Catalase Production Research Articles

Differential Responses of Root Rot Pathogen Rhizoctonia solani in Tolerant and Susceptible Varieties of Tomato at Various Physiological Levels

Introduction: This study investigates the defense responses of tolerant versus susceptible varieties of tomato against the hemi biotroph pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. Method: The early infection of Rhizoctonia solani was characterized by a tolerant Pusa Ruby and a susceptible tomato variety, Oriental (VT- 946). Result: The microscopy experiments showed more hyphal growth in a susceptible plant than in a tolerant one. The hyphae formed extensive branching, contacting the host surface to form a greater number of various infection structures for penetration in the susceptible host compared to the tolerant variety. Biochemical assays showed differences in the production of phenolics, proline, hydrogen peroxide, and catalase in the tomato varieties. Conclusion: The differential expression profiles of the early response allene oxide synthase AOS gene were obtained over time in the two hosts.

Soil and root microbiome analysis and isolation of plant growth-promoting bacteria from hybrid buffaloberry (Shepherdia utahensis 'Torrey') across three locations.

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly hazardous for our ecosystem. Climate resilient landscaping, which promotes the use of native plants, has the potential to simultaneously decrease the rate of climate change, enhance climate resilience, and combat biodiversity losses. Native plants and their associated microbiome form a holo-organism; interaction between plants and microbes is responsible for plants' growth and proper functioning. In this study, we were interested in exploring the soil and root microbiome composition associated with Shepherdia utahensis, a drought hardy plant proposed for low water use landscaping, which is the hybrid between two native hardy shrubs of Utah, S. rotudifolia and S. argentea. The bulk soil, rhizosphere, root, and nodule samples of the hybrid Shepherdia plants were collected from three locations in Utah: the Logan Campus, the Greenville farm, and the Kaysville farm. The microbial diversity analysis was conducted, and plant growth-promoting bacteria were isolated and characterized from the rhizosphere. The results suggest no difference in alpha diversity between the locations; however, the beta diversity analysis suggests the bacterial community composition of bulk soil and nodule samples are different between the locations. The taxonomic classification suggests Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota are the dominant species in bulk soil and rhizosphere, and Actinobacteriota is solely found in root and nodule samples. However, the composition of the bacterial community was different among the locations. There was a great diversity in the genus composition in bulk soil and rhizosphere samples among the locations; however, Frankia was the dominant genus in root and nodule samples. Fifty-nine different bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere and tested for seven plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, such as the ability to fix nitrogen, phosphates solubilization, protease activity, siderophore, Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and catalase production, and ability to use ACC as nitrogen source. All the isolates produced some amount of IAA. Thirty-one showed at least four PGP traits and belonged to Stenotrophomonas, Chryseobacterium, Massilia, Variovorax, and Pseudomonas. We shortlisted 10 isolates that showed all seven PGP traits and will be tested for plant growth promotion.

How do taurine and ergothioneine additives improve the parameters of high- and low-quality turkey semen during liquid preservation?

Abstract The study aimed to examine the parameters of turkey ejaculates (n=40) of high and low quality (HQ and LQ, respectively), preserved with the addition of taurine (TAU; 5 mM, 10 mM) and ergothioneine (EGT; 5 mM, 10 mM) for 48 h at 5°C in a liquid state. The motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial function, apoptotic and necrotic spermatozoa percentage, and sperm cells that generated NO were determined after 2, 24, and 48 h of storage. The preserved semen was also analysed for the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Taurine, in both doses, may improve the antioxidant status of stored turkey semen as well as sperm motility, viability and functionality regardless of ejaculate quality, as manifested by increased SOD and CAT activities, reduced MDA levels, and enhanced sperm characteristics i.e. plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), total motility (TMOT), and progressive motility (PMOT). In turn, the addition of EGT increased GSH content in the external environment and suppressed lipid peroxidation in turkey spermatozoa, in particular those from low-quality (LQ) ejaculates. However, it appears that EGT could deliver more satisfactory results when added at lower concentrations.

In Vitro Characterization and Identification of Potential Probiotic Yeasts Isolated from Zaopocu, a Traditional Fermented Dregs Vinegar from Hainan Island.

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in researching fermented food-derived yeasts as probiotics because they offer a natural and diverse source of potential strains with unique functional properties and health benefits. In this study, 13 yeast strains isolated from Zaopocu (ZPC), a traditional fermented dregs vinegar on Hainan Island, China, were evaluated for their probiotic characteristics in vitro. Yeast identification was conducted through 5.8S-ITS region sequencing, revealing Kodamaea ohmeri as the predominantly isolated species (ZPC_Y3, Y5, Y6, Y11), followed by Pichia kudriavzevii (ZPC_Y2, Y13, Y14), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (ZPC_Y9, Y10), Pichia fermentans (ZPC_Y8, Y12), Pichia kluyveri (ZPC_Y4), and Pichia occidentalis (ZPC_Y1). Except for ZPC_Y4, ZPC_Y8, and ZPC_Y12, all isolated yeasts exhibited stable growth at 37°C. The survival rates of all test strains exceeded 60% under challenging conditions at pH = 2 and 0.3% bile salt, along with strong antioxidant activity (> 5 6%), notable autoaggregation (> 70%), and varying levels of cell hydrophobicity with xylene (ranging from 35.32 ± 8.57% to 89.73 ± 4.84%). In addition, all isolates showed resistance to multiple antibiotics, along with antagonistic activity, and were deemed safe as none exhibited hemolytic, gelatinase, or DNase activities. Significantly, two P. kudriavzevii strains (ZPC_Y2, Y14) exhibited the production of catalase, lipase, and β-galactosidase, along with the capacity to synthesize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In summary, this preliminary study represents the first attempt to identify and characterize potential probiotic yeast strains isolated from Zaopocu, providing a theoretical basis for exploring their application in developing novel therapeutic probiotics.

Insights into trehalose mediated physiological and biochemical mechanisms in Zea mays L. under chromium stress

BackgroundChromium (Cr) toxicity significantly threatens agricultural ecosystems worldwide, adversely affecting plant growth and development and reducing crop productivity. Trehalose, a non-reducing sugar has been identified as a mitigator of toxic effects induced by abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of exogenously applied trehalose on maize plants exposed to Cr stress.ResultsTwo maize varieties, FH-1046 and FH-1453, were subjected to two different Cr concentrations (0.3 mM, and 0.5 mM). The results revealed significant variations in growth and biochemical parameters for both maize varieties under Cr-induced stress conditions as compared to the control group. Foliar application of trehalose at a concentration of 30 mM was administered to both maize varieties, leading to a noteworthy reduction in the detrimental effects of Cr stress. Notably, the Cr (0.5 mM) stress more adversely affected the shoot length more than 0.3mM of Cr stress. Cr stress (0.5 mM) significantly reduced the shoot length by 12.4% in FH-1046 and 24.5% in FH-1453 while Trehalose increased shoot length by 30.19% and 4.75% in FH-1046 and FH-1453 respectively. Cr stress significantly constrained growth and biochemical processes, whereas trehalose notably improved plant growth by reducing Cr uptake and minimizing oxidative stress caused by Cr. This reduction in oxidative stress was evidenced by decreased production of proline, SOD, POD, MDA, H2O2, catalase, and APX. Trehalose also enhanced photosynthetic activities under Cr stress, as indicated by increased values of chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids. Furthermore, the ameliorative potential of trehalose was demonstrated by increased contents of proteins and carbohydrates and a decrease in Cr uptake.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that trehalose application substantially improved growth and enhanced photosynthetic activities in both maize varieties. Trehalose (30 mM) significantly increased the plant biomass, reduced ROS production and enhanced resilience to Cr stress even at 0.5 mM.

In vitro probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the intestines of Muscovy ducks.

The current study was conducted to isolate, test and characterize molecularly and physiologically lactic acid bacteria from the intestines of Muscovy ducks to evaluate their probiotic potential for poultry farming. Three hundred lactic acid bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of Muscovy ducks were isolated. The strains were phenotypically characterized by observing cell morphology, performing Gram staining, catalase production, and testing their ability to grow in MRS broth at different temperatures, pH values, NaCl concentrations, bile concentration, and in compatibility tests between strains. Nine strains were selected based on their resilience. Eight strains were identified using molecular techniques. These strains exhibited significant tolerance to acidic pH, bile salts, and NaCl, essential for probiotic function. All isolates inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (DT104) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O86:H34 (EPEC), showcasing their antimicrobial potential. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 100% resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin but high susceptibility to ampicillin and vancomycin. Growth was observed at various temperatures, indicating mesophilic characteristics. Compatibility tests confirmed their suitability for probiotic formulations. Genomic analysis identified the strains primarily as Enterococcus. Conclusively, the study identified eight out of nine selected lactic acid bacteria strains from Muscovy ducks as autochthonous probiotics, showing resilience to treatments and compatibility for consortium formulation. These strains are suitable for in vivo testing for potential poultry farming applications. Further research on their molecular mechanisms and in vivo effects is needed.

Prevalence and characterization of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. cyamopsidis causing bacterial blight of clusterbean in the semi-arid region of North Gujarat

The bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. cyamopsidis is the most widespread and destructive disease of clusterbean. The present study aimed to survey the major clusterbean growing areas, expanding in five districts i.e., Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, Mehsana and Aravali of North Gujarat. The study found that bacterial blight disease is prevalent in Idar, Ambaji, Danta, Sanali, Khedbramha, Shamalaji, Patan, Bhiloda, Visnagar, Deesa and Amirgadh. The highest mean disease incidence (28.44%) was recorded in Idar, Sabarkantha. Based on the gram straining it was observed that the test bacterium was gram-negative and rod-shaped. Further, the biochemical tests, such as starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, hydrogen sulphide production, catalase, and acid production from different sugars viz., sucrose, maltose, and dextrose showed a positive reaction, except, acid production from mannitol was negative. Based on the morphological, biochemical, and pathogenic characteristics, the pathogen was identified as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. cyamopsidis.

Sub-genomic RNAi-assisted strain evolution of filamentous fungi for enhanced protein production.

Genetic engineering at the genomic scale provides a rapid means to evolve microbes for desirable traits. However, in many filamentous fungi, such trials are daunted by low transformation efficiency. Differentially expressed genes under certain conditions may contain important regulatory factors. Accordingly, although manipulating these subsets of genes only can largely reduce the time and labor, engineering at such a sub-genomic level may also be able to improve the microbial performance. Herein, first using the industrially important cellulase-producing filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei as a model organism, we constructed suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) libraries enriched with differentially expressed genes under cellulase induction (MM-Avicel) and cellulase repression conditions (MM-Glucose). The libraries, in combination with RNA interference, enabled sub-genomic engineering of T. reesei for enhanced cellulase production. The ability of T. reesei to produce endoglucanase was improved by 2.8~3.3-fold. In addition, novel regulatory genes (tre49304, tre120391, and tre123541) were identified to affect cellulase expression in T. reesei. Iterative manipulation using the same strategy further increased the yield of endoglucanase activity to 75.6 U/mL, which was seven times as high as that of the wild type (10.8 U/mL). Moreover, using Humicola insolens as an example, such a sub-genomic RNAi-assisted strain evolution proved to be also useful in other industrially important filamentous fungi. H. insolens is a filamentous fungus commonly used to produce catalase, albeit with similarly low transformation efficiency and scarce knowledge underlying the regulation of catalase expression. By combining SSH and RNAi, a strain of H. insolens producing 28,500 ± 288 U/mL of catalase was obtained, which was 1.9 times as high as that of the parent strain.IMPORTANCEGenetic engineering at the genomic scale provides an unparalleled advantage in microbial strain improvement, which has previously been limited only to the organisms with high transformation efficiency such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. Herein, using the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei as a model organism, we demonstrated that the advantage of suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to enrich differentially expressed genes and the convenience of RNA interference to manipulate a multitude of genes could be combined to overcome the inadequate transformation efficiency. With this sub-genomic evolution strategy, T. reesei could be iteratively engineered for higher cellulase production. Intriguingly, Humicola insolens, a fungus with even little knowledge in gene expression regulation, was also improved for catalase production. The same strategy may also be expanded to engineering other microorganisms for enhanced production of proteins, organic acids, and secondary metabolites.

Tenuazonic acid-induced mycotoxicosis in an immunosuppressed mouse model and its prophylaxis with cinnamaldehyde

Patients with impaired immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infections. With the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, it becomes necessary to design studies that evaluate the effects of toxic contaminants that are a part of our daily lives. Simultaneously, the management of these toxic components also becomes essential. Therefore, the present study evaluated the possible protective role of cinnamaldehyde (Cin) against tenuazonic acid-induced mycotoxicosis in the immunosuppressed murine model. Tenuazonic acid (TeA), a toxin usually produced by Alternaria species, is a common contaminant in tomato and tomato-based products. Evaluating the potential toxicity of a hazardous chemical necessitates the use of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods. Here, the immunomodulatory effect of TeA was assessed in vitro using mouse splenocytes. In silico docking was carried out for the tumour markers of eight organs and TeA. The haematological, histopathological, and biochemical aspects were analysed in vivo. The sub-chronic intoxication of mice with TeA showed elevated malondialdehyde, reduced catalase, and superoxide dismutase production, along with abnormal levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase. The treatment with Cin prevented TeA-induced alterations of antioxidant defense enzyme activities and significantly forbade TeA-induced organ damage, showing therapeutic effects and toxicity reduction in TeA-induced mycotoxicosis.

Exploring the Hidden Treasures: Isolation, Characterization and Screening of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) for Plant Growth-Promoting Traits from Chilli Field Weeds Rhizosphere

Plant-associated microbes affect growth, nutrient acquisition, tolerance to different stress conditions and etc. by the plant. However, beneficial microbes influencing weeds biosynthesis remain largely unexplored and unexploited. Phosphorus is one of essential macro-minerals for the growth and development of chilli plants. The main objective of this study was to isolate characterize and evaluation of the PGPR characters of PSB from weed rhizosphere of the chilli ecosystem. Totally 40 PSB isolates were isolated from different weeds in the chilli ecosystem and were subjected to biochemical characterization where 13 isolates were found positive for starch hydrolysis, 35 isolates were positive for acid production, 12isolates were positive for gas production, 40 isolates were positive for catalase production, 5 isolates were positive for H2S production, 13 isolates were positive for urease production and remaining all isolated were negative for the respective tests. Based on morphological and biochemical characterization, the isolates were tentatively identified as Bacillus sp and Pseudomonas sp.

Identification of Proteus Vulgaris using Series of Biochemical Test and Staining Technique: Ecology, Pathogenicity (Enteric Pathogen), Description and Prevention of It’s Diseases

Phenotypic identification of bacteria by staining technique and biochemical tests. This practical was carried out to identify Proteus vulgaris using biochemical test, this test includes, citrate utilization, indole, carbohydrate fermentation, methyl red, voges Proskauer, motility, production of hydrogen sulphide, catalase, and oxidase tests. Results obtained shows that Proteus vulgaris was positive to indole, motility, methyl red and urease. Proteus vulgaris was unable to utilize citrate for carbon and energy, and does not synthesis the enzyme amylase to break down starch. The bacteria fermented glucose to produce acid and gas.

Mangrove sediments-associated bacterium (Bacillus sp. SW7) with multiple plant growth-promoting traits promotes the growth of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum)

Global food production intensification presents a major hurdle to ensuring food security amidst a growing world population. Widespread use of chemical fertilizers in recent decades has risked soil fertility, compounded by the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in arid regions. To address these issues, adopting plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria stands out as a promising solution, offering multifaceted benefits to arid agroecosystems. We isolated a bacterial strain, SW7, from mangrove sediment, characterised the entire genome followed by phylogenetic analyses, and evaluated its in-vitro PGP activity. Subsequently, we examined its impact on tomato seed germination and plant growth. The strain SW7 exhibited growth on 11% NaCl, survival at 50°C, and possessed multiple PGP traits such as significant increase in seed germination rate (60.60 ± 38.85%), phosphate (83.3 g L−1) and potassium (39.6 g L−1) solubilization and produced indole acetic acid (3.60 ppm). Additionally, strain SW7 tested positive for ammonia, catalase, and oxidase enzyme production. The strain SW7 genome consists of 5.1 MB with 35.18% G+C content. Through genome-based phylogenetic and orthoANI analyses, the strain was identified as a novel Bacillus species, designated herein as Bacillus sp. SW7. In an eight-week shade-house experiment, inoculation of strain SW7 improved, leaf number, leaf density, leaf area index and mass water of tomatoes. Additional parameters, like chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids were not affected in SW7-inoculated tomatoes. In conclusion, Bacillus sp. SW7 exhibits multiple PGP traits and an adaptive capacity to high temperature and salinity, positioning it as a potential candidate for elevating the productivity of arid agroecosystems.

INFLUENCE OF DINITROSALICYLIC ACID ON THE PROTECTIVE SYSTEM OF COTTON SEEDLINGS (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Cotton growing, being an important agro-industrial object, is being improved through the introduction of new mechanisms to increase resistance to various external stress factors. Taking into account the previously studied phytohormones, the purpose of our study was to identify the effect of the salicylic acid derivative, dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA), on the biochemical processes in the common cotton AP-317 genotype. It was established that low concentrations of DNSA-0.01 mM decreased production of NO radical, catalase and PPO activity, as well as absorption of phosphorus-anions from the nutrient medium, while higher doses of them has led to the stimulation of NO radical production, increased peroxidase activity, stabilized absorption of phosphorus anions. It was also found that at low concentrations of DNSA took place slightly activation of SOD activity, but not at relatively high concentration of DNSA. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of the root and leaf tissue of the plant showed an increase in the concentration of magnesium and iron ions when exposed to DNSA. It was also found that DNSA increased the concentration of lipid peroxide radicals at 0.1 mM in both tissues.

Role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a Plant Growth Enhancer for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

The rhizosphere of a plant is home to helpful microorganisms called plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which play a crucial role in promoting plant growth and development. The significance of PGPR for long-term agricultural viability is outlined in this review. Plant growth processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and hormone secretion are discussed. Increased plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and enhanced nutrient availability, soil fertility, and absorption are all mentioned as potential benefits of PGPR. PGPR has multiple ecological and practical functions in the soil’s rhizosphere. One of PGPR’s various roles in agroecosystems is to increase the synthesis of phytohormones and other metabolites, which have a direct impact on plant growth. Phytopathogens can be stopped in their tracks, a plant’s natural defenses can be bolstered, and so on. PGPR also helps clean up the soil through a process called bioremediation. The PGPR’s many functions include indole acetic acid (IAA) production, ammonia (NH3) production, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, catalase production, and more. In addition to aiding in nutrient uptake, PGPR controls the production of a hormone that increases root size and strength. Improving crop yield, decreasing environmental pollution, and guaranteeing food security are only some of the ecological and economic benefits of employing PGPR for sustainable agriculture.

Antioxidant production promotes defense mechanism and different gene expression level in Zeamays under abiotic stress

The growth and productivity of maize are severely affected by soil salinity. The crucial determinants for the future performance of plants are productive for seed germination and seedling establishment; however, both stages are liable to soil salinity. For grain, maize is an economically significant crop sensitive to abiotic stresses. However, little is known about defense responses by the salinity-induced antioxidant and oxidative stress in maize. In our work, the commercially available maize variety Raka-Poshi was grown in pots for 30 days under greenhouse conditions. To evaluate the salt-induced oxidative/antioxidant responses in maize for salt stress 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mM concentrations, treatments were provided using sodium chloride (NaCl). All the biochemical indices were calculated under all NaCl concentrations, while drought was induced by up to 50% irrigation water. After 30 days of seed germination, the maize leaves were collected for the measurement of lipid peroxidase or malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reductase (GR), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipoxygenase (LOX), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The results revealed a 47% reduction under 150 mM NaCl and 50% drought stress conditions. The results have shown that the successive increase of NaCl concentrations and drought caused an increase in catalase production. With successive increase in NaCl concentration and drought stress, lower levels of H2O2, SOD, and MDA were detected in maize leaves. The results regarding the morphology of maize seedlings indicated a successive reduction in the root length and shoot length under applications of salt and drought stress, while root-to-shoot weights were found to be increased under drought stress and decreased under salt stress conditions During gene expression analysis collectively indicate that, under drought stress conditions, the expression levels of all nine mentioned enzyme-related genes were consistently downregulated.

Multifarious plant growth-promoting traits of mangrove yeasts: growth enhancement in mangrove seedlings (Rhizophora mucronata) for conservation.

Plant Growth-Promoting Yeasts (PGPY) have garnered significant attention in recent years; however, research on PGPY from mangroves remains a largely unexplored frontier. This study, therefore, focused on exploring the multifaceted plant growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities of yeasts isolated from mangroves of Puthuvype and Kumbalam. The present work found that manglicolous yeasts exhibited diverse hydrolytic properties, with the predominance of lipolytic activity, in addition to other traits such as phosphate solubilization, and production of indole acetic acid, siderophore, ammonia, catalase, nitrate, and hydrogen cyanide. After screening for 15 PGP traits, three strains P 9, PV 23, and KV 35 were selected as the most potent ones. These strains also exhibited antagonistic activity against fungal phytopathogens and demonstrated resilience to abiotic stresses, making them not only promising biocontrol agents but also suited for field application. The potent strains P 9, PV 23, and KV 35 were molecularly identified as Candida tropicalis, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Aureobasidium melanogenum, respectively. The potential of these strains in enhancing the growth performance of mangrove seedlings of Rhizophora mucronata, was demonstrated using the pot-experiment. The results suggested that the consortium of three potent strains (P 9, PV 23, and KV 35) was more effective in increasing the number of shoot branches (89.2%), plant weight (87.5%), root length (83.3%), shoot height (57.9%) and total leaf area (35.1%) than the control seedlings. The findings of this study underscore the significant potential of manglicolous yeasts in contributing to mangrove conservation and restoration efforts, offering a comprehensive understanding of their diverse plant growth-promoting mechanisms and highlighting their valuable role in sustainable ecosystem management.

Unveiling the Cell Wall-Targeting Mechanisms and Multifaceted Virulence Modulation by a Eugenol Glycoconjugate against Aspergillus fumigatus: Insights from in vitro and in ovo Studies.

The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the putative cell wall-associated targets of compound 6i, a glycoconjugate of eugenol, in Aspergillus fumigatus, while also evaluating its toxicity and assessing histopathologic alterations in the liver, heart, and kidney of compound 6i-treated embryos using an in ovo model. To achieve this aim, compound 6i was synthesized, and a series of biochemical assays were performed to determine its impact on the fungal cell wall. Additionally, qRT-PCR and LC-MS/MS analyses were conducted to investigate changes in gene and protein expression profiles associated with melanin biosynthesis, conidiation, siderophore production, transcriptional regulation of β-glucan biosynthesis, and calcineurin activity in A. fumigatus. The experimental findings revealed that compound 6i exhibited notable antifungal activity against A. fumigatus by perturbing cell wall integrity, hindering ergosterol, glucan, and chitin biosynthesis, and inhibiting catalase production. Moreover, relative gene expression and proteomic analyses demonstrated that compound 6i exerted both down-regulatory and up-regulatory effects on several crucial genes and proteins involved in the aforementioned fungal processes. Furthermore, increased expression of oxidative stress-related proteins was observed in the presence of compound 6i. Notably, the glycoconjugate of eugenol did not elicit cytotoxicity in the liver, heart, and kidney of chick embryos. The current investigation elucidated the multifaceted mechanisms by which compound 6i exerts its antifungal effects against A. fumigatus, primarily through targeting cell wall components and signaling pathways. These findings underscore the potential of the eugenol glycoconjugate as a promising antifungal candidate, warranting further exploration and development for combating A. fumigatus infections.

Growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens fed diet containing bird eye pepper of varying proportion and sieve size.

This study investigated the potency of bird eye pepper (BEP) of varying proportion and sieve size on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty-six 2-wk-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to six treatment groups (basal diet (B) inclusive×2) in a 2×3 factorial arrangement each replicated four times (10 × 10 × 10 × 11) in a completely randomized design. Diets containing BEP of varying proportion (0, 150, and 300g) and sieve size (0.05 and 0.1mm) were offered in two phases, starter (14d) and finisher (17d). Postfeeding, 48 birds (two per replicate) were sacrificed to further evaluate performance and assess the quality of meat produced. Result obtained indicates chicks fed 150g BEP consumed less feed compared to 300g BEP. Also, 0 and 150g BEP groups had better (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than 300g BEP, while 0.05mm BEP diet improved (P < 0.05) FCR as against 0.1mm BEP. Interaction of proportion and sieve size effects of BEP increased (P < 0.05) the final weight of the birds and suppressed (P < 0.05) feed intake for all groups as against 300g (0.1mm) BEP (1,576.00g/bird; 964.20g/bird). Feeding 150 and 300g BEP diets lowered (P < 0.05) superoxide dismutase (SOD) production compared to 0g BEP, while 150g BEP diet increased (P < 0.05) catalase production over 0g BEP. Interactive effect of proportion and sieve size of BEP reduced (P < 0.05) SOD production in 150g (0.05 and 0.1mm) BEP and 300g (0.05mm) BEP groups, followed by 300g (0.1mm) BEP group that had lower (P < 0.05) SOD than both basal groups. Birds fed B + 150g (0.05mm) BEP diet produced more (P < 0.05) catalase compared to both basal groups. Meat pH for 150 and 300g BEP groups was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced than 0g BEP. The Hue angle corresponds with a high value (P < 0.05) to 0g BEP, while 300g BEP showed a low value. This study has shown BEP at low concentration (150g) screened with 0.05 and 0.1mm sieves enhanced chick welfare, while a higher concentration (300g) screened at 0.05mm improved overall growth performance (endogenous antioxidant profile) at finisher phase. Broiler chickens, farmers, and meat processors will benefit from diet containing BEP screened through 0.05mm sieve.

Ecological versatility and biotechnological promise: Comprehensive characterization of the isolated thermophilic Bacillus strains.

This study focuses on isolated thermophilic Bacillus species' adaptability and physiological diversity, highlighting their ecological roles and potential industrial applications. We specifically investigated their capacity to thrive in extreme conditions by examining their environmental tolerances and adaptations at the metabolic and genetic levels. The primary objective is to evaluate the suitability of these species for biotechnological applications, considering their resilience in harsh environments. We conducted a comparative analysis of the environmental adaptability parameters for various Bacillus species. This included examining growth temperature ranges, pH tolerance, oxygen requirements, carbohydrate fermentation patterns, colony morphology, enzymatic activities, and genetic properties. Controlled laboratory experiments provided the data, which were then analyzed to determine patterns of adaptability and diversity. The research revealed that Bacillus species could endure temperatures as high as 73°C, with a generally lower growth limit at 43°C. However, strains TBS35 and TBS40 were exceptions, growing at 37°C. Most strains preferred slightly alkaline conditions (optimal pH 8), but TBS34, TBS35, and TBS40 exhibited adaptations to highly alkaline environments (pH 11). Oxygen requirement tests classified the species into aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative aerobic categories. Genetic analysis highlighted variations in DNA concentrations, 16s rRNA gene lengths, and G+C content across species. Although glucose was the primary substrate for carbohydrate fermentation, exceptions indicated metabolic flexibility. The enzymatic profiles varied, with a universal absence of urease and differences in catalase and oxidase production. Our findings underscore thermophilic Bacillus species' significant adaptability and diversity under various environmental conditions. Their resilience to extreme temperatures, pH levels, varied oxygen conditions, and diverse metabolic and genetic features emphasize their potential for biotechnological applications. These insights deepen our understanding of these species' ecological roles and highlight their potential industrial and environmental applications.

Unraveling the new member Bacillus pumilus SH-9 of Bacillaceae family and its potential role in seed biopriming to mitigate drought stress in Oryza sativa

Rice is an important cereal crop cultivated worldwide to meet the need of hungry populations. Drought stress is a major problem that reduces crop productivity by up to 50 %. Beneficial microbes have the potential to mitigate drought stress in various crops. The use of beneficial microorganisms in seed biopriming techniques enhances germination potential through the production of antioxidants and phytohormones. In this study, the novel bacterial strain SH-9 was isolated and screened for various biological and stress tolerance assays. SH-9 exhibited plant growth-promoting characteristics such as abscisic acid production (2.18 ± 0.05 ng/ml), phosphate solubilization index (4.69 ± 0.30), and sucrose production (0.72 ± 0.05 mg/ml). The oxidative stress tolerance assay also revealed remarkable production of the antioxidant molecules catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Germination metrics were also measured through seed biopriming in the experimental plant (Oryza sativa) treated with SH-9. Surprisingly, SH-9 was found to be significantly drought-tolerant as it could tolerate drought up to 35 % PEG 6000. Seed biopriming enhanced the germination potential by up to 90 % and improved the seed vigor index, germination energy, and germination rate index. It also improved the seedling characteristics of rice compared with the control group. This study demonstrated that SH-9 has excellent potential to enhance the germination metrics even under stress. Molecular identification revealed that SH-9 is a new member of the Bacillaceae family with the gene accession number ON753949. Overall, it is expected that further research on seed biopriming employing SH-9 strain in plants will lead to this technique being employed as a form of sustainable management in agriculture.