Bacillus Megatherium Research Articles

Maximizing Productivity of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Plants in Sandy Soils Using Environmental Safe Fertilizers

Recent fertilization strategies in the world show that the use of environment safe fertilizers is of great importance to decrease the harmful effects of fertilizers on environment and human health, especially in the newly reclaimed soils. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of some environmental safe fertilizers (i.e., organic and bio fertilizers) in different sources on sandy soil productivity of peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L.). The used organic fertilizers were farmyard manure (FYM), solid plant compost (SPC), enriched compost tea with humic substances (ECT) and mixture of FYM and ECT, while the used bio- fertilizers were B1 (Azospirillum braselinse (local strain) + Bacillus megatherium (local strain) + Azotobacter chroococcum (local strain)) and B2 (Bradyrhizobium sp. (strain (USDA 3456)) + Serratia marcescens (strain MH6) + Psuedomonas fluorescens (strain IFO 2034)). The obtained data showed the superior increase effect of ECT followed by FYM+ECT applications straw, pods and seed yields straw and seeds contents of N, P and K as well as seeds contents of protein and oil. Similar increase for all determined parameters were found in the plants inoculated by B2 compared to that with B1. Thus, use of both organic and bio- fertilizers in the fertilization strategy of sandy soil is very important and also may be economically

Effects of bacteria and nitrogen fertilizer on promoting maize (Zea mays L.) growth, yield and chemical constituents

A field experiment was carried out during two successive summer seasons (2016/ 2017- 2017/2018), at the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Sciences and Technology, to assess the effect of bacterial strains, nitrogen and their combinations on the performances of two maize genotypes Hudibi2 (C1) and ZML309 (C2). The form of two types of bacterial strains Bacillus megatherium var. phosphorous + Azotobacter spp + Azospirillium spp (B1) and Bacillus megatherium var. phosphorous + Azotobacter spp + Flavobacterium spp (B2), nitrogen applied at rates of 80kg/f (N) plus control. The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in four replicates. The results showed that the combinations of B1 and B2 with N increased plant growth compared to B1, B2, and N each alone at both seasons. The general trend was the combinations (B2+N, B1+N) had significant effect on all growth parameters in both seasons. Yield components increased with combination (B2+N) followed by (B1+N), the maximum seed yield (5.0 and 2.8t/ha) was achieved by the interaction of (C2*B2+N) in the first season and (C2*B1+N) in the second season, respectively. Generally, in among all treatments, the combination of B2+N increased nitrogen content, crude protein and fiber irrespective to maize genotypes. Moreover, C2 showed the highest values as compared to C1. In conclusion, improvement in maize plant growth and yield are more prominent and significant when genotype ZML309 inoculated with Bacillus megatherium var. phosphorous + Azotobacter spp + Flavobacterium spp and supplemented with 80kg/f nitrogen.

INTEGRATED REGIME OF BIO., ORGANIC AND MINERAL FERTILIZATION FOR PEANUT IN SANDY SOIL

This study were carried out on sandy soil Experimental Farm. Agricultural research Center “ARC”, Ismailia Government, Egypt to evaluate one of integrated fertilization system of peanut Arochishypogaea (variety Giza 5) Plant. This system cosist of mineral-N at two application rates of 25 and 40 kg N fed-1 two mixtures of biofertilizersi.e B1 Azospirillum braselinse, local strain, Bacillus megatherium, local strain and Azotobacter chroococcum, local strain and B2 Bradyrhizobium.sp , strain(USDA 3456), Serratia marcescens, strain MH6 and Psuedomonas fluorescens, strain IFO 2034 which appeared at a rate of 300 g/ 50 kg seeds and organic fertilizers in different sources i.e farmyard manure (FYM), solid plant residues (SPC), enriched compost tee (ECT) and mixture of FYM+ECT, where solid organic fertilizer were added at a rate of 75 L fed -1. The mixture treatment consists of 2.5 t FYM fed-1 + 37.5 L ECT fed-1. Plant sample were taken randomly from each replicates at growth periods of 45, 70 and harvest day. The studied treatment were arranged within split split design in three replicates. At 45 and 70 old days, number of nodules and its weight plant -1 and fresh and dray weights shoots plant as well as shoots content of N, P and K increased significantly as a result of individual and combined applications of the used mineral-N, bio and organic fertilizers. In addition, at harvesting stage, dray weight of both shoots and seeds content of protein and oil were increased significantly with all fertilization treatments under study.

EFFECT OF MINERAL NITROGEN AND BIOFERTILIZER APPLICATION ON NODULATION EFFICIENCY AND GROWTH OF PEANUT PLANTS GROWN ON A SANDY SOIL TREATED WITH ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

A field experiment was carried out on a sandy soil of Experimental Farm, Ismailia Research Station, Soils, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt, during two successive growth summer seasons, i.e. 2016 and 2017 on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Giza 5 cv., to study the individual and combined effect of applications of mineral N fertilization levels (25 and 40 kg N / fed., ammonium sulphate, 20.3 % N).Four resources of organic fertilizers (farmyard manure “FYM” , solid plant compost “SPC” , enriched compost tea “ECT” and FYM+ECT) and two different mixtures of biofertilizers (B1 and B2) on nodulation efficiency and growth of peanut plants. B1 consists of Azospirillum braselinse (local strain) +Bacillus megatherium (local strain) +Azotobacter chroococcum (local strain); while B2 consists of Bradyrhizobium.sp ( strain (USDA 3456)) + Serratia marcescens ( strain MH6) +Psuedomonas fluorescens (strain IFO 2034). Application rate of SPC, FYM were 5 ton / fed., while ECT was 75 L/fed (fed is 0.42 ha). The treatment of FYM+ECT was carried out at a rate of 2.5 ton FYM / fed. + 37.5 L ECT/ fed. The layout of the experiment was a split-split-plot design, with the main plots arranged in a randomized complete blocks design, with three replicates. The results showed that, a marked significant increases in both nodules (number and dry matter) formed on the roots of peanut plants as well as the dry matter of shoots of peanut plants owing to the used fertilization treatments as compared to the control. The highest values of nodulation (number and weight) and shoots dry weights were found in the plants fertilized by triple combinations of mineral N, organic and biofertilizers followed by those found duo to the dual combinations. Data also showed a superior increase of applied B2 and addition of ECT than that obtained for B1 and either of than other organic fertilizers on nodules number as shoots dry weight of peanut plants at growth period of 45 days. Generally, data showed an importance role of mineral N and bio-fertilizers application on sandy soil fertility of sandy soil treated with organic fertilizers and its productivity of peanut plants.

Organic Cowpea “Vigna unguiculatea” Production by Smart Agritechnique of Organic Fertilizers Mixture ”OFM” and Vermitea Levels and Beneficial Microbes “BM”

Positive response of cowpea to three levels (4, 6 and 8 t/fed.) of MOF “the mixture of 25% vermicompost+ 25% chicken manure+25% cow dump+25% plant composted” alone and in combination with beneficial microbes B.M. (the mixture of Azotobacter, Bacillus megatherium and Bacillus circulance) and three times of vermitea (VTS3) were adding (3 times on soil drench) were studied. Two field experiments were carried out at a private farm El Amryia, Egypt in two different sites. Experimental field was laid out with 13 treatments in RCBD with three replicates. On results, T13=MOF (8T/fed.)+B.M.+VTS3 gave the highest mean values of plant height (281.5cm), No. of branches (12.7), No. of pods/plant (37.6), total chlorophyll (60.25 SPAD) in leaves, pod weight (141.0 g/plant) and total pod yield (2924.704 kg/fed) as an average of both sites. The lowest means values at T1 “the control” were (81.6 cm, 2.8, 10.6, 16.8 SPAD, 39.3 g/plant and 815.555 kg/fed as an average of both sites, respectively). As well as; T13 lead to significant increases in grain quality of (N, P and K % and proteins %) were (4.7,0.5,0.9 % and 29.8%, respectively) compared to T1 (1.0, 0.11, 0.21and 6.7%, respectively). While T13 was caused significantly increases in mean values by the mixture of bio-organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides provided best results in vegetative growth, total pod yield and grain quality more than T1 in poor nutrients soil. Organic cowpea was produced by bio-organic fertilizers “MOF+B.M.” and vermitea “VTS” really “chemicals free”, health protection, cost lowest and environmental friendly.

Effect of Bio-Fertilization and Foliar Spraying with some Micro-Elements on Growth and Productivity of Two Faba Bean Cultivars

The aim of this study was to investigate the response of two faba bean cultivars (Misr-1 and Giza-40) to bio-fertilizers (Bacillus megatherium var. phosphaticum and Psedomonas) and foliar spraying with some micro- elements (Fe- Zn and Mn) on growth, yield and seeds quality. Two field experiments were carried out during winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 at the Experimental Farm of Agricultural Res. Center, Al-Azhar University , Assuit Governorate, Egypt. Split-split plot design was used with three replicates , where faba bean cultivars were assigned to the main plots , foliar spraying were distributed randomaly in the sub plots and bio-fertilizers were located in the sub-sub plots . Results concluded that faba bean cultivars exhibited significant difference in plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, seed yield/plant, 100-seed weight , straw yield/fed , protein and phosphorus percentage of seeds in both seasons while faba bean cultivars exhibited significant difference in seed yield/fed in first season only. Where, cultivar Misr-1 superior to Giza-40 in all studied characters. Also, micro elements foliar application caused a signification increases in all studied characters. Where, the highest values were recorded with Fe spraying in both seasons. Also, application of phosphorein induced significant increases in all previous characters in both seasons. Therefore , this study recommends that Misr-1 cultivar inoculation with phosphorein and foliar spraying with Iron in order to improve the production of faba bean under the condition of Assuit Governorate, Egypt.

Effect of Mineral Fertilizers and Biofertilization on some Soil Properties and Faba Bean Productivity under Saline Soil Conditions

In winter 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons, two field experiments were carried out in Gelbana village, at private farm, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of 50% and 25% of NPK addition rates recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture (40 kg N fed.-1, 100 kg P2O5 and 70 kg K2O fed.-1 ) using biofertilization with Rhiobium radiobacter sp. Strain (fixed nitrogen), Bacillus megatherium as (dissolving phosphate bacteria) and Bacillus circulans (enhancing potassium availability) on some soil properties and faba bean yield, yield attributes and chemical composition content of two faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars. i.e., Nubaria 1 and Masr 3. 100-seed weight gave the highest value (98.85 g) when plants of Misr 3 treated with full NPK fertilizer recommended dose + biofertilization. Pod yield, N, P and K content as well as N, P and K-uptake by faba bean (Nubaria1) seeds gave the maximum values under Biofertilization + full NPK fertilizer recommended dose (full-RD). Seed yield and protein content were increased significantly and gave the highest values due to the treatment of Biofertilization + 75% of NPK fertilizer (¾RD) for Nubaria1 plants. Highest yield efficiency (97.25%) was obtained due to Biofertilization + 75% of NPK fertilizer (¾RD) for Misr3 plants. Fertilized treatments in combination with biofertilization decreased values of soil EC and pH and increased soil available N, P and K content after harvest when plants treated with Biofertilization + full NPK-RD which was ascendant to the other treatments and gave the highest with Misr 3 variety.

Promotion of growth, yield and fiber quality attributes of Egyptian cotton by bacillus strains in combination with mineral fertilizers

Implementation of proper management practices using biological approaches is important to maintain soil quality and cotton yield in sandy desert soils of Egypt. This experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Experimental farm, Kafer El-Sheikh governorate, Cotton Research Institute of Egypt during 2016–2017 seasons to study the effect of inoculation with bacterial strains of Bacillus circulance (BC) and Bacillus megatherium (BM) and their co-inoculation in combinations with 50% and 100% of recommended dose fertilization (RDF) on growth, yield, and fiber properties of Egyptian cotton Giza-94. Results showed that all important morphological attributes of cotton such as plant growth, number of fruit sympodial branches, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, lint cotton yield and fiber properties significantly increased with the increase rate of RDF, and inoculation of cotton seeds with the bacterial strains exerted additive effects. The highest increase of cotton yield was observed at the combined use of bacterial strains BC + BM with 50% RDF followed by BC + BM with 100% RDF treatment which attributed on the cotton yield increase by 33% and 15% compared to the respective control. The application of Bacillus strains as a biofertilizer could be an alternative option to reduce considerable amounts of chemical fertilizers input by enhancing nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and, thereby, improves cotton productivity.

Role of Mineral and Bio-fertilizers on Some Soil Properties and Rice Productivity under Reclaimed Saline Soils

A field experiment (randomized complete blocks with three replicates) was conducted during two successive summer seasons of 2016 and 2017 at Sahl El-Houssinia Agriculture Research Station in El-Shakia Governorate, Egypt. Its lies between 32˚00/00 to 32˚15/00/ N latitude and 30˚50 / 00// to 31˚15 00// E longitude. The combined effect of bio-fertilizers inoculated with Rhizobium radiobacter sp strain (salt tolerant PGPR); Bacillus megatherium (dissolving phosphate) and Bacillus circulans (enhancing potassium availability) and yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) combined with different rates of N, P and K fertilizers (50, 75 and 100%) was evaluated on some soil properties, nutrient content in rice plants, and rice productivity in a reclaimed saline soil. From the crop field of the Agricultural Research Institute (ARC), Egypt, 101 grain kernels from rice (Oryza sativa) var. Sakha were selected. 
 The results indicated that soil pH and EC were decreased in soil treated with bio-fertilizers combined with different rates of mineral fertilizers in comparison with soil treated with yeast and control. Available N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn in the soil increased with the use of bio-fertilizers. Application of mineral fertilizers (N, P and K) alone or combined with bio-fertilizers (bacteria and yeast) resulted in increased yield grains and straw of rice plant. Macro- and micronutrients concentrations and uptake in grain and straw of rice plants increased in soil treated with bacteria + 75% N+P+K fertilizers compared with other treatments.

Effect of Bacterial-algal Biostimulant on the Yield and Internal Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Produced for Spring and Summer Crop

Plant biostimulants can enhance crop nutrition status, stress tolerance, yield and quality in environment-friendly manner. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an algae and bacteria preparations on the yield and nutritional parameters of leaf and romaine lettuce cultivated for spring and summer crop. The application of a combined biostimulant consisting of plant growth-promoting bacteria (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megatherium, Azotobacter sp., Azospirillum sp., and Herbaspirillum sp.) and fresh water algae (Chlorella vulgaris) was done by watering the lettuce every 14 days, and a determination of the fresh weight, total antioxidant capacity, and total carotenoids content was performed. The result revealed that the application of bacterial-algal preparation significantly affected the plant weight of both romaine and leaf lettuce in spring and summer seasons. The highest increase in the weight of romaine lettuce reached 18.9% in the spring crop, while in the case of leaf lettuce, biostimulant treatment led to a 22.7% higher weight in the summer crop. Total antioxidant capacity and total carotenoids content showed increased values in the summer crop of romaine lettuce, while for the leaf lettuce there were no differences between treatments. Therefore, the positive effect of bacterial-algal treatment on lettuce yield, total antioxidant capacity and total carotenoids confirm that it could be applied for improving romaine lettuce yield quality and quantity, especially in stress, summer conditions.

EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND BIO-FERTILIZATION ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH, YIELD, AND FRUIT QUALITY OF ‘VALENCIA’ ORANGE TREES

This work was carried out during 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons on 40 years old ‘Valencia’ orange Citrus sinensis (L) Osbek trees grown in light clay soil at a private orchard in Algharbia Governorate, Egypt . The aim of this work was evaluate the effect of organic fertilizater (compost) and biological fertilizater (TS; Bacillus circulance , Bacillus poylmyxa , Candida spp , Trichoderma spp , Bacillus megatherium) on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of Valencia orange trees, as a partial replacement of mineral fertilization. Results indicated that the application of half nutrient requirements as mineral NPK and the other half from organic source ( compost ) in combination with 150 or 200 ml TS showed the best results in terms of vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality. This result confirm the role of organic and biofertilization on plant growth, development, productivity, and fruit quality, compared to the sole use of NPK fertilizers (control), or even when mixed with organic fertilizers. It should also be noticed that the most pronounced effect of the three combined fertilizers was gained by high rates of biofertilizers 200 ml. T.S. Conclusively, results for sure do not nullify the important role of NPK fertilization; instead they revealed that minimizing NPK level to the half in combination with organic and bio- fertilizers was so effective.

EFFECT OF INOCULATION WITH ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND LABELED NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON ROOT COLONIZATION AND SPORE DENSITY OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS

The present study was carried out to study the effect of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and some beneficial microbes under labeled nitrogen (15N) fertilization on AMF root colonization and spore density of some medicinal plants. The occurrences of AMF diversity have been studied in rhizosphere soils of 22 medicinal plants in Sekem Company Farm, and the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization on each plant and the number of spores per 100g rhizosphere soil was calculated. AMF was observed in almost all plants. There were great variations in AMF colonization based on host plant. The highest root infection was observed in black cumin plant, being 77% and the lowest was in parsley plant, being 18.17%. The highest spore population (368/100g rhizosphere soil) was recorded in anise plant and the lowest was observed in lemon grass plant (103/100g rhizosphere soil). The effects of AMF and microbial inoculation under labeled nitrogen fertilizer on root colonization of black cumin and anise plants after 30, 60 and 120 days of cultivation and the rhizosphere spore density at the end of the experiment have been studied. The maximum AMF root colonization in black cumin plant was 83.67% after 120 days in the composite AMF, Azotobacter chroococcum and Bacillus megatherium in the presence of half nitrogen (15N) fertilizer dose, compared with the maximum AMF root colonization in anise plant that reached 76.67% after 120 days in the same treatment and the same nitrogen dose and this may be due to the difference between root exudates of two plants. The highest spore density in black cumin plant was 377/100g soil with the composite treatment in the presence of half nitrogen (15N) fertilizer dose, while in anise plant it was 385/100g soil in the dual inoculation of AMF and Bacillus megatherium using half nitrogen dose.

Enhanced anaerobically digested swine wastewater treatment by the composite of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and Bacillus megatherium G106 derived EPS

A strain was isolated from biological sludge to produce EPS by using anaerobically digested swine wastewater (ADSW). Potential of the EPS in ADSW treatment were discussed. Results showed that the optimal fermentation medium for EPS production was determined as 4 g K2HPO4, 2 g KH2PO4, and 2 g sucrose dissolved in 1 L ADSW. After fermentation for 60 h, 2.98 g EPS with main backbone of polysaccharides can be extracted from 1 L of fermentation broth. The EPS showed good performances in ADSW treatment, after conditioned by this EPS, removal efficiencies of COD, ammonia, and TP reached 70.2%, 76.5% and 82.8%, respectively, which were higher than that obtained when chemicals were selected as conditioning agents. Removal efficiencies were further improved when the EPS and polyaluminum chloride (PAC) were used simultaneously, and finally reached 91.6%, 90.8%, and 92.5%, respectively, under the optimized conditioning process by the composite of EPS of 16 mg/L, PAC of 12 g/L, pH of 7.5, and agitation speed of 200 r/min.

Response of Three Sugar Cane Varieties to Phosphorus Bio Fertilization

NOWADAYS, there is a call for the reduction of the environmental pollution resulted from over application of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, research has been done to investigate the possibility and efficiency of using bio fertilizers. This work was carried out at El-Mattana Agricultural Research Station (latitude of 25.17o N and longitude 32.33o E), Luxor Governorate, Upper Egypt during 2011-2012 season (plant cane crop) and 2012-2013 season (first ratoon crop) to study the effect of different levels of P- bio fertilizer (200, 400 and 600 g P- bio fertilizers /fad) on yield, yield components and quality of three sugarcane varieties (G.T.54-9, G.98-28 and G.99-103). P- bio fertilizer comprises an effective dissolvers strain of phosphate Bacillus megatherium var. Egyptiacum. Randomized complete block design with four replications arranged in split- plots system was used.The results indicated that the examined sugarcane varieties differed significantly. Promising varieties G.99-103 recorded the highest values of number of millable cane /m2, millable cane height, diameter and cane yield, while G.T. 54-9 surpassed in respect to Brix, sucrose , sugar recovery percentages and sugar yield in plant cane and its ratoon crops. Increasing P-bio fertilizer levels up to 600 g/fad significantly increased in number of millable cane /m2, millable cane height, diameter, Brix % sucrose%, sugar recovery%, cane and sugar yields in plant cane and its ratoon crops.It could be concluded that under the conditions of the present work, it is recommended to inoculate G.99-103 or G.T 54-9 sugarcane varieties cuttings by 600 g P-bio fertilizer/fad to produce the highest cane , sugar yield, as well as decrease the environmental pollution.

Influence of toluene and salinity on biosurfactant production by Bacillus sp.: scale up from flasks to a bench-scale bioreactor

ABSTRACT To select the best biosurfactant producer, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus megatherium, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis were cultured in flasks on media with different salinity [low salinity (LS), Bushnell-Haas (BH) and artificial sea water (SW) media] supplemented or not with toluene as a model pollutant. Toluene inhibited the growth of all microorganisms and stimulated the biosurfactant production. B. subtilis exhibited the best performance, being able to lower the surface tension (ST) in the LS medium to 65.5 mN/min in the absence of toluene, and to 46.5 mN/min in the BH medium in the presence of toluene, corresponding to ST reductions of 13.0 and 27.5 mN/m, respectively. Scaling up the process to a bench-scale fermentor, the best results were obtained in the LS medium, where B. subtilis was able to reduce the toluene concentration from 26.0 to 4.3 g/L within 12 h and ST by 17.2 mN/m within 18 h. The results of this study point out that B. subtilis is an interesting biosurfactant producer, which could be used in the bioremediation of toluene-contaminated water.

A rock-weathering bacterium isolated from rock surface and its role in ecological restoration on exposed carbonate rocks

Carbonate rock is widely distributed in the world. Most of the carbonate rock mining areas have been seriously degraded by destructive human activities, resulting in soil erosion, deterioration of vegetation cover, and bare rock. Microbial weathering of minerals is one of the important processes that can promote ecological restoration of such areas. However, bacterial strains vary in their mineral weathering abilities as well as their function in releasing nutrients. Thus, isolation of effective bacterial strains and studies of their mechanism of weathering processes are critical to promote ecological restoration on abandoned carbonate mine land. We isolated the Bacillus megatherium NL-7 from weathered rock surface and screened out as the most efficient strain for the ecological rehabilitation of rocky mine soil. In this study, we found that the rock sample released more Ca2+, Mg2+ with a significant reduction of pH value in fermentation broth cultivated with NL-7 than with inactivated NL-7 (control group, CK). In combination with the results of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), acetic acid produced by bacterial metabolism was thereby considered as the effective component of promoting rock dissolution. This research also demonstrated that NL-7 releases essential elements (phosphorus and potassium) for plant establishment and growth from rocks. Our results indicated that Bacillus megatherium NL-7 can promote rock weathering and increase nutrient elements in the environment, therefore to improve soil formation and plant growth. We suggest its application may solve the present problems of environmental remediation technologies in environments damaged by carbonate rock mines.

Phosphorus Efficiency in Wheat as Affected by Foliar Spray with Zinc, Humic Acid and Biofertilizer (Bacillus megatherium sp.) Addition Under Calcareous Soil Conditions

To enhancing the efficiency use of phosphate fertilizer in calcareous soil by bio inoculation with (Bacillus megatherium sp.) as PGPR strain and foliar spray with Zn and humic acid (HA) on wheat (Triticium aestavium L., cv. Sakha 93) productivity and nutrients availability in soil after harvest, two field experiments were conducted at El-Nubaria Agricultural Research Station, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt during 2014 and 2015 seasons. The studied treatments involved three P application rates i.e, 0, 6.5 and 13 kg P fed.-1, foliar spraying with Zn (1.5 kg ZnSO4 /400 L water), humic acid (HA) 1.2 L/400 L water and Zn+HA without and with bio-inoculation with (Bacillus megatherium sp.). The results could be summarized as follow: Available N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn were significantly increased due to the above mentioned treatments. Foliar spraying with Zn and humic acid in combination with biofertilizer under different P fertilizer rates increased wheat yields and 1000-grain weight as well as N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn content and uptake by grains in combined data. Total chlorophyll content and carbohydrates were increased as well as protein content and protein yield. Highest yield efficiency (82.7%) and harvest index (44.7%) were obtained due to the treatment of 6.5 kg P fed.-1 + Zn + bio and 6.5 kg P fed.-1 + Zn, respectively. Apparent P-recovery (APR), P agronomic efficiency (PAE) and P use efficiency (PUE) were markedly decreased with increasing P-addition rates in presence or absence of bio fertilization. Hence, the plants treated with 6.5 kg P fed.-1 + foliar spray with Zn, HA and Zn + HA when inoculated with Bacillus megatherium gave the highest mean values of APR, PUE and PAE. Generally, the treatment of P fertilization (13 kg P fed.-1 combined with Zn + HA) when inoculated with Bacillus megatherium had superior effect in improving soil properties and increasing wheat production, protein content and nutrient uptake with compared to the other treatments under calcareous soil conditions but, in most of them without significant differences with lower rate of 6.5 kg P fed.-1.

EFFICACY OF THREE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE FACULTATIVE OLIGOTROPHIC PUTATIVEN2-FIXING BACTERIAL STRAINS IN CONTROLLING DAMPING-OFF DISEASE OF TWO CAUSABLE PATHOGENIC FUNGI IN TOMATO.

Complete identification was made for three strains of the facultativeputative N2-fixing bacteria using the 16s DNA sequencing studies andby detailed conventional API kit and other possible geneticdetermination. The efficacy of Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii strainNRRL B-23049T (S4), Naxobacter varians strain CCUG 35299 (S5)and Bacillus megatherium strain IAM 13418. (S6), their potency againsttwo pathogenic fungi causing damping-off and their effect on N-contentof tomato plant. Inoculated tomato plants with any of the three bacterialstrains, each alone or together, in presence of 1/3 N-recommended dose,significantly increased N- content and yield production. The fungiinfested plants (Py. altimum and R. solani) showed pronounceddecreases in yield and N-content. Incorporation of the three putative N2-fixers antagonizer strains partially alleviated the adverse effect of any ofthe infested fungi. The presence of the three antagonizer strains togetherincreased the defense mechanism principles of plants like PO, PPO andphenol content. In case of the presence of the three antagonizers and 1/3N-dose, survived plants reached 100% while other treatments showedfluctuated estimates between 20 and 96.7% due to the treatment and theplant used.

EFFECT OF HUMIC ACID, COMPOST AND BIOFERTILIZATION ON FRUITING OF SUPERIOR SEEDLESS GRAPEVINES

Superior grapevines fertilized with compost, biofertilizers namely (Bacillus megatherium, Bacillus curculanse and Azotoacter Chroococcum), humic acid and two slow release fertilizers namely ( rock phosphate and feldspar ) as a partial replacement of mineral N fertilizers during 2013 and 2014 seasons. Using all substitutes of mineral N fertilizers was favourable than using mineral N alone in enhancing all growth characters, total chlorophylls, nutrients, yield and berries characteristics. Both nitrite and nitrate in the juice were greatly declined in all N management treatments that included the application of all N sources. The best results with regards to yield and berries characteristics of Superior seedless grapevines were recorded on vines that received 60g N, 60g P and 120g K/ vine/ year ( mineral sources) plus compost II ( 40% cattle manure + 60% rice straw ) at 16 kg./ vine+ the three biofertilizers namely Bacillus megatheium, Bacillus circulanse and Azotobacter chroococcum + humic acid each at 10ml./ vine/ year.

Saccharification and hydrolytic enzyme production of alkali pre-treated wheat bran by Trichoderma virens under solid state fermentation.

BackgroundIn continuation of our previously interest in the saccharification of agriculture wastes by Bacillus megatherium in solid state fermentation (SSF), we wish to report an investigation and comparative evaluation among Trichoderma sp. for the saccharification of four alkali-pretreated agricultural residues and production of hydrolytic enzymes, carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase), filter paperase (FPase), pectinase (PGase) and xylanase (Xylase) in SSF. The optimization of the physiological conditions of production of hydrolytic enzymes and saccharification content from Trichoderma virens using alkali-pretreated wheat bran was the last goal.MethodsThe physico-chemical parameters of SSF include incubation time, incubation temperature, moisture content of the substrate, incubation pH, supplementation with carbon and nitrogen sources were optimized.ResultsSaccharification of different solid state fermentation sources wheat bran, date's seeds, grass and palm leaves, were tested for the production of fermentable sugar by Trichoderma sp. The maximum production of hydrolytic enzymes CMCase, FPase, PGase and Xylase and saccharification content were obtained on wheat bran. Time course, moisture content, optimum temperature, optimum pH, supplementation with carbon and nitrogen sources were optimized to achieve the maximum production of the hydrolytic enzymes, protein and total carbohydrate of T. virens using alkali pre-treated wheat bran. The maximum production of CMCase, FPase, PGase, Xylase, protein and carbohydrate content was recorded at 72 h of incubation, 50-70 % moisture, temperature 25-35 °C and pH 5. The influence of supplementary carbon and nitrogen sources was studied. While lactose and sucrose enhanced the activity of PGase from 79.2 to 582.9 and 632.6 U/g, starch inhibited all other enzymes. This was confirmed by maximum saccharification content. Among the nitrogen sources, yeast extract and urea enhanced the saccharification content and CMCase, PGase and Xylase.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that alkali pre-treated wheat bran was a better substrate for saccharification and production of hydrolytic enzymes CMCase, FPase, PGase and xylase by T. virens compared to other alkali-pretreated agricultural residues tested.