Growth Promotion Research Articles

Biofilmed-PGPR: Next-Generation Bioinoculant for Plant Growth Promotion in Rice under Changing Climate

The exopolysaccharide matrix of the diazotrophic cyanobacteria was used to integrate the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) solubilizing bacteria for enhanced survival of the plant growth-promoting bacteria and, ultimately, survival of bacteria in the rhizosphere for better plant growth. A new biofilm-based formulation comprising the diazotrophic cyanobacteria Anabaena AMP2, phosphorus-solubilizing Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum PB1, and potassium-solubilizing Rhizobium pusense KRBKKM1 was tested for efficacy in rice. The growth medium with half-strength BG-11 medium supplemented with 3% glucose showed best for biofilm formation under in vitro conditions. Analysis of the methanolic extract of the cyanobacterial-bacterial biofilm (CBB) showed antioxidants, such as 2-methoxy phenol and pentadecane, which are proven to improve plant-microbe interactions and plant growth promotional activity, respectively. Treatment of rice seeds with CBB extract at 10 mL or 20 mL/100 g showed significant enhancement in germination percentage and seedling length. Therefore, a pot culture experiment with the CBB formulations was carried out, and different growth and yield parameters were recorded. Principal component analysis showed that the plant growth, yield, soil dehydrogenase activity, and soil chlorophyll content were positively correlated with rice plants amended with vermiculite-based CBB at 2 kg/hm2 followed by a spray with aqueous CBB formulation at 5 mL/L on 15 and 30 d after the rice transplanting (T6) grown with a 25% reduced level of NPK chemical fertilizers than the recommended dose. Further, Pearson correlation analysis showed that yield was positively correlated with soil dehydrogenase (r = 0.92**) and soil chlorophyll content (r = 0.96**). We concluded that CBB could be used as a novel biofilm-based bio-inoculant to increase rice productivity and crop fitness as a component in integrated nutrient management and sustainable organic farming strategies with reduced chemical fertilizers.

Suppression of Thielaviopsis ethacetica wilt and root rot, the emerging pathogen on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), and plant growth promotion properties by the safety indigenous Streptomyces SBcT04

Thielaviopsis ethacetica is an emerging pathogen responsible for wilt and root rot in bell peppers, significantly impacting crop yield. Biological control of the fungal pathogen provides significant advantages as a safe and efficient alternative to excessive chemical fungicides for managing plant diseases. Studying the screened and selected potential actinomycete strain from the indigenous collection is a quick and efficient measure to protect the yield of local bell pepper crops. The research assessed the indigenous actinomycete's ability to inhibit plant pathogens and promote plant growth both in vitro and in vivo. The Streptomyces SBcT04 was the most effective against T. ethacetica TROC-2 pathogen in vitro. The inhibition percentage reached 89.15 ± 0.46%. SBcT04 also effectively promoted plant growth properties in vitro. This strain fixed nitrogen and produced substantial amounts of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, and enzymes. Furthermore, the safety characteristics of SBcT04 for both the host plant (in vivo) and animals (in vitro) were confirmed. Streptomyces SBcT04 significantly processed pathogens, resulting in a reduction of approximately 40% in disease severity. Additionally, SBcT04 significantly promoted the host plant's growth, even in the presence of T. ethacetica TROC-2 infection. The indigenous Streptomyces SBcT04 efficiently inhibited T. ethacetica and significantly enhanced bell pepper plant growth. These advantageous characteristics of SBcT04 indicate its potential to foster secure and sustainable local bell pepper agricultural output.

Enhancing Broiler Growth and Carcass Quality: Impact of Diets Enriched with Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Conjugated with Zinc Nanoparticles

This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder extract stabilized with zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs-MLPE) as a natural growth promoter in broiler diets. Randomly assigned 264 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks to four different feeding treatments, with each group being subdivided into six replicates, each comprising 11 unsexed chicks. The control group was fed a basic diet without additives, while the experimental groups were supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 cm³ of ZnNPs-MLPE/L of diet. The findings demonstrated that 2.0 and 3.0 cm³/L ZnNPs-MLPE supplementation significantly enhanced live body weight (LBW) and weight gain (BWG). Feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not show significant differences between the treated groups and the control, indicating that the additive did not negatively affect feed efficiency. However, an increase in abdominal fat was noted in the ZnNPs-MLPE treatments relative to the control. Blood analysis revealed that the ZnNPs-MLPE groups had significantly lower levels of "total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and alanine transaminase (ALT) compared to the control group. In contrast, total protein (TP), albumin, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio" were higher in the ZnNPs-MLPE groups. Immunoglobulins IgY and IgM, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, were elevated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced, indicating improved antioxidant capacity and immune function in the ZnNPs-MLPE-treated groups. In conclusion, supplementation with ZnNPs-MLPE at 2.0 and 3.0 cm³/L positively impacted broiler growth efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and immunological functionality. These findings support the potential of ZnNPs-MLPE as an effective natural growth enhancer for producing healthier poultry products.

Comparison of In Vitro Hair Growth Promotion and Anti-Hair Loss Potential of Thai Rice By-Product from Oryza sativa L. cv. Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong

The bioactive compounds in herbal extracts may provide effective hair loss treatments with fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. This study evaluated the effects of Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong rice bran extracts, macerated with dichloromethane or 95% ethanol, on hair growth promotion and hair loss prevention. Overall, Buebang 3 CMU extracts contained significantly higher levels of bioactive compounds, including γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and various polyphenols such as phytic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid, compared to Sanpatong extracts. Additionally, ethanolic extracts demonstrated greater bioactive content and antioxidant activities than those extracted with dichloromethane. These compounds enhanced the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by 124.28 ± 1.08% (p < 0.05) and modulated anti-inflammatory pathways by reducing nitrite production to 3.20 ± 0.36 µM (p < 0.05). Key hair growth signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH, SMO, GLI1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were activated by approximately 1.5-fold to 2.5-fold compared to minoxidil. Also, in both human prostate cancer (DU-145) and HFDPC cells, the ethanolic Buebang 3 CMU extract (Et-BB3-CMU) suppressed SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and SRD5A3 expression—key pathways in hair loss—by 2-fold and 1.5-fold more than minoxidil and finasteride, respectively. These findings suggest that Et-BB3-CMU holds promise for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.

Effect of Adding Cannabis (Cannabis Sativa) in Balanced Feed as a Growth Promoter in Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens

Objective: The purpose of the research was to evaluate the productive behavior of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens with the addition of Cannabis in the Balanced Feed. Theoretical Framework: There is a growing interest in the use of cannabis in animal feed, not only for its nutritional contribution but also for the effects of the various compounds present in this plant; cannabis oil and seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be transferred to egg yolks and chicken meat. Method: The research was carried out in the field phase, as a descriptive experimental with the Completely Randomized Experimental Design (C.R.D.), with four treatments and three repetitions. The total sample size was 96 Broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 line. Results and Discussion: The highest feed consumption, initial weight, final weight and economic benefit were reported in the treatment with 10 kg of commercial Balanced Feed + 40 g of Cannabis. Research implications: This study shows that Cannabis as a feed additive can be used as a growth promoter in the diet of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens. Originality/Value: This study contributes with a new alternative to improve poultry feeding, through the use of Cannabis in the daily diet, which has been shown to be effective in increasing weight gain in chickens.

Growth Promotion and Economic Benefits of the Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Calves

Objectives: Various measures have been attempted to prevent infectious diseases in calves, such as environmental improvement and vaccine administration. Probiotics are commonly used to improve the body condition of newborn calves and prevent disease. In our previous research, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RGU-LP1 (LP1) suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs of cattle fed it in the diet. In this study, we evaluated the effect of LP1 on the weights and number of treatments of the calves. Methods: Twenty-six one-week-old Holstein bull calves were divided into two groups (thirteen each), the LP1 group (LP1-treated) and the CN group (no LP1 fed), and tested as follows. The LP1 group was fed lyophilized LP1 (109 CFU/head/day) in milk replacer for 40 days. The CN group was fed the same diet only. Calves were followed for 63 days. The average treatment costs for the LP1 during the period were recorded. Feces and blood were collected from each calf during this period. Feces were examined for gut microbiota, and blood for immune assay and cytokine gene expression. Results: The LP1-treated group showed a decrease in disease incidence and an increase in body weights compared to controls. The average treatment cost during the observation period was significantly reduced compared to the CN group. The expression of TGFβ and IL10, inhibitory cytokines of inflammation, was significantly increased. The simultaneous expression of this set of inhibitory molecules resulted in low serum IL1β levels during the growth period. Conclusions: The Th1-type cytokine IFNγ was also significantly increased in LP1-treated calves. By reducing the amount of disease treatments and increasing dairy gain, LP1 is effective in preventing infectious diseases in calves. In addition, the increase in IFNγ by LP1 indicates improved Th1-type immunity in calves. These results show that LP1 has effects on the regulated inflammatory response and growth of calves.

Friends and Foes: Bacteria of the Hydroponic Plant Microbiome

Hydroponic greenhouses and vertical farms provide an alternative crop production strategy in regions that experience low temperatures, suboptimal sunlight, or inadequate soil quality. However, hydroponic systems are soilless and, therefore, have vastly different bacterial microbiota than plants grown in soil. This review highlights some of the most prevalent plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and destructive phytopathogenic bacteria that dominate hydroponic systems. A complete understanding of which bacteria increase hydroponic crop yields and ways to mitigate crop loss from disease are critical to advancing microbiome research. The section focussing on plant growth-promoting bacteria highlights putative biological pathways for growth promotion and evidence of increased crop productivity in hydroponic systems by these organisms. Seven genera are examined in detail, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Rhizobium, Paenibacillus, and Paraburkholderia. In contrast, the review of hydroponic phytopathogens explores the mechanisms of disease, studies of disease incidence in greenhouse crops, and disease control strategies. Economically relevant diseases caused by Xanthomonas, Erwinia, Agrobacterium, Ralstonia, Clavibacter, Pectobacterium, and Pseudomonas are discussed. The conditions that make Pseudomonas both a friend and a foe, depending on the species, environment, and gene expression, provide insights into the complexity of plant–bacterial interactions. By amalgamating information on both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in hydroponics, researchers and greenhouse growers can be better informed on how bacteria impact modern crop production systems.

Effect of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens: A meta-analysis

Antibiotics have been used for a long time as growth promoters in the poultry industry for growth and health benefits. However, recent studies reflected little, no, or negative impacts of using antibiotics for growth promotion purposes. This study was designed to examine the overall effect of antibiotic supplementation on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broiler chickens as a performance indicator and assess different covariates for explaining heterogeneity in response to the use of antibiotics as growth promoters. In this regard, FCRs obtained from articles that compared diets with and without antibiotics for broiler chickens were extracted from electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) as per PRISMA guidelines. The database comprised 42 scientific articles containing 74 experiments totaling 19,562 chickens. A basic meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to assess the overall impact of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on FCR of broiler chickens while a meta-regression analysis was used to assess different covariates (breed, antibiotic dose, location, time, presence of anticoccidial in the feed, antibiotic type, and housing type) to explain variations in true effect size of the studies. The basic meta-analysis of these studies revealed an overall improvement in FCR by 2.8 % (p < 0.05) due to addition of AGPs than the control group with the confidence interval range from 1.3 to 4.3 % and the prediction interval ranging between -10 and 16 %. The covariates, including breed, dose and location, provided the optimum model fit and explained 53 % of variations in the FCR across different studies. In summary, an overall marginal improvement has been observed in mean FCR of broiler chickens along with a wide range of variations in response to use of AGPs. The variations in true effects among these studies are subject to several confounding effects, particularly breed, dose and location. Considering the marginal positive effect of antibiotic usage in chicken performance, we recommend against using of AGP.

Effect of phytogenic Moringa oleifera leaf powder on performance, carcass characteristics, immune indicators, gut microbial population and economic viability of broiler chickens

The growing pressure and irreversible process of reducing and eliminating the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) has stirred research towards development of phytogenic feed additives (PFA) as future alternatives for profitability and sustainability of poultry enterprises. The experiment aimed to compare the effects phytogenic Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MO) vs antibiotic growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, lymphoid organ indices, intestinal lesions, bloody excreta, microbial population, mortality, and economic viability of broiler chicken. Day-old Cobb-500 (n = 1600) unsexed chicks were allotted 16 pens and randomly assigned to a control standard basal diet group containing antibiotic growth promoters zinc bacitracin (486 mg) and salinomycin (650 mg per kg of feed) (CON) or a basal diet + 1% MO (MO1) or a basal + 3.0% MO (MO3), or basal diet + 5% MO (MO5) in a completely randomised design. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Supplementation with MO in diets significantly decreased ADFI, ADG, and FCR (P < 0.05) during the starter, grower, and finisher phases. The highest ADFI and ADG (P < 0.05) for the whole phase (d 1–35) was recorded in the control group, whilst the lowest was observed for in MO5. Feed conversion rate was highest (P < 0.05) in birds on MO1 diets during starter, grower, as well as the overall period whilst the lowest was noted for MO5 group. There was no significant effect of MO on breast, thigh and heart proportions (P < 0.05). The mean proportions of drumstick, wing, feet, neck, small intestine, liver, and gizzard (P < 0.05) improved with MO supplementation. The highest (P < 0.05) abdominal fat was observed in the control group. The spleen, Bursa of Fabricius, liver and intestine indices were highest in birds on MO5 group and comparable among other groups. Results show a reduction in necrotic scores with an increase in dietary MO levels. The control group and birds receiving 5% MO in diets recorded the least bloody excreta scores among all treatment groups (P < 0.05). Incremental levels of MO led to reduced total aerobic bacteria, E. coli, C. perfringens and increase lactobacillus spp. counts in all intestinal segments. Overall total cost of feed per bird was highest in birds in 5% MO (39.97) followed by 3% MO (30.58) and 1% MO (20.90) and lowest in CON (20.42). The CON group obtained the highest gross and net revenue per bird, whereas birds fed 5% MO recorded losses per bird. The highest economic efficiency (1,14) was achieved in birds on CON diets, and lowest in MO5 group (− 0.11) birds. Moringa oleifera leaf meal can be offered at 1–3% as an alternative to antibiotics for better feed conversion ratios, reduced abdominal fat, improved immune indicators, gut microbiota populations and low mortality. The high cost of MO reduces the economic efficiency and thus cheaper sources are necessary for sustainable small-scale communal and commercial enterprises.

Growth Promotion of Rice and Arabidopsis thaliana by Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Endophytic Clonostachys Species

Growth Promotion of Rice and Arabidopsis thaliana by Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Endophytic Clonostachys Species

Effects of Laurus nobilis essential oil nano-particles on growth performance, antioxidant and immune responses to bacterial infection in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This study was designed to assess the effects of four feeds containing 0 (CTL), 25 mg/kg (LN25), 50 mg/kg (LN50) and 100 mg/kg (LN100) Laurus nobilis (LN) essential oil nano-liposomes (LN-NP) on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. After 56 days of feeding with the above diets, growth performance and digestive enzyme activities determined in all treatments. Then, the fish were experimentally infected by Aeromonas hydrophila and their survival, antioxidant capacity, biochemical parameters and immune-related transcripts were measured, before and after the infection. The results showed that the growth rate and intestinal activities of amylase, lipase and protease were significantly higher in the LN50 and LN100 treatments than CTL. Post-infection survivals in the LN50 and LN100 treatments were similar and significantly higher than the CTL and LN25 treatments. Compared to the CTL treatment, the LN50 and LN100 treatments showed improved hepatic antioxidant parameters and lower malondialdehyde levels before and/or after infection. Infection significantly decreased plasma lysozyme and complement activities, but the LN50 and LN100 treatments had significantly higher activities before and after infection. These treatments had lower alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in plasma before and after infection, compared to the CTL treatment. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8 and interleukin-1 beta increased significantly in the LN50 and LN100 treatments, before and after infection, when compared to the CTL treatment. Based on the results, LN-NP at a dosage of 50 mg/kg is suitable for feeding Nile tilapia as it is a growth promoter and immunostimulator and increases the resistance of fish to A. hydrophila.

Wastewater surveillance of antibiotic resistant bacteria for public health action: Potential and Challenges.

Antibiotic resistance is an urgent public health threat. Actions to reduce this threat include requiring prescriptions for antibiotic use, antibiotic stewardship programs, educational programs targeting patients and healthcare providers, and limiting antibiotic use in agriculture, aquaculture, and animal husbandry. Wastewater surveillance might complement clinical surveillance by tracking time/space variation essential for detecting outbreaks and evaluating efficacy of evidence-based interventions; identifying high-risk populations for targeted monitoring; providing early warning of the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria and identifying novel antibiotic resistant threats. Wastewater surveillance was an effective early warning system for SARS-CoV-2 spread and detection of the emergence of new viral strains. In this data-driven commentary we explore whether monitoring wastewater for antibiotic resistant genes and/or bacteria resistant to antibiotics might provide useful information for public health action. Using carbapenem resistance as an example, we highlight technical challenges associated with using wastewater to quantify temporal/spatial trends in antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and compare with clinical information. While ARGs and ARBs are detectable in wastewater enabling early detection of novel ARGs, quantitation of ARBs and ARGs with current methods is too variable to reliably track space/time variation.

Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase: Tackling Antibiotic Resistance and Overcoming Treatment Challenges

Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, kill or inhibit bacterial growth but are ineffective against viruses, fungi, or parasites, often leading to misuse. They are categorized by molecular structure, mode of action, and spectrum of activity. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens no longer respond to antimicrobial drugs, arising naturally or through acquisition. Resistance mechanisms include enzymatic (most common), genetic and physical. Bacteria produce various β-lactamases, such as Extended Spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC enzymes, and carbapenemase to exert resistance to Beta-Lactam (βL) class of antibiotics. ESBL families include TEM, SHV, and CTX-M, with E. coli being the most prevalent host. Any Gram-Negative Bacteria (GNB) can be an ESBL producer, but most common ones are the Enterobacteriaceae including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca and Proteus mirabilis. ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) resist penicillin, aztreonam, and cephalosporins except cephamycins and carbapenems, posing a significant public health risk. Genetic resistance mechanisms involve random mutations and horizontal gene transfer through either of the following processes namely conjugation, transformation, transduction. Physical mechanisms include efflux pump production and decreased porin channels. In some microbiological laboratories, ESBL production are often not determined, rather resistance based on MIC values to third generation Cephalosporins are considered as resistance due to ESBL production. Antibiotic use in agriculture and medicine has increased Multi-drug resistant (MDR) ESBL-producing E. coli and evidenced in retail meat and among meat shop employees. Community-acquired ESBL-E infections are a growing concern, with hospital transmission primarily occurring among patients sharing rooms with ESBL carriers. Empirical and definitive therapies for ESBL-E infections must be adjusted based on Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST). The MERINO trial identified urinary tract infections as the most common source of ESBL-E bacteremia, with E. coli being predominant. For critically ill patients with non-urinary tract infections, Meropenem or Imipenem-cilastatin are recommended. For uncomplicated UTIs, Nitrofurantoin, Cotrimoxazole, and Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) are effective, while Cotrimoxazole, Fluoroquinolones, and Ceftolozane-tazobactam are suitable for complicated UTIs. New β-lactamase inhibitors like avibactam, vaborbactam, and relebactam are promising for treatment. Misuse of antibiotics, such as inappropriate dosing and duration, contributes to AMR, a growing global challenge. Deaths from AMR, estimated at 1.27 million in 2019, could reach 10 million by 2050. ESBLs drive the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, accelerating resistance development. Inadequate therapy exacerbates infections, leading to prolonged hospital stays, complications, and increased mortality. Balancing new drug development with resistance emergence is crucial to combat AMR.

Communication of EU agricultural antibiotic use policies to farmers &amp; implications for public health

Abstract Background It is estimated that by 2050, ten million people will die each year from antimicrobial resistant infections. AMR is driven by the improper use of antimicrobials, particularly in agriculture. 73% of the antimicrobials sold globally are used in food-producing animals. Problem EU regulations 2019/6 and 2019/4 on veterinary medications and medicated feed require behavior change by farmers to reduce their antimicrobial use. While this is welcomed by public health professionals, the response of the farming community is more complicated, as these regulations exist within the complex context of the global food system and current political unrest between farmers and the EU. Given the influential role of agricultural media for farmers’ decision making, it is critical to understand how AMR and associated public health and EU policies are being communicated to farmers and how the views of specific stakeholders including farmer representative organizations, veterinary bodies and government regulators are being represented. To examine this problem, a case study content analysis of three major agricultural newspapers in Ireland is undertaken. Results Preliminary results suggest that AMR and AMU have been covered in the agricultural media with specific coverage on these EU policies. This includes negative coverage, with key terms such as “threatens”, “risk”, or “warns”, as well as potentially positive views (e.g. “hope”). Preliminary results also suggest that the agricultural media might be a useful source to identify the farming community’s concerns and reactions to EU policy, for example calls by farmer representative bodies for the national government to intervene. Lessons Public health professionals must recognize the important role of farmers in addressing AMR. Evaluating how EU policies on AMR are represented in the agricultural media can help to better understand how this public health issue and its solutions are being communicated to these important stakeholders. Key messages • Public health professionals must recognize the importance of animal health and the role of farmers in addressing the AMR problem. • It is critical to evaluate how EU policies on AMR and associated One Health issues are communicated to non-public health professionals.

Characterization of Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria and Their Effect on Growth Promotion of Brassica napus L.

Oil seeds sector is one of the major dynamic components of the agriculture world. Oil seeds such as canola (Brassica napus) require a higher quantity of sulfur (S), which is supplied through inorganic fertilizers. However, the overapplication of agro-chemicals to get higher yields of crops is harming the soil health. Therefore, the application of bacterial cultures with plant growth-promoting activity as biofertilizers ensures soil health maintenance and enhances crop productivity. To achieve this aim, the present research was initiated by procuring three sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOBs), namely, SOB 5, SOB 10, and SOB 38, from the Microbiology Department, PAU. In the initial assessment, all three SOB cultures showed resilience to pesticide toxicity at the recommended dosage, with the exception of ridomil. These cultures were later characterized morphologically, biochemically, and at the molecular level using 16s rRNA resulting in their identification as Enterobacter ludwigii strain Remi_9 (SOB 5), Enterobacter hormaechei strain AUH-ENM30 (SOB 10), and Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 (SOB 38). Functional characterization of these SOB cultures revealed their ability to exhibit multifarious plant growth-promoting traits. Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 showed greater functional activity, including high P solubilization (14.903 µg/mL), IAA production (44.28 µg/mL), siderophore production (13.89 µg/mL), sulfate ion production (0.127 mM), ammonia excretion (2.369 µg/mL), and Zn solubilization (22.62 mm). Based on the results of functional and molecular characterization, Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 was selected for field trials by formulating different treatments. Composite treatment, T8 (100% S + Bacillus sp. + pesticides) significantly enhanced growth parameters (plant height, root, and shoot biomass), yield attributes (siliqua length, test weight, number of siliqua/plant), yield parameter (total biomass and seed yield), quality parameter (crude protein and oil) as compared to all other sole treatments employed in the field. A combined application of non-pathogenic Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12, with good functional activity enhanced yield of crop due to synergistic and additive interaction with fertilizer/pesticides. As biofertilizer application reduces the input of pesticides/fertilizers new inoculant formulations with cell protectors and the development of compatible pesticides should be searched to assure the benefits of integrated treatment.

Isolation of Heavy Metal-Tolerant and Anti-Phytopathogenic Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria from Soils.

In this study, by isolating multifunctional soil bacteria that can promote plant development, resist heavy metals, exhibit anti-phytopathogenic action against plant diseases, and produce extracellular enzymes, we hope to improve the effectiveness of phytoremediation techniques. To isolate multifunctional soil bacteria, we used soils with diverse characteristics as isolation sources. To look into the diversity and structural traits of the bacterial communities, We conducted amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on five types of soils and predicted functional genes using Tax4Fun2. The isolated bacteria were evaluated for their multifunctional capabilities, including heavy metal tolerance, plant growth promotion, anti-phytopathogenic activity, and extracellular enzyme activity. The genes related to plant growth promotion and anti-phytopathogenic activity were most abundant in forest and paddy soils. Burkholderia sp. FZ3 and FZ5 demonstrated excellent heavy metal resistance (≤ 1 mM Cd and ≤ 10 mM Zn), Pantoea sp. FC24 exhibited the highest protease activity (24.90 μmol tyrosine·g-DCW-1·h-1), and Enterobacter sp. PC20 showed superior plant growth promotion, especially in siderophore production. The multifunctional bacteria isolated using traditional methods included three strains (FC24, FZ3, and FZ5) from the forest and one strain (PC20) from paddy field soil. These results indicate that, for the isolation of beneficial soil microorganisms, utilizing target gene information obtained from isolation sources and subsequently exploring target microorganisms is a valuable strategy.

Invisible Allies: The Role of Endophytic Entomopathogenic Microbes in Insect Pest Control

Endophytic entomopathogenic microbes, including both bacteria and fungi, hold significant promise as biocontrol agents in sustainable pest management. While the biocontrol potential of entomopathogens are well-established, their role as mutualistic endophytes within plant tissues offers a relatively new avenue for enhancing pest suppression. The ability of these microbes to colonize plant tissues allows them to serve as internal defense agents against insect pests, while simultaneously promoting plant health and resilience to environmental stressors. Here, we explore the growing body of knowledge surrounding the use of endophytic entomopathogenic bacteria and fungi in pest management. These microbes contribute to pest control through direct effects on insect populations, such as mortality and feeding inhibition, as well as indirect plant-mediated mechanisms that enhance plant defenses. Additionally, endophytic entomopathogens provide a range of benefits to their plant hosts, including growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and protection against pathogens. Despite the clear advantages of using endophytic entomopathogens, there remain key challenges to their widespread implementation. Environmental factors can influence their persistence and efficacy in the field, and their relatively slow mode of action compared to chemical pesticides presents a hurdle for rapid adoption in commercial agriculture. Non-target effects and the development of effective formulations to ensure consistent colonization are also areas that require further investigation. Addressing these challenges through continued research into the complex interactions between endophytes, insects, plants, and their environments will be essential for advancing the integration of endophytic entomopathogenic microbes into sustainable pest management systems.

Research work of Prof. De-Eknamkul, including the mechanistic synergy of hair growth promotion by the Avicennia marina extract and its active constituent (avicequinone C) in dermal papilla cells isolated from androgenic alopecia patients

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a genetically-predetermined disorder that affects many people around the world, leading to progressive hair loss. This baldness can negatively impact people’s perceptions of themselves and scientists are searching for a cure. There are only two US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs used to treat AGA and they both have side effects. If a natural anti-AGA product could be developed with the ability to be effective minus negative side effects, this could be a game-changer for people with AGA. Professor Wanchai De-Eknamkul, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, an expert in plant natural product biotechnology, is working to develop a natural anti-AGA product. He is a professor at the University’s Natural Product Biotechnology Research Unit, where research is underway to: elucidate the biosynthesis of bioactive natural products by searching for enzymes and genes involved in their biosynthetic pathways; discover bioactive natural compounds from medicinal plants by either enzyme-based or cell-based screening followed by studying their mechanism of actions; and develop high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) as a tool for quick screening and identification of bioactive compounds. De-Eknamkul have been working to shed light on the genes and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the diterpenoid ‘plaunotol’ in Croton stellatopilosus. In another line of investigation, they are searching for natural compounds with anti-AGA and anti-grey hair activities and a further area of focus is the development of a technique for direct detection of compounds with anti-diabetes, anti-gonorrhoea and anti-AGA activities.

Varying levels of natural light intensity affect the phyto-biochemical compounds, antioxidant indices and genes involved in the monoterpene biosynthetic pathway of Origanum majorana L.

BackgroundLight is a critical environmental factor in plants, encompassing two vital aspects: intensity and quality. To assess the influence of different light intensities on Origanum majorana L., pots containing the herb were subjected to four levels of light intensity: 20, 50, 70, and 100% natural light. After a 60-day treatment period, the plants were evaluated for metabolite production, including total sugar content, protein, dry weight, antioxidant indices, expression of monoterpenes biosynthesis genes, and essential oil compounds. The experimental design followed a randomized complete blocks format, and statistical analysis of variance was conducted.ResultsThe results indicated a correlation between increased light intensity and elevated total sugar and protein content, which contributed to improved plant dry weight. The highest levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed under 100% light intensity. Catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes exhibited increased activity, with a 4.23-fold and 2.14-fold increase, respectively, under full light. In contrast, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activities decreased by 3.29-fold and 3.24-fold, respectively. As light intensity increases, the expression level of the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) gene increases. However, beyond a light intensity of 70%, the DXR gene expression level decreased. Furthermore, the expression levels of the cytochrome P450 genes CYP71D178 and CYP71D179 exhibited an increasing trend in response to elevated light intensity. Essential oil content increased from 0.02 to 0.5% until reaching 70% light intensity. However, with further increases in light intensity, the essential oil content decreased by 54 to 0.23%.ConclusionsThese findings emphasize the importance of balancing plant growth promotion and stress management under different light conditions. The research suggests that sweet marjoram plants thrive best in unshaded open spaces, resulting in maximum biomass. However, essential oil production decreases under the same conditions. For farmers in areas with an average light intensity of approximately 1700 µmol m−2s−1, it is recommended to cultivate sweet marjoram in shade-free fields to optimize biomass and essential oil production. Towards the end of the growth cycle, it is advisable to use shades that allow 70% of light to pass through. The specific duration of shade implementation can be further explored in future research.

Chlorophyta growth promotion by the plant symbiotic cyanobactericidal bacterium Pseudomonas sp. and its active substances

Chlorophyta growth promotion by the plant symbiotic cyanobactericidal bacterium Pseudomonas sp. and its active substances