Phaseolus Vulgaris Research Articles

Genome-Wide Analysis and Characterization of FBA (Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase) Gene Family of Phaseolus vulgaris L

Fructose-1,6-biphosphate aldolase (FBA) genes have important roles in plant stress responses. At the same time, these genes positively affect growth and development in plants. FBA is involved in gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, and the Calvin-Benson cycle, and it is an enzyme that plays an important role in signal transduction of these stages. This study aims to determine and characterize the FBA gene family in the bean genome. As a result of the study, 7 Pvul-FBA genes were determined in the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genome. The highest amino acid number of Pvul-FBA proteins was determined in the Pvul-FBA-1 gene (1374), and the highest molecular weight (43.03 kDa) was determined in the Pvul-FBA-7 gene. Again, the highest isoelectric point (8.03) was determined in the Pvul-FBA-3 gene. It has been determined that the Pvul-FBA-6/Pvul-FBA-7 genes are segmental duplicated genes. The main four groups were obtained according to the phylogenetic analysis consisting of FBA proteins of three plants (P. vulgaris, Glycine max, and Arabidopsis thaliana). As a result of interproscan analysis, Motif-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were found to contain the fructose-bisphosphate aldolase domain. According to in silico gene expression analysis, it was determined that the expression rates of Pvul-FBA genes increased or decreased under salt and drought stress conditions. Synteny analyses of FBA genes in common bean and A. thaliana plants showed that these three plants have a relationship in terms of FBA genes. The results of this research will allow a better designation of the molecular structure of the FBA gene family in common bean.

Removal of Cadmium from Public Smoking area Soil using indoor Plants and Electrical Grounding

Objectives : In this study, the absorption of heavy metals in the soil from smoking areas using indoor plants and electrical grounding was investigated to increase the utility of indoor plants for soil decontamination.Methods : Soil from plant pots in a smoking area was collected for the experimental plant pot preparations. Some of the prepared pots were connected to electrical ground via an electrode. Kidney beans (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i>) were seeded, and their growth were observed. After 30 days of the cultivation, TOC (Total Organic Carbon), and metagenomics profiles in the soil was analyzed. To estimate the behavior of the heavy metals in soil and plants, Cadmium concentrations in the samples were analyzed using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry).Results and Discussion : The connection of the electrical ground to the plant pot induced the rapid growth of plant (48.2 ± 2.3% increase in stem growth), compare to the plant in the pot without the electrical ground. TOC analysis showed that the soil from the grounded pots showed the highest value, compared to the control soil (3.08 ± 1.22%), and the soil from the pot without ground connection (2.3 ± 0.1%). The ICP-MS analysis indicated that the plant body in the grounded pot had the highest cadmium concentration at 0.33 ± 0.018 μg/kg. Using the metagenomic analysis, biomineralization related bacterial species (<i>Nocardioides</i> sp., <i>Streptomyces</i> sp., <i>Sphingomonas</i> sp. etc.) were identified from the grounded soil sample. These results suggested that the indoor plant cultivation with the electrical ground connection as an electrical fertilizer enhances the cadmium absorption by plant, exudate secretion from the plant root, and bacterial flora change in the rhizosphere.Conclusion Cadmium in the soil from the smoking area was absorbed by indoor plant with the electrical ground. Therefore, the application of the electrical ground connection (earth) to the electrically insulated outdoor plant pots might enhance the plant growth rate and physiological activity. This application could be a novel soil decontamination method using plants.

Effect of Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tetranychidae, Tarsonemidae) at different infestation levels and feeding durations on chlorophyll content of bean plants

The study investigated the effects of different initial infestation levels and feeding durations of Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tetranychidae, Tarsonemidae) on the chlorophyll content of the pinto bean plants [Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae)]. The experiment was carried out on 3 cm diameter leaf discs and potted plants. To determine the effects of mite feeding on the chlorophyll content of leaf disc, 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mated adult females (24-48 hours old) were separately placed on each disc. Chlorophyll measurements were made 5 and 10 days after the initial infestation. For the potted plant bioassay, young plants were infested separately with different densities of P. latus or T. urticae (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 females per plant) while noninfested plants acted as the control. Data were obtained at intervals of 5 days for a total of 5 times. The chlorophyll contents at infestation levels of 15, 20, and 25 T. urticae per disc were statistically lower than the control discs after exposure for 5 days. The heavily infested discs with 10 or more T. urticae were destroyed until the second measurement. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the chlorophyll contents of P. latus-infested and noninfested discs 5 days after infestation. However, the content was significantly lower in infested discs at all infestation levels than in noninfested discs 10 days after infestation. According to the potted plant experiment, the chlorophyll contents of T. urticae and P. latus-infested plants were significantly lower than the noninfested plants at all infestation levels from the 10th and 20th days of the infestation, respectively. A highly significant negative correlation was recorded between chlorophyll content and mite density, as well as exposure time indicating that the leaf chlorophyll content of infested bean plants decreased with increasing mite density and time. It was also determined that P. latus required a longer feeding time than T. urticae to affect the chlorophyll content of the bean plants.

The interplay between the inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and the rhizosphere microbiome and their impact on plant phenotype

Microbial inoculation stands as a pivotal strategy, fostering symbiotic relationships between beneficial microorganisms and plants, thereby enhancing nutrient uptake, bolstering resilience against environmental stressors, and ultimately promoting healthier and more productive plant growth. However, while the advantageous roles of inoculants are widely acknowledged, the precise and nuanced impacts of inoculation on the intricate interactions of the rhizosphere microbiome remain significantly underexplored. This study explores the impact of bacterial inoculation on soil properties, plant growth, and the rhizosphere microbiome. By employing various bacterial strains and a synthetic community (SynCom) as inoculants in common bean plants, the bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere were assessed through 16 S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing. Concurrently, soil chemical parameters, plant traits, and gene expression were evaluated. The findings revealed that bacterial inoculation generally decreased pH and V%, while increasing H+Al and m% in the rhizosphere. It also decreased gene expression in plants related to detoxification, photosynthesis, and defense mechanisms, while enhancing bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere, potentially benefiting plant health. Specific bacterial strains showed varied impacts on rhizosphere microbiome assembly, predominantly affecting rhizospheric bacteria more than fungi, indirectly influencing soil conditions and plants. Notably, Paenibacillus polymyxa inoculation improved plant nitrogen (by 5.2%) and iron levels (by 28.1%), whereas Bacillus cereus boosted mycorrhization rates (by 70%). Additionally, inoculation led to increased complexity in network interactions within the rhizosphere (∼15%), potentially impacting plant health. Overall, the findings highlight the significant impact of introducing bacteria to the rhizosphere, enhancing nutrient availability, microbial diversity, and fostering beneficial plant-microbe interactions.

Determination of combining ability and heritability for canning quality traits in common bean

Breeding for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes with optimal canning quality holds the potential for increased dry bean consumption among middle-class income urban dwellers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Understanding the genetic control of canning quality traits is central for the improvement of common bean genotypes for desired canning quality. The objective of this study was to determine the combining ability and heritability of canning quality traits (CQTs) in common bean; and to establish entry points for effective breeding for these traits. A population from two contrasting parents for canning quality traits was developed and progressed to F2. The F2:F4 seed was evaluated for CQTs at three months post-harvest. Substantial variation was observed among the canning quality traits tested, including the general appearance of the canned beans, seed coat colour retention namely, clumping, free starch, splitting, and hydration coefficient. Canning quality traits encompassed a spectrum of both additive and non-additive effects. Promising combiners for CQTs were identified among the parents, KK8 and MAC 13, suggesting their potential for utilisation in breeding programmes. Moderate to high Baker’s ratio (BR = 0.41-0.94) values were observed for some CQTs and narrow sense heritability (h2 = 0.47-0.66). Canning quality traits exhibited substantial broad sense heritability (H2) values, ranging from 0.6 to 0.92. These findings provide valuable entry points for breeding programmes focused on improving common bean for canning quality.

Common bean under different water availability reveals classifiable stimuli-specific signatures in plant electrome

ABSTRACT Plant electrophysiology has unveiled the involvement of electrical signals in the physiology and behavior of plants. Spontaneously generated bioelectric activity can be altered in response to changes in environmental conditions, suggesting that a plant’s electrome may possess a distinct signature associated with various stimuli. Analyzing electrical signals, particularly the electrome, in conjunction with Machine Learning (ML) techniques has emerged as a promising approach to classify characteristic electrical signals corresponding to each stimulus. This study aimed to characterize the electrome of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. BRS-Expedito, subjected to different water availabilities, seeking patterns linked to these stimuli. For this purpose, bean plants in the vegetative stage were subjected to the following treatments: (I) distilled water; (II) half-strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution; (III) −2 MPa PEG solution; and (IV) −2 MPa NaCl solution. Electrical signals were recorded within a Faraday’s cage using the MP36 electronic system for data acquisition. Concurrently, plant water status was assessed by monitoring leaf turgor variation. Leaf temperature was additionally measured. Various analyses were conducted on the electrical time series data, including arithmetic average of voltage variation, skewness, kurtosis, Probability Density Function (PDF), autocorrelation, Power Spectral Density (PSD), Approximate Entropy (ApEn), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and Multiscale Approximate Entropy (ApEn(s)). Statistical analyses were performed on leaf temperature, voltage variation, skewness, kurtosis, PDF µ exponent, autocorrelation, PSD β exponent, and approximate entropy data. Machine Learning analyses were applied to identify classifiable patterns in the electrical time series. Characterization of the electrome of BRS-Expedito beans revealed stimulus-dependent profiles, even when alterations in water availability stimuli were similar in terms of quality and intensity. Additionally, it was observed that the bean electrome exhibits high levels of complexity, which are altered by different stimuli, with more intense and aversive stimuli leading to drastic reductions in complexity levels. Notably, one of the significant findings was the 100% accuracy of Small Vector Machine in detecting salt stress using electrome data. Furthermore, the study highlighted alterations in the plant electrome under low water potential before observable leaf turgor changes. This work demonstrates the potential use of the electrome as a physiological indicator of the water status in bean plants.

Genome-Wide Analysis and Characterization of the AHL Gene Family in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Küçük bir DNA bağlayıcı protein motifi olan AT-kanca motifi nükleer lokalize ailesi (AHL), bir transkripsiyon faktörü olarak görev yapar ve tüm düzenli dikot ve monokot kara bitkilerinde bulunur. AHL, bitki büyüme ve gelişme süreçlerini ve çevresel streslere tepki mekanizmasını etkileyen bir transkripsiyon faktörüdür. P. vulgaris genomunda in silico araçları kullanılarak 41 Pvul-AHL gen ailesi tanımlandı. Pvul-AHL proteinlerinin amino asit uzunlukları 167 ile 422 arasında değişmektedir. Bu gen ailesinin molekül ağırlıkları 18,19 kDa ile 45,12 kDa arasında değişmektedir. AHL proteinlerinin izoelektrik noktaları (pI) 4,5 ile 10,03 arasında değişir. Pvul-AHL genleri fasulyenin 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ve 11 numaralı kromozomlarına yayılmış olup, en fazla sayıda gen 6 ve 8 numaralı kromozomlarda bulunmaktadır. AHL gen ailesinin fasulyede oynadığı biyolojik rolleri incelemek için çok önemli bir çerçeve. Gelecekteki fonksiyonel çalışmalar, bu araştırmadan elde edilen bilgiler sonucunda fasulyedeki AHL genlerinin nasıl çalıştığını daha iyi anlayabilecektir.

Infection with different Neospora caninum strains causes differences in the glycosylation pattern in the uteri and placentae of Neospora caninum-infected heifers

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes abortion in ruminants. Different strains produce differences in the severity of disease outcomes. These differences may cause physiological or pathological changes in cells, modifying the intercellular interactions and intracellular transport pathways that could be evidenced by identifying the terminal sugars. This study aimed to characterize the oligosaccharide pattern in the bovine placenta and uterus after infection with tachyzoites of three different strains of N. caninum (Nc-1, Nc-6 Argentina and Nc Spain-7) during early gestation. Fourteen heifers were inoculated intravenously on day 70 of gestation with 2 × 108 N. caninum tachyzoites and samples of placentae and uteri were analysed by histology and lectin histochemistry. In the infected groups, severe placentitis was associated with changes in lectin binding in the vascular endothelium by Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA) and Ricinus communis I (RCA-I) lectins, in the epithelial cells of the endometrial glands by RCA-I, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), succinylated wheat germ agglutinin, peanut agglutinin (PNA), concanavalin-A (CON-A), LCA, PSA and Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin (PHA-e), and in the trophoblast layer by PNA, CON-A, LCA, PSA, PHA-e, soybean agglutinin, RCA-I, DBA and Bandieraea simplicifolia agglutinin (BSA-I). The results suggest that N. caninum causes changes in the glycosylation pattern in the maternofetal interface tissues and might cause abortions in early gestation due to changes in the cellular structure of the placenta.

Screening of Common Bean Genotypes for Their Resistance to Bean Stem Maggot (Ophiomyia Spp.) in Ethiopia

Common bean production in Africa faces various constraints, including biotic and abiotic stress. Among biotic stresses, bean stem maggots (BSM) (Ophiomyia spp.) are the most damaging insect pests of common beans in central and sub-Saharan Africa, especially under poor soils and dry conditions. Various control measures are available for bean stem maggots; however, there is insufficient information regarding the resistance of common bean genotypes to this pest. The present study aimed to identify sources of resistance to BSM in two groups of genotypes, namely red mottled and sugar bean, at Negelle Arsi and Shalla in Ethiopia during 2016 and 2017. A total of 111 genotypes with 56 belonging to the red mottled group and 55 to the sugar bean group were assessed for their resistance levels in open fields with a history of BSM infestation following randomized complete block design with three replications. In the 2016 assessment, 23 genotypes exhibited significantly lower numbers of dead seedlings and damage scores in both bean groups and locations. The results for the second year (2017) indicated that four genotypes from the red mottled group (DAB-365, DAB-398, DAB-449, and DAB-331) and four from sugar beans (DAB-500, DAB-512, DAB-483, and DAB-54) were moderately resistant to BSM in both locations. The combined findings from the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons revealed that DAB-500, DAB-512, DAB-483, and DAB-541 from the red mottled group, and DAB-365, DAB-398, DAB-449, and DAB-331 from the sugar bean group, exhibited resistance to BSM at both locations. Therefore, based on the aforementioned information, these eight genotypes from both groups are recommended as potential sources of resistance to bean stem maggots for further common bean breeding purposes.

Breaking ground: transformative partnerships for inclusive bean breeding in Zimbabwe

Common bean is often considered a woman’s crop because they play important roles from production to marketing. However, breeding programs often focus on farmers without adequate attention to the interconnectedness between gender and other socioeconomic variables and how they influence varietal and trait preferences of other value chain actors. This study analyzed gendered differences in bean production and trade, implications of socioeconomic conditions on bean production and marketing, and the role of partnerships in closing gender gaps in the bean value chain in Zimbabwe. The results obtained from the analysis of survey data collected from 131 farmers and 18 trades revealed beans as a dual-purpose crop for male and female farmers and traders. Varietal and trait preferences were the same for both male and female farmers and traders but were prioritized differently. While female farmers prioritized cooking time, men farmers prioritized biofortification and market traits. Whereas male traders equally preferred price, color, and appearance, female traders prioritized price over color and appearance. Poverty and marital statuses of respondents influenced the number of varieties preferred by male and female farmers. We found that the effectiveness of partnerships in closing gender gaps in marketing is variety specific. While having partners closed the gender gaps in the marketing of the NUA45 variety, such partnerships did not have the same effect on closing gender gaps in the marketing of Cherry, Gloria, and other varieties. The results show that considering socioeconomic characteristics of actors and partnerships can reduce gender disparities in the bean value chain. Therefore, breeding programs should recognize the interconnectedness between socioeconomic variables and gender when developing breeding products.

Cost and Income Structure of Organic and Conventional French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Cultivation: A Case Study of Himachal Pradesh, India

The objective of this study was to investigate the cost and income structure of organic and conventional French bean cultivation in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, in the 2018/ 2019 crop year. The sample included 80 farmers selected using a purposive sampling method, consisting of 40 organic and 40 conventional French bean growers. Survey questionnaires were used as the main instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistics and cost and income analysis were used for data analysis. The results indicate that the cost of production was higher, and output was lower under organic bean cultivation. Despite this, organic bean cultivation was more profitable than conventional farming, which was attributed to the higher prevailing market price for organic beans. Organic growers encounter numerous challenges and issues when cultivating and marketing of vegetables. Farmers seek a variety of aid from the government, business sector, and co-operative organizations to solve all of these challenges.

Purification, characterization of a plant esterase from red kidney bean and its feasibility for pesticide residue analysis in foods

Plant-derived esterase is a promising alternative enzyme source for pesticide residue analysis. The present study aimed to obtain purified red kidney bean esterase (RKBE), investigate its biochemical properties and application potential in pesticide residue assay. RKBE was extracted and purified by simple aqueous two-phase extraction combined with dextran gel filtration chromatography, with specific activity of 11.845 U/mg and purification fold of 18.952. SDS-PAGE revealed that RKBE has a molecular weight of 33 kDa. Preliminary structural characterization showed the amino acid sequence of RKBE was similar to that of α/β-hydrolase (ESW18998) derived from Phaseolus vulgaris with 19.5% sequence coverage, and the relative contents of β-sheet, β-turn, α-helix, and random coil were 22.69%, 24.19%, 30.12%, and 23.00%, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature of RKBE were 6.5 and 40 °C. Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and low concentrations of methanol and ethanol stimulated the enzyme activity. The half-life was 138.6 days at −20 °C. Kinetic studies showed that RKBE exhibited a high affinity and catalytic activity towards 1-naphthyl acetate, with a Km of 0.277 mM and a Kcat/Km of 0.455 s−1 mM−1. Enzyme-specific inhibition assay indicated RKBE to be a carboxylesterase. Finally, pesticide susceptibility experiments confirmed that organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides exerted inhibitory effects on RKBE catalytic activity. For methamidophos, methomyl, dichlorvos, and carbaryl, the limit of detection (IC10) values in cabbage were 0.0031, 0.0045, 0.001, and 0.0065 mg/kg, respectively, suggesting that RKBE can serve as a new, widely available and cost-effective enzyme source for pesticide residual assay in foods.

Selection of stable reference genes for qPCR expression of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the bean anthracnose pathogen

Phaseolus vulgaris L., commonly known as the common bean, is a highly nutritious crop often called the "poor man's meat”. However, it is susceptible to various diseases throughout the cropping season, with anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum being a significant threat that leads to substantial losses. There is still a lack of understanding about the molecular basis of C. lindemuthianum pathogenicity. The first step in understanding this is to identify pathogenicity genes that express more during infection of common beans. A reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method can be used for virulence gene expression. However, this approach requires selecting appropriate reference genes to normalize relative gene expression data. Currently, there is no reference gene available for C. lindemuthianum. In this study, we selected eight candidate reference genes from the available genome of C. lindemuthianum to bridge the gap. These genes were ACT (Actin), β-tub (β-tubulin), EF (Elongation Factor), Cyt C (Cytochrome C), His H3 (Histone H3), CHS1 (Chitin synthetase), GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and abfA (Alpha-l-Arabinofuranosidase A). The primers for these candidate reference genes were able to amplify cDNA only from the pathogen, demonstrating their specificity. The qPCR efficiency of the primers ranged from 80% to 103%. We analyzed the stability of gene expression in C. lindemuthianum by exposing the mycelium to nine different stress conditions. We employed algorithms, such as GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder tools, to identify the most stable gene. The analysis using these tools revealed that EF, GAPDH, and β-tub most stable genes, while ACT and CHS1 showed relatively low expression stability. A large number of potential effector genes have been identified through bioinformatics analysis in C. lindemuthianum. The stable genes for qPCR (EF and GAPDH) discovered in this study will aid the scientific community in determining the relative expression of C. lindemuthianum effector genes.

Evaluation of Local Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes for Resistance to Fungal Diseases in the Bimodal-rainfall Forest Zone of Cameroon

The general objective of the present study was to evaluate the susceptibility to fungal diseases of some bean collections in the bimodal rainfall forest zone of Cameroon. To this end, 12 bean collections from Foumbot were grown at the University of Yaoundé I in a completely randomized block design without phytosanitary treatments. Symptoms identified on the leaves of diseased plants were used to characterize the fungal agents in the laboratory using an identification key. Incidence and severity were assessed, as well as the number of pods and seeds in plants under fungal pressure. Following the evolution of symptoms, all collections showed fungal disease attacks at different rates. Macroscopic and microscopic laboratory observations identified Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Uromices appendiculatus and Fusarium solani as the fungal agents responsible for these symptoms. The incidence of disease caused by F. solani was lower in the NJBPRNV (16.67%) and NJBV (22.22%) collections, as was severity (3.33% and 4.44%). On the other hand, the LGRTE (47.06%) and GGRBE (44.44%) LGRV (43.75%) collections showed high incidences of disease caused by S. sclerotiorum, U. appendiculatus and F. solani respectively. Considering the number of seeds, the KPGPV (403.2 seeds) and KPGPTV (350.4 seeds) collections recorded the highest number of seeds, compared with the GGRBE (15.93 seeds); LGRTE (23.87 seeds); GGRBTE (25.53 seeds); LGRV (42.4 seeds) and GGRTE (52.2 seeds) collections. However, the NJBPRNV collection requires special attention in varietal creation, given its greater resistance to the fungal diseases identified.

Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Practices against the Incidence of White Fly and Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) in Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Practices against the Incidence of White Fly and Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) in Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Sustainable food metabolome: Discrimination of agroecological, organic, and conventional pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through the volatile organic compounds profile

Recently, the United Nations indicated the conventional agricultural system is unsustainable and could even threaten food security in the coming decades. Different sectors of society are employing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, and the improvement of consumers awareness about this new class of food is a reality. Consequently, the evaluation of sustainable food composition has recently emerged. In the present study, a foodomics strategy was applied to discriminate pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivated by conventional, organic, and permaculture agriculture systems. For that purpose, headspace solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) and chemometrics were applied to analyze 36 samples. Permaculture beans presented the highest number of statistically significant annotated VOCs in comparison to the other cultivars. The main differential VOC class obtained was oxygenated terpenoids, which has potential to add value to the permaculture cultivated samples. Conventional and organic beans presented as major VOC classes aromatic compounds and alcohols, respectively.

Contrasting Regulation of Phaseolus vulgaris Root Hydraulic Properties Under Drought and Saline Conditions by Three Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Species From Soils with Divergent Moisture Regime

PurposeArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may help plants to overcome abiotic stresses, in part by improving their water uptake capacity. However how different AMF isolated from different climatic regions regulate plant abiotic stress tolerance and water uptake capacity is barely studied. The aim of this study was to reveal how three AMF isolated from two Mediterranean climate locations contrasting in annual precipitation, modify bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) root hydraulic properties facing drought and salinity.MethodsRhizophagus intraradices (Ri) and Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) were isolated from a humid area, whereas Claroideoglomus etunicatum (Ce) was isolated from a dry location. All plants (inoculated or not) were subjected to four days of withholding water or salt treatment. Root hydraulic properties including root hydraulic conductivity and aquaporin expression and abundance were determined.ResultsAll three AMF isolate induced significant differences in plant physiology regardless their different mycorrhizal colonization extent. Drought treatment diminished root hydraulic conductivity and only Fm inoculated plants featured measurable amount of sap exudate. After salt irrigation, AMF inoculation counterbalanced the drop of root hydraulic conductivity. In such situation two AMF, Fm and Ce, presented lowered phosphorylated (Ser-283) PIP2 AQP amount. AQP gene expression highlighted the importance of PvPIP1;2 and PvPIP2;3 plasticity in plants facing osmotic stress. After drought treatment AMF species from the humid location, Ri and Fm, improved plant water status and Fm enhanced root hydraulic conductivity, whereas all AMF performed similarly after salt irrigation, enhancing stomatal conductance and root hydraulic conductivity.ConclusionUnder drought conditions, the AMF isolates from humid regions were the ones that most effectively improved plant water relations. However, under salt stress, all three AMF isolates exhibited similar behavior. Therefore, to some extent, the climatic origin of the AMF could have influenced the response of host plants to drought stress, suggesting that those originating from dry areas may not necessarily be the most efficient.

Trichoderma harzianum prevents red kidney bean root rot by increasing plant antioxidant enzyme activity and regulating the rhizosphere microbial community.

Root rot is one of the main reasons for yield losses of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production. Pre-inoculation with Trichoderma harzianum can effectively lower the incidence of red kidney bean root rot. In this study, four treatments including CK (control), Fu13 (Fusarium oxysporum), T891 (T. harzianum) and T891 + Fu13 (T. harzianum + F. oxysporum) were arranged in a pot experiment to investigate how T891 affected the incidence and severity of root rot, plant growth, and changes of defense enzyme activity in red kidney bean plants. Community composition and diversity of the rhizosphere microbiota was evaluated through high-throughput sequencing, and co-occurrence network was analyzed. The results showed that when compared to the Fu13 treatment, pre-inoculation with T891 reduced the incidence and severity of red kidney bean root rot by 40.62 and 68.03% (p < 0.05), increased the root length, shoot length, total dry biomass by 48.63, 97.72, 122.17%. Upregulated activity of super-oxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) by 7.32, 38.48, 98.31% (p < 0.05), and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) by 23.70% (p < 0.05), respectively. Microbiological analyses also showed that F. oxysporum reduced alpha diversity resulting in alteration the composition of the rhizosphere microbial community in red kidney bean. T891 significantly reduced abundance of F. oxysporum, allowing the enrichment of potentially beneficial bacteria Porphyrobacter (ASV 46), Lysobacter (ASV 85), Microbacteriaceae (ASV 105), and Gemmatimonas (ASV 107), resulting in a more stable structure of the microbial network. The results of random forest analysis further revealed that ASV 46 (Porphyrobacter) was the primary influencing factor for the incidence of root rot after inoculation with T891, while ASV 85 (Lysobacter) was the primary influencing factor for the biomass of red kidney bean. In conclusion, T. harzianum promotes the growth of red kidney bean and inhibits root rot by improving plant antioxidant enzyme activity and regulating the rhizosphere microbial community.

Performance of different Varieties of French Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology &amp; Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during the rabi season 2022-23 to check the performance of different varieties of French Bean under Paryagraj agro -climate condition and to estimate economics of French Bean using different varieties. The experiment comprised of total 7 varieties V1 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1), V3 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-3), V4 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-4), V5 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-5), V6 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-6), V7 (Lakshmi), V8 (Ellora No.11) consisting 3 replication which was laid out in randomized block design. From the above experiment finding it is concluded that all the parameter varied significantly. Further, while studying the plant height, no. of leaves and pod length was found maximum in (Lakshmi). Day to germination days, first flowering, 50% flowering and first pod picking were found minimum in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1). Number of branches, pod girth, pod per plant, average pod weight, ascorbic acid, yield per ha and benefit-cost (B: C) ratio was found maximum in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-3). The maximum TSS, fiber and protein was found in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1).

Determination of abundance and symbiotic effectiveness of native rhizobia nodulating soybean and other legumes in Rwanda.

Rhizobia diversity in the rhizosphere is one of the key promoters of biological nitrogen fixation between host legumes and microsymbionts, although related complex interaction may depend on various factors. This research was intended to assess the abundance of indigenous rhizobia isolates under various soil conditions, as well as their effectiveness to nodulate legumes such as soybeans. Factors such as soil properties and legume species influence the volume and symbiotic effectiveness of native rhizobia to nodulate crop legumes. To investigate the abundance of rhizobia isolates, legume crops were uprooted to obtain nodules for most probable number (MPN) determination of rhizobia isolates, and soybean (Glycine max.) was used to verify the presence of suitable and efficient rhizobia strains for nitrogen fixation. Soil samples were obtained from the holes out of which nodules were collected, and the laboratory analysis included pH, Mg, K, available P, organic C, Ca, and N to establish the correlation between the soil status and number of rhizobia isolates' cells. Significant variations (p-value <.05) were observed in the cell counts of Rhizobia isolates from Glycine max, Phaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum, and Vigna unguiculata, particularly when compared to Arachis hypogaea isolates under acidic conditions. Notably, Pisum sativum and Vigna unguiculata showed consistent performance across all pH conditions. The number of rhizobia isolates was found to be significantly linked to total N and P deficiencies (p < .05). It was also established that total N was dependent on the number of rhizobia cells and that there is a strong correlation between organic carbon and N content. This study highlights the crucial role of understanding and optimizing conditions for rhizobia nodulation in diverse soil environments, emphasizing its potential impact on enhancing biological nitrogen fixation in legumes.