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The effects of pH, temperature, initial Cr3+ concentration, adsorbent dosage, time, and other factors on the adsorption capacity of Cr3+ were examined by the single factor test method using inactivated Bacillus cereus J01 strain as biological adsorbent in order to investigate the adsorption performance of Cr3+ by endophytic bacterium Bacillus cereus J01 from Leersia hexandra Swartz. The kinetic, thermodynamic, and isothermal adsorption processes were analyzed. Infrared spectroscopy was used to provide a preliminary analysis of the Cr3+ adsorption mechanism. The results were as follows: (1) In the reaction system of 50 mL, inactivated Bacillus cereus J01 reached the best adsorption performance on Cr3+ when pH value was 6, temperature was 40 ℃, initial concentration of Cr3+ was 150 mg·L-1, adsorbent dosage was 0.2 g and adsorption time was 12 h. The equilibrium adsorption capacity was 34.30 mg·g-1 and the removal rate of Cr3+ was 91.60%. (2) The Langmuir isothermal adsorption model could better simulate the adsorption of Cr3+ by inactivated Bacillus cereus J01. The adsorption process was more similar to monolayer adsorption. (3) The adsorption kinetics analysis showed that the adsorption of inactivated Bacillus cereus J01 on Cr3+ was more consistent with quasi-second-order kinetic rate equation. (4) Thermodynamic analysis of adsorption showed that at 40 ℃, △G, △H and △S were -2.609 kJ·mol-1, 61.792 kJ·mol-1 and 206.11 J·mol-1, respectively. The adsorption process was spontaneous at 40 ℃. (5) The results of infrared spectroscopy showed that the adsorption of inactivated Bacillus cereus J01 on Cr3+ could be attributed to the effects of amino, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in the cell components. The results show that the inactivated bacteria of this bacterium has strong adsorption capacity for Cr3+, and has good application potential in the treatment of environmental chromium pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and short-rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated CSK15Z-1 T and MSK8Z-1, were isolated from branch of Kandelia candel and Rhizophora stylosa, respectively, collected from Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Guangxi, China, and had the ability to produce carotenoid. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, average nucleotide identity (ANI) values, amino acid identity (AAI) values, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the two strains indicated that they should be affiliated with the same species. The AAI values between the two strains and other related species in the family Aurantimonadaceae ranged between 61.0 and 66.6%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains belong to the family Aurantimonadaceae and were most closely related to Aurantimonas endophytica EGI 6500337 T and Aureimonas glaciistagni PAMC 27157 T. Phylogenomic analysis based on genome sequences showed that the two strains formed a single and stable branch within the family Aurantimonadaceae. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. The predominant fatty acids were C18:1ω7c, C19:0 cycle ω8c and C16:0. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid. In accordance with the AAI values, phylogenomic and phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and genomic characterization, strains CSK15Z-1 T and MSK8Z-1 should be considered as a novel genus and species in the family Aurantimonadaceae, for which the name Mangrovibrevibacter kandeliae gen. nov. sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CSK15Z-1 T (= MCCC 1K07183T = JCM 34923 T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As one of the main pathogens causing tea anthracnose disease, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides has brought immeasurable impact on the sustainable development of agriculture. Given the adverse effects of chemical pesticides to the environment and human health, biological control has been a focus of the research on this pathogen. Bacillus altitudinis GS-16, which was isolated from healthy tea leaves, had exhibited strong antagonistic activity against tea anthracnose disease. Methods: The antifungal mechanism of the endophytic bacterium GS-16 against C. gloeosporioides 1-F was determined by dual-culture assays, pot experiments, cell membrane permeability, cellular contents, cell metabolism, and the activities of the key defense enzymes. Results: We investigated the possible mechanism of strain GS-16 inhibiting 1-F. In vitro, the dual-culture assays revealed that strain GS-16 had significant antagonistic activity (92.03%) against 1-F and broad-spectrum antifungal activity in all tested plant pathogens. In pot experiments, the disease index decreased to 6.12 after treatment with GS-16, indicating that strain GS-16 had a good biocontrol effect against tea anthracnose disease (89.06%). When the PE extract of GS-16 treated mycelial of 1-F, the mycelial appeared deformities, distortions, and swelling by SEM observations. Besides that, compared with the negative control, the contents of nucleic acids, protein, and total soluble sugar of GS-16 group were increased significantly, indicating that the PE extract of GS-16 could cause damage to integrity of 1-F. We also found that GS-16 obviously destroyed cellular metabolism and the normal synthesis of cellular contents. Additionally, treatment with GS-16 induced plant resistance by increasing the activities of the key defense enzymes PPO, SOD, CAT, PAL, and POD. Conclusions: We concluded that GS-16 could damage cell permeability and integrity, destroy the normal synthesis of cellular contents, and induce plant resistance, which contributed to its antagonistic activity. These findings indicated that strain GS-16 could be used as an efficient microorganism for tea anthracnose disease caused by C. gloeosporioides [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a globally important staple food, but its production was influenced by various biotic and abiotic stresses. This study involved screening endophytic bacterial strains for their antagonistic activities and control efficacy against multiple rice pathogens in planta assays. Subsequent greenhouse investigations identified Bacillus velezensis LS123N as the most promising strain for effectively controlling various rice diseases, including bacterial blight, rice blast, bakanae disease, Pythium disease, and brown spot disease. Field trials further demonstrated that LS123N significantly reduced naturally occurring brown spot disease caused by Bipolaris oryzae in both seedlings and mature rice plants, and increased rice yields. For disease control against bacterial blight, Pythium disease, and brown spot, only a single treatment during seed germination resulted in significant disease control efficacy. The application of LS123N during seed germination aligns with common rice cultivation practices. Additionally, LS123N exhibited the capacity to improve rice resistance to wind stress and enhance rice growth during the seedling stage. Endophytic colonization of LS123N was evidenced from seed to mature rice plants after seed treatment. Interestingly, the expression of many rice defense genes was suppressed within 48 h of the LS123N introduction. In vitro assays showed that LS123N inhibited spore germination and normal growth of germ tubes of B. oryzae, produced multiple hydrolases, siderophores, and IAA, and had the ability to solubilize phosphorus compounds. In summary, these results indicate that B. velezensis LS123N is a promising biocontrol agent and has the potential to be developed into a biofungicide, biofertilizer, and biostimulator.

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Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite increasing knowledge of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) interference with rice, relatively little is known how endophytes improve the ability of rice against barnyardgrass stress. Here, we provided a detailed temporal characterization of rice root-associated microbiomes during co-cultivation with barnyardgrass and a comparison with the microbiomes of weed-free rice plants. Alpha diversity analysis indicated that barnyardgrass had the opposite effects on endophytic bacteria and fungi in rice roots, in terms of the community diversity, richness and coverage at the rice seedling stage. Principal coordinate analysis showed that barnyardgrass had only a minor effect on the community composition of endophytes in rice roots at the rice seedling stage, but showed a significant and maximum interference at the heading stage. Rice recruited many endophytes to resist biotic stress from barnyardgrass, especially for fungi. PICRUSt (phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states) predictive analysis indicated that 23 metabolic pathways of bacteria were overrepresented in rice. In addition, the main trophic mode of fungi was pathotroph according to FUNGuild analysis. A positive correlation between bacteria and fungi in rice roots was found via network analysis. Anaeromyxobacter, Azospira and Pseudolabrys were the vital bacteria, Phaeosphaeria and Funneliformis were the dominant fungi in maintaining the stability of the ecological network. These results provided data and a theoretical basis for the in-depth understanding of what role endophytes play in rice resistance to barnyardgrass stress and will have implications on improving the resistance of rice against biotic stress using root microbiota.

Background. Leymus secalinus is a pioneer plant grown in the Zoige desertified alpine grassland and it is also one of the dominant plant species used for environmental remediation. L. secalinus plays a large role in vegetation reconstruction in sandy land, but the abundance and diversity of its endophytes have not yet been investigated. Objectives. This study was performed to investigate the changes in the endophytic bacterial community structure of L. secalinus under different ecological environments and to analyze the effects of environmental changes and different plant tissues on the L. secalinus endophytic bacteria. Methods. Leaf, stem, and root tissue samples of L. secalinus were collected from Zoige Glassland (Alpine sandy land) and an open field nursery (Control). DNA was extracted and the 16S ribosomal DNA was amplified. The sequence library was sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform and clustered by operational taxonomic units (OTUs). α-diversity and β-diversity analyses, species diversity analyses, functional prediction, and redundancy (RDA) analyses for the soil physicochemical properties were conducted. Results. α-diversity and β-diversity analyses showed that the endophytic bacteria in L. secalinus varied in different areas and tissues. The abundance of Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, which is related to nitrogen fixation, increased significantly in the L. secalinus found in the Zoige Grassland. Moreover, the abundance of nutrition metabolism and anti-stress abilities increased in functional prediction in the desert samples. The soil physicochemical properties had an insignificant influence on bacterial diversity. Conclusion. The changes in the endophytic bacterial community structure in L. secalinus were significant and were caused by environmental alterations and plant choice. The endophytic bacteria in L. secalinus grown in alpine sandy land may have greater anti-stress properties and the ability to fix nitrogen, which has potential value in environmental remediation and agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest management is a crucial concern, especially when dealing with insect pests that can cause extensive damage to agricultural crops and the economy. One such pest is the rice stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata), which infests rice stems and poses a significant threat. To combat these pests, various microbial agents have been developed for effective pest control. Among these, the endophytic microbe in biological plant protection plays a key role in the program of sustainable pest management. An endophytic bacterium, Serratia marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21, has been identified as a key player in sustainable pest management, particularly in rice crops. In this study, we aimed to investigate the endophytic characteristics of S. marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 in the swamp rice plant of the Inpara 3 variety of swamp rice plants. To establish its roles. Marcescens as an endophytic bacterium in rice plants, specifically the Inpara 3 variety, we conducted tests by inoculating bacteria on the plant tissue of rice plants that have been sterilized rice plant tissues with the bacteria. We assessed the presence of S. marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 in plant tissues by applying isolates to the surface of rock wool, which supported the growth of wet rice plants aged ten or over ten days or older after planting. Samples were collected from the underside of the stem, the bottom of the leaves, and the roots on days 2, 7, and 14 after the application of isolates to the rock wool. The samples were then washed in 70% alcohol and 4% chlorox for 30 seconds and subsequently isolated on Luria Bertani (LB) agar media. Furthermore, we conducted tests to determine the ligninolytic, cellulolytic, and proteolytic activities of S. marcescens, which helped elucidate its endophytic ability. Based on the result, the endophytic capabilities. Based on the results, we found that S. marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 exhibited endophytic characteristics solely in the stem tissue of the Inpara 3 rice variety. However, we did not observe its presence in the root and leaf tissues.

Endophyte-assisted phytoremediation is an emerging technique for soil heavy metals (HMs) remediation and has become a research focus in the world because of the benefits of endophytes on plant growth and uptake of HMs. In this study, multifunctional endophytic bacteria strains were isolated and screened, and the feasibility of these strains for soil cadmium (Cd) remediation was investigated by soil incubation experiments and pot experiments. All endophytic bacteria were isolated from the roots of woody plants grown on Cd-contaminated soil. Seven endophytic bacteria strains had capacities to tolerate Cd toxicity and produce siderophores, and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene classified these strains as belonging to the genera Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Pantoea, and Herbaspirillum. All strains were able to produce hydroxamate siderophores (32.40%–91.49%) and had three or more plant growth promoting properties such as phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole acetic acid and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase production. They were all strongly resistant to Cd2+ toxicity, with the minimum inhibitory concentration in LB medium ranging from 1.5 mM to 9.0 mM. Except for strain Burkholderia contaminans JLS17, other strains showed decreasing removal rates within continuously elevated Cd2+ concentration of 10–100 mg L−1. Compared with the uninoculated treatment, the inoculation of strains B.contaminans JLS17, Pseudomonas lurida JLS32, and Pantoea endophytica JLS50 effectively increased the concentration of acid-soluble Cd and decreased the concentration of reducible, oxidizable, and residual Cd in the soils of different Cd contamination levels. In pot experiments, inoculation of strains JLS17 and YTG72 significantly (p

Despite increasing knowledge of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) interference with rice, relatively little is known how endophytes improve the ability of rice against barnyardgrass stress. Here, we provided a detailed temporal characterization of rice root-associated microbiomes during co-cultivation with barnyardgrass and a comparison with the microbiomes of weed-free rice plants. Alpha diversity analysis indicated that barnyardgrass had the opposite effects on endophytic bacteria and fungi in rice roots, in terms of the community diversity, richness and coverage at the rice seedling stage. Principal coordinate analysis showed that barnyardgrass had only a minor effect on the community composition of endophytes in rice roots at the rice seedling stage, but showed a significant and maximum interference at the heading stage. Rice recruited many endophytes to resist biotic stress from barnyardgrass, especially for fungi. PICRUSt (phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states) predictive analysis indicated that 23 metabolic pathways of bacteria were overrepresented in rice. In addition, the main trophic mode of fungi was pathotroph according to FUNGuild analysis. A positive correlation between bacteria and fungi in rice roots was found via network analysis. Anaeromyxobacter , Azospira and Pseudolabrys were the vital bacteria, Phaeosphaeria and Funneliformis were the dominant fungi in maintaining the stability of the ecological network. These results provided data and a theoretical basis for the in-depth understanding of what role endophytes play in rice resistance to barnyardgrass stress and will have implications on improving the resistance of rice against biotic stress using root microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the chitinase production performance of an endophytic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Bt028 isolated from sour orange fruit, the effects of medium composition and fermentation conditions on chitinase production were investigated by single factor test and the shaking flask fermentation conditions of chitinase production were optimized by response surface methodology. The results of single factor test showed that concentration of colloidal chitin, temperature and initial pH had obvious effects on chitinase production. The results of response surface test showed that the optimum fermentation conditions were as follows: Colloidal chitin concentration was 0.8%, yeast powder concentration was 1%, the initial pH was 6.9, inoculation amount was 3%, liquid volume was 100 mL/250 mL, cultured temperature was 30 ℃ and culture time was 48 h. Under these conditions, the highest enzyme activity of the strain fermentation broth was 10.48 U/mL. The studied results laid a foundation for the further development and application of the chitinase produced by Bacillus thuringiensis Bt028.

In order to reveal the basic enzymatic properties of the chitinase produced by an endophytic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Bt028 isolated from sour orange fruit, the chitinase in the strain fermentation broth were purified by centrifugation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, dextran gel G-100 chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the optimum temperature, optimum pH and catalytic kinetic parameters of the chitinase were also investigated. The results showed that electrophoretic pure chitinase was obtained by centrifugation, ammonium sulfate precipitation and dextran G-100 gel chromatography from fermentation broth of the strain Bt028, with the specific activity of 681.78 U/mg, the purification factor of 3.21 and enzymatic activity recovery of 15.52%, and the molecular mass of the chitinase was determined to be 65 kDa by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzymatic characteristics study results showed that the optimum reaction temperature of the chitinase was 60 ℃ with good stability when temperature lower than 60 ℃; and the optimum reaction pH was 6.5 with good stability at pH5.5~7.5. Mg2+, Ca2+, Hg2+ and Co2+ had inhibitory effect on the enzyme activity, while Cu2+ and Fe3+ had a certain promotion effect. Low concentrations of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and dimethyl sulfoxide increased the enzymatic activity, however, the chitinase would be inhibited when the concentration of these organic solvents were increased to a certain level. The chitinase could be activated by acetone but inhibited by formaldehyde. Under the optimal catalytic conditions, the value of Km, Vmax and Kcat of the chitinase-catalyzed reaction were 29.533 mg/mL, 108.696 μmoL/(L·min) and 0.527/min, respectively. Research results provide technical parameters for the practical application of the chitinase.

Introduction: Magnetic nanoparticles have various biomedical applications such as cell therapy, tissue repair, drug delivery, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to their unique physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics as well as their suitable surface properties. The present study aimed to synthesize magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) using the interaction of cell-free extracts of endophytic bacterial isolates with Fe2O3 as the precursor of NPs.Materials and Methods: In this study, the extracellular synthesis of Fe3O4 NPs was accomplished by the cell-free extract (CFE) strategy. Characterization of Fe3O4 NPs was performed using different methods, including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).Results: The obtained results of the study showed that the precursor Fe2O3 could be transformed into Fe3O4 NPs with the endophytic strain BR06. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolated strainBR06 belonged to the genus Bacillus, and shared the highest sequence similarity with B. siamensis (MT052693). The Fe3O4 NPs with average diameters of 34 nm and cauliflower shape were synthesized by the endophytic strain BR06 in the biotransformation medium containing 5 mM Fe2O3 after 24 h incubation time. Electron microscopy and the associated spectroscopic analyses confirmed the formation of Fe3O4 NPs.Discussion and Conclusion: In the present study, for the first time, the biosynthesis of extracellular magnetite NPs was described using B. siamensis under the cell-free extract strategy.

A Gram-stain-negative and short rod-shaped strain CBK1P-4T, isolated from surface-sterilized bark of Avicennia marina was investigated by a polyphasic taxonomic approach to resolve its taxonomic position. Strain CBK1P-4T grew at 10–30 °C (optimum, 25 °C), pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 5.5) and in the presence of 0–9% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1–2%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CBK1P-4T belonged to the genus Jiella and was most closely related to species of the genus Jiella (97.4–98.3%). The genome comparisons between strain CBK1P-4T and the closely related species indicated that average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were below the recommended thresholds for assigning strains to the same species (95–96% and 70%, respectively). The cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diamino acid. The principal fatty acids were C18:1ω7c and C19:0cycloω8c. The polar lipids were mainly comprised of phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified phospholipid and one unidentified glycolipid. The dominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The DNA G + C content of strain CBK1P-4T was 66.7%. Based on the phenotypic features, phylogenetic analysis as well as genome analysis, we conclude that strain CBK1P-4T represents a novel Jiella species, for which the name Jiella avicenniae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBK1P-4T (= CGMCC 1.18742T = JCM 34330T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and short-rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated CSK15Z-1  T and MSK8Z-1, were isolated from branch of Kandelia candel and Rhizophora stylosa, respectively, collected from Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve in Guangxi, China, and had the ability to produce carotenoid. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, average nucleotide identity (ANI) values, amino acid identity (AAI) values, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the two strains indicated that they should be affiliated with the same species. The AAI values between the two strains and other related species in the family Aurantimonadaceae ranged between 61.0 and 66.6%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains belong to the family Aurantimonadaceae and were most closely related to Aurantimonas endophytica EGI 6500337  T and Aureimonas glaciistagni PAMC 27157  T . Phylogenomic analysis based on genome sequences showed that the two strains formed a single and stable branch within the family Aurantimonadaceae. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. The predominant fatty acids were C 18:1 ω7c, C 19:0 cycle ω8c and C 16:0 . The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid. In accordance with the AAI values, phylogenomic and phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and genomic characterization, strains CSK15Z-1  T and MSK8Z-1 should be considered as a novel genus and species in the family Aurantimonadaceae, for which the name Mangrovibrevibacter kandeliae gen. nov. sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CSK15Z-1  T (= MCCC 1K07183 T  = JCM 34923  T )., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Ethical approval: Not applicable., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

We screened and identified an endophytic bacterium that could efficiently degrade PAHs, which would expand the library of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) degrading microorganisms and reduce the pollution risk of crops. Its degradation mechanism and colonization performance were preliminarily examined. The results showed that strain PX1 belonged to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The strain had broad spectrum ability to remove PAHs. In PAH mineral salt (MS) media, almost 100% naphthalene was degraded by strain PX1 after 7-d incubation. In a cultivation system solely containing phenanthrene of 50.0 mg ⋅ L-1, pyrene of 20.0 mg ⋅ L-1, fluoranthene of 20.0 mg ⋅ L-1 or benzo[a] pyrene of 10.0 mg ⋅ L-1, the degradation efficiency of phenanthrene, pyrene, fluoranthene and benzo [a] pyrene by strain PX1 reached 72.6%, 50.7%, 31.9%, and 12.9%, respectively. Pyrene was selected as PAHs model to study the degradation characteristics of strain PX1. Enzyme activity tests showed that the activities of phthalate dioxygenase, catechol-1, 2-dioxygenase, and catechol-2, 3-dioxygenase in strain PX1 were induced by pyrene. Some metabolic intermediates such as 4,5-epoxypyrene, 4,5-dihydroxypyrene, gentilic acid/protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, cis-hexadienedioic acid/2-hydroxymyxofuroic acid semialdehyde, cis-2'-carboxyphenylpyruvic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, and salicylaldehyde were detected during the degradation of pyrene by strain PX1. Results of the seed soaking experiment showed that strain PX1 could efficiently colonize in Ipomoea aquatic and Triticum aestivum. After inoculated with strain PX1, the growth of I. aquatic and T. aestivum was significantly increased, and the pyrene concentration in I. aquatic, T. aestivum and MS media was reduced by 29.8%-50.7%, 52.4%-67.1% and 8.0%-15.3%, respectively. Our results suggested that strain PX1 degraded pyrene mainly through 'salicylate pathway' and 'phthalate pathway', and could be colonized into plants and promote plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Magnetic nanoparticles have various biomedical applications such as cell therapy, tissue repair, drug delivery, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to their unique physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics as well as their suitable surface properties. The present study aimed to synthesize magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) using the interaction of cell-free extracts of endophytic bacterial isolates with Fe2O3 as the precursor of NPs. Materials and Methods: In this study, the extracellular synthesis of Fe3O4 NPs was accomplished by the cell-free extract (CFE) strategy. Characterization of Fe3O4 NPs was performed using different methods, including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: The obtained results of the study showed that the precursor Fe2O3 could be transformed into Fe3O4 NPs with the endophytic strain BR06. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolated strainBR06 belonged to the genus Bacillus, and shared the highest sequence similarity with B. siamensis (MT052693). The Fe3O4 NPs with average diameters of 34 nm and cauliflower shape were synthesized by the endophytic strain BR06 in the biotransformation medium containing 5 mM Fe2O3 after 24 h incubation time. Electron microscopy and the associated spectroscopic analyses confirmed the formation of Fe3O4 NPs. Discussion and Conclusion: In the present study, for the first time, the biosynthesis of extracellular magnetite NPs was described using B. siamensis under the cell-free extract strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel endophytic bacterial strain, designated GR-TSA-9T, was isolated from surface-sterilized grape (Vitis vinifera L.). 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that the isolate was grouped within the genus Brevundimonas , displaying the highest similarity with Brevundimonas lenta DS-18T (97.9%) and Brevundimonas kwangchunensis KSL-102T (97.8%) and less than 97.5% similarity with other members of Brevundimonas. The strain GR-TSA-9T was a gram negative, rod shaped, facultatively anaerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, and motile bacterium. Its growth occurred at 10–37°C (optimally 25–30°C), at pH 7.0–8.0, and in NaCl 0–1% (optimally 0%). It contained ubiquinone-10 as a respiratory quinone, and the major cellular fatty acids (>10% of the total) were C16:0 (14.2%) and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7 c and/or C18:1ω6c, 65.6%). The polar lipids present in the strain were phosphoglycolipids, phosphatidylglycerol, 1,2-di- O- acyl-3-O-[d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranuronosyl]glycerol, and unidentified lipids (L1, L2, and L4). The strain had one 2,976,716bp circular chromosome with a G+C content of 66.4%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain GR-TSA-9T and B. lenta DS-18T was 20.9%, while the average nucleotide identity value was 76.7%. In addition, the dDDH and ANI values to other members in this genus, whose genome sequences are available, are less than 21.1 and 77.6%. Genome annotation predicted the presence of some gene clusters related to tyrosine degradation and pyomelanin formation. Strain GR-TSA-9T produced a brown melanin-like pigment in the presence of L-tyrosine-containing media. The highest pigment production (0.19g/L) was observed in tryptic soy broth with 1.0mg/ml L-tyrosine at 25°C for 6days of culture. Biophysical characterization by ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry confirmed that the pigment was pyomelanin. Additionally, melanized GR-TSA-9T cells could protect the cells against UVC exposure. The phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features indicated that strain GR-TSA-9T represents a novel melanin-producing species of Brevundimonas. The type strain was GR-TSA-9T (KCTC 82386T=CGMCC 1.18820T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain negative, non-motile, brilliant yellow and non-spore forming, coccoid- or short rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain KSK16Y-1T, was isolated from surface-sterilised leaf of Rhizophora stylosa collected from Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Genome of strain KSK16Y-1T is 4.93 Mb with 68.1% DNA G + C content and encoded 4359 predicted proteins, 4 rRNAs, 45 tRNAs and 4 ncRNA. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain KSK16Y-1T has 98.1%, 97.9% and 96.9% 16S rRNA gene similarities with Jiella aquimaris JCM 30119T, J. endophytica CBS5Q-3T and J. pacifica 40Bstr34T, respectively. Whole-genome comparisons between strain KSK16Y-1T and J. aquimaris 22II-16-19i, J. endophytica CBS5Q-3T, J. pacifica 40Bstr34T, using average nucleotide identity (ANI) values (< 82.0%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values (< 25.1%), confirmed low genome relatedness. Strain KSK16Y-1T grew at 20–30 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0–11.0 (optimum, pH 6.0–7.0) and with 0–10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–2%). Cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the major fatty acid was C18:1ω7c. The polar lipid profile consists of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, one unknown phospholipid, one unknown aminolipid, one unknown aminophospholipid and four unidentified lipids. The predominant respiratory quinone is ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The polyphasic characterization indicated that strain KSK16Y-1T represents a novel Jiella species. The name Jiella mangrovi sp. nov., type strain KSK16Y-1T (= CGMCC 1.18745T = JCM 34332T) is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel endophytic bacterial strain, designated GR-TSA-9T, was isolated from surface-sterilized grape (Vitis vinifera L.). 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that the isolate was grouped within the genus Brevundimonas, displaying the highest similarity with Brevundimonas lenta DS-18T (97.9%) and Brevundimonas kwangchunensis KSL-102T (97.8%) and less than 97.5% similarity with other members of Brevundimonas. The strain GR-TSA-9T was a gram negative, rod shaped, facultatively anaerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, and motile bacterium. Its growth occurred at 10–37°C (optimally 25–30°C), at pH 7.0–8.0, and in NaCl 0–1% (optimally 0%). It contained ubiquinone-10 as a respiratory quinone, and the major cellular fatty acids (>10% of the total) were C16:0 (14.2%) and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c, 65.6%). The polar lipids present in the strain were phosphoglycolipids, phosphatidylglycerol, 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranuronosyl]glycerol, and unidentified lipids (L1, L2, and L4). The strain had one 2,976,716bp circular chromosome with a G+C content of 66.4%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain GR-TSA-9T and B. lenta DS-18T was 20.9%, while the average nucleotide identity value was 76.7%. In addition, the dDDH and ANI values to other members in this genus, whose genome sequences are available, are less than 21.1 and 77.6%. Genome annotation predicted the presence of some gene clusters related to tyrosine degradation and pyomelanin formation. Strain GR-TSA-9T produced a brown melanin-like pigment in the presence of L-tyrosine-containing media. The highest pigment production (0.19g/L) was observed in tryptic soy broth with 1.0mg/ml L-tyrosine at 25°C for 6days of culture. Biophysical characterization by ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry confirmed that the pigment was pyomelanin. Additionally, melanized GR-TSA-9T cells could protect the cells against UVC exposure. The phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features indicated that strain GR-TSA-9T represents a novel melanin-producing species of Brevundimonas. The type strain was GR-TSA-9T (KCTC 82386T=CGMCC 1.18820T).

Endophyte mediated nanoparticles fabrication were emerging as a new frontier in nanomedicines that produce high biocompatible and functionalized silver nanoparticles. In this study, silver nanoparticles were successfully biosynthesized from the extracellular extract of endophytic bacterium Pantoea anthophila isolated from the stem of Waltheria indica for the first time. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a strong absorption band at 410 nm in the UV–Visible range. The dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis indicated that the average particle size was 16 nm at 5.30 mV. FTIR spectrum displayed the presence of various functional groups at 3423.65, 1633.71, 1022.27, 607.58 cm−1 that stabilised the nanoparticle. X-ray diffraction peaks were conferred to 100, 200, 220 and 311 planes of a face centred cubic structure. TEM and SEM micrograph revealed the spherical-shaped, polycrystalline nature with the presence of elemental silver analysed by EDAX. Selected area electron diffraction also confirms the orientation of silver nanoparticles with X-ray diffraction analysis. Antimicrobial activity against 10 different human pathogenic bacteria and fungi showed a broad spectrum inhibition against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Among the bacterial pathogens, B. Subtilis exhibited low activity compared to other pathogens. C. albicans was greatly controlled than other fungal species. A strong free radical scavenging activity of silver nanoparticles with IC50 values 31.29 ± 0.73, 19.83 ± 1.57, 35.64 ± 0.94, 42.07 ± 1.30, 29.70 ± 2.26, 29.10 ± 0.82, 36.80 ± 0.63 μg/ml was obtained in different antioxidant assays that were comparable to the reference. The study suggests that the silver nanoparticles can be biosynthesized from endophytic P. anthophila metabolites with significant therapeutic potential. With proper validation, the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles can be developed as a promising antiviral and anticancer drug candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utility of endophytic bacteria in Cadmium (Cd) remediation has gained significant attention due to their ability to alleviate metal-induced stress and enhance plant growth. Here, we investigate C. metallidurans CML2, an endophytic bacterial strain prevalent in rice, showing resilience against 2400 mg/L of Cd(II). We conducted an in-depth integrated morphological and transcriptomic analysis illustrating the multifarious mechanisms CML2 employs to combat Cd, including the formation of biofilm and CdO nanoparticles, upregulation of genes involved in periplasmic immobilization, and the utilization of RND efflux pumps to extract excess Cd ions. Beyond Cd, CML2 exhibited robust tolerance to an array of heavy metals, including Mn2+, Se4+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+, demonstrating effective Cd(II) removal capacity. Furthermore, CML2 has exhibited plant growth-promoting properties through the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at 0.93 mg/L, soluble phosphorus compounds at 1.11 mg/L, and siderophores at 22.67%. Supportively, pot experiments indicated an increase in root lengths and a decrease in Cd bioaccumulation in rice seedlings inoculated with CML2, consequently reducing Cd translocation rates from 43% to 31%. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of Cd resistance mechanisms in C. metallidurans, but also underscore CML2′s promising application in Cd remediation within rice farming ecosystems. [Display omitted] • Rice endophyte C. metallidurans CML2 demonstrates resistance to 2400 mg/L of Cd(II). • CML2 exhibits broad tolerance to heavy metals. • CML2 exhibits plant growth-promoting traits. • Inoculation with CML2 reduces Cd bioaccumulation in rice seedlings (pot experiment). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An endophytic Bacillus effectively controlled multiple rice diseases. • The Bacillus enhanced rice yield and rice resistance to wind. • The Bacillus suppressed rice defense genes upon introduction. • The Bacillus via seed treatment persists endophytically in rice until maturity. • Seed treatment with the Bacillus provides various benefits for rice cultivation. Rice (Oryza sativa) is a globally important staple food, but its production was influenced by various biotic and abiotic stresses. This study involved screening endophytic bacterial strains for their antagonistic activities and control efficacy against multiple rice pathogens in planta assays. Subsequent greenhouse investigations identified Bacillus velezensis LS123N as the most promising strain for effectively controlling various rice diseases, including bacterial blight, rice blast, bakanae disease, Pythium disease, and brown spot disease. Field trials further demonstrated that LS123N significantly reduced naturally occurring brown spot disease caused by Bipolaris oryzae in both seedlings and mature rice plants, and increased rice yields. For disease control against bacterial blight, Pythium disease, and brown spot, only a single treatment during seed germination resulted in significant disease control efficacy. The application of LS123N during seed germination aligns with common rice cultivation practices. Additionally, LS123N exhibited the capacity to improve rice resistance to wind stress and enhance rice growth during the seedling stage. Endophytic colonization of LS123N was evidenced from seed to mature rice plants after seed treatment. Interestingly, the expression of many rice defense genes was suppressed within 48 h of the LS123N introduction. In vitro assays showed that LS123N inhibited spore germination and normal growth of germ tubes of B. oryzae , produced multiple hydrolases, siderophores, and IAA, and had the ability to solubilize phosphorus compounds. In summary, these results indicate that B. velezensis LS123N is a promising biocontrol agent and has the potential to be developed into a biofungicide, biofertilizer, and biostimulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the diversity of bacterial endophytes of rhizomes of bamboo growing in the central part of India; five Bamboo species were collected and investigated. The culturable endophytic bacteria were isolated by serial dilution and culture-dependant method and their diversity was studied with a 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Consequently, a total of 31 endophytic bacteria isolated from these bamboo species, and the isolates were affiliated to 17 different genera. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum with the highest diversity containing 11 genera and Staphylococcus, Herbaspirillum, Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas being the most frequently observed genera. The Microbacterium, Chryseobacterium, and Chitinophaga were the solitary representative of classes Actinobacteria, Flavobacteria, and Sphingobacteria, respectively. The diversity of bacteria was greater in Dendrocalamus species than in Bambusa species. Based on the putative identity of isolates and their functional roles as reported in the literature, the isolated bacterial endophytes seems to be the promising sustainable bioresource for bioaugmentation of plant growth particularly bamboos in tropical areas including forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial strain WT00CT is an endophytic bacterium that was isolated from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.). The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes demonstrated that strain WT00CT was a member of the genus Herbaspirillum. This strain is microaerobic, gram-negative and non-pigmented, and its cells are rod shaped, with a polar flagellum. It grew optimally at 34–37 °C, pH 5.0–8.0 and 0–1.5% NaCl (w/v). The G + C content of its genomic DNA was 62.36 mol%. C16:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0, anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0 were major fatty acids. The strain WT00CT contained six polar lipids, namely DPG (diphosphatidylglycerol), PE (phosphatidylethanolamine), PG (phosphatidylglycerol), PC (phosphatidylcholine), GL (glycolipid) and APL (aminophospholipids), and its respiratory quinone was Q8. The strain WT00CT had a genome size of 6.08 Mb with a total ORF of 5,537, in which one gene cluster (36 genes) encoding a type IV secretion system was absent in other members of the Herbaspirillum genus. ANI values of genomic comparison between the strain WT00CT and other Herbaspirillum species were 75–96%. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data presented here, the strain WT00CT represents a novel species in the Herbaspirillum genus, for which the name Herbaspirillum camelliae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of H. camelliae sp. nov. is WT00CT (AB 2018017 T and KCTC 62527 T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain KSNA2T, a Gram-negative, moderately halophilic, facultatively anaerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, was isolated from the surface-sterilized stem tissue of a beach morning glory (Cafystegia soldanella) plant in Chuja Island, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences revealed that strain KSNA2T formed a distinct lineage within the family Enterobacteriaceae, with the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Izhakiella australiensis KCTC 72143 (96.2%) and Izhakiella capsodis KCTC 72142T (96.0%), exhibited 95.5–95.9% similarity to other genera in the family Enterobacter-iaceae and Erwiniaceae. Conserved signature indels analysis elucidated that strain KSNA2T was delimited into family Enterobacteriaceae. KSNA2 genome comprises a circular chromosome of 5,182,800 bp with 56.1% G + C content Digital DNA-DNA relatedness levels between strain KSNA2T and 18 closely related species were 19.3 to 21.1%. Average nucleotide identity values were between 72.0 and 76.7%. Growth of strain KSNA2T was observed at 4 to 45°C (optimum, 25°C) and pH 5.0 to 12.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) in the presence of 0 to 11% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–7%). The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were C16:o followed by summed feature 8 (C18ω7c and/or C18ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C17:0cyclo, and C14:0. The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). With combined phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxo-nomic features, strain KSNA2T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Enterobacteriaceae, for which the name Jejubacter calystegiae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KSNA2T (= KCTC 72234T = CCTCC AB 2019098T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel gram-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped and non-nitrogen fixing bacterium named strain 24NRT was isolated from wild Lilium pumilum bulbs in Fuping, Baoding City, Hebei province, PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains 24NRT showed the highest similarity to Neorhizobium alkalisoli DSM 21826T (98.5%) and N. galegae HAMBI 540T (98.1%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA genes and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on the partial sequences of atpD-glnII-glnA-recA-ropD-thrC housekeeping genes both indicated that strain 24NRT is a member of the genus Neorhizobium. The average nucleotide identity between the genome sequence of strain 24NRT and that of the isolate N. alkalisoli DSM 21826T was 83.1%, and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization was 20.1%. The G+C content of strain 24NRT was 60.3 mol %. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c) and C19:0 cyclo ω8c. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genotypic data, strain 24NRT is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Neorhizobium, for which the name Neorhizobium lilium sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 24NRT (= ACCC 61588T = JCM 33731T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium strain R4HLG17T was isolated from Tamarix ramosissima roots growing in Kumtag desert. The strain grew at salinities of 0–16% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 5–6%), pH 5–9 (optimum 7) and at 16–45 °C. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain R4HLG17T belonged to the family Halomonadaceae and was most closely related to Halomonas lutea DSM 23508T(95.1%), followed by Halotalea alkalilenta AW-7T(94.8%), Salinicola acroporae S4-41T(94.8%), Salinicola halophilus CG4.1T(94.6%), and Larsenimonas salina M1-18T(94.4%). Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on the partial sequences of 16S rRNA, atpA, gyrB, rpoD, and secA genes indicated that the strain R4HLG17T formed an independent and monophyletic branch related to other genera of Halomonadaceae, supporting its placement as a new genus in this family. The draft genome of strain R4HLG17T was 3.6 Mb with a total G + C content of 55.1%. The average nucleotide identity to Halomonas lutea DSM 23508T was 83.5%. Q-9 was detected as the major respiratory quinone and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c), and C16:0 as predominant cellular fatty acids. On the basis of chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and phenotypic evidence, strain R4HLG17T is concluded to represent a novel species of a new genus within Halomonadaceae, for which the name Phytohalomonas tamaricis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is R4HLG17T (=ACCC 19929T=KCTC 52415T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain ATSA2T was isolated from surface-sterilized kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) seeds and represents a novel bacterium based on the polyphasic taxonomic approach. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ATSA2T formed a lineage within genus Saccharibacillus and was most closely to Saccharibacillus deserti WLG055T (98.1%) and Saccharibacillus qing-shengii H6T (97.9%). The whole-genome of ATSA2T comprised a 5,619,468 bp of circular chromosome with 58.4% G + C content. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain ATSA2T and its closely related type strains S. deserti WLJ055 and S. qingshengii H6T were 26.0% and 24.0%, respectively. Multiple gene clusters associated with plant growth promotion activities (stress response, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism, and auxin biosynthesis) were annotated in the genome. Strain ATSA2T was Gram-positive, endospore-forming, facultatively anaerobic, and rod-shaped It grew at 15–37°C (optimum 25°C), pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum pH 8.0), and in the presence of 0–5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1%). The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of strain ATSA2T were anteiso-C15:0 and C16:0. MK-7 was the major isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipids present were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and three unknown glycolipids. Based on its phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxo-nomic features, strain ATSA2T is proposed to represent a novel species of genus Saccharibacillus, for which the name is Saccharibacillus brassicae sp. nov. The type strain is ATSA2T (KCTC 43072T = CCTCC AB 2019223T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocarbon-degrading and plant-growth-promoting bacterial endophytes have proven useful for facilitating the phytoremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils with high salinity. In this study, we identified Bacillus safensis strain ZY16 as an endophytic bacterium that can degrade hydrocarbons, produce biosurfactants, tolerate salt, and promote plant growth. The strain was isolated from the root of Chloris virgata Sw., a halotolerant plant collected from the Yellow River Delta. ZY16 survived in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth with 0–16% (w/v) sodium chloride (NaCl) and grew well in LB broth supplemented with 0–8% NaCl, indicating its high salt tolerance. The endophytic strain ZY16 effectively degraded C12–C32n-alkanes of diesel oil effectively, as well as common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under hypersaline conditions. For example, in mineral salts (MS) liquid medium supplemented with 6% NaCl, ZY16 degraded n-undecane, n-hexadecane, n-octacosane, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene, with degradation percentages of 94.5, 98.2, 64.8, 72.1, 59.4, and 27.6%, respectively. In addition, ZY16 produced biosurfactant, as confirmed by the oil spreading technique, surface tension detection, and emulsification of para-xylene and paraffin. The biosurfactant production ability of ZY16 under hypersaline conditions was also determined. Moreover, ZY16 showed plant-growth-promoting attributes, such as siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid production, as well as phosphate solubilization. To assess the enhanced phytoremediation of saline soils polluted by hydrocarbons and the plant-growth-promotion ability of ZY16, a pot trial with and without inoculation of the endophyte was designed and performed. Inoculated and non-inoculated plantlets of C. virgata Sw. were grown in oil-polluted saline soil, with oil and salt contents of 10462 mg/kg and 0.51%, respectively. After 120 days of growth, significant enhancement of both the aerial and underground biomass of ZY16-inoculated plants was observed. The soil total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation percentage (a metric of phytoremediation) after incubation with ZY16 was 63.2%, representing an elevation of 25.7% over phytoremediation without ZY16 inoculation. Our study should promote the application of endophytic B. safensis ZY16 in phytoremediation by extending our understanding of the mutualistic interactions between endophytes and their host plants.

Background: As one of the main pathogens causing tea anthracnose disease, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides has brought immeasurable impact on the sustainable development of agriculture. Given the adverse effects of chemical pesticides to the environment and human health, biological control has been a focus of the research on this pathogen. Bacillus altitudinis GS-16, which was isolated from healthy tea leaves, had exhibited strong antagonistic activity against tea anthracnose disease., Methods: The antifungal mechanism of the endophytic bacterium GS-16 against C. gloeosporioides 1-F was determined by dual-culture assays, pot experiments, cell membrane permeability, cellular contents, cell metabolism, and the activities of the key defense enzymes., Results: We investigated the possible mechanism of strain GS-16 inhibiting 1-F. In vitro , the dual-culture assays revealed that strain GS-16 had significant antagonistic activity (92.03%) against 1-F and broad-spectrum antifungal activity in all tested plant pathogens. In pot experiments, the disease index decreased to 6.12 after treatment with GS-16, indicating that strain GS-16 had a good biocontrol effect against tea anthracnose disease (89.06%). When the PE extract of GS-16 treated mycelial of 1-F, the mycelial appeared deformities, distortions, and swelling by SEM observations. Besides that, compared with the negative control, the contents of nucleic acids, protein, and total soluble sugar of GS-16 group were increased significantly, indicating that the PE extract of GS-16 could cause damage to integrity of 1-F. We also found that GS-16 obviously destroyed cellular metabolism and the normal synthesis of cellular contents. Additionally, treatment with GS-16 induced plant resistance by increasing the activities of the key defense enzymes PPO, SOD, CAT, PAL, and POD., Conclusions: We concluded that GS-16 could damage cell permeability and integrity, destroy the normal synthesis of cellular contents, and induce plant resistance, which contributed to its antagonistic activity. These findings indicated that strain GS-16 could be used as an efficient microorganism for tea anthracnose disease caused by C. gloeosporioides ., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2024 Wu et al.)