Seed Germination Assay Research Articles

Utilization of Water Hyacinth and Spent Coffee Ground as Raw Materials to Produce Bio-Compost

The study aims to utilize water hyacinth and spent coffee grounds (SGC) as raw materials to produce bio-compost and its effects on rice growth. Four different bio-compost formulations were produced. The water hyacinth (6 kg) and dried cow manure (2 kg) were thoroughly mixed and added with SGC+EM (Trial 1), SGC+water (Trial 2), EM (Trial 3), and water (Trial 4). At the end of fermentation, the 3 types of macronutrients (N, P, and K) were determined. Germination percentage and growth in response to this bio-compost were also assessed. The results found that the bio-compost consisted of N, P, and K, ranging from 311–350, 154–197, and 23–25 mg/100 g, respectively. All bio-composts had a favorable effect on the germination percentage, root and shoot lengths, and vigor index of rice seedlings in the seed germination assay. Trial 2 gave the highest root and shoot lengths of 7.32 and 4.35 cm, respectively, and the greatest value of 1051 of the vigor index. At 45 DAS, the results revealed that all trials of bio-compost had a beneficial influence on the development of rice seedlings by increasing root and shoot lengths and fresh and dried weights of rice seedlings, especially Trial 2, which consisted of SGC when compared to the controls. In this phenomenon, the presence of SGC at low concentrations could encourage rice growth.

Assessment of halotolerant bacterial and fungal consortia for augmentation of wheat in saline soils.

Adaptations of green technologies to counter abiotic stress, including salinity for crops like wheat by using halotolerant microbes, is a promising approach. The current study investigated 17 salt-affected agroecological zones from the Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan to explore the potential of indigenous microbial flora, with their multiple biochemical characteristics in addition to plant growth promoting (PGP) traits, for enhanced wheat production in saline areas. Initially, 297 isolated pure bacterial colonies were screened for salt tolerance, biochemical, and PGP traits. Three bacterial strains belonging to Pantoea spp. and Erwinia rhaphontici with possession of multiple characteristics were selected for the development of the halotolerant bacterial consortium. Inoculation of two local wheat varieties, Faisalabad 2008 and Galaxy 2013, with the consortium for in vitro seed germination assay and sand microcosm experiments exhibited significant improvement of selected plant growth parameters like germination percentage and root structure. Two previously reported PGP fungal strains of Trichoderma harzianum and T. viridae were also used as fungal consortium separately for pot experiments and field trials. The pot experiments exhibited a positive correlation of consortia with metabolic viz. catalase, peroxidase, and proline and agronomical parameters including shoot length, dry weight, number of spikes, spike length, and 100 grain weight. To evaluate their performance under natural environmental conditions, field trials were conducted at three salt-affected sites. Agronomical attributes including days of flowering and maturity, flag leaf weight, length and width, shoot length, number of spikes, spike length, spike weight, number of seeds spike-1, 1,000 grain weight, and plot yield indicated the efficiency of these microbes to enhance wheat growth. Concisely, the bacterial consortium showed better performance and Faisalabad 2008 was a more resistant variety as compared to Galaxy 2013. Initial promising results indicate that further extensive research on indigenous microbes might lead to the development of Pakistan's first saline-specific biofertilizers and sustainable eco-friendly agriculture practices.

Effect of eucalyptus saponin and sophorolipid amendment on soil and sediment microbial communities and seed germination: potential application for PAH bioremediation

PurposeThe potential toxic effects due to the application of sophorolipid and the novel saponin biosurfactant extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis for the purpose of bioremediating PAH-contaminated soils and sediments were studied.MethodsThe phytotoxic effects of sophorolipid and eucalyptus saponin were determined based on the seed germination assays carried out using the seeds of Lactuca sativa L and compared with commonly used rhamnolipid and Tween 20 surfactants. Further, biosurfactant-induced changes in soil/sediment bacterial structure and diversity were investigated by conducting Miseq amplicon sequencing of the bacterial genes.ResultsGermination indices (GI) demonstrated the non-phytotoxic effects (GI > 80%) of saponin and sophorolipid biosurfactants (100–500 mg/L), while rhamnolipid demonstrated greater phytotoxicity than Tween 20 at high concentrations (500 mg/L). Saponin-amended soil resulted in greater bacterial diversity and richness compared to controls, while sophorolipid produced the opposite effect. These significant variations were not observed in sediment samples. Incubation of biosurfactants for 20 and 40 days did not result in significant changes in bacterial diversity and structure in any of the samples. Increased abundance of some of the PAH-degrading bacteria was noted at OTU level, in the presence of saponin and sophorolipid. Saponin had less impact on native soil/sediment bacteria relative to sophorolipid based on the prevalence of the significantly shifted OTUs.ConclusionAs saponin and sophorolipid were shown to have no adverse impacts on the microbiome, and non-phytotoxic effects, their sustainable applications to remediate PAH-contaminated soils and sediments can be recommended.

Microalgae: Nature’s Green System to Recycle Waste to Resource

Dairy wastewater management is a major concern for many milk-producing countries as it is a serious nuisance to the surroundings when disposed of untreated, increasing the organic load and foul smell. Microalgae remediation is an easy and cost-effective treatment to treat the effluent and simultaneously enhance a few agronomic traits. In this research, the phytoremediation technique was validated by treating dairy effluent using microalgal consortium and to study its impact on seed germination assay of Vigna mungo (Black gram). The results exhibited a significant increase in germination index, vigor index, and germination percentage when undiluted effluent was treated with microalgal consortium followed by other dilutions. Seedling growth was found maximum in 100% microalgal treated (TE100) undiluted effluent followed by 75% dilution (TE75), 50% dilution (TE50), 25% dilution (TE25), (TE0) treated effluent and compared with controls: water, effluent, fertilizer. So, we conclude that dairy effluent treated with suitable microalgae can be used directly for irrigation purposes to produce plants with high yield and significant biomass, indirectly making the industry a place of zero-waste discharge.

Understanding the Geographic Patterns of Closely-Related Species of Paspalum (Poaceae) Using Distribution Modelling and Seed Germination Traits

The sexual species of the Dilatata complex (Paspalum dasypleurum, P. flavescens, P. plurinerve, P. vacarianum, and P. urvillei) are closely related phylogenetically and show allopatric distributions, except P. urvillei. These species show microhabitat similarities and differences in germination traits. We integrated species distribution models (SDMs) and seed germination assays to determine whether germination divergences explain their biogeographic pattern. We trained SDMs in South America using species' presence-absence data and environmental variables. Additionally, populations sampled from highly favourable areas in the SDMs of these species were grown together, and their seeds germinated at different temperatures and dormancy-breaking conditions. Differences among species in seed dormancy and germination niche breadth were tested, and linear regressions between seed dormancy and climatic variables were explored. SDMs correctly classified both the observed presences and absences. Spatial factors and anthropogenic activities were the main factors explaining these distributions. Both SDMs and germination analyses confirmed that the niche of P. urvillei was broader than the other species which showed restricted distributions, narrower germination niches, and high correlations between seed dormancy and precipitation regimes. Both approaches provided evidence about the generalist-specialist status of each species. Divergences in seed dormancy between the specialist species could explain these allopatric distributions.

Biopriming of seed with plant growth-promoting bacteria for improved germination and seedling growth.

Several seed priming methods can be used to improve seed germination, seedling vigor, and to overcome abiotic stress. In addition to these benefits, only the biopriming method provides the additional benefit of biotic stress management, earning it special attention. Seed biopriming is useful in almost all crops around the world and is an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides. Biopriming usually refers to use of beneficial microorganisms, in particular plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) able to survive under various harsh environmental conditions. In this study, various bacterial strains were isolated from samples of different origins, i.e., rhizospheric soil, desert sand, and sea mud. Preliminary screening of 156 bacterial isolates was conducted on the basis of their potassium (K), phosphorus (P) solubilization ability, and production of plant growth hormone, i.e., indole acetic acid (IAA). The most efficient bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences and further examined for their ACC deaminase activity, ammonia production, and biocontrol activity (defined via chitinolytic activity, HCN, and siderophores production). Finally, carrot seed germination assay was conducted with 10 shortlisted most potent isolates. 68.6, 58.3, and 66.7% of tested bacterial isolates were capable of P, K, and Zn solubilization, respectively. Klebsiella aerogenes AF3II1 showed the highest P and K solubilization, while isolate AF4II5, AF7II3, and PC3 showed the highest IAA synthesis ability. Serratia plymuthica EDC15 and Pseudomonas putida AF1I1 showed the strongest chitinolytic and siderophore production activity, respectively. Seven isolates demonstrated strong HCN production ability. Five isolates improved carrot seed germination. Only selected isolates with plant growth-promoting properties can improve carrot germination. The results of this study demonstrate that mainly auxins are involved in seed germination. Furthermore, the data suggest that phosphate solubilization ability may play an additional role in seed germination.

Phytobeneficial traits of Rhizobacteria isolated from degraded soil and evaluate their effect in augmentation of Acacia (Acacia abyssinica Hochst. Ex Benth) seeds germination

Microbes are an integral component of the soil ecosystem but degraded soil has few native beneficial microbes. This necessitates the characterization of phytobeneficial bacteria having numerous features. The study was initiated to evaluate rhizobacteria enhancing Acacia (Acacia abyssinica) seed germination. Isolates were selected based primarily on phosphate solubilization activity and other traits hydrogen cyanide (hcn), phytohormone, hydrolytic enzyme, siderophore, ammonia. Among isolates, 45% each was categorized as high and medium phosphate solubilizers and the amount was found to range from 195 to 373 µg/mL. The highest solubilization index (SI) 7 was recorded for Acinetobacter BS-27 and 6 for Pantoea BS-38. The maximum P and iaa were produced by Pseudomonas FB-49 (373 and 659.07µg/mL), respectively. Isolates with multiple traits were chosen for seed germination. Accordingly, Agrobacterium RS-79 and Pseudomonas BS-26 showed 100% activity. A 100% seed germination and vigor index (343.33 and 306.67) were observed in Pseudomonas BS-26 and FB-49. Degraded soil is considered a source for phosphate solubilizing and other beneficial bacteria with many traits to be used for seed germination assay.

Screening of Anti-carcinogenic Properties of Phytocompounds from Allium ascalonicum for Treating Breast Cancer Through In Silico and In Vitro Approaches.

Plants, rich in phytocompounds, have been in usage since time immemorial for treating various diseases, namely, cancer. One such plant species, Allium ascalonicum(Shallot) belonging to Amaryllidaceae family is being studied here for its anti-carcinogenic properties against breast cancer. GC-MS characterization of A. ascalonicum exhibited 48 phytocompounds containing five peak phytocompounds and 13 phytocompounds with anti-carcinogenic properties. These 13 anti-carcinogenic phytocompounds were docked with three hormonal receptors involved in breast cancer malignancy, namely, ERα, PR, and human EGFR with tamoxifen as standard for in silico analysis. The results exhibited three phytocompounds that had better binding scores compared to that of the standard drug, tamoxifen. Lyophilized powder of aqueous A. ascalonicum extract, also referred as ASE, was used for in vitro approaches. Antioxidant study using DPPH assay revealed that the highest percentage of FRSA in ASE, nearly 51%, was observed at 50µg/ml concentration. Cytotoxicity study on MCF-7 cell line using MTT assay demonstrated IC50 value at 1400µg/ml and anti-proliferative study using Trypan blue assay for the determination of percentage viability of MCF-7 cells at IC50concentration was observed to be 49%. Anti-mitotic activity using Vigna radiata seed germination assay revealed clear morphological differences in a dose-dependent manner between the seeds grown at various concentrations of ASE with nearly 56.5% growth inhibition observed at 1500µg/ml concentration. Hence, this research work proves that Allium ascalonicumhas very good anti-carcinogenic properties and this can be confirmed further through in vivo animal model studies and it can also be formulated as a promising drug to treat breast cancer. GC-MS characterization of Allium ascalonicum demonstrated the presence of five peak compounds and thirteen anti-carcinogenic compounds. The thirteen anti-carcinogenic compounds were docked with three target proteins (in silico analysis) involved in breast cancer malignancy and identified the presence of three potential phytocompounds that can be used for treating breast cancer. In vitro approaches also confirmed the presence of anti-carcinogenic properties such as antioxidative potential, cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-mitotic effects. Hence, Allium ascalonicum can be taken further to in vivo studies so that it can be formulated to treat breast cancer.

Characterization of actinobacteria from wheat seeds for plant growth promoting traits and protection against fungal pathogens.

Seeds harbor naturally occurring microbial endophytes that proliferate during seedling development; playing crucial roles in seedling growth, establishment, and protection against fungal pathogens. Resilient actinobacteria of wheat seeds have been explored in this study for their beneficial traits. Ten actinobacteria isolated from the surface-sterilized seeds of wheat variety HD3117 were identified as nine species of Streptomyces and one of Nocardiopsis. Most isolates could grow at 42°C, 5% NaCl, and 10% poly ethylene glycol (PEG); exhibited variable hydrolytic enzyme production for amylase, cellulase, and protease. Few isolates produced indole acetic acid (9.0-18.9 µg ml-1 ) and could solubilize P (11.3-85.2 µg ml-1 ). The isolates were antagonistic against one or more fungal pathogens under test (Fusarium graminearum, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Alternaria sp., and Tilletia indica), of which Streptomyces sampsonii WSA20 inhibited all in dual culture assay. Priming of wheat seeds with the efficient isolate WSA20 led to effective colonization in the root zone and significantly improved germination, shoot and root length in seed germination assay. Significant protection was recorded in microcosm experiment where no symptoms of disease were observed. This study shows the significance of actinobacterial endophytes of wheat seeds in influencing seed germination and seedling growth while protecting from soil-borne pathogens. It is original and suggests that the seed inhabiting efficient actinobacteria may be developed as efficient bioinoculant for sustainable farming system.

Novel environmental method for enhanced biodegradation of contaminated wastewater via immobilizing nanoparticles on a new bacterial strain isolated industrial textile

Biological processes comprising bacteria, fungi, yeast, and algae received increasing interest for dye degradation due to their cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature. Hence, the current study aims to investigate the ability of the photocatalytic performance of N–S co-doped anatase TiO2 (NSTO) nanoparticles immobilized on isolated industrial textile bacteria (ITB) for degradation of basic blue 41 (BB 41). To prove the effect of improving the surface area of NSTO, NSTO also was immobilized on glass balls (NSTO-GB). NSTO nanoparticles were synthesized using sol-gel methods, and characterization of NSTO and NSTO-GB were measured using SEM, TEM, XPS, and DLS analysis. The results showed that the average size of NSTO was 50–60 nm. Moreover, the morphology and surface microstructure of ITB and ITB-NSTO were determined by the SEM, XPS technique. According to the results, ITB has a rod structure, NSTO nanoparticles are placed on the surface of ITB. However, NSTO was attached to the surface of ITB with the hydroxyl group.The ITB-NSTO indicated a higher BB 41 degradation yield (99%) than pure NSTO (65%) and ITB (74%). The effect of different factors was evaluated on biodegradation by ITB-NSTO. The high biodegradation was obtained in ITB (10 mg), NSTO (50 mg), BB41 (50 ppm), and pH 11. The GC-Mass, LC-Mass, and FT-IR analysis, which monitored the BB 41 degradation efficiency, proved the degradation efficiency by 99%. In the following, the toxicities of BB 41 solution before and after degradation were accessed through the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) and seed germination assay, which displayed a considerable reduction in BB 41 after degradation. Toxicity results exhibited that ITB-NSTO has potential for industrial application.

Isolation and Characterization of Phosphate-solubilizing Bacteria from Rice Field of Odisha and Their Growth Promoting Effect on Agricultural-Sectors

Organic farming will be a significant approach for farmers in the coming decades due to improved production and the preservation of soil natural properties. Phosphorus is the second most macronutrient required for plants to survive. The primary goal of this research was to know the paddy field soil nutritional status and isolate potential PSB bacteria from soil samples, which may aid in the development of a potent biofertilizer for organic farming. 12 soil samples were collected from three districts of Odisha (Kendrapara, Cuttack, Khordha). A laboratory study was conducted to isolate, identify, and characterise phosphate solubilizing bacteria from rice field soil. The morphological and biochemical traits of the PSB strains were evaluated. Four potential PSB strains PR, PA, PD, PS were chosen based on solubilization zone production and abundance in sampling site. The isolates PR had maximum phosphate solubilization index of 2.72 in pikovskaya agar medium and were strongly predominant in all regions. Phosphate solubilization and enhanced germination potential were evident in all four species. When compared to controls, good plant height, dry weight, and fresh weight were confirmed in seed germination assays with all bacterial isolates. The PR strain had the highest rate of germination 96.03%.

Potential of Indigenous Rhizobacteria and the Consortium for Promoting the Growth of Sorghum bicolor (L.)

Background: The present scenario of agriculture is dependent on chemical fertilizer, pesticides and artificial growth promoters etc. The extensive uses of these chemicals fertilizers affect soil and it become less fertile. These problem requireaying an attention towards the use of native biological agents for endorsement of plant growth. Indigenous rhizobacteria are the native rhizospheric bacteria having ability to enhance the growth and yield of crop along with bulk soil bacteria. Methods: In present study the selected area was North Maharashtra region in which mainly the sorghum is cultivated. Total 320 rhizobacteria were screen for PGP traits viz. IAA, GA, ACC deaminase production, phosphate, zinc, potassium solubilization. The potential PGPR used for seed germination and pot assay. Result: The highest IAA production was 79.74 µg/mL and GA producing isolate shows 227.27 µg/mL. The quantitative analysis of Phosphate reports 455 µgm/mL. Most of the isolates showed positivity for all the traits. From among all isolates, 12 were selected for preparation of consortium. Seed germination plate assay and pot assay. Seed germination assay shows highest vigor index (820) by mixture of both biostimulators. Similar results were obtained during pot assay, vigor index was 3320 for the combine treatment of both biostimulators.

Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation of wastewater microorganisms by halogenated indole derivative capped zinc oxide

Novel 5-bromoindole (5B)-capped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (5BZN) were synthesized to improve the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and disinfection processes for the control of microorganisms in wastewater treatment. When exposed to 5BZN, the biofilm density and cell attachment were reduced dramatically, as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The 5BZN were also investigated for photodynamic treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and toxicity. The combination of 5B and ZnO exhibited strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against MDR bacteria even at low doses (20 μg/mL). After 12.5 mW/cm2 blue LED irradiation, the composite 5BZN showed superior photodynamic inactivation of two wastewater MDR, Enterobacter tabaci E2 and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae SC3, with cell densities reduced by 3.9 log CFU/mL and 4.7 log CFU/mL, respectively, after 120 min. The mechanism of bacterial inactivation was studied using a scavenging investigation, and H2O2 was identified mainly as the reactive species for bacterial inactivation. The 5BZN exhibited higher photodynamic inactivation towards the total coliform bacteria in wastewater effluents under a blue LED light intensity of 12.5 mW/cm2 with almost complete inactivation of the coliform bacteria cells within 40 min. Furthermore, when 5BZN (100 mg/L) was added to the reactor, the level of tetracycline antibiotic degradation was increased by 63.6% after 120 min. The toxicity test, animal model nematode studies and seed germination assays, showed that 5BZN is harmless, highlighting its tremendous potential as a self-healing agent in large-scale photodynamic disinfection processes.

Effect of biochar amended Parthenium hysterophorus vermicompost on germination and seedling growth of maize

Vermicompost is a soil conditioner which improves crop growth and soil physicochemical characteristics. Currently, the nutrient status of vermicompost has been revealed to be enhanced by the addition of biochar. In the present study, biomass of Parthenium hysterophorus (15 days predecomposed) + cow dung (1:1, wt./wt.) was vermicomposted with biochar amendment at the rates of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% utilizing Eudrilus eugeniae for 50 days. The resultant vermicompost was tested for its efficiency through seed germination assay, seedling growth, and chlorophyll content analysis. The germination percentage of maize was found to be higher in 4% biochar amendment followed by 6% biochar incorporated vermicompost (P<0.05%). Overall maize seedling showed variation in shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight in the vermicompost amended with 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% biochar; however, these attributes were higher in 4-6% biochar amended vermicompost of Parthenium biomass. Moreover, the chlorophyll content of maize seedlings showed increment proportionately with that of the biochar amendment.

Isolation, Screening and Identification of Herbicidal Actinomycetes from Rhizosphere Soils

Aim: Current study investigates the activity of rhizosphere microflora against common weeds of Coccinia grandis. Soil actinomycetes known for their potential antimicrobial and other secondary metabolites were taken for the study.
 Study Design: CRD.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), between November to December 2021.
 Methodology: Actinomycetes were isolated from rhizosphere soils collected from the western zone of Tamil Nadu (Ooty, Western Ghats, Tirupur, Erode and Coimbatore) using different media (KKA, SCA, HV & LMSA). Their morphological characterization was done by following standard protocol. The isolates were screened based on their herbicidal activity against Trianthema portulacastrum. In vitro seed germination assay (pre-emergence) was followed to identify potential actinomycetes.
 Results: Thirty actinomycetes isolates were obtained from different locations in Tamil Nadu using four different media and their morphological characterization was done. Most of them are creamy white, grey, white and some of them were producing pigments. All the isolates showed positive for Gram’s reaction.
 Conclusion: Six efficient isolates were identified in the preliminary screening of weed seed germination. Further, the isolates will be studied at the field level.

Alcaligenes faecalis Juj3 alleviates Plasmodiophora brassicae stress to cabbage via promoting growth and inducing resistance

Clubroot is a devastating disease threatening global cruciferous vegetable production caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae (Pb). We have evaluated the positive effects of the Alcaligenes faecalis Juj3 on cabbage growth promotion and Pb stress alleviation through pot and field experiments. The Juj3 strain was isolated from a healthy cabbage rhizosphere with growth-promoting characteristics and was identified as A. faecalis based on morphological traits and phylogeny. Seed germination assays revealed that Juj3 inoculation enhances cabbage bud shoot and root growth. In pot experiments, inoculation with Juj3 fermentation powder at cabbage sowing dates significantly improved the seedling biomass. Combining seed treatments with root irrigation after transplanting considerably reduced the clubroot disease index and resulted in appreciable biocontrol efficacy (83.7%). Gene expression analyses of cabbage after Juj3 inoculation showed that PR2 and EIN3 expression were significantly up-regulated. Physiologically, Juj3 inoculation enhanced cabbage chlorophyll content and root activity in a normal environment. Irrespective of whether plants were under normal environment or Pb stresses, Juj3 improved photosynthesis. Field trial analyses revealed that Juj3 exhibits satisfactory biocontrol efficacy in cabbage (51.4%) and Chinese cabbage (37.7%). Moreover, Juj3 could also enhance cabbage and Chinese cabbage biomass to improve the yield quality. These findings pave the way for future use of A. faecalis as biocontrol agents for clubroot and reveal the great potential of the rhizobacterium for plant growth-promoting applications in agriculture and horticulture.

Genome analysis uncovers the prolific antagonistic and plant growth-promoting potential of endophyte Bacillus velezensis K1

Insights into the application of endophytic bacilli in sustainable agricultural practices have opened up new avenues for the inhibition of soil-borne pathogens and the improvement of plant health. Bacillus subtilis K1, an endophytic bacterium originally isolated from aerial roots of Ficus benghalensis is a potential biocontrol agent secreting a mixture of surfactins, iturins and fengycins. The current study extends the characterization of this bacterium through genomic and comparative genomics approaches. The sequencing of the bacterial genome at Illumina MiSeq platform revealed that it possessed a 4,103,502-bp circular chromosome with 45.98% GC content and 4325 predicted protein-coding sequences. Based on phylogenomics and whole-genome average nucleotide identity, the B. subtilis K1 was taxonomically classified as Bacillus velezensis. The formerly evaluated phenotypic traits viz. C-source utilization and lipopeptide-mediated fungal antagonism were correlated to their molecular determinants. The genome also harbored several genes associated with induced systemic resistance and plant growth promotion i.e, phytohormone production, nitrogen assimilation and reduction, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, biofilm formation, swarming motility, acetoin and butanediol synthesis. The production of antifungal volatile organic compounds and plant growth promotion was experimentally demonstrated by volatile compound assay and seed germination assay on cumin and groundnut. The isolate also holds great prospects for application as a soil inoculant as indicated by enhancement in the growth of groundnut via in planta pot studies. Bacterial pan-genome analysis based on a comparison of whole genomes with eighteen other Bacillus strains was also conducted. Comparative examination of biosynthetic gene clusters across all genomes indicated that the largest number of gene clusters were harbored by the K1 genome. Based on the findings, we propose K1 as a model for scrutinizing non-ribosomally synthesized peptide synthetase and polyketide synthetase derived molecules.

Bio-fabrication of Bio-inspired Silica Nanomaterials from Bryophyllum pinnatumLeaf for Agricultural Applications.

A green chemistry approach was employed to synthesize silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) using aqueous extract of Bryophyllum pinnatumleaf as capping agents. The novelty of this study was to produce silica nanoparticles using the biological method. An analysis of the physicochemical properties of formed nanoparticles was successfully completed through sophisticated characterization methods, such as UV-Visible absorbance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, zeta potential analysis, and thermo-gravimetric analysis. All the characterization results indicated their spherical morphology and amorphous nature with an average size of 24nm. FT-IR results highlighted the key bioactive compounds that could be responsible for capping and reducing the formation of SiNPs. Synthesized SiNPs show excellent stability with a negativezeta potentialvalue of - 32mV. The biomolecules from B. pinnatum were successfully working for the formation of Si NPs with spherical shapes. Moreover, to assess the agricultural application, green-synthesized SiNPs were carried out by seed germination assay onVigna radiata. The seed germination assay confirms that a low concentration of SiNPs enhances seed germination. Meanwhile, a higher concentration of the SiNPs inhibits seed germination and shoot, and root formation. SiNPs at optimum concentration could be used in the agriculture field as nano growth promoters.

Degradation and detoxification of reactive yellow dyes by Scedosporium apiospermum: a mycoremedial approach.

Textile industrial effluents have long enunciated the essentiality of ascertaining an efficient wastewater treatment for the removal of azo dyes given their potential disturbances on the ecosystem. Our study investigated the efficiency of the strain SKF2 among 14 other isolates, molecularly identified to be Scedosporium apiospermum, isolated by our research group from the textile effluent sludge in the degradation of two azo dyes, Reactive Yellow 145 and Remazol Yellow RR. Kinetic profiling of the degradation process revealed the decolourisation efficiency to be 94.8 and 86.9% for RY 145 and RYRR, respectively, during the declining growth phase. Laccase and polyphenol oxidase (RY 145-2.37 and RYRR-2.30 U/mL; RY 145-3.26 and RYRR-2.89 U/mL, respectively) were found to influence the biodegradation process in both the dyes than the other examined fungal degradative enzymes. The metabolic pathway predicted with the aid of GC-MS analysis identified the degraded metabolites to be smaller molecular weight non-toxic products. Assessment of toxicity via brine shrimp lethality assay (RY 145-23.3% and RYRR-16.7%, respectively) and seed germination assay (RY 145-96.7% and RYRR-83.3%) further solidified the detoxified status of both the dyes after biodegradation. The experimental data thus substantiated the expediency of S. apiospermum SKF2 in the degradation of textile azo dyes and its further employment in the bioremediation of textile wastewaters for agricultural applications and ecological recycling.

Aqueous Extracts of Three Herbs Allelopathically Inhibit Lettuce Germination but Promote Seedling Growth at Low Concentrations.

Allelopathy is an important process in plant communities. The effects of allelopathy on seed germination and seedling development have been extensively investigated. However, the influences of extract soaking time and concentration on the foregoing parameters are poorly understood. Here, we conducted a seed germination assay to determine the allelopathic effects of the donor herbs Achnatherum splendens (Trin.) Nevski, Artemisia frigida Willd., and Stellera chamaejasme L., from a degraded grassland ecosystem in northern China, on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seed germination and early seedling growth. Extract soaking times (12 h or 24 h) did not exhibit significantly different effects on lettuce seed germination or seedling development. However, all aqueous herb extracts inhibited lettuce seed germination and root length (RI < 0) and promoted lettuce shoot length, stem length, leaf length, and leaf width (RI > 0) at both low (0.005 g mL−1) and high (0.05 g mL−1) concentrations. Moreover, A. splendens extracts increased seedling biomass (RI > 0) and synthetical allelopathic effect (SE > 0) at both concentrations. In contrast, both A. frigida and S. chamaejasme extracts had hormesis effects, which stimulate at low concentrations (RI > 0) but inhibit at high concentrations (RI < 0) on seedling biomass and synthetical allelopathic effect (SE). The results suggest that allelopathic potential may be an important mechanism driving the dominance of A. frigida and S. chamaejasme in degraded grasslands. Reseeding allelopathy-promoting species such as A. splendens may be beneficial to grassland restoration. The present study also demonstrated that seedling biomass, root and shoot length, and seed germination rate are the optimal bioindicators in allelopathy assays and could be more representative when they are combined with the results of multivariate analyses.