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Seventeen water samples were collected from four different thermal springs in Saudi Arabia. Microbiological assays were used to assess the antibacterial activities of bacterial colonies against antibiotic-resistant and susceptible-bacterial strains, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify the genus and species of these antibiotic-producing bacteria. Chromatography and spectroscopy were used to separate the active compounds and help figuring out what their structures were. Four compounds were isolated using bacteria: N -acetyltryptamine (1), isovaleric acid (2), ethyl-4-ethoxybenzoate (3) and phenylacetic acid (4). Compounds 1 , 2 and 4 were produced from Bacillus pumilus and 3 was from Bacillus licheniformis (AH-E1). The outcomes of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) showed that all pure compounds produced in this work had antibacterial activities against Gram-positive pathogens (between 128 mg/L and 512 mg/L compared to the control) and compound 2 had activity against E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root-knot disease caused by root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. poses a serious threat in economic crops worldwide, causing substantial economic losses. Chemical-based pesticides are the most commonly employed measure to manage root-knot diseases in chili and other crops. In this study, four Bacillus strains were identified as biocontrol agents against M. enterolobii. The cell-free culture filtrates (CF) and cell suspension (CS) of the Bacillus were prepared and tested to determine their efficacy against M. enterolobii , as compared to abamectin (a nematicide) and distilled water. The CF derived from all strains showed the greatest potential, equivalent to abamectin, in controlling M. enterolobii. Results evidenced a 92%–94% reduction in nematode hatching and 99–100% increase in second-stage juvenile mortality, compared to the untreated control. In addition, Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) observations showed abnormality in nematode cuticles treated with CF of the bacteria. Similar results were found in the greenhouse experiments where CF of all strains significantly reduced the number of galls, egg masses and eggs per gram root. These Bacillus spp. displayed a potential for effectively controlling M. enterolobii , probably due to their ability to produce nematode cell wall degrading enzymes, i.e., protease and lipase. In conclusion, our study indicates that the Bacillus strains studied can be utilized effectively to manage M. enterolobii , the causal agent of chili root-knot disease. • Effect of Bacillus strains against Meloidogyne enterolobii was studied. • Bacillus cell-free culture filtrates have high potential equivalent to abamectin. • B. thuringiensis and B. megaterium have high potential to control M. enterolobii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine ecosystems are highly dependent on macroalgea in providing food and shelter for aquatic organisms, interacting with many bacteria and mostly producing secondary metabolites of potent therapeutic antibacterial property. Screening of marine microbial secondary metabolites of valuable biotechnological and therapeutical applications are now extensively studied. In this study, Bacillus spp. identified by DNA sequencing and found associated with Turbinaria ornata , was screened and characterized for its cell free supernatant (CFS) possible antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications. Among the 7 microbial isolates tested, CFS greatly affected Bacillus subitilis (12 mm) and inhibited equally the yeast isolates Candida albicans , Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata (10 mm) and had no or negligible effect on S.aureus, E.coli, P. aeruginosa. As for the CFS antibiofilm activity, no difference was revealed from the positive control. Algal crude extracts (methanol, acetone and aqueous), on the other hand, were similarly tested for their antimicrobial activity against the seven microbial isolates, where highest activity was observed with the aqueous crude extract against Staphylococcus aureus (10 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9 mm) compared to the negligible effects of methanol and acetone crude extracts. Chemical analysis was performed to reveal the major constituents of both crude algal extracts and Bacillus spp. CFS. FTIR spectrum of the bacterial CFS indicated the presence of bacteriocin as the major lipopeptide responsible for its biological activity. Whereas, methanol and water crude algal extract GC–MS spectra revealed different chemical groups of various combined therapeutical activity mainly Naphthalene, amino ethane-sulfonic acid, pyrlene, Biotin and mercury chloromethyl correspondingly. Thus, the present study, demonstrated the moderate activity of both crude algal extract and the bacterial CFS, however, further investigations are needed for a better biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Exploratoris: Revista de la Realidad Global is the property of PDHTech, LLC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Food waste (FW) minimization at the source by using food waste biodigester (FWBs) has a vast potential to lower down the impact of increasing organic fraction in municipal solid waste generation. To this end, this research sought to check the performance of locally isolated hydrolase-producing bacteria (HPB) to improve food waste biodegradation rate. Two under-explored HPB identified as Bacillus paralicheniformis GRA2 and Bacillus velezensis TAP5 were able to produce maximum amylase, cellulase, protease and lipase activities, and demonstrated a significant hydrolase synergy in co-culture fermentation. In vitro biodegradation analysis of both autoclaved and non-autoclaved FW revealed that the HPB inoculation was effective to degrade total solids (>62%), protein (>19%), total fat (>51), total sugar (>86%), reducing sugar (>38%) and starch (>50%) after 8-day incubation. All co-culture treatments were recorded superior to the respective monocultures and the uninoculated control. The results of FW biodegradation using batch-biodigester trial indicated that the 1500 mL and 1000 mL inoculum size of HPB inoculant reached a plateau on the 4th day, with gross biodegradation percentage (GBP) of >85% as compared to control (66.4%). The 1000 mL inoculum was sufficient to achieve the maximum GBP (>90%) of FW after an 8-day biodigestion in a FWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at assessment of different application methods of Bacillus subtilis MF497446 to induce development of cowpea ensuring food safety under cadmium (Cd) stress. Also, isolation, plant growth promoting (PGP) traits and 16 S rRNA-based identification of Bacillus subtilis MF497446 is documented. Out of 24 Bacillus isolates (AS1-AS24), only four isolates (AS4, AS12, AS14 and AS22) showed greater Cd tolerance up to 18 mg L−1. The greatest PGP traits under Cd stress were displayed by Bacillus isolate (AS12); which, also, enhanced seedling elongation and vigor index of cowpea under Cd stress. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16 S rRNA, confirmed that this promising Bacillus isolate (AS12) belongs to Bacillus subtilis and is referred to as B. subtilis MF497446. Treatment of inoculation+soaking for 90 min of cowpea seeds by B. subtilis MF497446 resulted in the best development of cowpea plants under Cd stress (up to 9 mg kg−1); as fresh and dry masses of cowpea increased from 6.80 to 1.54 to 12.35 and 2.59 g plant−1, respectively. Moreover, shoot and root lengths were 19.66 and 28.33 cm when cowpea seeds were treated by B. subtilis MF497446 (inoculation+soaking for 90 min) compared to 11.33 and 10.66 cm, respectively, for control (Cd stress only). Application of B. subtilis MF497446 (as inoculation+soaking for 90 min) reduced Cd accumulation and bioconcentration factor in cowpea plants by 29.2 and 28.9%, respectively, compared to control (Cd stress only). These results clearly reveal that applying of B. subtilis MF497446 to crops grown on Cd-contaminated soil enhances plant growth and eliminates (or at least diminishes) the risks to human health ensuring food safety. • Isolated Bacillus subtilis MF497446 tolerates Cd up to 18 mg L−1 • Bacillus subtilis MF497446 possesses the highest performance for PGP traits under Cd stress. • Bacillus subtilis MF497446 induces seed germination and vigor index of cowpea under Cd stress up to 9 mg L−1 • Bacillus subtilis MF497446 improves growth of cowpea under Cd stress up to 9 mg L−1 • Bacillus subtilis MF497446 ensures food safety by reducing Cd uptake by cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate some probiotic properties of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051a. The phenotypic profile, resistance to pH by simulated gastric juice (pH 2 and 3), bile salts by simulated intestinal fluid, survivability (%), heat and antibiotics tolerance were investigated. The strain is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria, arranged in short chains or in small irregular pairs with the ability to produce spores. Good viability at pH 2 and 3, with a survival of more than ≥80%, was found. In the presence of bile salts 0.3%, over 4 h, the strain exhibited a survival ≥85%. At 80°C, for 120 min., the strain showed good growth (9.04 log CFU/ml). Results were sensitive to most antibiotics, with a highly susceptible (between 16 - 25 mm) to erythromycin, clindamycin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, amikacin and kanamycin. The strain was found to be sensitive to vancomycin, gentamicin, and tetracycline. The present research demonstrated that Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051a can survive under gastrointestinal conditions, which involves them to future in vitro and in vivo probiotic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fermented barley bran (FBB) using Bacillus spp. is the main ingredient of sigumjang , a traditional fermented food in South Korea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastro-protective effects of β-glucan-enriched FBB extracts in an experimental mouse model of the EtOH-induced gastric ulcer. The gastro-protective activity of FBB was determined using histopathological inspection, level of EtOH absorption from the gastrointestinal-tract and measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokine. Pretreatment of FBB showed less gastrointestinal bleeding and reduced EtOH absorption into the bloodstream with the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, FBB effectively reduced the EtOH-induced mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α in the gastric mucosa and its level in the blood. These results showed that FBB can prevent gastric mucosal damage induced by acute EtOH-administration in mice by reducing absorption of EtOH by gastric mucosa along with decreasing the inflammatory response. Altogether, this data provides useful information on how β-glucan-enriched food modulates the EtOH-induced gastric mucosal damage, and thus, it could lead to the development of formulations for protecting gastric mucosal injury with acute alcohol intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plastics constitute an important part of our life for many decades. All the wastes produced from human activities finally enters into the aquatic ecosystem. Microbial degradation of plastic is a promising eco-friendly strategy which represents a great opportunity to manage waste plastic materials with minimum adverse impacts. In this present study, totally 248 bacterial isolates were isolated from the plastic waste dumped sites in the coastal region districts of Tamil Nadu, India and screened for HDPE degradation. Based on the results obtained from the weight loss, viability and FT-IR, 10 bacterial isolates were considered to be potent HDPE degraders. The identification of efficient HDPE degrading isolates confirms that most of the bacterial isolates belong to the genus Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. The present study suggests that the isolated efficient bacterial strains can be used as cost-effective, eco-friendly and safe approach for the elimination of plastic wastes from the environment. Highlights • 248 bacterial isolates were isolated and screened for HDPE degradation efficiency. • Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were considered to be potent HDPE marine biodegraders. • The study demonstrated the degradation ability of marine bacteria without any pre-treatments. • The current findings provide promising evidence for the biodegradation of polyethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranth ( Amaranthus hypochondriacus Linn.) is an important pseudocereal crop having important nutrients along with the indispensable amino-acids. The present study was aimed to study the effect of plant growth promoting bacilli on proximate constituents of amaranth grains, including three of the essential amino acids (methionine, lysine and, tryptophan). The combination of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis showed a significant increase in different proximate constituents, including crude protein (22.13%), dry matter (32.25%), fat (30.77%), and carbohydrate (49.08%) in amaranth grains. Similarly, a significant increase in essential amino-acids (methionine 47.68%, lysine 59.41% and, tryptophan 38.05%) was recorded. This study suggests that the combination of Bacillus pumilus BS-27 and Bacillus subtilis BS-58 provides the natural, persistent and durable potential to enhance the nutritive value of the crop. Therefore, present study was designed to explore the enhancement of most desirable amino acid synthesis in amaranth due to application of plant growth promoting Bacillus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study described the occurrence of clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis in 250 cattle from 5 dairy farms around the cities of Santa Rosa and Machala, El Oro Province, Ecuador. Clinical mastitis (CM) was determined based on obvious changes in milk (mild), signs of inflammation in the udder (moderate), and/or generalized clinical symptoms (severe). Subclinical mastitis (SCM) was assessed using the California mastitis test. CM and SCM were detected in 30 (12.0%) and 150 (60%) of the 250 tested cattle, respectively. Prevalence at the udder quarter level was 57.7% (577/1,000), which was higher among forequarters (369/577; 63.9%) than hindquarters. Of the 577 mastitic milk samples subjected to microbiological analysis, 35 were excluded due to contamination and 20 tested negative. Identification of bacterial isolates revealed that 33.3% of the 93 CM samples contained coliforms, 25.8% coagulase-positive staphylococci, 20.4% coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), 9.7% streptococci, 7.5% Bacillus spp., and 3.2% Klebsiella spp. Bacterial profiling of the 429 SCM milk samples showed that 55.4% contained CNS, 22.1% Bacillus spp., 9.3% streptococci, and 6.1% coagulase-positive staphylococci. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing of the obtained isolates indicated that all were susceptible to amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, gentamicin, and neomycin. No multidrug-resistant strains were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the investigation and management of a pseudo-outbreak of Bacillus spp. bacteraemia associated with construction work in an emergency department (ED). During the pseudo-outbreak period 59 out of 3469 (1.7%) blood cultures yielded Bacillus spp. versus 24 out of 7628 (0.31%) in 2012. Material, surfaces, and air samples showed environmental contamination. Cases rapidly declined following the implementation of infection control measures and the end of construction. Construction works at the ED caused environmental contamination that most probably led to the pseudo-outbreak of Bacillus bacteraemia. In hospital settings, the lack of correctly implemented effective barriers during construction may place patients and healthcare providers at risk as well as lead to pseudo-outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogens associated with wheat kernel black-point disease were recovered from symptomatic grains and identified as Cochliobolus sativus, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium graminearum. A total of twenty-five microbial isolates obtained from the surface of healthy grains of wheat were screened for antagonism against the isolated pathogens. The most effective antagonistic isolates were Bacillus megaterium (B5), B . amyloliquefaciens (B28), Trichoderma harzianum (T37) and Epicoccum sp. (E52). In pots, treating of wheat grains with strains B5, B28, T37 and E52 significantly improved germination and seedling growth naturally infected with the black-point pathogens. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain B28) was the most efficient biocontrol agent in terms of germination, length of roots and shoots which increased by 103.2, 55.3 and 43.91%, respectively. In field trials, the antagonistic isolates improved germination and tillering of black-pointed wheat grains. Spraying wheat plants with the antagonistic isolates significantly decreased the incidence of leaf-spots and kernel black-point down to 18.7 and 2.86, respectively, with B. amyloliquefaciens (B28). In addition, grain yield was significantly increased. Strain B28 ( B. amyloliquefaciens ) increased the weight of 1000-kernels by 16.77% and was as effective as the fungicide Sumi-8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the genotypic diversity of 26 Bacillus strains, including 24 facultative alkaliphilic isolates from the waters and surrounding soils of Lake Van, Turkey and 2 reference strains were investigated. Plasmid profiling and RAPD-PCR were used to determine the genetic variability of the isolates. The plasmid profiling analysis confirmed all the isolates had plasmids and 20 isolates were allocated into three major groups excluding the ones with unique plasmids. A total of six oligonucleotide primers were used for RAPD amplification, which generated a total of 505 fragments, all of them were polymorphic. A numerical analysis of the DNA band profiles with 6 different primers was generated by unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The genetic distances among the isolates using the primers M13-10, M13-14, OPL3, OPL12, RAPD12, and RPO2 were at percentage similarities between 16 to 100%, 12 to 100%, 28 to 94%, 4 to 100%, 31 to 100% and 8 to 80% respectively. The results of the study suggested that RAPD-PCR technique can provide rapid and efficient approach to solve taxonomic difficulties among the facultative alkaliphilic Bacillus isolates at the strain level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrinolytic enzymes are considered as a significant therapeutic agent for thrombosis. Keeping the quest for identification of effective fibrinolytic enzyme(s) from microbial source, a comparative study was done on six Bacillus spp. isolated from fruit and vegetable waste. The fibrinolytic activities of the isolates were confirmed by a fibrin plate assay. Six potential isolates were identified by 16s rRNA sequencing as Bacillus altitudinus HEM05, Bacillus halotolerance ARKH1, Bacillus safensis CO05, Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquorum BE1, Bacillus tequilensis SAS23 and Bacillus siamensis BHO27. Extracellular fibrinolytic enzymes were purified to homogeneity from all six isolates by acetone precipitation, anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. Purified fibrinolytic enzymes showed fibrinolytic specific activity ranging from 60.92 U mg-1 to 220.19 U mg-1. Molecular weight (SDS PAGE) of purified enzymes ranged from 30,200 kDa to 69,500 kDa. Enzymes were effective over wide range of pH from 5 to 10, with optimum pH between 7 and 10. The enzymes were active between 37 °C to 60 °C. Effect of inhibitory activity of metal ions, protease inhibitors and amidolytic activity on purified enzymes indicated fibrinolytic enzymes from Bacillus altitudinus HEM05 , Bacillus halotolerance ARKH1 , Bacillus safensis CO05 as plasmin serine protease, from Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquorum BE1, Bacillus tequilensis SAS23 as subtilin chymotrypsin like metalloprotease and from Bacillus siamensis BHO27 as subtilin chymotrypsin. In vitro assays for the purified enzyme preparations from all six isolates confirmed enzymes could activate plasminogen and significantly degraded the fibrin net of blood clot. • Isolation of six Bacillus species from fruit and vegetable waste. • Comparative study on fibrinolytic enzymes extracted from six Bacillus species. • Study on inhibitory activity by metal ions, protease inhibitors and amidolytic activity. • In vitro study showed that the extracted enzymes activate plasminogen. • Extracted enzymes significantly degraded the fibrin net of blood clot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments on the olive oil mill wastewater treatment for removing the lipids by anaerobic and aerobic biodegradation with mixed Bacillus spp. culture indicated that the rate of the aerobic process is up to two times higher than that of the anaerobic one. In this context, it was found that the influence of the dissolved oxygen concentration on the lipids biodegradation process is significant, but the kinetic model given in literature does not consider this parameter. Therefore, using the dependence between the ratio of specific rates, for aerobic and anaerobic processes, and the concentration of oxygen dissolved in medium, the new model ... was established for describing the kinetics of aerobic biodegradation with Bacillus spp. This model is more adequate for the studied systems of lipids-rich wastewaters bacterial treatment, offering the maximum error of 12.6% and the average one of ± 6.84%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effects of multi-species probiotic on growth, hematological status, intestinal microbes, and intestinal morphology of mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus). The mrigal fries (average weight 0.51 g) were reared for 60 days by supplementing multi-species probiotics containing Bacillus spp. (1 × 109 cfu/mL) and Lactobacillus spp. (1 × 1011 cfu/mL) in the raising water at doses of 0 (control), 0.5, and 1.0 mL/L. The results indicated that fish reared with multi-species probiotics showed significantly higher growth performance and feed efficiency where the survival rate was similar in all cases. Accordingly, significant higher red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) were counted from the fish reared with multi-species probiotic. There was a considerable difference in bacterial microbiota between the experimental and control group. Multi-species probiotics significantly enhanced the length, width, and villus area. Several immune response indicators like fattening of intestinal mucosal fold, width of lamina propria, the width of enterocytes, and abundance of goblet cells were also increased significantly in fish that received multi-species probiotics. This study revealed that multi-species probiotics can significantly contribute to the growth of mrigal through upgrading intestinal microbiota and morphology, which can be suggested as an eco-friendly growth stimulator in mrigal farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The not infrequent area for nosocomial bacterial (NB) contamination became the surface of radiology Department (RD) gadgets. The aim of the current study was to identify NB inside the RD devices as vectors. Affecting the inpatients fitness and public health. Questionnaire trial was used, after each sample collection for NB isolation and identity. approximately 93 % of RD technicians were participated, 87% worked with inpatients, 63% used sterile plastic sheet, 87% changed plastic sheet between inpatient, 60% modified each day, and 93% sterilized the devices after inpatient. The sterilization each day changed into 90%, NB infection had inpatients transmitted (44%), transferred to technicians (38%), moreover 80% of technicians were expected the NB infection from RD gadgets. The NB isolated from x-ray system cassette were 73%, couch (60%), and chest stand 50%, (25, 30 and 27%) for (key board, lead apron and tube head cope with). The NB isolated from ultrasound machines were; 30% probe, both 24% probe holder, for (gel and key board) as (15 and 14%). The x-ray system as 41.83% became higher than the ultrasound machines 19.75% isolated NB have been Staphylococcous epidermidis 22%, Staphylococcous aureus 19%, Bacillus spp. 19%; Escherichia coli 12%. in conclusion, the NB detected in RD gadgets may serve as vectors that affect the inpatient and public health. It is highly recommended the "Hospitals Hygiene strategy; simply, use the recent anti NB gel. gadgets modernization and regularity sterilization; ought to refresh guides "fitness schooling" and "Hospitals Hygiene strategy". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus subtilis strains are known to be prominent biologies playing different roles both in biological degradation of organic compounds and bio-control of plant diseases. In the present study, a schematic diagram was improved using efficient ISSR markers, selected in previous screening studies and suggested in view of their cost and labor-effective roles in discrimination of Bacillus spp. strains. To assess their efficiency and use in diversification of Bacillus spp. strains, whole findings were compared with 16S rDNA analysis. The results by selected Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers showed convenient, highly reproducible results to be a tool for revealing genetic relationships in Bacillus spp. strains, with regard to 16S rDNA. Even ISSRs have no informative knowledge based on gene sequence. Quick studies on structure and dynamics of microbial communities in ecosystems are of importance. Therefore, ISSR fingerprinting is suggested to be an efficient tool in intraspecific discrimination of Bacillus subtilis strains in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Mycology / Journal de Mycologie Médicale is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on the purification and characterization of thermophilic pectate lyase (Pel SWU), a recombinant enzyme of the thermotolerant Bacillus sp. RN1 isolated from a hot spring in Ranong province, Thailand. Using cation-exchange and hydrophobic column chromatographies, Pel SWU was purified to homogeneity. The final products of degradation by Pel SWU were unsaturated di- and trigalacturonic acids.

Abstract: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known in various cropping systems to increase plant growth and vigor, as well as induce resistance to pathogens and pests. A commercial soil amendment containing a mixture of two species of Bacillus PGPR (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) was evaluated for impact on germination and initial growth of bell pepper plants, efficacy against the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer, and yield enhancement. Studies in the greenhouse revealed that pepper germination rate and dry weight of seedlings grown with or without Bacillus spp. did not differ significantly. In the field, the PGPR did not significantly reduce aphid populations compared to control plants, whereas imidacloprid was highly effective. An increase in yield compared with control plants was observed in the 2003 season, but not the following two seasons. Aphid pressure was high in 2003, and plants grown in the presence of Bacillus spp. exhibited substantial tolerance to aphids. That is, there were significantly higher populations of the green peach aphid on both control and PGPR-treated plants compared with imidacloprid-treated plants. However, fruit yield in the Bacillus spp. treatment was significantly greater than yield in the control treatment and similar to yield in insecticide-treated plots. Bacillus PGPR could be useful in a M. persicae management program for pepper plants grown in locations with consistently high aphid pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, seven reference Bacillus species and a total of eighteen new facultative alkaliphilic Bacillus strains, isolated from the water of Lake Van and its soil surroundings, were identified using phenotypic characteristics and the numerical analysis of whole-cell protein profiles. According to morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics, it was found that the new isolated strains belonged to Bacillus genus. In addition, the research indicated that SDS-PAGE of polypeptides of whole-cell extracts can provide more valuable taxonomic information than conventional tests based on the phenotypic characteristics at the species and subspecies levels. Numerical analysis of whole-cell protein profiles of test strains revealed 4 basic clusters (I-IV) at dissimilarity values of 18.9 % or above. The results of numerical analysis confirmed that each cluster had characteristic and distinctive protein profiles. Indeed, this study showed that the application of numerical analysis, coupled with the utilization of a standardized identification system instead of simple quantitative comparison of protein patterns, greatly enhanced the utilization of whole-cell protein profiles for identification of the facultative alkaliphilic Bacillus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of methomyl as a pesticide contributed to its pervasive existence as a pollutant of soil and water resources. In this study, bacteria were isolated from polluted agricultural soils and identified as Bacillus paramycoides and Bacillus proteolyticus. Their methomyl biodegradation efficiencies were evaluated under various experimental conditions in vitro. Bacterial growth was optimized in terms of methomyl concentrations, resulting in maximum growth at 100 mg/L. A considerable degradation was achieved with methomyl being the sole carbon source. Under these conditions, Bacillus spp. degraded 60.6%–62.9% of methomyl in liquid medium when cultured separately, compared to 74.3% degradation when cultured as a consortium within 48 h. Moreover, methomyl bioremediation of artificially contaminated soil varied between 88.3% and 93.2% depending on the used bacterium and soil sterilization status. Furthermore, cell-free extracts of both isolates were tested to inspect their methomyl-degradation activities. The enzymes implicated in such action were mainly located extracellularly, with a lower quota of enzymes available in the intracellular and periplasmic extract. The tested Bacillus spp. also demonstrated considerable corn growth enhancing traits in terms of germination percentages, shoot and root lengths and weights, which were adversely affected by methomyl application. These results illustrate the beneficial use of Bacillus spp. as promising candidates in the bioremediation of methomyl-contaminated sites in conjunction with their contribution as biofertilizers. [Display omitted] • Bacillus paramycoides and B. proteolyticus degraded methomyl in liquid and soil. • Easily metabolized carbon abated methomyl degradation potential of Bacillus strains. • The maximum growth of Bacillus strains was at 100 mgL−1 methomyl. • The growth of corn plants was enhanced by Bacillus spp. soil decontamination. • Methomyl degrading enzymes were located in the extracellular part of Bacillus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]