Inoculation Of Microorganisms Research Articles

Robustness of the CDC Folate Microbiologic Assay Kit During Simulated Delayed Shipping

ObjectivesThe WHO has recommended the accurate and practical microbiologic assay (MBA) to assess population folate status. To help laboratories in low-resource countries conduct folate measurements, the CDC developed a folate MBA kit containing critical reagents: calibrator, microorganism, quality control (QC), and reagent stock solutions to prepare culture medium. Shipping frozen kits internationally is complex and sometimes delayed, potentially causing materials to thaw. We investigated whether refrigerated or ambient kit temperatures affect folate results.MethodsWe conditioned 5-methyltetrahydrofolate calibrator stock solution, L. rhamnosus microorganism inoculation, serum and whole blood lysate (WBL) QC samples, and reagent stock solutions (ascorbic acid, chloramphenicol, and manganese sulfate) at 6°C ≤ 3 d and 20°C ≤ 2 d protected from light; we then compared conditioned vs. optimally stored materials (-70°C) by analyzing serum and/or WBL samples (≥3 runs).ResultsThe conditioned calibrator showed a mean folate difference (range from 3 runs for 43 WBL samples) of −0.3% (−4.0 to 4.1%) at 6°C/3 d and 0.9% (−1.6% to 2.7%) at 20°C/2 d. Similarly, the conditioned microorganism showed a mean difference of 4.3% (0.7% to 8.3%) at 6°C/3 d and 0.6% (−3.5% to 4.9%) at 20°C/2 d. The conditioned reagents showed a mean difference (range from 3 runs for 5 serum and 5 WBL samples) of 0.3% (−7.4% to 9.0%) at 6°C/3 d and 3.6% (0.1% to 9.0%) at 20°C/2 d. The 2 conditioned serum QC samples (∼13 and ∼40 nmol/L) showed a mean difference (range from 6 runs) of −0.6% (−6.0% to 2.3%) at 6°C/1 d, but higher differences of −5.8%, −5.9%, and −20.7% at 6°C/3 d, 20°C/1 d, and 20°C/2 d, respectively. The conditioned low WBL QC sample (∼300 nmol/L) showed small mean differences (−1.5%, −2.4%, −1.7%, and −0.3% at 6°C/1 d, 6°C/3 d, 20°C/1 d, and 20°C/2 d, respectively), while the conditioned high WBL QC sample (∼600 nmol/L) showed higher mean differences (−3.1%, −12.4%, −6.9%, and −23.7%, respectively).ConclusionsAll kit components except for the QC materials demonstrated adequate stability (<5% change) at 6°C ≤ 3 d or at 20°C ≤ 2 d. The QC materials should not be exposed to 6°C for > 1 d to ensure stability. These findings provide important and practical information for kit shipment management.Funding SourcesNone.

Biotization of highbush blueberry with ericoid mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi improves plant growth and vitality.

Ecological methods are becoming increasingly popular. One of these methods is plant biotization. In our paper, we focus on selection of Vaccinium corymbosum hairy root-inhabiting fungi for plant growth promotion in a single microorganism inoculation setup and then composed a multiorganismal inoculum enriched with a representative of another group of fungi, leaf endophytes. The hairy roots of V. corymbosum hosted 13 fungal taxa. In single inoculation of the plant with fungal strains, the most beneficial for plant growth were Oidiodendron maius and Phialocephala fortinii. Additional inoculation of the plants with three root symbiotic fungi (O. maius, Hymenoscyphus sp. and P. fortinii) and with the endophytic fungus Xylaria sp. increased plant height in laboratory experiments. On a semi-industrial scale, inoculation improved plant biomass and vitality. Therefore, the amendment of root-associated fungal communities with a mixture of ericoid mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi may represent an alternative to conventional fertilization and pesticide application in large-scale blueberry production. KEY POINTS: • O. maius and P. fortinii significantly stimulated V. corymbosum growth in a single inoculation. • Multimicroorganismal inoculum increased plant biomass and vitality. • Blueberry biotization with ericoid and endophytic fungi is recommended.

Robustness of the CDC Folate Microbiologic Assay Kit During Simulated Delayed Shipping

ObjectivesThe WHO has recommended the accurate and practical microbiologic assay (MBA) to assess population folate status. To help laboratories in low-resource countries conduct folate measurements, the CDC developed a folate MBA kit containing critical reagents: calibrator, microorganism, quality control (QC), and reagent stock solutions to prepare culture medium. Shipping frozen kits internationally is complex and sometimes delayed, potentially causing materials to thaw. We investigated whether refrigerated or ambient kit temperatures affect folate results.MethodsWe conditioned 5-methyltetrahydrofolate calibrator stock solution, L. rhamnosus microorganism inoculation, serum and whole blood lysate (WBL) QC samples, and reagent stock solutions (ascorbic acid, chloramphenicol, and manganese sulfate) at 6°C ≤ 3 d and 20°C ≤ 2 d protected from light; we then compared conditioned vs. optimally stored materials (-70°C) by analyzing serum and/or WBL samples (≥3 runs).ResultsThe conditioned calibrator showed a mean folate difference (range from 3 runs for 43 WBL samples) of −0.3% (−4.0 to 4.1%) at 6°C/3 d and 0.9% (−1.6% to 2.7%) at 20°C/2 d. Similarly, the conditioned microorganism showed a mean difference of 4.3% (0.7% to 8.3%) at 6°C/3 d and 0.6% (−3.5% to 4.9%) at 20°C/2 d. The conditioned reagents showed a mean difference (range from 3 runs for 5 serum and 5 WBL samples) of 0.3% (−7.4% to 9.0%) at 6°C/3 d and 3.6% (0.1% to 9.0%) at 20°C/2 d. The 2 conditioned serum QC samples (∼13 and ∼40 nmol/L) showed a mean difference (range from 6 runs) of −0.6% (−6.0% to 2.3%) at 6°C/1 d, but higher differences of −5.8%, −5.9%, and −20.7% at 6°C/3 d, 20°C/1 d, and 20°C/2 d, respectively. The conditioned low WBL QC sample (∼300 nmol/L) showed small mean differences (−1.5%, −2.4%, −1.7%, and −0.3% at 6°C/1 d, 6°C/3 d, 20°C/1 d, and 20°C/2 d, respectively), while the conditioned high WBL QC sample (∼600 nmol/L) showed higher mean differences (−3.1%, −12.4%, −6.9%, and −23.7%, respectively).ConclusionsAll kit components except for the QC materials demonstrated adequate stability (<5% change) at 6°C ≤ 3 d or at 20°C ≤ 2 d. The QC materials should not be exposed to 6°C for > 1 d to ensure stability. These findings provide important and practical information for kit shipment management.Funding SourcesNone.

An Evaluation of the Effect of the Use of N95 Respirators by Surgical Teams on Early Surgical Site Infections in Orthopedic Cases.

BackgroundSurgical site infections (SSIs) are seen in the postoperative period in orthopedic and traumatology clinics. Just as in all surgical clinics, SSIs lead to patient dissatisfaction with the results, prolong the length of stay in the hospital, and increase treatment costs. SSIs are known to occur as a result of wound contamination through inoculation of microorganisms found mainly in the air or in the surgical area. Because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, N95 masks have been widely used in the operating rooms of our hospital by nurses, residents, and surgeons since March 2020. This study aims to evaluate the effect of N95 respirator use by the surgical team on SSIs determined in patients operated on in our clinic compared to surgical mask use.MethodologyIn this retrospective study, the use of N95 respirators by the surgical team was compared with the use of surgical masks to evaluate the effect on SSIs in patients operated on in our clinic. Two groups were formed of patients operated on by the surgical team wearing surgical masks between February 2019 and February 2020 and those operated on with the surgical team using N95 respirators between March 2020 and March 2021. Each patient was diagnosed with postoperative SSIs by two different surgeons in the same clinic and by an infection clinic specialist based on clinical and laboratory findings.ResultsA total of 1,486 patients were examined; 729 patients in February 2019-February 2020 period (Group 1) and 757 in March 2020-March 2021 period (Group 2). In total, 124 and 104 patients were excluded from the first and second groups, respectively, for various reasons, including revision surgery, open fractures, diabetes, smoking, peripheral vascular disease, or other comorbidities that could affect infection rates. SSIs were determined in 35 patients in Group 1 and 13 patients in Group 2. The SSI rates in the second period in both types of procedures (arthroplasty and trauma surgeries) were determined to be significantly lower.ConclusionsBecause of the use of intraoperative N95 respiratory masks by surgical teams in orthopedics and traumatology procedures, the number of SSIs decreased significantly compared to the use of surgical masks.

Osteomielitis

Osteomyelitis is the infection and destruction of bone tissue by microorganisms. The most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus, but many other infectious agents are involved. Microbiological diagnosis is fundamental for its optimal management, as it is crucial for treatment to be specifically target the microorganism responsible. In children, hematogenous acquisition is predominant whereas in adults, direct inoculation of microorganisms in the bone tissue occurs due to fractures or surgery. Acute osteomyelitis tends to respond to antibiotic treatment, but in chronic forms, there are two pathogenic elements: bony sequestrum and biofilm, which in the majority of cases make surgical treatment and prolonging antibiotic treatment necessary; even still, a cure is not always possible. Recently, various studies have demonstrated that less lengthy cycles of antibiotics have the same efficacy as classically recommended cycles.

MICROBIAL HORTICULTURE: UTILIZATION OF Staphylococcus haemolyticus AS PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA SOIL DRENCH INOCULUM IN CULTIVATING Solanum melongena (EGGPLANT)

With the emergence of COVID -19 in the Philippines, Filipinos have become accustomed to horticulture (Kampman et al., 2021) and used chemical fertilizers to cultivate their own quality crops, but this material has adverse effects on the environment. The emerging solution for this concern is the inoculation of microorganisms to promote plant growth, called microbial horticulture. Staphylococcus haemolyticus is aerobic bacteria discovered to be a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in soil through gene testing (Bhattacharyya et al., 2020). Thus, this study utilized a laboratory cultured in Blood Agar Plate media (BAP) Staphylococcus haemolyticus as sole microorganism in soil drenching the Solanum melongena (Eggplant) and measure its daily plant growth in height of plant, length and width of leaves to assess its effects on growth and rate, and evaluate its phenotypic characteristics through destructive analysis in comparison to Agrochemically treated and untreated samples. This research concluded that inoculating laboratory cultured Staphylococcus haemolyticus in Solanum melongena (Eggplant) samples haves shown evident growth in its plant height, length, and width of leaves within three (3) weeks of treatment in an uncontrolled environment than Agro Chemically treated, and untreated plants, but the plant phenotypic parameters treated by all the treatments have no significant difference to each other. Thus concluding that Staphylococcus haemolyticus has a significant effect on the plant growth, but has no significant effect on the plant phenotype characteristic of Solanum melongena (Eggplant).

Removal of Acetone Vapor from Air Using a Biotrickling Filter Packed with Polymeric Bioballs

Acetone released into the atmosphere can adversely affect human health and the environment. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of a laboratory-scale biotrickling filter (BTF) with bioball packing material to remove acetone vapor from contaminated air. The acetone removal efficiency was investigated in two different scenarios: with and without the inoculation of microorganisms. Three strains of bacteria, Pseudomonas putida, Rhodococcus aerolatus, and Aquaspirillum annulus, were used in the BTF. In both cases, the filter units were simultaneously operated for 100 days under three different inlet acetone concentrations (0.18 ± 0.01 g/m3, 0.25 ± 0.01 g/m3, and 0.40 ± 0.02 g/m3) and two different gas flow rates (2.54 and 5.09 m3/h). The results showed that acetone removal was greater in the filter with the inoculated bacteria. In the filter operated without inoculum, the acetone removal efficiency gradually decreased with filtration time from 90.1% to 6.1%. While employing three types of bacteria in the BTF, the efficiency of acetone removal remained relatively stable and varied between 70.2% and 97.6%. The study also revealed that bioballs can be successfully used as a packing material in air biofiltration systems designed for acetone removal from the air.

Inoculation of cellulolytic and ligninolytic microorganisms accelerates decomposition of high C/N and cellulose rich sugarcane straw in tropical sandy soils

Due to the limited functional potential of the microbial decomposer community in tropical sandy soils, a significant proportion of organic inputs with a high C/N ratio and cellulose (CL) content may remain undecomposed. Moreover, high C/N ratio organic input led to N immobilization and suppressed succeeding crop yield. Inoculation of competent microbial decomposers to such soils could constitute a promising approach to overcome this problem, with beneficial effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. Therefore, the objectives were (i) to assess the ability of selected cellulolytic and ligninolytic microbial inoculants to promote the decomposition of high C/N ratio and high cellulose inputs in the initial stages after application, using soil enzyme activity measurements, and (ii) to verify the decomposition efficiency of microbial inocula to enhance short-term soil organic carbon (SOC) quantity and quality, using mid-infrared diffuse reflectance Fourier transform spectroscopy (midDRIFTS)-based functional SOC group analysis, integrated with assayed soil enzyme activities. The experiments consisted of 4 treatments: 1) Control (C): no application of organic inputs; 2) Mulch (M): sugarcane straw mulched at a rate of 6.25 tons ha−1; 3) Incorporation (I): sugarcane straw incorporated to soil at a rate of 6.25 tons ha−1; and 4) Incorporation (treatment 3) + inoculation of an artificial microbial consortium (I + MC). Two experiments were conducted i.e. experiment I (field-based micro-plot and litter bag study (32 weeks)) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and experiment II (lab-based incubation study (84 days)) using a completely randomized block design (CRD). Sandy soils derived from a farmer's field located in the Khon Kean province (Northeast Thailand) were used. MC was composed of cellulolytic and ligninolytic bacteria (2.2 × 108 CFU g−1 soil) and fungi (1.9 × 106 CFU g−1 soil) with an application rate of 0.1 g kg−1 sugarcane straw. Our results indicated that treatment I + MC led to the highest dry weight loss of sugarcane straw (73%), highest cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzyme activities (β-glucosidase, cellulase, peroxidase, and phenoloxidase), and short-term SOC accumulation. I + MC also showed increased peroxidase and phenoloxidase activities in the early stages of decomposition. Integration of midDRIFTS and enzyme activity analyses demonstrated that in the initial stages of decomposition cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzyme activities enhanced labile SOC components, while in the later stage, cellulolytic and ligninolytic activities enhanced both labile and stable SOC components. In conclusion, farmers may benefit from this approach, but field validation would be needed prior envisioned large-scale application, including the development of formulation and field application processes, evaluated against environmental and economic indicators.

Beneficial microorganisms enhance the growth of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under greenhouse conditions

The integration of healthy management alternatives continues to be a challenge in the organic production of aromatic and medicinal plants, including of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of three beneficial microorganisms (1) Trichoderma harzianum (TH), (2) Bacillus subtilis (BS), (3) Glomus cubense (GC) and their combinations on the growth of basil. A completely randomised design was used with a control and seven treatments with six repetitions. The control (1) was with no microorganism inoculation and the seven treatments were inoculations with the single or the combined microorganisms as follows: (2) TH, (3) BS, (4) GC, (5) TH+BS, (6) TH+GC, (7) BS+GC and (8) TH+BS+GC. Three harvests of fresh biomass were made and a number of growth variables were recorded: fresh and dry biomass, leaf area, number of commercial stems, stem length and thickness, Leaf length and width, relative chlorophyll concentration (SPAD readings) and the levels of N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Overall growth increased by 58% with TH+GC compared with the control and by 55% compared with the single inoculations (TH, BS and GC) and with the triple inoculation (TH+BS+GC). A growth increase of 51% was obtained with BS+GC compared with the control and of 38% compared with the other treatments. These results indicate co-inoculation of TH+GC or of BS+GC are useful alternative managements to increase greenhouse production of basil.

Growth and Yield of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum According to Soil Management in Agroforestry Systems: A Case Study in the Brazilian Amazon

Studies on applying of soil management practices in the management of paricá and the effects on growth and yield are essential to auxiliary its cultivation and would allow us to inform management and conservation decisions to reconciliate biodiversity, wellbeing, and sustainable production. This case study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield of paricá at different soil management practices, including consortium with an agricultural production, in the Brazilian Amazon. Paricá was implanted, consorted with soybean in the first year, and maize in the second, in a 5 × 2 m spacing. The treatments T1 = subsoiling, basal dressing, top-dressing, inoculation of microorganisms and consortium with soybean/maize were applied. In T2, T3, T4, and T5, we applied the same practices of T1, except subsoiling (T2), basal dressing (T3), top-dressing (T4) and inoculation of microorganisms (T5). T6 was the control, which used none of these practices, including the consortium with soybean/maize. The results indicate that the highest rate of plant survival occurred in T2, while T3 and T4 promoted greater intraspecific competition, compromising the growth in dbh and the yield (m3 ha−1) of plants in future ages. Growth in dbh and th and the yield of plants in the soybean/maize consortium period was higher in T2 and T6. In future ages, the dbh and yield of plants demonstrated higher growth trends in T6, T1, and T5. Agroforestry practices of soil management influence the growth and yield of paricá plants. However, there is a tendency for greater growth and yield for paricá plants cultivated in the absence of agroforestry practices for soil management proposed in this case study. When opting for AFS (paricá intercropped with soybean and maize), it is recommended for paricá a subsoiling, fertilization, and inoculation of microorganisms.

The effects of mycorrhizal colonization on phytophagous insects and their natural enemies in soybean fields.

The use of belowground microorganisms in agriculture, with the aim to stimulate plant growth and improve crop yields, has recently gained interest. However, few studies have examined the effects of microorganism inoculation on higher trophic levels in natural conditions. We examined how the diversity of phytophagous insects and their natural enemies responded to the field-inoculation of soybean with a model arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Rhizophagus irregularis, combined with a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and a plant growth-promoting bacterium, Bacillus pumilus. We also investigate if the absence or presence of potassium fertilizer can affect this interaction. We found an increase in the abundance of piercing-sucking insects with the triple inoculant irrespective of potassium treatment, whereas there were no differences among treatments for other insect groups. A decrease in the abundance of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, with the double inoculant Rhizophagus + Bradyrhizobium was observed in potassium enriched plots and in the abundance of Empoasca spp. with potassium treatment independent of inoculation type. Although it was not possible to discriminate the mycorrhization realized by inoculum from that of the indigenous AMF in the field, we confirmed global negative effects of overall mycorrhizal colonization on the abundance of phytophagous piercing-sucking insects, phytophagous chewing insects, and the alpha diversity of phytophagous insects. In perspective, the use of AMF/Rhizobacteria inoculants in the field should focus on the identity and performance of strains to better understand their impact on insects.

Reflections and Insights on the Evolution of the Biological Remediation of Contaminated Soils

The field of soil biological remediation was initially focused on the use of microorganisms. For organic contaminants, biostimulation and bioaugmentation were the strategies of choice. For heavy metals, bioremediation was centered on the feasibility of using microorganisms to reduce metal toxicity. Partly due to the impossibility to degrade metals, phytoremediation emerged proposing the use of plants to extract them (phytoextraction) or reduce their bioavailability (phytostabilization). Later, microbial-assisted phytoremediation addressed the inoculation of plant growth-promoting microorganisms to improve phytoremediation efficiency. Similarly, plant-assisted bioremediation examined the stimulatory effect of plant growth on the microbial degradation of soil contaminants. The combination of plants and microorganisms is nowadays often recommended for mixed contaminated soils. Finally, phytomanagement emerged as a phytotechnology focused on the use of plants and associated microorganisms to decrease contaminant linkages, maximize ecosystem services, and provide economic revenues. Although biological remediation methods have been in use for decades, the truth is that they have not yet yielded the expected results. Here, we claim that much more research is needed to make the most of the many ways that microorganisms have evolutionary developed to access the contaminants and to better understand the soil microbial networks responsible, to a great extent, for soil functioning.

Influence of Trichoderma asperellum and Bacillus subtilis as biocontrol and plant growth promoting agents on soil microbiota

PurposeThe manipulation of soil microbiota can involve changes in microbial diversity and microbial activities, and it is carried out for practical purposes. The microbial diversity can be modified by the inoculation of beneficial microorganisms into soil or by agricultural management practices. This study provides information on the influence of introducing beneficial soil microorganisms on soil indigenous microbiota. The aim of this study was to determine how biocontrol and plant growth promoting agents Trichoderma asperellum and Bacillus subtilis and their consortium affect indigenous soil microbiota without placing emphasis on the plant as a determinant of change.MethodsExperimental soil samples were treated with B. subtilis and T. asperellum and their consortium. The shift of number of bacterial and fungal CFUs in soil was determined. Biolog EcoPlate assay demonstrated the metabolic activity of microorganisms in soil. The concentration of Trichoderma genus, Firmicutes, Gammaproteobacteria and Acidobacteria DNA in soil samples was determined by molecular methods. A correlation analysis was performed between microbiological and molecular data.ResultsSoil treatment with T. asperellum, B. subtilis and the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea changed the number of CFUs and amplified DNA fragments of certain taxa. The study showed that added microorganisms did not significantly affect the metabolic diversity of the community and Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index but change the utilization of carbohydrates, complex carbon compounds and organic phosphorus compounds.ConclusionIntroduced biocontrol and plant growth promoting agents T. asperellum and B. subtilis survive in soil during a 60-day experiment and influence composition and functionality of indigenous populations. Whereas B. subtilis and T. asperellum and their consortium are inhibitors of the pathogenic fungus B. cinerea, this could further positively affect specific crops.

Increased quality of small-scale organic compost with the addition of efficient microorganisms

Substantial quantities solid waste from livestock are potential sources of nutrients for agroecological production on small-scale farms. The processes used to extract these wastes, however, must be capable of eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. We aimed to evaluate composting and vermicomposting processes by inoculating efficient microorganisms at the field scale. We used cattle and sheep manure with the inoculation of efficient microorganisms (EMs) at concentrations of 0, 2, and 4 mL L-1. In vermicomposting experiments, we added Lumbricus rubellus. After the maturation and stabilization phases of the compounds, concentrations of macronutrients, micronutrients, heavy metals, thermotolerant coliforms and Salmonella spp. were measured. We found that composting processes allowed high availability of macronutrients. Vermicomposting, associated with inoculation with 2 mL L-1 EMs, promoted the lowest concentration of thermotolerant coliforms, ensuring greater elimination of pathogens. The compost produced allowed the valuation of waste and use it as a quality organic fertilizer for agroecological production.

Protocolo diagnóstico de la linfangitis

Lymphangitis is an inflammatory process of the lymphatic system of infectious or non-infectious cause. Cutaneous inoculation of microorganisms into the lymphatic vessels through a cutaneous defect or as a complication of a distal infection is the most common cause. The causative pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinical manifestations vary (acute, nodular, filarial, non-peripheral, non-infectious, and other underlying and iatrogenic diseases). Clinical diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination. Etiological diagnosis is based on epidemiology, clinical features and analytical (ESR, CRP) and microbiological tests (smears, aspirate, or biopsies for bacterial, fungal, and mycobacterial cultures, even with prolonged incubation; serology, blood smears and molecular methods for specific infrequent organisms). Imaging techniques (lymphangiography and lymphoscintigraphy) allow the assessment of anatomical disturbances of the lymphatic system, but they do not provide information on etiology.

Impact of microorganism inoculation on growth and Si accumulation in rubber seedlings

Impact of microorganism inoculation on growth and Si accumulation in rubber seedlings

Chemical and Antimicrobial Effects of Air Non-Thermal Plasma Processing of Fresh Apple Juice with Focus on Safety Aspects.

Freshly squeezed apple juice was subjected to air non-thermal plasma treatment to investigate the capability of this processing method to inactivate microorganisms and to evaluate its safety when applied to liquid food products. Two different configurations of a transient spark discharge in ambient air were tested: an electrospray system with the juice flowing directly through the high voltage needle electrode, and a batch system, where the discharge was generated onto the surface of the juice. The key physico-chemical parameters of the juice, such as pH, conductivity, color, transmittance, and Brix degree, did not significantly change upon treatment. The concentration of nitrate ions formed by the plasma was safe, while that of nitrite ions and hydrogen peroxide was initially higher than the safety limits, but decreased within 24 h post treatment. The plasma effect on individual natural components of the juice, such as sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols, treated in water solutions led to their partial or substantial decomposition. However, when these compounds were plasma-treated altogether in the juice, they remained unaffected. The antimicrobial effect of the plasma processing was evaluated via the inoculation of model microorganisms. A stronger (6 log) decontamination was detected for bacteria Escherichia coli with respect to yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Plasma processing led to a substantial extension of the juice shelf-life by up to 26 days if refrigerated, which represents a promising application potential in food technology.

Qualitative assessment of compost engendered from municipal solid waste and green waste by indexing method

The present study aims at quantification of the quality of three varieties of composts made from municipal solid waste, green waste and combined waste by critically evaluating their physicochemical attributes, effect on soil fertility and metal pollution risk. Each waste type was treated with effective micro-organisms to compare the compost quality using Quality Control Indices. The effect of microbial consortia on the wastes was prominent resulting in decreased pH levels and increased electrical conductivity. C/N ratio ranged between 14-24 for waste composts without microbial treatment, and 8-11 for microbial treated wastes. The fertility parameter was observed to be more in microbial treated waste composts. Also, heavy metals concentration in waste compost without effective microbial treatment was higher than the types given EM. Based on the fertility and clean indices, the treated and untreated municipal solid waste and combined waste compost belonged to class RU-1 and class D, respectively. Moreover, compost prepared from treated and untreated green waste belonged to classes B and C respectively. In general, the prepared CW and GW composts have medium to high fertilizing potential and are fit for domestic as well as commercial use. However, MSW compost is not fit for agricultural purposes as it didn’t improve soil fertility to a greater extent but can be used as a soil conditioner in limited quantity as it can cause metal toxicity. For this reason, proper segregation of inputs at the start of a composting process is necessary to improve its quality before being put to agricultural use as any unbalanced or unchecked content of mixed waste will affect the overall compost quality.

Effects of exogenous germanium and effective microorganisms on germanium accumulation and nutritional qualities of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Organic germanium (Ge) compounds show vital beneficial effects for our health and are widely used as medical applications and dietary supplements. Inorganic Ge can be absorbed by plants and further accumulated and transformed into organic Ge compounds in plant tissues, which can be further consumed as Ge-rich foods. Meantime, the presence of Ge can improve the physiological functions of plants such as the salt tolerance and the peroxidase activities in leaves. Therefore, improving the Ge content of Ge-rich plants by fertilizing exogenous inorganic Ge is of important and an efficient way to obtain more organic germanium. Garlic is one of the natural Ge-rich plants and possesses prodigious medicinal and nutraceutical properties. The main edible parts of garlic include bulb, scape and seedling in China. However, the effects of exogenous Ge on the Ge accumulation and nutritional qualities of garlic are not apparent, and the suitable applying concentrations and frequencies are also poorly known. Here, using garlic cultivar G024 and GeO2 as exogenous Ge, two experiments were performed to reveal the effects of exogenous Ge on garlic. Besides, a third experiment that brings in the factor of effective microorganisms (EM) inoculation was also conducted to evaluate the combined effects of exogenous Ge and EM application on garlic seedlings. Results showed that foliar spraying 6–72 mg/L GeO2 solutions significantly affects the Ge accumulation and distribution in garlic plants; foliar spraying 9–12 mg/L GeO2 at the bolting period is appropriate for producing the Ge-rich garlic scapes and bulbs; soil supplying 100 mg GeO2 together with EM inoculation are suitable for obtaining Ge-rich garlic seedlings. The present study provided useful information for the field production of Ge-rich garlic.

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Organic germanium (Ge) compounds show vital beneficial effects for our health and are widely used as medical applications and dietary supplements. Inorganic Ge can be absorbed by plants and further accumulated and transformed into organic Ge compounds in plant tissues, which can be further consumed as Ge-rich foods. Meantime, the presence of Ge can improve the physiological functions of plants such as the salt tolerance and the peroxidase activities in leaves. Therefore, improving the Ge content of Ge-rich plants by fertilizing exogenous inorganic Ge is of important and an efficient way to obtain more organic germanium. Garlic is one of the natural Ge-rich plants and possesses prodigious medicinal and nutraceutical properties. The main edible parts of garlic include bulb, scape and seedling in China. However, the effects of exogenous Ge on the Ge accumulation and nutritional qualities of garlic are not apparent, and the suitable applying concentrations and frequencies are also poorly known. Here, using garlic cultivar G024 and GeO2 as exogenous Ge, two experiments were performed to reveal the effects of exogenous Ge on garlic. Besides, a third experiment that brings in the factor of effective microorganisms (EM) inoculation was also conducted to evaluate the combined effects of exogenous Ge and EM application on garlic seedlings. Results showed that foliar spraying 6–72 mg/L GeO2 solutions significantly affects the Ge accumulation and distribution in garlic plants; foliar spraying 9–12 mg/L GeO2 at the bolting period is appropriate for producing the Ge-rich garlic scapes and bulbs; soil supplying 100 mg GeO2 together with EM inoculation are suitable for obtaining Ge-rich garlic seedlings. The present study provided useful information for the field production of Ge-rich garlic.