Beneficial Microbial Communities Research Articles

Effects of Straw at Different Fermentation Phases on Soil Nutrient Availability and Microbial Activity

Returning corn straw to the field is beneficial for improving soil fertility, but the fermentation phase significantly affects the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. However, there is limited research on the effects of straw at different fermentation phases on soil microorganisms and soil nutrients. This study examined the effects of high-temperature fermentation phase straw (HF) and completely fermentation phase straw (CF) on soil nutrient activation and microorganism activity through pot experiments. The pot experiment results indicated a significant increase in soil DOC content following the application of corn straw, among which the high-temperature fermentation phase straw treatment (THF) exhibited the highest DOC content, which was 14% higher than the completely fermentation phase straw treatment (TCF). THF also significantly increased soil alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen and available phosphorus content as well as urease and phosphatase, and promoted the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus from soil by Brassica chinensis. THF significantly enhanced bacterial diversity and reduced the presence of pathogenic fungi. Compared to the TCF, the relative proportion of Fusarium under the THF decreased by 32.24%, effectively mitigating the impact of pathogenic fungi. THF also increased soil DOC content, enriched beneficial microbial community structure, increased soil enzyme activity, activated soil nutrients, thereby promoting the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus by crops. Taken together, the results reveal that the application of high-temperature fermentation phase straw is conducive to soil fertilization and crop growth.

Enhancing Morchella Mushroom Yield and Quality Through the Amendment of Soil Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Community with Wood Ash

Morchella mushroom is a nutritionally rich and rare edible fungus. The traditional cultivation model, which relies on expanding the cultivation area to meet market demand, is no longer sufficient to address the rapidly growing market demand. Enhancing the yield and quality of Morchella without increasing the cultivation area is an intractable challenge in the development of the Morchella mushroom industry. Against this backdrop, this study investigates the effects of different amounts of wood ash (WA) application on the yield and quality of Morchella, and conducts an in-depth analysis in conjunction with soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities. The results indicate that the application of WA improves both the yield and quality of Morchella, with the highest yield increase observed in the WA2 treatment (4000 kg/hm2), which showed a 118.36% increase compared to the control group (CK). The application of WA also modified the physicochemical properties of the soil, significantly improving the integrated fertility index of the soil (IFI, p < 0.05). The soil microbial community structure was altered by the addition of WA. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that pH and total potassium (TK) were the main environmental factors influencing the bacterial community, while pH, TK, and total nitrogen (TN) were the main factors influencing the fungal community structure. In addition, bacterial community diversity tended to increase with higher WA application rates, whereas fungal community diversity generally showed a decreasing trend. Furthermore, the relative abundance of beneficial microbial communities, such as Acidobacteriota, which promote the growth of Morchella, increased with higher WA application, while the relative abundance of detrimental microbial communities, such as Xanthomonadaceae, decreased. Partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) analysis of external factors affecting Morchella yield and quality indicated that WA application can alter soil physicochemical properties and soil microbial communities, thereby improving Morchella yield and quality. Among these factors, soil fertility was identified as the most important determinant of Morchella yield and quality.

Garlic stalk waste and arbuscular mycorrhizae mitigate challenges in continuously monocropping eggplant obstacles by modulating physiochemical properties and fungal community structure

Background and aimsContinuous vegetable production under plastic tunnels faces challenges like soil degradation, increased soil-borne pathogens, and diminished eggplant yield. These factors collectively threaten the long-term sustainability of food security by diminishing the productivity and resilience of agricultural soils. This research examined the use of raw garlic stalk (RGS) waste and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as a sustainable solution for these issues in eggplant monoculture. We hypothesized that the combined application of RGS waste and AMF would improve soil physicochemical properties compared to untreated soil in eggplant monoculture. The combined use of RGS and AMF was expected to suppress soil-borne pathogens, increase the abundance of soil beneficial microorganisms and alter fungal community structure. The combined application of RGS and AMF will significantly enhance eggplant yield compared to untreated plots. This study aimed to determine whether AMF and RGS, individually or in combination, can ameliorate the adverse effects of monoculture on eggplant soil. We also investigated whether these treatments could enhance eggplant yield.MethodsThe experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four treatments: AMF, RGS, and a combined treatment of AMF + RGS (ARGS), along with a control. Each treatment was replicated three times, Eggplant seedlings inoculated with AMF and treated with RGS amendments, both individually and combined. The effects on root traits, soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activity, and fungal community structure were investigated.ResultsRGS amendments and AMF inoculation improved root length, volume, and mycorrhizal colonization. The combined treatment showed the most significant improvement. RGS and AMF application increased soil nutrient availability (N, P, K) and organic matter content. Enzyme activities also increased with RGS and AMF treatments, with the combined application showing the highest activity. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) increased, while soil pH decreased with RGS and AMF amendments. Sequencing revealed a shift in the fungal community structure. Ascomycota abundance decreased, while Basidiomycota abundance increased with RGS and AMF application. The combined treatment reduced the abundance of pathogenic genera (Fusarium) and enriched beneficial taxa (Chaetomium, Coprinellus, Aspergillus). Pearson correlations supported the hypothesis that soil physicochemical properties influence fungal community composition.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential of co-applying RGS and AMF in continuous cropping systems. It enhances soil physicochemical properties, reduces soil-borne pathogens, and promotes beneficial microbial communities and eggplant yield. This combined approach offers a sustainable strategy to address the challenges associated with eggplant monoculture under plastic tunnels.

Deciphering Phyllomicrobiome of Cauliflower Leaf: Revelation by Metagenomic and Microbiological Analysis of Tolerant and Susceptible Genotypes Against Black Rot Disease.

Understanding the phyllomicrobiome dynamics in cauliflower plants holds significant promise for enhancing crop resilience against black rot disease, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. In this study, the culturable microbiome and metagenomic profile of tolerant (BR-161) and susceptible (Pusa Sharad) cauliflower genotypes were investigated to elucidate microbial interactions associated with disease tolerance. Isolation of phyllospheric bacteria from asymptomatic and black rot disease symptomatic leaves of tolerant and susceptible cultivars yielded 46 diverse bacterial isolates. Molecular identification via 16S rRNA sequencing revealed differences in the diversity of microbial taxa between genotypes and health conditions. Metagenomic profiling using next-generation sequencing elucidated distinct microbial communities, with higher diversity observed in black rot disease symptomatic leaf of BR-161. Alpha and beta diversity indices highlighted differences in microbial community structure and composition between genotypes and health conditions. Taxonomic analysis revealed a core microbiome consisting of genera such as Xanthomonas, Psychrobacillus, Lactobacillus, and Pseudomonas across all the samples. Validation through microbiological methods confirmed the presence of these key genera. The findings provide novel insights into the phyllomicrobiome of black rot-tolerant and susceptible genotypes of cauliflower. Harnessing beneficial microbial communities identified in this study offers promising avenues for developing sustainable strategies to manage black rot disease and enhance cauliflower crop health and productivity.

Application of Biofloc Techznology as an Environmentally Friendly Solution to Increase the Productivity of Freshwater Fish Cultivation

This study explores the application of Biofloc Technology (BFT) as an environmentally friendly solution to increase the productivity of freshwater fish cultivation. Using a qualitative research approach based on a comprehensive literature review and library research, the paper examines the effectiveness of Biofloc in improving water quality, reducing feed costs, and enhancing fish growth rates. BFT promotes the growth of beneficial microbial communities that convert organic waste into protein-rich bioflocs, which serve as a supplementary feed for fish. This technology minimizes water exchange, conserves resources, and mitigates environmental pollution in aquaculture systems. The study highlights various successful implementations of Biofloc in freshwater aquaculture, noting significant improvements in production efficiency and sustainability compared to traditional farming methods. Moreover, the paper discusses the economic and environmental benefits of adopting Biofloc Technology, including reduced dependency on high-cost commercial feed and lower environmental impact due to decreased water usage and waste output. The findings suggest that Biofloc Technology is a promising innovation for sustainable aquaculture, providing both ecological and economic advantages. This research provides insights for policymakers, fish farmers, and aquaculture industry stakeholders interested in adopting eco-friendly practices to enhance productivity while protecting aquatic ecosystems

A Review on Plant-microbe Interactions and its Defence Mechanism

Plant-microbe interactions are fundamental to plant health, growth, and defense, influencing agricultural productivity and ecosystem dynamics. These interactions range from symbiotic relationships, such as those with mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, to pathogenic encounters that trigger complex plant immune responses. Beneficial microbes, including rhizobacteria, mycorrhizae, and endophytes, play a crucial role in enhancing plant defenses through mechanisms like induced systemic resistance (ISR) and production of antimicrobial compounds. Advances in our understanding of these interactions have enabled the development of innovative strategies for crop protection, such as the use of biocontrol agents and microbial inoculants. Additionally, plant breeding and genetic engineering have been employed to introduce resistance genes and modify plant immune responses, resulting in disease-resistant varieties. However, harnessing plant-microbe interactions for sustainable agriculture faces challenges due to the complexity of these interactions in natural environments and the influence of abiotic factors. Limitations in research methodologies, such as difficulties in isolating and studying unculturable microbes, further complicate the translation of findings into practical applications. To overcome these barriers, future research should focus on integrating multi-omics approaches, employing synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), and leveraging CRISPR/Cas technologies for precise manipulation of plant and microbial genes. Microbiome engineering holds promise for promoting beneficial microbial communities, improving plant resilience, and reducing chemical inputs in agriculture. Addressing these challenges will be critical for realizing the full potential of plant-microbe interactions, ultimately contributing to sustainable crop production, improved food security, and ecosystem health. This review highlights current advances, applications, and future directions in the study of plant-microbe interactions, emphasizing their significance for modern agriculture.

Rhizosphere microbial community assembly as influenced by reductive soil disinfestation to resist successive cropping obstacle.

Reductive soil disinfestation (RSD), which involves creating anaerobic conditions and incorporating large amounts of organic materials into the soil, has been identified as a reliable strategy for reducing soilborne diseases in successive cropping systems. However, limited research exists on the connections between soil microorganism composition and plant diseases under various types of organic material applications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of distinct RSD strategies (control without soil amendment; RSD with 1500 kg ha-1 molasses powder; RSD with 3000 kg ha-1 molasses powder; RSD with 3000 kg ha-1 molasses powder and 37.5-41.3 kg ha-1 microbial agent) on the plant disease index, bacterial community composition and network structure in rhizosphere soil. RSD treatments significantly reduced the occurrence of black shank disease in tobacco and increased soil bacterial diversity. High amounts of molasses powder in RSD treatments further enhanced disease inhibition and reduced fungal abundance and Shannon index. RSD also increased the relative abundance of bacterial phylum Firmicutes and fungal phylum Ascomycota, while decreasing the relative abundance of bacterial phyla Chloroflexi and Acidobacteriota and fungal phylum Basidiomycota in rhizosphere soil. A multiple regression model identified bacterial positive cohesion as the primary factor influencing the plant disease index, with a greater impact than bacterial negative cohesion and community stability. The competition among beneficial bacteria for creating a healthy rhizosphere environment is likely a key factor in the success of RSD in reducing plant disease risk. RSD, especially with higher rates of molasses powder, is a viable strategy for controlling black shank disease in tobacco and promoting soil health by fostering beneficial microbial communities. This study provides guidelines for soil management and plant disease prevention. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The response of microbiome assembly within different niches across four stages to the cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant and conventional soybean varieties.

Plants are inherently connected with the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in regulating various host plant biological processes, including immunity, nutrient acquisition, and resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses. Many factors affect the interaction between plants and microbiome. In this study, microbiome samples were collected from five niches (bulk soil, rhizoplane, root endosphere, phylloplane, and leaf endosphere) across four developmental stages (seedling, flowering, podding, and maturity) of various soybean varieties. Composition and structure of bacterial and fungal communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene and ITS (Internally Transcribed Spacer) region amplicon sequencing. It was observed that both niches and developmental stages significantly impact on the assembly and composition of soybean microbiome. However, variety, presence of a transgene, and glyphosate application had minimal effects on microbial communities. The dominant microbiome varied across the five niches, with most containing beneficial microbial communities capable of promoting plant growth or increasing disease resistance. Types and abundance of the dominant microbes affected network stability, potentially resulting in functional changes in different ecological niches. This study provides theoretical evidence for microbial protection of plants against diseases and demonstrates that systematic analysis of the composition and diversity of soybean microbiomes can contribute to the development of biological control technologies.

Green manure (Ophiopogon japonicus) cover promotes tea plant growth by regulating soil carbon cycling.

In mountainous tea plantations, which are the primary mode of tea cultivation in China, issues such as soil erosion and declining soil fertility are particularly severe. Although green manure cover is an effective agricultural measure for restoring soil fertility, its application in mountainous tea plantations has been relatively understudied. This study investigated the effects of continuous green manure cover using the slope-protecting plant Ophiopogon japonicus on tea plant growth and soil microbial community structure. We implemented three treatments: 1 year of green manure coverage, 2 years of coverage, and a control, to study their effects on tea plant growth, soil physicochemical properties, and soil bacterial and fungal communities. Results demonstrate that green manure coverage significantly promote the growth of tea plants, enhanced organic matter and pH levels in soil, and various enzyme activities, including peroxidases and cellulases. Further functional prediction results indicate that green manure coverage markedly promoted several carbon cycling functions in soil microbes, including xylanolysis, cellulolysis, degradation of aromatic compounds, and saprotrophic processes. LEfSe analysis indicated that under green manure cover, the soil tends to enrich more beneficial microbial communities with degradation functions, such as Sphingomonas, Sinomonas, and Haliangium (bacteria), and Penicillium, Apiotrichum, and Talaromyce (fungi). In addition. Random forest and structural equation models indicated that carbon cycling, as a significant differentiating factor, has a significant promoting effect on tea plant growth. In the management practices of mountainous tea plantations, further utilizing slope-protecting plants as green manure can significantly influence the soil microbial community structure and function, enriching microbes involved in the degradation of organic matter and aromatic compounds, thereby positively impacting tea tree growth and soil nutrient levels.

Monitoring of indicators and bacterial succession in organic-amended technosols for the restoration of semiarid ecosystems

Restoration of mining sites is essential to ensure ecosystem services and biodiversity. One restoration strategy employed in arid and semi-arid zones is the use of organic amendments to establishment technosols. However, it is necessary to monitor the restoration progress in order to select appropriate amendments. This study monitored the effects of compost gardening, greenhouse horticulture and stabilized sewage sludge, and their blends. We focused on soil physical and chemical indicators and bacterial community structure and diversity during the 30 months after application. Organic amendments increased total organic carbon and nitrogen within six months, staying elevated compared to natural soils over 30 months. Electrical conductivity rose then stabilized, the pH slightly decreased but stayed alkaline, and water holding capacity improved in treated technosols. Bacterial diversity increased in amended technosols compared to control. Alpha diversity varied with treatment and time, peaking at 18 months. Technosols with plant compost showed reduced bacterial richness at 30 months, while those with sewage sludge and its mixtures maintained it. The bacterial community analysis showed significant differences among treatments and times, highlighting dominant phyla like Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. PCoA analysis showed clear separation of bacterial communities from treated, natural, and control soils, with notable differences between plant and sludge treatments. Soil variables such as TOC, TN, EC and water holding capacity explained more than 82 % of the variation in bacterial communities. Eighty-three indicator taxa were identified that explained the differences between the microbial communities of treated and untreated soils, highlighting the importance of taxa such as Pelagibacterium spp., Roseivirga spp. and Cellvibrio spp. in preserving soil health. In short, organic amendments improve soil properties and promote the diversity and stability of beneficial microbial communities in semi-arid mined soils, underlining their crucial role in the restoration and long-term maintenance of degraded soils.

The influence of plant traits on soil microbial communities varies between arid and mesic grasslands

Abstract Background and aims Both soil properties and plant traits shape the diversity, composition and functions of plant-associated soil microbial communities. However, the relative influence of these factors is poorly understood, as are interactive effects between factors and the degree to which their influence varies among climate zones. Methods To address this gap, we compared the diversity and composition of soil microbial communities associated with co-occurring C3 and C4 grasses from arid and mesic environments, and plant traits influencing them. Results Climate emerged as the main determinant of plant traits and microbial community properties. Within each climatic region, above- and below-ground traits and soil properties differentially affected microbial community composition, and their relative influence varied among communities. In both mesic and arid environments aboveground traits related to quantity and quality of leaf litter (e.g., specific leaf area, leaf C content) and nutrient availability were the most influential variables for community composition. However, in arid regions, belowground traits (i.e., root tissue density and specific root area) significantly contributed to structure the eukaryotic community, supporting the role of roots as important driver of eukaryotic differentiation in constrained environments. Further, the presence of C4 plants in the arid region resulted in higher relative abundance of ciliate protists and higher recruitment of potentially beneficial microbial community members from green algae mediated by drought adaptation traits (e.g. decreased abundance of fine roots). Conclusions Overall, our study revealed a differential response of microbial communities to environmental conditions, suggesting that soil microbial community composition is influenced by trade-offs between host adaptive traits across distinct climatic regions.

Effects of the rice-mushroom rotation pattern on soil properties and microbial community succession in paddy fields.

Currently, straw biodegradation and soil improvement in rice-mushroom rotation systems have attracted much attention. However, there is still a lack of studies on the effects of rice-mushroom rotation on yield, soil properties and microbial succession. In this study, no treatment (CK), green manure return (GM) and rice straw return (RS) were used as controls to fully evaluate the effect of Stropharia rugosoannulata cultivation substrate return (SRS) on soil properties and microorganisms. The results indicated that rice yield, soil nutrient (organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen and available potassium) and soil enzyme (urease, saccharase, lignin peroxidase and laccase) activities had positive responses to the rice-mushroom rotation. At the interannual level, microbial diversity varied significantly among treatments, with the rice-mushroom rotation significantly increasing the relative alpha diversity index of soil bacteria and enriching beneficial microbial communities such as Rhizobium, Bacillus and Trichoderma for rice growth. Soil nutrients and enzymatic activities were significantly correlated with microbial communities during rice-mushroom rotation. The fungal-bacterial co-occurrence networks were modular, and Latescibacterota, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadota and Patescibacteria were closely related to the accumulation of nutrients in the soil. The structural equation model (SEM) showed that fungal diversity responded more to changes in soil nutrients than did bacterial diversity. Overall, the rice-mushroom rotation model improved soil nutrients and rice yields, enriched beneficial microorganisms and maintained microbial diversity. This study provides new insights into the use of S. rugosoannulata cultivation substrates in the sustainable development of agroecosystems.

Current Status and the Role of Biofilm Biofertilizer for Improving the Soil Health and Agronomic Efficiency of Maize on Marginal Soil

The use of biofilm biofertilizers is emerging as a promising strategy to improve soil health and agronomic efficiency, especially for maize production on marginal soils. This review focuses on the current status and critical role of biofilm biofertilizers in improving soil properties and maize productivity. This study used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses using Scopus and ScienceDirect databases from 2014-2024. Results showed that current status of biofilm biofertilizer utilization is spread on azolla, rhizobacteria, and endophytic bacteria species. Biofilm biofertilizers are beneficial microbial communities encapsulated in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that contribute to soil structure stabilization, nutrient solubilization and improved water retention. Application of these biofertilizers has been shown to improve soil fertility by increasing organic matter content, promoting nutrient cycling, and stimulating microbial activity. These improvements result in better root development, higher plant growth rates and increased crop yields. Especially on marginal soils, where nutrient availability and soil structure are often compromised, biofilm biofertilizers offer a sustainable solution to mitigate these limitations. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies and highlights the mechanisms by which biofilm biofertilizers exert their beneficial effects, thereby highlighting their potential in sustainable agricultural practices for maize production on suboptimal soils.

Impact of Mechanized Crop Establishment Techniques on Growth, Yield, and Microbial Dynamics under Rice-Wheat Cropping System: A Review

The rice-wheat cropping system, predominant across the Indo-Gangetic plains, generates a substantial volume of crop residue, with an annual yield of 7-9 tonnes per hectare of rice residue. Effective management of this residue, whether in-situ or ex-situ, has become an urgent necessity. However, the economic feasibility of transporting residue beyond 20 km from the field is limited. Consequently, in-field residue management through the adoption of specialized machinery has emerged as an imperative solution. The narrow window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, compounded by labor scarcity during peak periods, underscores the need for mechanized crop establishment techniques. Machines such as happy seeders, super seeders, turbo seeders, spatial drills, and seed-cum-fertilizer drills are crucial tools in this regard. This paper examines the benefits of mechanized crop establishment techniques on wheat growth, productivity, and soil biological health within the rice-wheat cropping system. These techniques have revolutionized agricultural practices by significantly influencing growth dynamics, yield parameters, and microbial ecology. The adoption of precision seed drills and mechanized tillage equipment has transformed traditional farming methods, facilitating efficient seed placement, soil preparation, residue incorporation, and weed management. This has resulted in improved crop growth parameters, enhanced yield dynamics, better root development, increased nutrient uptake, and overall plant vigor. Furthermore, reduced soil disturbance and decreased weed pressure associated with mechanized operations have created a conducive environment for beneficial microbial communities to thrive. The integration of mechanized crop establishment techniques has a positive impact on both crop productivity and sustainability, highlighting their importance in modern agricultural practices within the rice-wheat cropping system of the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.) diversity and their associated microbiota

Root-associated microbiota play a key role in plant growth, resilience, and health. In this study, the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of 12 pumpkins accessions belonging to three Cucurbita species i.e. C. pepo, C. maxima, and C. moschata, was monitored using the soil dilution plating technique on specific media. All accessions tested were also screened for their production and yield parameters. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), 4 accessions of C. maxima (namely C5, C23, C14.2 and C6.2) were characterized by the greatest average fruit weight and yield, the highest actinomycetes, bacterial, Trichoderma spp. and Aspergillus spp. communities, and the lowest total fungal population in their rhizosphere. Positive correlations were noted between fruit fresh weight, culturable bacteria and Trichoderma spp. populations in the rhizopshere of pumpkins accessions. Negative correlations were noted between fruit weight and yield parameters and the total culturable fungal populations. The current study clearly demonstrated that the rhizosphere soil microbial communities have been shaped by Cucurbita species and accessions. Based on the significant links observed between soil microbiota and yield parameters, future pumpkin breeding programs could be focused on the selection of accessions that are quite able to exploit these associated beneficial microbial communities.

Advances in Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Function on Plant Growth Facilitation and Their Mechanisms

In modern times, agriculture has been a major cause of environmental degradation due to both natural and artificial factors. However, there is a silver lining in the form of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), a beneficial microbial community present in the rhizosphere soil of plants. PGPR can adjust soil pH, reduce the burden on plants, and accelerate their growth, making it an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture. This article delves into the mechanism of how PGPR promotes plant growth and highlights its impact under different environmental conditions. The aim is to promote the use of PGPR biofertilizers, which could revolutionize the field of agriculture and pave the way for a greener future.

Building Soil Health and Fertility through Organic Amendments and Practices: A Review

Soil health and quality are foundational to agricultural sustainability and meeting global food security priorities. However, intensive farming practices have degraded soil ecosystems. Organic amendments and regenerative management practices can restore soil function by overcoming nutritional limitations, improving physical and biological properties, and promoting general soil and crop resilience. This review synthesizes research on major sources of organic soil amendments including animal manures, composts, cover crops, crop residues and living mulches. We describe their multifaceted edaphic and agronomic benefits from providing a slow release bank of macro and micronutrients, increasing soil organic matter, and stimulating beneficial microbial communities. Complementary and synergistic soil building practices are also covered, encompassing conservation tillage techniques like no-till, crop diversification via rotations and intercropping, and agroecological integration of trees and livestock. Although transitioning from degraded conventional systems requires patience as years of soil regeneration are needed to enable high system performance, outcomes consistently show integrated practices that minimize disturbance and maintain living ground cover while leveraging organic inputs can transform the foundation of agricultural systems by enhancing soil ecosystem function. Widespread adoption of this soil health paradigm can thereby enable sustainable intensification and resilience.

Multiomics Explore the Detoxification Mechanism of Nanoselenium and Melatonin on Bensulfuron Methyl in Wheat Plants.

Combining nanoselenium (nano-Se) and melatonin (MT) was more effective than treatment alone against abiotic stress. However, their combined application mitigated the toxic effects of bensulfuron methyl, and enhanced wheat growth and metabolism has not been studied. Metabolomics and proteomics revealed that combining nano-Se and MT markedly activated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, elevating the flavonoid (quercetin by 33.5 and 39.8%) and phenolic acid (vanillic acid by 38.8 and 48.7%) levels in leaves and roots of wheat plants. Interstingly, beneficial rhizosphere bacteria in their combination increased (Oxalobacteraceae, Nocardioidaceae, and Xanthomonadaceae), which positively correlated with the enhancement of soil urease and fluorescein diacetate enzyme activity (27.0 and 26.9%) and the allelopathic substance levels. To summarize, nano-Se and MT mitigate the adverse effects of bensulfuron methyl by facilitating interactions between the phenylpropane metabolism of the plant and the beneficial microbial community. The findings provide a theoretical basis for using nano-Se and MT to remediate herbicide-contaminated soil.

Deciphering the influence of dietary synbiotics in white shrimp gut and its effects in regulating immune signaling pathways

The health of the host is significantly influenced by the gut microbiota. Penaeus vannamei (white shrimp) is one of the most profitable aquaculture species globally. Synbiotics are typically used as a beneficial diet supplement for raising aquaculture species’ growth capacities and enhancing immunity against pathogenicity. However, the effects of synbiotics on the white shrimp intestinal microbiota remain poorly understood. In the present study, we targeted the V3–V4 region of 16S rRNA genes to analyze the effects of synbiotics on white shrimp gut microbiota. Dietary synbiotics, having Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Moringa oleifera leaf extract were added to the white shrimps’ feed in various proportions in the present study. In total, 490 operational taxonomic units yielding 23 phyla, 41 classes, 94 orders, 151 families, and 250 genera of microorganisms were obtained. The diet containing L. acidophilus at 1 × 107 CFU/g and M. oleifera at 2.5 g/kg led to an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms through a significant decrease in the α diversity. Moreover, it upregulated several physiological pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, lipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and environmental adaptation, which led to the upregulation of the AMPK, MAPK, P13K-Akt, lysosome, peroxisome, and ferroptosis signaling pathways; this enhanced growth and immunity in white shrimp. Whether a single species or a combination of different microorganisms improves growth and immunity remains unclear till now. Nevertheless, our results will facilitate further in-depth investigation into beneficial microbial communities for upliftment of white shrimp aquaculture.

Pre-hatch thermal manipulation of embryos and post-hatch baicalein supplementation mitigated heat stress in broiler chickens

BackgroundHigh environmental temperatures induce heat stress in broiler chickens, affecting their health and production performance. Several dietary, managerial, and genetics strategies have been tested with some success in mitigating heat stress (HS) in broilers. Developing novel HS mitigation strategies for sustaining broiler production is critically needed. This study investigated the effects of pre-hatch thermal manipulation (TM) and post-hatch baicalein supplementation on growth performance and health parameters in heat-stressed broilers.ResultsSix hundred fertile Cobb 500 eggs were incubated for 21 d. After candling on embryonic day (ED) 10, 238 eggs were thermally manipulated at 38.5 °C with 55% relative humidity (RH) from ED 12 to 18, then transferred to the hatcher (ED 19 to 21, standard temperature) and 236 eggs were incubated at a controlled temperature (37.5 °C) till hatch. After hatch, 180-day-old chicks from both groups were raised in 36 pens (n = 10 birds/pen, 6 replicates per treatment). The treatments were: 1) Control, 2) TM, 3) control heat stress (CHS), 4) thermal manipulation heat stress (TMHS), 5) control heat stress supplement (CHSS), and 6) thermal manipulation heat stress supplement (TMHSS). All birds were raised under the standard environment for 21 d, followed by chronic heat stress from d 22 to 35 (32–33 °C for 8 h) in the CHS, TMHS, CHSS, and TMHSS groups. A thermoneutral (22–24 °C) environment was maintained in the Control and TM groups. RH was constant (50% ± 5%) throughout the trial. All the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in R and GraphPad software at P < 0.05 and are presented as mean ± SEM. Heat stress significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the final body weight and ADG in CHS and TMHS groups compared to the other groups. Embryonic TM significantly increased (P < 0.05) the expression of heat shock protein-related genes (HSP70, HSP90, and HSPH1) and antioxidant-related genes (GPX1 and TXN). TMHS birds showed a significant increment (P < 0.05) in total cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration compared to the CHS birds. The cecal microbial analysis showed significant enrichment (P < 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity and Coprococcus in the TMHSS group.ConclusionsPre-hatch TM and post-hatch baicalein supplementation in heat-stressed birds mitigate the detrimental effects of heat stress on chickens' growth performance, upregulate favorable gene expression, increase VFA production, and promote gut health by increasing beneficial microbial communities.