Application Of Microbial Consortium Research Articles

Integrated Nutrient Management of Papaya (Carica papaya L.): Application of Microbial Consortium Enriched Organic Manures for Yield and Fruit Quality Enhancement

An experiment was undertaken to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of papaya under Kerala conditions. The trial was conducted in RBD. Papaya variety used for the study was Surya with ten treatments. The results revealed that the applications of microbial consortium enriched organic manures in papaya plants (NPK (25 %) as PGPR mix-1 enriched vermicompost along with N, P and K 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers fertilizers ( 240 N: 240 P2O5: 480 K2O (g plant-1) + 10 kg FYM) resulted in the highest number of fruit production, enhanced fruit weight , total fruit yield per plant. It also resulted in the production of fruits with highest fruit length, girth, pulp percentage and flesh thickness. Fruit quality characters like high TSS, less acidity, higher carotenoid content, ascorbic acid content, highest total sugar content and reducing sugar content were enhanced in papaya. Organoleptic characters of fruit were also enhanced by adopting integrated nutrient management in papaya . Papaya being an important fruit crop of Kerala gaining importance nowadays. Integrated nutrient management (INM) involves efficient and judicious supply of all major and micro components of plant nutrients including local available resources on sustainable basis. Papaya is known to be a heavy feeder of nutrients (NPK) and information regarding the effect of INM is more important

Retting with efficient microbial consortium helps in improving jute fibre quality and profitability: a study in Eastern India

Aim: To determine the effect of application of microbial consortium for faster retting of jute (Corchorus spp.) over conventional retting without microbial consortium on jute fibre recovery and fibre quality improvement. Methodology: Large scale retting trials of jute were conducted in five important jute growing districts of West Bengal, India for four consecutive years with and without microbial consortium. After completion of jute retting, fibre was extracted manually, processed and dry fibre weight was recorded. Jute fibre samples were collected and analysed for fibre quality parameters. The fibre strength was estimated using electronic fibre bundle strength tester, fibre fineness by air flow method and root content is measured as the length of fibre up to which root is present out of the total length of the fibre and is expressed as percent length. Results: Application of microbial consortium reduced the retting duration and root content in jute fibre in all the locations irrespective of years. The jute fibre recovery increased by 9.64 to 10.97% and 9.73 to 10.63% with microbial consortium over without microbial consortium respectively in different locations and different years under study. The maximum jute fibre yield with (33.17 q ha-1) and without microbial consortium (29.89 q ha-1) was recorded in Murshidabad district. Nadia district recorded significantly higher fibre strength of 24.92 g tex-1 and lowest retting duration of 11.92 days with microbial consortium among all the locations. Interpretation: The application of microbial consortium improved the fibre recovery and fibre quality leading to the increase in net income by ₹15624 to ₹18017 ha-1 of jute farmers. Hence, the application of microbial consortium for jute retting can be used extensively by the jute farming community in jute growing states of India for faster retting of jute along with quality fibre production, higher net income and doubling farmers’ income. Key words: Corchorus spp., Fibre quality, Jute retting, Microbial consortiu

Application of Microbial Consortium to the Pilot-Scale Treatment of Primary Treated Sewage Wastewater

Application of Microbial Consortium to the Pilot-Scale Treatment of Primary Treated Sewage Wastewater

Influence of application of microbial consortium on established mulberry plantation under temperate climatic conditions

Influence of application of microbial consortium on established mulberry plantation under temperate climatic conditions

Microbes-assisted phytoremediation of lead and petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated water by water hyacinth

An experiment was carried out to explore the impact of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs)-degrading microbial consortium (MC) on phytoremediation ability and growth of water hyacinth (WH) plants in water contaminated with lead (Pb) and PHs. Buckets (12-L capacity) were filled with water and WH plants, PHs (2,400 mg L−1) and Pb (10 mg L−1) in respective buckets. Plants were harvested after 30 days of transplanting and results showed that PHs and Pb substantially reduced the agronomic (up to 62%) and physiological (up to 49%) attributes of WH plants. However, the application of MC resulted in a substantial increase in growth (38%) and physiology (22%) of WH plants over uninoculated contaminated control. The WH + MC were able to accumulate 93% Pb and degrade/accumulate 72% of PHs as compared to initial concentration. Furthermore, combined use of WH plants and MC in co-contamination of PHs and Pb, reduced Pb and PHs contents in water by 74% and 68%, respectively, than that of initially applied concentration. Our findings suggest that the WH in combination with PHs-degrading MC could be a suitable nature-based water remediation technology for organic and inorganic contaminants and in future it can be used for decontamination of mix pollutants from water bodies.

Review: Synthetic Microbial Consortia in Bioremediation and Biodegradation

Since ancient times, we have worked with microbial consortia in a variety of contexts, including wastewater treatment, the production of biogas, additionally to biodegradation and bio cleansing. The great ability of microbial consortiums is, however, a very long way from being completely realized. Last few years have seen a surge in interest in biosynthesis and bioprocessing related to the understanding and use of microbial consortia. It can be difficult to implement complex tasks in a single population. Synthetic consortiums of microorganisms have long utilized in biotechnology procedures like waste management, agricultural farming, and fermentation. Today, microbial consortiums are being engineered for a range of uses by synthetic biologists. The division of collaborative work in consortia is crucial for the breakdown of environmental contaminants that are persistent, cultures need to be resilient to the complicated environment, which often needs several phases. As a result, bioremediation may greatly benefit from the use of synthetic microbial consortiums [1]. The created and improved synthetic microbial community can operate as a culture (seed culture) for ex situ remediation methods including biodegradation in smaller reactors and bio augmentation of in situ bioremediation practices. In order to prevent genetic contamination from environmental microorganisms, the use of designed microbial consortia is currently, to a large degree, restricted in carefully monitored bioprocesses. In this review, an overview of undefined naturally occurring microbial consortia and their application was discussed. We introduced the notion of synthetic microbial consortia, system biology, we discussed Importance of synthetic microbial consortia with relevant examples of how they add value to bio refineries. We did an overview of microbial consortia in biotechnological process, application of microbial consortia in bioremediation and biodegradation was further discussed.

Effect of Drip Fertigation of Nitrogen, Potassium and Microbial Consortium on Growth, Yield, Water Productivity and Economics of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted on maize (Zea mays L.) during rabi (November to February), 2018–19 to study the effect of drip fertigation of Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K) and microbial consortium (MC) on growth, yield, water productivity and economics at Water Technology Centre, PJTSAU, Hyderabad, Telangana state, India. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design and replicated thrice. The treatments, comprising of two fertility levels viz., 75% and 100% recommended dose (RD) of N and K as first factor and biofertigation of Microbial Consortium (MC) as second factor. The interaction effect between RD of N and K and biofertigation of MC was not significant. Significantly higher LAI, DMP, grain yield and water productivity was recorded with fertigation of 100% RD N and K compared to 75% RD N and K. Biofertigation of MC 5 times and 3 times recorded significantly higher LAI, DMP, grain yield and water productivity. Net returns recorded with fertigation of 75% and 100% RD of N and K were not significantly different. Among biofertigation of MC, significantly higher net returns were observed in biofertigation of MC five times and was on par with biofertigation of MC three times. 75% RD of N and K recorded higher B:C ratio and was on par with 100% RD N and K in fertigation levels. Among biofertigation of MC, there was no significant difference in B:C ratio was observed between biofertigation of MC five times and three times and were significantly superior over soil application of MC.

Integrated Nutrient Management Fostered Economic Yield and Bioactive Principle of Medicinal Herb (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) in Saline Soil of Semi-Arid Region of Western India

ABSTRACT In this investigation, cultivation of an economically important medicinal plant (Senna, Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) was explored in saline soil for improving productivity and quality through effective nutrient management practices. Field experiments were conducted in two consecutive growing seasons in saline soils of semi-arid region, where recommended dose fertilizer (RDF) supplied through organic (vermicompost) and inorganic (chemical) source alone or in combination with local microbial consortia (MC). Plant growth and nutrition significantly improved due to integration of organic and inorganic fertilizer alone or in combination with MC. The results also reflected in economic yield (leaf + pod) of senna where 29–37% increase in leaf and 57–76% increase in pod yield was recorded over control. The results revealed that integration of organic and chemical fertilizer along with MC recorded significant higher leaf (1682 kg ha−1) and pod (488 kg ha−1) yield as compared to the other treatment. Sennocide content in leaf and pod was significantly improved by organic as well as integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizer. However, the highest sennocide content in leaf (2.81%) and pod (3.11%) was recorded in integrated application of organic fertilizer and MC. Additionally, integrated application of organic and chemical fertilizer was found effective in restoring organic carbon, increasing the amount of available nutrients (N, P, and K), and enhancing the biological activity of the saline soil. Therefore, integration of organic and chemical fertilizer as well as MC has potential to improve yield and quality of senna through enhanced soil fertility and biological function.

Even allocation of benefits stabilizes microbial community engaged in metabolic division of labor.

Microbial communities execute metabolic pathways to drive global nutrient cycles. Within a community, functionally specialized strains can perform different yet complementary steps within a linear pathway, a phenomenon termed metabolic division of labor (MDOL). However, little is known about how such metabolic behaviors shape microbial communities. Here, we derive a theoretical framework to define the assembly of a community that degrades an organic compound through MDOL. The framework indicates that to ensure community stability, the strains performing the initial steps should hold a growth advantage (m) over the "private benefit" (n) of the strain performing the last step. The steady-state frequency of the last strain is then determined by the quotient of n and m. Our experiments show that the framework accurately predicts the assembly of our synthetic consortia that degrade naphthalene through MDOL. Our results provide insights for designing and managing stable microbial systems for metabolic pathway optimization.

Synergism of Beneficial Microbes Helps to Rejuvenate Flood and Landslide Affected Soils for Sustainable Agriculture – A Review

Climatic disasters, like floods and landslides, are the major causes for the decline in soil fertility or soilorganic matter. Soil organic matter influences the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil; it isthe fundamental aspect that discloses soil health. Microorganisms in the soil environment participate acritical task in the enhancement of soil nutrients and soil fertility. Even though microbial bioinoculants arewidely studied for improving agriculture, the application of microbial consortium for the restoration oforganic matter or soil fertility in the flood and landslide depleted soils are yet to be exploited. The part ofliving biomass, i.e. soil microorganisms in restoring soil organic matter seems to be crucial, as microbes arethe major drivers in escalating organic matter in the soil. The living biomass recycles the nutrients in thesoil by utilizing the plant and animal litter in the soil and offers the crops adequate nutrients. Thus,microorganisms can force the accumulation of stable and chemically diverse soil organic matter in poorfertile soils. Exploring such vibrant, complex advantageous interactions among microorganisms seemsimperative to replenish organic matter exhausted soil. This article reviews the relevance of soil organicmatter, the role of soil microorganisms in improving soil organic matter and emphasizes the need forintensive research in raising beneficial microbiome for replenishing soil organic matter and thus to rejuvenatethe flood and landslide depleted soils to sustain agriculture.

Effect of Biofertigation and Chemical Fertilizers on Yield Attributes and Yield of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted on maize (Zea mays L.) during rabi (November - February), 2018–19 to study the effect of drip fertigation of Nitrogen (N), Potassium(K) and microbial consortium (MC) at Water Technology Centre, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice. The treatments, comprising of two fertility levels viz., 75% and 100% recommended dose (RD) of N&K as first factor and biofertigation of MC as second factor. The interaction effect between RD of N, K and biofertigation of MC was not significant. Significantly higher cob length, cob girth, number of rows cob-1, cob weight, number of grains cob-1 and grain weight cob-1 were recorded with fertigation of 100% RD of N&Kcompared to 75% RD of N&K and five MC biofertigation recorded significantly higher cob length, cob girth, number of rows cob-1, cob weight , number of grains cob-1 and grain weight cob-1 than that of treatment without application of MC and was on par with biofertigation of MC three times. Maize grain and stover yield recorded with 100% RD of N&K were significantly higher compared to 75% RD of N&K. Biofertigation of MC five times and three times were on par and recorded significantly higher grain and stover yield compared to treatment without application of MC. Significantly lower grain and stover yield were observed under treatment without application of MC

Effects of Multi-Species Microbial Inoculants on Early Wheat Growth and Litterbag Microbial Activity

The use of microbial consortia (MC) with complementing features is considered to be a promising method of sustainable crop intensification, potentially trumping the limited performance of single-strain applications. We assessed the effect of two novel MC on early wheat growth and litterbag microbial activity in heated and unheated soil. Pot experiments were carried out in duplicate in a greenhouse over 63 days using a completely randomized design with six replications. A range of parameters of plant growth and nutrient uptake were regularly assessed and statistically analyzed by ANOVA. The litterbag-NIRS method was used to trace the microbial activity. Averaged over both trials, soil heating resulted in a significant increase in shoot biomass (+53%) and subsequent nitrogen uptake (+307 mg N pot−1) but strongly reduced root development (−46%) compared with unheated soil. The application of MC had no effect on wheat growth in the heated soil. By contrast, in the unheated soil, shoot (+12%) and root (+15%) biomass and shoot nitrogen uptake (+11%) were significantly increased after double inoculation with MC compared with autoclaved MC. The litterbag-NIRS method confirmed clear effects of soil heating on microbial activity. Differences between MC application and the control were noted, indicating a buffering effect of MC.

Consorcios microbianos aplicados en un sistema de producción de plántulas de aguacate cultivar “Criollo”

The application of microbial consortia in a production system of avocado seedlings (Persea americana Mill.) cultivar ‘Criollo’ was evaluated and as well as its incidence in the development and nutritional status of the seedlings. Four treatments were evaluated, arranged in a completely randomized block design (DBCA). The seeds used in the trial were sown in sterile substrate (organic soil and perlite; 3:1) placed in nursery bags (polyethylene, capacity: 2.2 kg). Microorganism inoculations (Glomus spp, Trichoderma spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp.) were performed at 70, 100, 120 and 150 days after sowing (DAS). The variables plant height, stem diameter and greenery index were evaluated throughout the trial (80, 110, 140 and 170 DAS); while at the end of the trial (170 DAS) the concentration of nutrients in tissue and dry matter of stems, leaves and roots were evaluated. Statistically significant differences were obtained at 170 DDS for the variables: plant height, stem diameter and greenery index; the analysis of tissue nutrient concentration reported values ​​within the parameters appropriate for the species and an increase in Cu concentration. This investigation evidenced the favorable effect of the microorganisms evaluated in the development of the seedlings, as well as the assimilation of nutrients.

Engineering microbial consortia of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Escherichia coli strains for the biosynthesis of vitamin K2

BackgroundThe study and application of microbial consortia are topics of interest in the fields of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. In this study, we report the design and optimisation of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Escherichia coli co-culture, which bypass certain limitations found during the molecular modification of E. meningoseptica, such as resistance to many antibiotics and fewer available molecular tools.ResultsThe octaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase from E. meningoseptica sp. F2 (EmOPPS) was expressed, purified, and identified in the present study. Then, owing to the low vitamin K2 production by E. coli or E. meningoseptica sp. F2 monoculture, we introduced the E. meningoseptica and E. coli co-culture strategy to improve vitamin K2 biosynthesis. We achieved production titres of 32 mg/L by introducing vitamin K2 synthesis-related genes from E. meningoseptica sp. F2 into E. coli, which were approximately three-fold more than the titre achieved with E. meningoseptica sp. F2 monoculture. This study establishes a foundation for further engineering of MK-n (n = 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) in a co-cultivation system of E. meningoseptica and E. coli. Finally, we analysed the surface morphology, esterase activity, and membrane permeability of these microbial consortia using scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and flow cytometry, respectively. The results showed that the co-cultured bacteria were closely linked and that lipase activity and membrane permeability improved, which may be conducive to the exchange of substances between bacteria.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that co-culture engineering can be a useful method in the broad field of metabolic engineering of strains with restricted molecular modifications.

Construction of Synthetic Microbial Ecosystems and the Regulation of Population Proportion

With the development of synthetic biology, the design and application of microbial consortia have received increasing attention. However, the construction of synthetic ecosystems is still hampered by our limited ability to rapidly develop microbial consortia with the required dynamics and functions. By using modular design, we constructed synthetic competitive and symbiotic ecosystems with Escherichia coli. Two ecological relationships were realized by reconfiguring the layout between the communication and effect modules. Furthermore, we designed inducible synthetic ecosystems to regulate subpopulation ratios. With the addition of different inducers, a wide range of strain ratios between subpopulations was achieved. These inducible synthetic ecosystems enabled a larger volume of population regulation and simplified culture conditions. The synthetic ecosystems we constructed combined both basic and applied functionalities and expanded the toolkit of synthetic biology research.

Use of microbial consortium along with biosurfactants in oil sludge treatment

Due to the excessive use of various oils, a large amount of oil sludge or waste water is produced annually which is causing various environmental and health issues. Bioremediation through the use of microbial consortium is an effective method. The use of consortium instead of single specie of bacteria has shown 89-94% improved results. However the microbes are still not able to work effectively due to bioavailability issues. This is mainly because of the low solubility of hydrophobic contaminants and microbes. This problem is overcome by use of biosurfactants which enhance the solubility and emulsification of hydrophobic substrates and microbes. These biosurfactants are produced by various organisms (mainly microbes) which are later isolated and used. Certain new and efficient insitu techniques are used for the application of microbial consortium which includes suspended growth, attached growth and hybrid growth. Waste water treated this way can be reused in the refinery procedures or can be dumped safely.

Physiological responses of clove seedlings applied with different microbial consortium in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere

Rhizhosphere and phyllosphere serve as habitat for many kinds of plant-associated mikrobial. This study aims to determine the effect of application of microbial consortium in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere of clove seedlings on the plant physiological parameters. The study was conducted as a factorial experiment with two factors based on the randomized blocked design. Application of microbial consortium of Azotobacter sp., Lactobacillus sp., Bacillus subtilis, and Trichoderma sp. in the rhizosphere was set as the first factor, consisted of four levels, namely control (0 mL), 4, 6, and 8 mL. The second factor was the application of the microbial consortium of Gliocladium sp. and Beauveria bassiana in the phyllosphere consisted of four levels, namely control (0 mL), 2, 4, and 6 mL. The physiological parameters observed included observations on the components of leaf stomata, light intensity, and leaf chlorophyll. The resuls show that the best microbial consortium treatment that gave better physiological response of the clove seedlings was 8mL/plant in the plant rhizosphere, and 6mL/plant in the plant phyllosphere. However, there were no significant difference on the effect of the application of these microbial consortiums in the rhizosphere and the phyllosphere applied simultaneously compared to controls, meaning that the treatment application was 8mL/plant or 6mL/plants. Some influence directly and indirectly from the microbial consortium both in the rhizosphere and the phyllosphere was on the physiological parameters of the light and leaf chlorophyll components, but not significant for the stomata component.

Subsoiling Affecting Soil Quality Parameters and Sugarcane Yield in Multiratooning System in Subtropical India

ABSTRACT Soil compaction in the plow layer of soils is becoming a serious concern because of conventional tillage practices adopted by sugarcane growers utilizing a rotavator, particularly in medium to heavy textured soils. Continuous use of machinery causes compaction in the plow layer; thus strategic tillage practices have become an essential component in intensive agriculture. Keeping these points in view, a field experiment was conducted in split plot design considering four pre-plant tillage treatments, i.e., (i) one subsoiling (SS) followed by two harrowings (H) (ii) subsoiling alone and direct planting through Sugarcane Cutter Planter (SS) (iii) one plowing through moldboard (MB) plow and two harrowings (MB+H) (iv) and conventional practice (CP) in main plots and three ratoon management treatments viz., (i) HW:Three hand weedings (HW) (ii) integrated weed management (IWM), trash mulching at the time of ratoon initiation and application of microbial consortia (TM +MC) in subplots. Results on bulk density in surface and subsurface layers indicated a significant reduction due to subsoiling. Higher availability of N (252 to 310.2 kg ha−1) was analyzed with adoption of subsoiling as compared to conventional practice (218.4 to 224 kg N ha−1). Subsoiling improved soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) by 39% to 73% and 32.20% to 46% as compared to conventional practice in 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depth, respectively. Among all the primary tillage treatments, sub soiling enhanced SMBC at the highest level (1574 mg C/kg soil/day in 0–15 cm soil depth). Sugarcane (97.26 t ha−1) and sugar (11.87 t ha−1) yields also improved significantly under subsoiling as compared to other pre-plant tillage treatments. Subsoiling before planting also increased mean ratoon cane (117.6 t ha−1) and sugar yields (14.48 t/ha). In addition to trash mulching and application of microbial consortia in ratoon crop proved effective for sustaining higher ratoon yields in sugarcane. Short title: Minimum tillage affecting soil quality parameters and sugarcane yield

Changes in the proximate and elemental composition of Alitropus typus (Crustacea: Flabellifera: Aegidae) exposed to lethal dose of bacterial consortium.

Alitropus typus is a crustacean parasite, which is increasingly becoming a menace to aquafarmers. In our previous study, a novel microbial consortium comprising of three exoskeleton degrading bacterial strains (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Bacillus altitudinis and Klebsiella pneumoniae) had shown promising results as a biocontrol agent for A. typus. The present investigation reports the changes in proximate and elemental composition associated with the application of microbial consortium on the isopod A. typus. Proximate analysis showed an increased level of protein, lipid, and moisture in treated isopod at 48h compared with untreated isopod. However, ash and chitin concentrations were lower in treated isopod. The elements in the mid-tergite of untreated isopod was compared with the treated isopod at 48h using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX). The following elements were analyzed in the mid-tergite segment of untreated isopod: C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca and Fe. The results showed that the concentration of calcium had decreased significantly in the treated isopod at 48h (4.28 ± 0.11%) when compared to the untreated isopod (10.01 ± 0.32%), indicating that the bound form of calcium carbonate in the exoskeleton had been precipitated by microbial action. The concentration of carbon and phosphorous was higher in the treated isopods at 48h compared to the untreated ones. The data suggests that treatment with microbial consortium is not only an effective but also an environmentally safe alternative for the control of A. typus.

Impact of microbial consortia on microbial population and available nutrients in soil under soybean crop

The present investigation was conducted to see the effect of microbial consortia on microbial population, available nutrients in soil and yield of soybean grown during 2018-19 under an ongoing All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity and Biofertilizers at the Research Farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Coinoculation in the form of a consortium with Pseudomonas fluorescens (PGPR) Actinomycetes (Actino) and Arthrobacter (Arthro) was found beneficial in enhancing yield of soybean. Application of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with microbial consortium (PGPR+Actino+Arthro) recorded significantly higher amounts of available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) which resulted in 43, 30 and 37 per cent, respectively over that of fertilized uninoculated control. Similarly, plots receiving RDF+PGPR+Actino+Arthro recorded significantly higher populations of Actinomycetes, Arthrobacter and PGPR at 25, 45 and 65 days after sowing which were 1.71, 1.42 and 1.52 log fold; 1.32, 1.28 and 1.31 log fold; and 1.56, 1.35 and 1.44 log fold, respectively over that of fertilized uninoculated control. In almost all cases, the treatment combinations of RDF+PGPR+Arthro, RDF+PGPR+Actino and RDF+Arthro+Actino exhibited similar performances. Seed and stover yields of soybean increased by 44 and 61 per cent, respectively over that of fertilized uninoculated control. It may be concluded that application of microbial consortia may be followed for enhancing soybean yield, available soil nutrients and microbial populations by direct as well as indirect beneficial effect.