caused by B. cinerea . Some of these isolates also promoted growth of tomato plants, produced siderophores, the auxin indole-3-acetic and solubilized inorganic phosphate. Thus, bacterial communities of leaves from field-grown tomato plants were found to harbor potentially endophytic culturable beneficial bacteria capable of antagonizing pathogenic microorganisms and promoting plant growth, which could be used as biological control agents and biofertilizers/biostimulators for promotion of tomato plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus Barrenia is described based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses and phenotypic and ecological characters. Isolated from roots of switchgrass and pitch pine in the acidic and oligotrophic New Jersey Pine Barrens in this study, Barrenia likely has a wide distribution because its internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence has high similarity with a number of GenBank sequences from various ecological studies. The majority of these matching samples were from roots of plants in acidic, nutrient-poor environments, as well as from managed sugarcane plantations. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, and RPB1 sequence data strongly support that Barrenia is a monophyletic clade in Helotiales, distinct from any known taxa. Barrenia is phylogenetically close to Acidomelania , Loramyces , Mollisia , and Phialocephala fortinii – Acephala applanata species complex (PAC), the dark septate endophytes. Barrenia can be distinguished from Loramyces and Mollisia by its association with living plant roots. Taxa in PAC also are root endophytes but they have complex phialid arrangements that appear to be lacking in Barrenia . Plant-fungal interaction experiments showed that Barrenia panicia and Acidomelania panicicola significantly promoted root hair growth in switchgrass. Results from this work will facilitate ecological and evolutionary studies on root-associated fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of onion bulbs and the content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, when the onion plants had been inoculated with Trichoderma asperellum and grown with different doses of mineral fertilizer. Onion seeds of varieties Red Satan and Crystal White were inoculated with one of three T. asperellum isolates from Allium cepa L. (onion), Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) and Mangifera indica L. (mango) respectively, and the commercial product, PHC T-22 ® , based on Trichoderma harzianum , for comparison. Plants were grown in a greenhouse and 100% fertilizer doses applied; after 150 days, bulb mass and the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids were measured. For all isolates, bulb mass and the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids increased compared with uninoculated controls but the level of increase was dependent on onion variety and Trichoderma isolate. The T. asperellum isolate from onion, (To), had the greatest capacity for growth promotion, production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and induction of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Onion plants of the two varieties were then inoculated with the To isolate and grown with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% fertilizer doses. The fertilizer requirements to obtain the maximum bulb mass was reduced by up to 50% when plants were inoculated with the To isolate compared to uninoculated plants. At all fertilizer doses, the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was higher in the bulbs of plants that had been inoculated with the To isolate, compared with uninoculated control plants. Fertilizer requirements to achieve the highest quantities of both compounds were also reduced by between 50 and 100% in inoculated plants. These data suggest that nutrient availability in onion plants was increased by inoculation with T. asperellum isolate To which modulated the synthesis of phenolic compounds and flavonoids without detrimental effects on the mass of onion bulbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several diazotrophic Paenibacillus strains were isolated from extracts of surface-sterilized lodgepole pine seedling and tree tissues. One strain, Paenibacillus polymyxa P2b-2R, was found to fix high amounts of nitrogen when reintroduced to the gymnosperms, lodgepole pine and western red cedar. We wanted to determine if P. polymyxa P2b-2R could colonize rhizosphere and internal tissues, fix N and promote growth of corn ( Zea mays L), an important agricultural crop. We inoculated corn seeds with P. polymyxa strain P2b-2R and grew seedlings for 30 days. Corn seedlings were harvested 10, 20 and 30 days after inoculation for evaluation of endophytic and rhizospheric colonization as well as nitrogen fixation and growth promotion. P2b-2R successfully colonized the rhizosphere as well as internal root tissues of corn ( i.e ., endophytically) with population densities near 10 6 cfu. Corn seedling growth was promoted significantly by inoculation with P2b-2R with an increase of up to 35% in length and up to 30% in biomass after 30 days of inoculation. Seedlings inoculated with P2b-2R derived up to 20% of foliar nitrogen from atmosphere after 30 days of inoculation, which is significant considering the fact that this was a short growth trial. These results suggest that P. polymyxa P2b-2R might have a broad range of plant hosts and is able to fix N and promote the growth of at least one important agricultural crop i.e. Corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tobacco straw-derived biochar promoted biomass production of Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl. by facilitating photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and phytohormone accumulation. • Tobacco straw-derived biochar enhanced flavonoid biosynthesis of Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl. which was associated with the shift of rhizosphere bacterial community. • Tobacco straw-derived biochar impacted soil nitrogen cycling by inhibition of related bacteria and enhanced N uptake of Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl. Tobacco straws are byproducts during cigarette manufacturing, which have drawn attention for how to dispose them not at the cost of environment. Processing them into biochar might turn waste into wealth given their potentials for soil amelioration and crop growth promotion. However, the effects of biochar application are variable which severely limits their application. The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of tobacco straw biochar (TBC) on growth of Chinese cherry and the underlying mechanism. In present work, the response of Chinese cherry 'Manaohong' (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.), an economically valuable cultivar in Guizhou Province, to TBC was investigated using a six-month pot experiment. The TBC facilitated photosynthesis and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and manganese, and further promoted the plant growth. In addition, accumulation of endogenous phytohormones was affected. Higher level of indoleacetic acid, gibberellin A3, zeatin and lower level of abscisic acid were observed in TBC. In combination with high-throughput sequencing, the activation of indoleacetic acid and inactivation of abscisic acid signal transductions were detected at gene level, which further backed up the assumption that phytohormone signaling was affected by TBC addition. Moreover, according to our proposed pathway, majority genes for flavonoid biosynthesis were upregulated indicating that flavonoids were highly synthesized in roots in response to TBC, which reshaped the rhizosphere bacterial community by allowing growth-promoting bacteria to burgeon and suggested labile organic carbon fraction was the powerful factor for rhizosphere bacterial community shift. The results of our study partially explain the underlying mechanism of biochar-mediated growth promotion and provide crucial information for application of biochar on plants with high economic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine may produce a growth-enhancing effect by promoting the secretion of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland or mimicking the function of GH. In this study, we aimed to identify herbs that could serve as GH alternatives. A reporter gene assay for GH was developed, and 100 different herbal extracts were assayed. We found that Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (RA) water extracts exhibited transactivation activities that stimulate the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). The growth-promoting effect of RA in NB2–11 cells was inhibited by co-treatment with GH receptor (GHR)-Fc fusion protein. Unlike GH, RA extracts did not enhance the growth of B16F10 melanoma cells. The activation of the Janus kinase 2-STAT5 signaling pathway was confirmed in both NB2–11 cells and WI-38 human normal lung fibroblasts; the activation was inhibited by co-treatment with GHR-Fc fusion protein. Docking analysis of the active ingredients of RA, including mangiferin, neomangiferin, isomangiferin, anemarsaponin E, 7-O-methylmangiferin, officinalisinin I, timosaponin BII, timosaponin AI, and timosaponin AIII, using SWISSDOCK indicated a direct interaction of these compounds with GHR. The growth-promoting effects and activation of STAT5 were also confirmed. Moreover, we found that RA extract significantly increased the height of the tibial growth plate and stimulated the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 in the serum, liver, and muscle tissues. Our findings provide evidence that herbal extracts, particularly, RA extracts, can promote growth by mimicking GH bioactivity. [Display omitted] • Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (RA) extract can promote growth by mimicking growth hormone bioactivity. • RA extract does not stimulate the growth of cancer cells. • Compounds in RA extract directly bind to growth hormone receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth-promoting and stress resilience-inducing root endophytic fungi represent an additional carbohydrate sink. This study aims to test if such root endophytes affect the sugar metabolism of the host plant to divert the flow of resources for their purposes. Fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) colonised by the closely related Serendipita indica and Serendipita herbamans were recorded. Plant carbohydrate metabolism was analysed by measuring sugar levels, by determining activity signatures of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, and by quantifying mRNA levels of genes involved in sugar transport and turnover. During the interaction with the tomato plants, both fungi promoted root growth and shifted shoot biomass from stem to leaf tissues, resulting in increased leaf size. A common effect induced by both fungi was the inhibition of phosphofructokinase (PFK) in roots and leaves. This glycolytic-pacing enzyme shows how the glycolysis rate is reduced in plants and, eventually, how sugars are allocated to different tissues. Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity was strongly induced in colonised roots. This was accompanied by increased SPS-A1 gene expression in S. herbamans -colonised roots and by increased sucrose amounts in roots colonised by S. indica. Other enzyme activities were barely affected by S. indica , but mainly induced in leaves of S. herbamans -colonised plants and decreased in roots. This study suggests that two closely related root endophytic fungi differentially influence plant carbohydrate metabolism locally and systemically, but both induce a similar increase in plant biomass. Notably, both fungal endophytes induce an increase in SPS activity and, in the case of S. indica, sucrose resynthesis in roots. In leaves of S. indica -colonised plants, SWEET11b expression was enhanced, thus we assume that excess sucrose was exported by this transporter to the roots. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is an important nutritive food crop both for humans and animals. Chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (Foc) results in huge yield losses every year. Chickpea being a food crop requires the development of an eco-friendly bio-pesticide to effectively control the chickpea wilt disease. In this study, more than 50 bacterial stains isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy plants growing in wilt sick soil were examined for their Foc antagonist activities. Out of these, 17 strains showing > 90% growth inhibition of Foc were then characterized for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) and biocontrol traits. The biocontrol and PGP traits identified include amylase, hydrogen cyanide, protease, cellulase, chitinase activities, p-solubilization, nitrogen-fixing, and indole-3-acetic acid production. Two bacterial strains, IR-27 and IR-57, exhibiting the highest Foc proliferation inhibition and the PGP potential along with a consortium of four different strains (Serratia sp. IN-1, Serratia sp. IS-1, Enterobacter sp. IN-2, Enterobacter sp. IN-6) were used for controlling the chickpea wilt disease and growth promotion of the chickpea plants. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed their root colonization ability with partial or complete elimination of broken Foc mycelia and hyphae from roots. The bacterial inoculations particularly the consortium significantly suppressed the disease and improved the overall root morphology traits (root length, root surface area, root volume, forks, tips, and crossings), resulting in enhanced growth of the chickpea plants. Significant changes in growth (107% increase in root length, 23% increase in shoot length, and 54% increase in branches) in Foc-challenged plants were observed when inoculated with the consortium. Further investigations revealed that the chickpea plants inoculated with bacterial strains induced the expression of a number of key defence enzymes, including the phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol peroxidase, β-1,3 glucanase, which might have helped the plants to thwart the pathogen attack. These findings indicate the potential of our identified bacterial strains to be used as a natural biopesticide for controlling the chickpea wilt disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental degradation caused by the unabated and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, employed to increase the crop yields, and thus resulting in incrementing the public concern by every passing year, has invited the interest of researchers to find ever safe alternatives for enhancing the crop productivity. In the light of this, the present study undertook the research objective to explore the plant growth promoting activities of Streptomyces hydrogenans DH16, a soil actinobacterium possessing broad spectrum antifungal activity. Optimization of IAA production by S. hydrogenans DH16 using one variable at a time approach resulted in 2.24 fold (from 36 μg/ml to 80.06 μg/ml) increase in yield of IAA. S. hydrogenans DH16 completely utilized 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate on fourth day of incubation and showed 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity of 363 nano molesα-ketobutyrate/mg protein/h. This streptomycete also demonstrated in vitro ability to colonize plant roots, fix atmospheric nitrogen and inhibit fungal phytopathogens viz.Alternaria solani and Pyricularia oryzae. The influence of S. hydrogenans DH16 on growth of pea seedlings (Pisum sativum) was evaluated in which it significantly enhanced seed germination, shoot length, root length, fresh and dry weights and lateral roots. Similarly, treatment of seeds with culture broth containing IAA (50 μg/ml) showed positive impact on growth of pea seedlings with 39.45–58.04% increase in various growth parameters. These results demonstrate that S. hydrogenans strain DH16 and extracellular metabolites (antifungal and plant growth promoting substances) produced by it can be exploited as soil amendment as biofungicide and biofertilizer with many advantages over the chemical fungicides and fertilizers. • Production of 80.06 μg/ml IAA by Streptomyces hydrogenans strain DH16, a potent biocontrol agent • ACC deaminase activity shown by Streptomyces hydrogenans • In vivo plant growth promotion by IAA containing culture filtrate and cells of Streptomyces hydrogenans [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt of pepper outbreaks in the region where pepper crop has been grown for many years and it has already become a major phytopathogen all over the world. The goal of this study is to check bio-organic fertilizer capability on controlling pepper Fusarium wilt and promoting plant growth in greenhouse and field. Pot experiments were conducted in greenhouse which showed that isolates Ljx101 and Lja002, identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis , had satisfactory biocontrol effects on Fusarium wilt and growth promoting abilities on pepper plant. In addition, the bio-organic fertilizer (BOF), mixed with Lja002 and Ljx101, not only controlled Fusarium wilt disease but also significantly promoted plant growth in pot. In the treatment of BOF1, pepper plant survival rate was increased by 58.42% in greenhouse condition and defense enzymes including polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were largely enhanced by 45.54, 68.78 and 46.21% in roots as compared with pathogen control. Field experiments indicated that BOF had stable characteristics on controlling pepper Fusarium wilt and increasing pepper yield. These results demonstrate that BOF is a promising way to control soil-borne pathogen and promote crops growth in field production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase gene ( ACCD ) of Trichoderma asperellum ACCC30536 ( TaACCD ) were created and their growth performance was assessed under normal and salt stress conditions. In order to characterize their growth, root length, root number, fresh weight (FW), relative water content (RWC), seed production, and seed number were measured. Under normal growing condition, all growth parameters except for dry weight (DW) of the transgenic plants increased significantly compared to WT plants. Furthermore, the transgenic line also exhibited higher tolerance and faster growth than WT plants in the presence of 150 mM NaCl. The increased salt stress tolerance of the transgenic plants is attributed to a greater RWC, root weight, root length, root number and FW under salt stress, and to reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, cell death and electrolyte leakage compared to WT plants. The reduction in ROS levels could be explained by increased activity of several antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Thus, we propose that heterologous expression of TaACCD could be used to improve salt stress tolerance in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]