Search

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculants consortia on ginger under field conditions. Three biofertilizers comprising of Azospirillum lipoferum (nitrogen fixer KAU-AZO), Bacillus megaterium (phosphate solubilizer KAU-PSB), Bacillus sporothermodurans (potash solubilizer KAU-KSB) and two biocontrol agents namely, Pseudomonas fluorescen (KAU-PF) and Trichoderma viride (KAU-TV) were used in the study. Compatibility studies revealed that all the isolates were compatible with each other. However, P. fluorescens and T. viride were incompatible with each other under in vitro. Under field evaluation, consortia of microbial inoculants performed better than the single inoculants in terms of yield and disease management. The organic Adhoc package recorded the minimum incidence of rhizome rot (2.09 %) among all the treatments. However, KAU-AZO + KAU-PSB + KAU-KSB + KAU-TV recorded the minimum rhizome rot (5.23%) incidence among the consortia. In the case of Rhizoctonia leaf blight disease, consortia of KAU-AZO + KAU-PSB + KAU-KSB + KAU-PF showed the minimum incidence (5.21%). In general, consortium of A. lipoferum, B. megaterium (PSB), B. sporothermodurans (KSB) and T. viride was the most efficient for plant growth promotion and disease management in ginger.

Summary The use of microbial tools to sustainably increase agricultural production has received significant attention from researchers, industries and policymakers. Over the past decade, the market access and development of microbial products have been accelerated by (i) the recent advances in plant‐associated microbiome science, (ii) the pressure from consumers and policymakers for increasing crop productivity and reducing the use of agrochemicals, (iii) the rising threats of biotic and abiotic stresses, (iv) the loss of efficacy of some agrochemicals and plant breeding programs and (v) the calls for agriculture to contribute towards mitigating climate change. Although the sector is still in its infancy, the path towards effective microbial products is taking shape and the global market of these products has increased faster than that of agrochemicals. Promising results from using microbes either as biofertilizers or biopesticides have been continually reported, fuelling optimism and high expectations for the sector. However, some limitations, often related to low efficacy and inconsistent performance in field conditions, urgently need to be addressed to promote a wider use of microbial tools. We propose that advances in in situ microbiome manipulation approaches, such as the use of products containing synthetic microbial communities and novel prebiotics, have great potential to overcome some of these current constraints. Much more progress is expected in the development of microbial inoculants as areas such as synthetic biology and nano‐biotechnology advance. If key technical, translational and regulatory issues are addressed, microbial tools will not only play an important role in sustainably boosting agricultural production over the next few decades but also contribute towards other sustainable development goals, including job creation and mitigation of the impacts of climate change., Advances in in situ microbiome manipulation approaches, such as the use of products containing synthetic microbial communities and novel prebiotics, have the potential to overcome major limitations in the development of microbial tools in agriculture. Much more progress is expected in the development of microbial inoculants as areas such as synthetic biology and nano‐biotechnology advance.

At an elevated copper content, the viability of Azospirillum baldaniorum on wheat seedling roots and the number of cells colonizing the roots and forming biofilms depended on the physicochemical properties of the lipopolysaccharides ( LPSs) synthesized by these bacteria. Compared to the strain Cal+ LpsI LpsII A. baldaniorum strain Sp245, its mutants Cal– LpsI– KM252, Lps II– KM139, and Cal– LpsII– Mot– KM018 colonized the roots less efficiently and formed thinner biofilms. Changes in the polysaccharide synthesis in KM252, KM139, and KM018 mediated increased copper accumulation by the cells and decreased the resistance of bacterial cultures to the negative effect of copper ions. Copper excess in planta and/or on the model polystyrene surface resulted in higher levels of the polysaccharide antigens in the biofilms of strain Sp245 and of its mutants with altered glycopolymer composition. Inoculation with strain Sp245 had a positive effect on the growth of wheat stems and leaves both at copper concentrations which had no noticeable effect on the growth of any of the partners (0.001 mM) and at elevated concentrations of copper ions (up to 0.5 mM). Strains КМ018, КМ139, and КМ252 had a positive effect on the seedlings only at high copper concentrations in the medium.

Soybean yield within the Southern Africa falls below its potential despite similar climatic conditions across some agroecologies, replicable agronomic management practices and introduced improved varieties. Understanding physiological processes and water-use efficiency (WUE) of soybean offer information on bridging this yield gap. A field study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 seasons in two agroecologies (Angonia and Ruace) in Mozambique to evaluate the effects of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens strain USDA110 formerly known as Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant, nitrogen and phosphorus on nodulation, physiology and yield of non-promiscuous (Safari) and promiscuous (TGx 1740-2F) soybean varieties. Data on transpiration, photosynthesis, leaf area index, radiation interception and WUE from the beginning of flowering to maturity were collected. Transpiration rate varied considerably with interaction between locations, growth stages, varieties and treatments. At podding, phosphorus-treated soybean at Angonia transpired less (6.3 mmol/m2/s) than check plants (6.6 mmol/m2/s). Photosynthesis rate and WUE were distinct with variety, growth stages and inputs within agroecologies. For instance, in Angonia 2018 season, phosphorus fertilized TGx 1740-2F photosynthesized more at flowering (25.3 μmol/m2/s) while the lowest was phosphorus-treated Safari at podding with 17.2 μmol/m2/s. At the same site in 2017, inoculated soybean photosynthesized more at 22.8 μmol/m2/s leading to better WUE of 3.6 that corresponded to 2894 kg/ha yield. Overall, soybean WUE was higher when inoculated than N-treated, while P application yielded better. Results from this study will complement breeders’ effort in developing phosphorus efficient varieties suited for a wide range of changing climatical conditions.

A meta-analysis of 158 peer-reviewed articles was conducted to examine effects of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri (LB)-based inoculants (LBB) that did or did not include homolactic or obligate heterolactic bacteria on silage fermentation and aerobic stability. A complementary meta-analysis of 12 articles examined LBB inoculation effects on dairy cow performance. Raw mean differences between inoculant and control treatment means weighted by inverse variance were compared with a hierarchical effects model that included robust variance estimation. Meta-regression and subgrouping analysis were used to identify effects of covariates including forage type, application rate (≤104, 105, 106, or ≥ 107 cfu/g as fed), bacteria type (LB vs. LB plus other bacteria), enzyme inclusion, ensiling duration, and silo type (laboratory or farm scale). Inoculation with LBB increased acetate (62%), 1, 2 propanediol (364%) and propionate (30%) concentration and aerobic stability (73.8%) and reduced lactate concentration (7.2%), yeast counts (7-fold) and mold counts (3-fold). Feeding inoculated silage did not affect milk yield, dry matter intake, and feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows. However, forage type, inoculant composition, and dose effects on silage quality measures were evident. Inoculation with LBB increased aerobic stability of all silages except tropical grasses. Adding obligate homolactic or facultative heterolactic bacteria to LB prevented the small increase in DM losses caused by LB alone. The 105 and 106 cfu/g rates were most effective at minimizing DM losses while aerobic stability was only increased with 105, 106, and ≥ 107 cfu/g rates. Inoculation with LBB increased acetate concentration, reduced yeast counts and improved aerobic stability but did not improve dairy cow performance.

Ginseng is an important cash crop. The long-term continuous cropping of ginseng causes the imbalance of soil environment and the exacerbation of soil-borne diseases, which affects the healthy development of ginseng industry. In this study, ginseng continuous cropping soil was treated with microbial inocula using broad-spectrum biocontrol microbial strain Frankia F1. Wheat straw, rice straw and corn straw were the best carrier materials for microbial inoculum. After treatment with microbial inoculum prepared with corn straw biochar, the soil pH value, organic matter, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were increased by 11.18%, 55.43%, 33.07%, 26.70%, 16.40%, and 9.10%, the activities of soil urease, catalase and sucrase increased by 52.73%, 16.80% and 43.80%, respectively. A Metagenomics showed that after the application of microbial inoculum prepared with corn straw biochar, soil microbial OTUs, Chao1 index, Shannon index, and Simpson index increased by 19.86%, 16.05%, 28.83%, and 3.16%, respectively. Three classes (Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Sphingobacteria) were the dominant bacteria in ginseng soil, and their abundance increased by 7.87%, 9.81% and 1.24%, respectively, after treatment with microbial inoculum with corn straw biochar. Results indicated that the most effective treatment in ginseng soil would be the combined application of corn straw biochar and Frankia F1.

Although nitrogen removal by partial nitritation and anammox is more cost-effective than conventional nitrification and denitrification, one downside is the production and accumulation of nitrous oxide (N2O). The potential exploitation of N2O-reducing bacteria, which are resident members of anammox microbial communities, for N2O mitigation would require more knowledge of their ecophysiology. This study investigated the phylogeny of resident N2O-reducing bacteria in an anammox microbial community and quantified individually the processes of N2O production and N2O consumption. An up-flow column-bed anammox reactor, fed with NH4+ and NO2- and devoid of oxygen, emitted N2O at an average conversion ratio (produced N2O: influent nitrogen) of 0.284%. Transcriptionally active and highly abundant nosZ genes in the reactor biomass belonged to the Burkholderiaceae (clade I type) and Chloroflexus genera (clade II type). Meanwhile, less abundant but actively transcribing nosZ strains were detected in the genera Rhodoferax, Azospirillum, Lautropia, and Bdellovibrio and likely act as an N2O sink. A novel 15N tracer method was adapted to individually quantify N2O production and N2O consumption rates. The estimated true N2O production rate and true N2O consumption rate were 3.98 ± 0.15 and 3.03 ± 0.18 mgN·gVSS-1·day-1, respectively. The N2O consumption rate could be increased by 51% (4.57 ± 0.51 mgN·gVSS-1·day-1) with elevated N2O concentrations but kept comparable irrespective of the presence or absence of NO2-. Collectively, the approach allowed the quantification of N2O-reducing activity and the identification of transcriptionally active N2O reducers that may constitute as an N2O sink in anammox-based processes.

In virgin soils, microorganisms and plants live in harmony and both are dependent on each other for their livelihood. Absence of cultivation practices, undisturbed soil condition, high organic matter condition and other favourable conditions enables to flourish beneficial microbes. The research work was started to identify beneficial microbes from undisturbed virgin soils of Nilgiri biosphere with the ability to grow under low pH and under low temeperature conditions. Bio-inoculants viz., Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, Azotobacter, Rhizobium and pseudomonas were obtained from cultivated and virgin soil samples of Nilgiris biosphere. When compared with type cultures, virgin soil isolates of respective inoculants have recorded better results in promoting plant dry weight in paper towel method. In cross streak assay, selected isolates found to be compatible with each other. In lignite carrier base formulation, the inoculants have reached a maximum population level of 107 and phosphobacteria reached 108 level. The population remained steady at this level up to 3 months. In the field trial studies conducted, the treatment of Azospirillum + Azotobacter + Phosphobacteria + Pseudomonas + 75% RDF has recorded maximum population of all the inoculants at 45th day after sowing. However, the maximum yield was observed in 100% RDF and bio-inoculant consortium applied treatment. This was closely followed by 75% RDF and bio-inoculant consortium applied plots. The results of the field trial have shown that bio-inoculant consortium along with 75% RDF application will lead to maximum yield with 25% saving in chemical fertilizer application.

Callus tissue is a popular tool in modern plant breeding and biotechnology. Macromolecules of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria can be beneficial for callus morphogenesis. We compared the effects of the lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of three Azospirillum strains (A. brasilense SR55, A. brasilense SR75, and A. lipoferum SR65) on the calluses of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Saratovskaya 29) lines (LRht-B1c and LRht-B1a) that differ in their morphogenic activity. The LPSs differed in the chemical structure of their O polysaccharides and in their physicochemical and serological properties. The LPS of A. lipoferum SR65 significantly promoted callus morphogenesis and regenerant development in both wheat lines. The yield of regenerated plants in terms of the total number of explants was significantly increased—2.15-fold in the highly morphogenic line LRht-B1c and 3.75-fold in the weakly morphogenic line LRht-B1a. In both lines, the LPSs of A. brasilense SR55 and SR75 increased either only the yield of morphogenic calluses or only the yield of regenerated plants, respectively. Overall, the Azospirillum LPSs affected the weakly morphogenic line LRht-B1a stronger than they did the highly morphogenic line LRht-B1c, and this resulted in a leveling of differences between the activities of the LRht-B1c and LRht-B1a morphogenic calluses. The LPSs of some Azospirillum strains are promising promoters of plant morphogenesis and may, in the future, find frequent use in plant breeding and genetic engineering experiments with callus tissue. Lipopolysaccharides isolated from the outer membranes of various strains of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria of the genus Azospirillum increase the morphogenic activity of soft wheat calluses with different efficiency.

Heavy metal contamination is a worldwide concern and a challenge to resolve due to the toxicity poses a significant threat to all living organisms in the environment. Phytoremediation is an environmental-friendly approach to alleviate heavy metal contamination in the soil. Combining the plant and beneficial bacteria inoculant to remediate soil heavy metal is known as bacterial inoculant-assisted phytoremediation. Beneficial bacteria facilitate plant metal uptake by mobilizing the heavy metals in the soil and enhancing plant vigor. The inoculant formulations can be prepared as liquid, granules or powders. Nonetheless, the effective interaction between plant and bacteria is not promised in unsterilized soil, thus affecting the phytoremediation efficiency. The development of bacterial inoculants for phytoremediation and the effects of the inoculants in soil are overlooked in current research studies. Therefore, an ample understanding of the bacterial inoculant-assisted phytoremediation concept is pertinent to circumvent the limitations. This article discusses the relationship between beneficial bacteria inoculant and plant in different techniques of phytoremediation, recent advances in developing bacterial inoculants for phytoremediation and the fate of the inoculants in soil. The provided information in this article generates more insights on the optimization works, which ultimately leading to the possible field application.

The objective of the study is to reduce the amount of inorganic fertilizers by using biofertilizers with the aim of sustainable agriculture. The field experiment was conducted at the HRS, Mondouri, BCKV, West Bengal, India during rabi season of 2019-20. The experiment consisted of 14 treatments replicated thrice, comprising of three levels inorganic fertilizers (50, 75 and 100%) of recommended NPK and three biofertilizers viz. Azospirillum lipoferum (N fixer), Bacillus megaterium (potash mobilizer) and Fraturia aurantia (K mobilizer) as soil application. The results indicated that the maximum plant height (86.06 cm) at 100 DAS, number of primary (10.66) and secondary branches (17.33), number of capsules plant-1 (25.33), number of seeds capsule-1 (97.66), test weight (3.54 g) and projected yield (538.50 kg ha-1) were recorded in 100% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB + KS. The yield was at par with 75% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB + KS (536.74 kg ha-1). Considering the economics, maximum net return (Rs. 1,08,083.74 ha-1) and B: C ratio (4.14: 1) was obtained from 75% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB + KS. These results suggested that combination of Azospirillum + PSB + KS with 75% RDF was best for optimum production of black cumin without loss in yield and reduction of 25% of inorganic fertilizers through application of biofertilizers and environmental pollution to some extent.

MODELS OF LABORATORY MINI-SILOS TO STUDY THE FERMENTATION OF WILTED ALFALFA (MEDICAGO SATIVA) USING A HOMOLACTIC BACTERIAL INOCULANT

Due to outstanding characteristics such as stress resistance and high biomass production, Elymus sibiricus (StH genomes) and E. nutans (StHY genomes) are regarded as ecologically important perennial bunchgrass species belonging to Elymus genus of tribe Triticeae (Poaceae), which were widely used to promote the restoration of degraded grassland in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of E. sibiricus and E. nutans were sequenced and annotated with de novo analysis, to clarify their inter-species variation and their evolutionary relationships with relative species. The result showed that both two whole cp genomes shared a typical quadripartite structure, the cp genome length of E. sibiricus and E. nutans were 135,075 bp and 135,060 bp, respectively. Three genes tRNA-CGA, tRNA-CGU, and tRNA-CGU were unique in E. sibiricus while the gene ycf1 (hypothetical chloroplast reading frame no. 1) was only found in E. nutans. The identification of hotspot regions (tRNA-GUC~psbM, tRNA-UAA~ndhJ, rbcL~psaI, rpl33~rps18) between the two cp genomes would be pertinent to the development of barcode marker of these two Elymus species. Comparative cp genome analysis and phylogenetic relationships further confirmed that Pseudoroegneria were putative matrilineal donors of St genome of Elymus species at plastome level. Whole cp genomes could be used as an effective barcode for species identification or for developing specific markers, which is essential useful for the evolutionary history and conservation of Elymus species. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Technologies that use rhizobacteria to promote plant growth are increasing in agriculture, results have shown improvements in soil quality, increases in productivity, and decreases in the use of synthetic inputs, The objective of work was to characterize bacterial isolates regarding their biological activity and growth promotion of soybean plants grown in a controlled environment. Fifteen bacteria were isolated from soils with continuous use of biological fertilizer. They were evaluated for enzymes production (amylase and protease), nitrogen fixation, antagonistic activity to phytopathogenic fungi, and indoleacetic acid (IAA) production, Soybean seeds were inoculated with bacterial isolates in a greenhouse and evaluated for plant development and soil chemical attributes. The results showed that 8 of the 15 isolates presented production of amylase, protease, or both and 4 isolates presented nitrogen-fixing capacity. The percentage of isolates with high or moderate inhibitory action against the fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Fusarium solani were 73.3%, 66.6%, and 73.3%, respectively. The IAA production varied from 8.56 to 31.33 µg mL-1 (5 isolates had low, 6 had moderate, and 4 had high production). The soybean development was significantly higher in 80% of the treatments with inoculation with bacterial isolates. Five bacterial isolates effectively present all characteristics for use as inoculant (biofertilizer) to promote the development of soybean plants. O uso de tecnologias utilizando rizobactérias para promover o crescimento de plantas é crescente na agricultura, resultados demonstram melhoria na qualidade dos solos, aumentando a sua produtividade e diminuindo uso de insumos sintéticos. O objetivo do trabalho foi caracterizar os isolados bacterianos quanto a sua atividade biológica e promoção do crescimento de plantas de soja em ambiente controlado. Foram isoladas 15 bactérias de solo com uso contínuo de adubo biológico. Estes foram avaliados quanto à produção de enzimas (amilase e protease), fixação de nitrogênio, atividade antagônica a fungos fitopatogênicos e produção de Ácido Indol Acético (AIA). Em casa de vegetação, sementes de soja inoculadas com os isolados bacterianos foram avaliadas quanto o desenvolvimento da plantas de soja e os atributos químicos do solo. Os resultados demonstraram que dos 15 isolados 8 apresentam a produção de amilase ou protease, ou ambos e 4 isolados apresentam capacidade de fixar nitrogênio livre. A porcentagem dos isolados com ação inibitória de moderada a alta contra os fungos Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Macrophomina phaseolina e Fusarium solani foram 73,3%, 66,6% e 73,3% respectivamente. E, quanto a produção AIA variou de 8,56 a 31,33 µg mL-1 (5 isolados com baixa produção, 6 moderada e 4 alta). O desenvolvimento da soja foi significativamente maior em 80% dos tratamentos inoculados com os isolados bacterianos. Conclui-se que 5 isolados bacterianos efetivamente apresentam todas características para utilização como inoculante (biofertilizante) no desenvolvimento de soja. &nbsp

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) inoculants have been applied worldwide. However, the ecological roles of PGPB under different soil conditions are still not well understood. The present study aimed to explore the ecological roles of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FH-1 (FH) on cucumber seedlings, rhizosphere soil properties, and the bacterial community in pot experiments. The results showed that FH had significant effects on cucumber seedlings and the rhizosphere bacterial community but not on soil properties. The FH promoted cucumber seedlings growth, reduced the rhizosphere bacterial diversity, increased Proteobacteria, and decreased Acidobacteria. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) revealed that FH enriched two taxa (GKS2_174 and Nannocystaceae) and inhibited 18 taxa (mainly Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, BRC1, Chloroflexi, Plantctomycetes, and Verrucomicrobia). Co-occurrence network analysis demonstrated that FH increased bacteria-bacteria interactions and that Bacillus (genus of FH) had few interactions with the enriched and inhibited taxa. This might indicate that FH does not directly affect the enriched and inhibited taxa. Correlation analysis results displayed that cucumber seedlings’ weight and height/length (except root length) were significantly correlated with the 18 inhibited taxa and the enriched taxa Nannocystaceae. It was speculated that FH might promote cucumber seedling growth by indirectly enriching Nannocystaceae and inhibiting some taxa from Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, BRC1, Chloroflexi, Plantctomycetes, and Verrucomicrobia.

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate effects of antifungal substance and carboxylesterase-producing inoculant on fermentation indices and rumen degradation kinetics of whole crop rice (WCR) silage ensiled at different dry matter (DM) contents.Methods: Dual-purpose inoculants, Lactobacillus brevis 5M2 and Lactobacillus buchneri 6M1, confirmed both activities of antifungal and carboxylesterase in the previous study. The WCR at mature stage was chopped, and then wilted to obtain three different DM contents consisting of 35.4%, 43.6%, and 51.5%. All WCR forages were applied distilled water (CON) or mixed inoculants with 1:1 ratio at 1×105 colony forming unit/g (INO), and ensiled into 20 L mini silo (5 kg) in quadruplicates for 108 d.Results: The INO silages had lower lactate (p

BackgroundSoil salinity has been one of the biggest hurdles in achieving better crop yield and quality. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are the symbiotic heterogeneous bacteria that play an important role in the recycling of plant nutrients through phytostimulation and phytoremediation. In this study, bacterial isolates were isolated from salt-polluted soil of Jhajjar and Panipat districts of Haryana, India. The potential salt-tolerant bacteria were screened for their PGPR activities such as phosphate solubilization, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), indole acetic acid (IAA) and ammonia production. The molecular characterization of potent isolates with salt tolerance and PGPR activity was done by 16S rDNA sequencing.ResultsEighteen soil samples from saline soils of Haryana state were screened for salt-tolerant bacteria. The bacterial isolates were analyzed for salt tolerance ranging from 2 to 10%. Thirteen isolates were found salt tolerant at varied salt concentrations. Isolates HB6P2 and HB6J2 showed maximum tolerance to salts at 10% followed by HB4A1, HB4N3 and HB8P1. All the salt-tolerant bacterial isolates showed HCN production with maximum production by HB6J2. Phosphate solubilization was demonstrated by three isolates viz., HB4N3, HB6P2 and HB6J2. IAA production was maximum in HB4A1 (15.89) and HB6P2 (14.01) and least in HB4N3 (8.91). Ammonia production was maximum in HB6P2 (12.3) and least in HB8P1 (6.2). Three isolates HB6J2, HB8P1 and HB4N3 with significant salt tolerance, and PGPR ability were identified through sequencing of amplified 16SrRNA gene and were found to beBacillus paramycoides,Bacillus amyloliquefaciensandBacillus pumilus, respectively.ConclusionsThe salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from saline soil can be used to overcome the detrimental effects of salt stress on plants, with beneficial effects of physiological functions of plants such as growth and yield, and overcome disease resistance. Therefore, application of microbial inoculants to alleviate stresses and enhance yield in plants could be a low cost and environmental friendly option for the management of saline soil for better crop productivity.

La evaluación de la calidad de los inoculantes comerciales es fundamental para garantizar una adecuada respuesta de los cultivos a la inoculación dentro de un marco de bioseguridad. En este sentido, el objetivo de este trabajo fue la estandarización y validación de la técnica de la microgota para la cuantificación de Azospirillum como metodología alternativa a la técnica de siembra en superficie, propuesta actualmente en el protocolo consenso de la Red de Calidad de Inoculantes, REDCAI. Entre 14 y 25 laboratorios, tanto privados como públicos, participaron de tres ensayos independientes. A partir de ellos se obtuvieron resultados reproducibles y robustos que permiten confirmar que ambas técnicas son equivalentes y concluir que la técnica de recuento por la microgota es una alternativa adecuada para ser incluida dentro del mencionado protocolo consenso. Quality evaluation of commercial inoculants is essential to warrant an adequate crop response to inoculation within a biosecurity framework. In this sense, this work is aimed at standardizing and validating the drop plate method for the enumeration of Azospirillum viable cells as an alternative to the spread plate technique, which is currently proposed in the consensus protocol of the REDCAI network. Between 14 and 25 private and public laboratories participated in three independent trials. We obtained consistent and robust results that allowed to confirm that both techniques are equivalent, concluding that the drop plate method is an alternative enumeration technique that is adequate to be included in the abovementioned consensus protocol. Fil: Di Salvo, Luciana Paula. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Biología Aplicada y Alimentos. Cátedra de Microbiología Agrícola; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: García, Julia E.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; Argentina Fil: Puente, Mariana Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola; Argentina Fil: Amigo, Josefina Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia. Departamento de Ecología. Cátedra de Microbiología Agrícola; Argentina Fil: Anriquez, Analia Liliana. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Agronomía y Agroindustrias; Argentina Fil: Barlocco, Claudia. Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria; Uruguay Fil: Benintende, Silvia Mercedes. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina Fil: Bochatay, Tatiana. BASF Agricultural Specialities S.A.; Argentina Fil: Bortolato, Marta Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina Fil: Cassan, Fabricio Dario. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas; Argentina Fil: Ramirez Castaño, Carolina. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina Fil: Catafesta, Melina. Bio Nova; Argentina Fil: Coniglio, Nayla Anahí. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas; Argentina Fil: Díaz, Marisa. Rizobacter Argentina; Argentina Fil: Galian, Liliana Rosa. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina Fil: Gallace, María Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía. Recursos Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Confluencia; Argentina Fil: Garcia, Patricia Graciela. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Confluencia; Argentina Fil: García de Salamone, Inés E.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Biología Aplicada y Alimentos. Cátedra de Microbiología Agrícola; Argentina Fil: Landa, Marianela. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Alimento. Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria; Argentina Fil: Liernur, Germán. No especifíca; Fil: Maneiro, María Laura. Rizobacter Argentina S.A.; Argentina Fil: Massa, Rosana. Stoller Biociencias S.R.L.; Argentina Fil: Malinverni, Julieta. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Alimento. Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria; Argentina Fil: Marchessi, Nicolas Carlos. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina Fil: Monteleone, Emilia. Nitrasoil Argentina S.A.; Argentina Fil: Oviedo, Silvina. Rizobacter Argentina S.A.; Argentina Fil: Pobliti, Lucrecia. Barenbrug Argentina; Argentina Fil: Portela, Gabriela Rut. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina Fil: Radovancich, Débora. Laformed S.A.; Argentina Fil: Righes, Silvia. Marketing Agrícola S.R.L.; Argentina

This study envisioned to assess the inoculation response of faba bean to six indigenous rhizobial isolates, 100 kg ha-1 DAP as a positive control and non-inoculated negative control under farmers’ field conditions at Welmera district, Ethiopia. The results revealed the presence of significantly different treatments (p ≤ 0.05) in grain yield. The highest grain yields (3966 kg ha-1and 3694 kg ha-1) were obtained from inoculation of rhizobial isolates (FB-AR-13 and FB-1018) during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 cropping seasons. Based on the two successive year’s average grain yield response, FB-AR-13 (3966 kg ha-1) became the first most performing isolate. The partial budget analysis results also showed that FB-AR-13 was the most promising isolate that showed a higher MRR 6422 %, which is 43% higher than the MRR of the local standard check FB-1018. Therefore, isolate FB-AR-13 is the best promising candidate for the development of commercial faba bean rhizobial inoculant in the central high lands of Ethiopia after further verification over different farmers' fields at different agro-ecologies.

Field and green house experiments were conducted on faba bean and chickpea during 2016-2017 to investigate the effect of fungicides and rhizobial inoculant interaction on nodulation and biomass accumulation of chickpea under Vertisol condition and (ii) faba bean under Nitisol condition. Chickpea seed was treated with Apron Star, Imidalm and both, and co-dressed with EAL-029 rhizobia simultaneously or a week later. Likewise, in one of the two sets, faba bean seed was treated with Apron Star and simultaneously dressed with FB-1017 or FB-1035 rhizobial strain. The other set had the same strains as pre inoculant and sprayed with Mancozeb at 30th day after sowing. Sole inoculants and N (faba bean) were used as check. The application rates of Apron Star, Imidalm, and inoculant were 2.5, 0.75, and 3.12 g kg-1 of seed while for Mancozeb is 2.5kg/ha. All treatments were replicated 4x and laid in RCB design. The result generally depicted that Apron Star application was compatible to EAL-029 rhizobia on chickpea. Staggered dressing of Apron Star and EAL-029 had better chickpea shoot dry matter accumulation. With regards to faba bean, co-dressing of Apron Star with FB-1017 or FB-1035 produced the highest nodulation. This confirmed the synergy of Apron Star with FB-1017 on Nitisol of central high land of Ethiopia. Moreover, spraying mancozeb on the 30th day after sowing to FB-1017 or FB-1035 preinoculated faba bean plant showed enhanced seed yield on Nitisol.

To evaluate the natural occurrence of the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense and petunia plants, local strains were isolated and characterized by biochemical and molecular methods. Three strains were assessed in greenhouse conditions using Petunia × hybrida Ultra™. Treatments: Plants without bacterial inoculation or chemical fertilization; fertilized with NPK and KNO3 ; and independently inoculated with the strains 2A1, 2A2, and 2E1 by submerging their roots in a bacterial suspension (~106 CFU·ml-1 ). Root length, dry weight of roots and shoots, leaf area, leaf greenness, and nutrient content were evaluated. The number of days from transplanting to the opening of the first flower and the number of flowers per plant were also determined. As a result, five isolates were characterized as A. brasilense, showing the capacity to produce indoles and siderophores, to solubilize phosphate, nitrogenase activity, and nifH-PCR amplification. In general, all the parameters of the plant assay were improved in plants inoculated with A. brasilense, with variations among the strains, as well as the onset of flowering and the number of flowers per plant, compared with uninoculated or fertilized plants. This is the first report on the natural occurrence of A. brasilense in petunia with the capacity to improve plant growth and flowering.

Agriculture depends on different fertilizers ranging from living organism to wide range of synthetic chemicals. Due to the elevated toxic effects of chemical fertilizer, there is an urgent need for organic farming and cultivation. The current study aimed to use bacteria (Rhizobium, Azotobacter and Azospirillum), fungi (Trichoderma) and marine macroalgae (Turbinaria ornata) as efficient biofertilizers for maize cultivation and further to compare their effects under various conditions. Soil and irrigating water were evaluated for the physical, chemical and biological parameters prior to the experiments. Bacteria, fungi and macroalgae were used in four different concentrations (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) by using two different treatment methods (soil drench, seed coat). Seeds were soughed, watered and it was followed to monitor the growth and yield. Soil texture exhibits silt clay loam with percolation rate (3.11 min), water holding capacity (19%), capillary action (3.05 min), macronutrient (nitrogen 101 ppm, phosphorous 6 ppm and potassium 410 ppm) and micronutrient (zinc 0.9 ppm, iron 5.2 ppm, copper 1.0 ppm, manganese 2.1 ppm) and was present in the soil. Irrigating water contains sodium 7.9 mEq/l, potassium 4 mEq/l, calcium 0.4 mEq/l, magnesium 1.7 mEq/l, chlorine 0.405 mEq/l, sulphate 3.3 mEq/l and bicarbonate 0.7 mEq/l. Escherichia coli, Clostridium sp., Proteus sp., Bacillus sp., Corynebacterium sp. and Erwiana sp. were isolated from untreated soil sample. At both early stage and flowering stage, the chlorophyll content was high in Turbinaria ornata, whereas Rhizobium elicits very low content among the subjected groups. Soil enzyme dehydrogenase (0.95 μU/g), phosphatase (47.5 μU/g) and protease (14.3 μU/g) increased in the Turbinaria ornata treatment. Soil was enriched with Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Trichoderma and Actinomycete during flowering stage. Maximum plant height (137.8 cm) was observed in T. ornata seed coat method as compared to other groups. Trichoderma treated obtained minimum in plant height. Root length and number of leaves were increased in macroalgae treatment than the other treatment. The weight of one maize seed was found to be maximum (147.8 g) in soil drench 100% treated. In case of yield, Turbinaria ornata–treated maize flour contains protein 14.47 mg/100 g, carbohydrate 81.03 mg/100 g, lipids 4.8 mg/100 g, total fiber 8 mg/100 g and total sugar 0.79 mg/100 g with macro- and micronutrients. Turbinaria ornata treatment shows better growth and yield in maize cultivation than other treatments.

In this work, strains of Bacillus subtilis were inoculated in consortium with Rhodotorula mucilaginosa into spent soy oil as aiming to biological treatment and low-cost reuse. The microorganisms were previously isolated and selected for the lipolytic capacity of the alperujo residue generated during the processing of olive oil. For fermentation, bioassays containing Rhodotorula mucilaginosa isolated from alperujo and Candida rugosa CCMA 00371, both co-inoculated with Bacillus subtilis CCMA 0085 in medium containing (% w/v) 0.075 glucose and 0.375 (NH4)3 PO4 in 75 mL of water and 75 mL of spent soy oil. Despite the low biomass productivity, it has favorable characteristics to be used in animal feed supplementation. Spent soy oil was used as a carbon source proven by Bartha respirometer. The strains of R. mucilaginosa UFLA RAS 144 and B. subtilis CCMA 0085 are promising inoculants for oil degradation and can be applied in a waste treatment system.

The application of bio-inoculant and biochar can be an effective strategy for stimulating crop growth, while improving soil fertility in an environmentally friendly manner. A greenhouse experiment ...

Young leaves are favored by mantled guereza (Colobus guereza) and the gastrointestinal tract of this species is well adapted to such a high fiber diet. Fresh maple leaves are often used in the diets for guereza in captivity but their use in winter feeding time is limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of additives on chemical composition and fermentation parameters of maple leaf silage, as well as inclusion of maple leaf silage in the diet for mantled guereza on feed and nutrient intake. Maple leaves were ensiled without additives (MLS), with a mixture of bacterial inoculants (MLS + BI) and with carrot additives (MLS + C). The chemical composition and fermentation parameters were determined in fresh and ensiled material. A group of seven mantled guerezas were fed a standard diet, and afterwards shifted to a diet with maple leaf silage (contained 20% of MLS; as fed). Each diet was fed for 7 days when the feed and nutrient intake were measured. The ensiling process did not change the concentration of most nutrients compared to the fresh material. The inclusion of leaf silage increased dry matter intake by guereza (125.3 vs. 163.3 g dry matter/day). Therefore, higher nutrient intake (crude protein, NDF, ADF) was observed when maple leaf silage was included in the diet. In conclusion, the ensiling process (even without additives) proved to be a good conservation method for maple leaves. Furthermore, inclusion of maple leaf silage in the winter diets for guereza, and possibly other folivorous primates, may increase dry matter and nutrients (particularly fiber) intake.

Context The importance of lupin in animal nutrition has increased over the years due to its moderate protein content and relative availability. Low inclusion rate in broiler diet has been associated with the presence of antinutritional factors. The established beneficial effect of fermentation as a processing strategy and dietary enzyme use in improving the nutritional value of legumes such as lupins, thus, necessitated this study. Aims This study determined the effect of solid-state fermented lupin (SSFLP) and enzyme-supplemented lupin (LP) on the performance and ileal amino acid digestibility in broiler chickens. Methods In Experiment 1 (performance trial), a total of 300 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were distributed into six dietary treatments, with five replicates of 10 birds each. Diet 1 was based on a corn–soybean meal (SBM), Diets 2 and 3 contained 250 g/kg LP and 250 g/kg SSFLP respectively. Diet 4 contained 250 g/kg LP + phytase (PHY). Diet 5 contained 250 g/kg LP + xylanase (XYL). Diet 6 contained 250 g/kg LP + PHY + XYL. PHY at 500 phytase units (FTU)/kg and XYL at 1000 units/kg were added to the respective diets. In Experiment 2 (digestibility trial), a total of 240 21-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks was assigned to six dietary treatments with five replicate cages of eight birds each. Diet 1 was based on SBM, Diets 2 and 3 contained 650 g/kg LP and 650 g/kg SSFLP respectively. Diet 4 contained 650 g/kg LP + PHY. Diet 5 contained 650 g/kg LP + XYL. Diet 6 contained 650 g/kg LP + PHY + XYL. Key results Dietary inclusion of SBM and LP + PHY enhanced broiler performance from 1 to 21 days. PHY- supplemented LP diet improved birds’ bodyweight gain and feed intake compared with the rest of the LP diets. Dietary inclusion of LP + PHY + XYL improved the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of some amino acids (AA). SSF of LP had no effect on the AA contents, lowered AA digestibility and depressed weight gain in the birds. Although SSFLP diet did not improve performance, it effectively increased phosphorus (P) retention in broiler chickens. Feeding SSFLP and enzyme-supplemented LP diets enhanced the AID of calcium and P, as well as calcium retention. Conclusions Adding supplemental PHY to LP diet enhanced broiler performance, as indicated by the BWG and FI of these birds, which were significantly higher than those of birds fed on other LP-based diets and comparable with those of birds fed on the SBM diet from 1 to 21 days. Although the SSFLP diet did not improve broiler performance, it was effective in increasing P retention when compared with LP diets. The inclusion of LP + PHY + XYL diet improved the AID of amino acids. Implications SSFLP is a promising feed ingredient and can have a potential application in feed formulation. However, further studies are still needed to be able to clearly understand its effect at a high inclusion level on the performance and ileal amino acid digestibility in broiler chickens. The development of cocktail inoculants to target all ANFs in lupins will definitely open a new window for the poultry feed industry.

We have previously shown the extensive loss of genes during the domestication of alfalfa rhizobia and the high nitrous oxide emission associated with the extreme genomic instability of commercial inoculants. In the present note, we describe the molecular mechanism involved in the evolution of alfalfa rhizobia. Genomic analysis showed that most of the gene losses in inoculants are due to large genomic deletions rather than to small deletions or point mutations, a fact consistent with recurrent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at numerous locations throughout the microbial genome. Genetic analysis showed that the loss of the NO-detoxifying enzyme HmpA in inoculants results in growth inhibition and high DSB levels under nitrosative stress, and large genomic deletions in planta but not in the soil. Therefore, besides its known function in the effective establishment of the symbiosis, HmpA can play a critical role in the preservation of the genomic integrity of alfalfa rhizobia under host-derived nitrosative stress.

The success of a Rhizobium sp. inoculant depends on a product with a high number of live bacteria that can nodulate a leguminous plant. Culture media and oxygen transfer were studied to improve the production of R. phaseoli in chemically defined and undefined media for scale-up from shake flasks to a pneumatic bioreactor. The effects of carbon and phosphate on R. phaseoli growth were evaluated, and the specific volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa) was determined in shake flasks and scale-up to bioreactors. Six-fold more viable biomass was obtained by increasing the phosphate concentration by 7.5-fold when using glucose. However, this increase was not observed when succinate was used. In the undefined medium, glucose induced a higher production of R. phaseoli in comparison with other carbon sources. The KLa of 6–11 h-1 produced a five-fold growth of biomass in shake-flask cultures. This KLa was used to produce a R. phaseoli-based inoculant in a bioreactor. The formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules was confirmed in bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris). The improvement of culture media with a suitable oxygen transfer demonstrates that R. phaseoli can be used as an inoculant that exerts beneficial effects on the initial growth of bean plants.

Plant biostimulants did not improve citrus health and productivity in an HLB-endemic environment after two years, but fulvic acids increased concentrations of some nutrients and influenced the rhizosphere microbial community. Fibrous root loss is one of the main factors associated with citrus tree decline due to Huanglongbing (HLB) disease in Florida, and there is increased interest to use soil amendments such as plant biostimulants to improve root health and crop production. The effect of individual and combined applications of seaweed extracts, humic substances, and microbial inoculants on root and tree health, tree nutritional status, and productivity was investigated in an HLB-endemic environment. Experiments were conducted in two differently managed commercial citrus orchards. The effect of the treatments on the composition and structure of the citrus rhizosphere bacterial and fungal community was examined and linked to variations in root macro- and micronutrient concentrations. Overall, treatments had no effect on disease index ratings, total and specific root lengths, root physiological responses, and fruit quality and yield after two years of application. Only the individual applications of fulvic acids resulted in statistically significant increases in root and leaf macro- and micronutrient concentrations compared to the control treatment, an effect that differed between trials. These increases in root macro- and micronutrient concentrations were linked to variations in the relative abundance of specific bacterial and fungal taxa in the citrus rhizosphere. Our results suggest that longer-term and higher application rates of fulvic acids may be necessary to translate rhizosphere effects into measurable effects on tree health and productivity in HLB-endemic conditions. We show that factors such as different management practices and soil and environmental conditions may determine efficacy of biostimulants on root and tree health.

Summary The objectives of this study were to investigate the adaptation and competition of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecalis inoculated in alfalfa silage alone or in combination on the fermentation quality, dynamics of bacterial community, and their functional shifts using single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) sequencing technology. Before ensiling, alfalfa was inoculated with L. plantarum (Lp), P. pentosaceus (Pp), E. faecalis (Ef) or their combinations (LpPp, LpEf, LpPpEf) and sampled at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 60 days. After 60‐days fermentation, the Lp‐, Pp‐ and LpPp‐inoculated silages had lower pH but greater concentrations of lactic acid were observed in Pp, LpEf and LpPpEf‐inoculated silages. The inoculants altered the keystone taxa and the bacterial community dynamics in different manners, where L. plantarum, Weissella cibaria and L. pentosaceus dominated the bacterial communities after 14 days‐fermentation in all treatments. The silages with better fermentation quality had simplified bacterial correlation structures. Moreover, different inoculants dramatically changed the carbohydrate, amino acid, energy, nucleotide and vitamin metabolism of bacterial communities during ensiling. Results of the current study indicate that effect of different inoculants on alfalfa silage fermentation was implemented by modulating the succession of bacterial community, their interactions and metabolic pathways as well during ensiling., This study were investigated the adaptation and competition of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Enterococcus faecalis inoculated in alfalfa silage alone or in combination on the fermentation quality, dynamics of bacterial community, and their functional shifts of alfalfa silage. The inoculants altered the keystone taxa, dynamics of bacterial community and their functions in different manners, and the silages with better fermentation quality had simplified bacterial correlation structures.

New technologies that enhance soil biodiversity and minimize the use of scarce resources while boosting crop production are highly sought to mitigate the increasing threats that climate change, population growth, and desertification pose on the food infrastructure. In particular, solutions based on plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) bring merits of self-replication, low environmental impact, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stressors, and reduction of inputs, such as fertilizers. However, challenges in facilitating PGPB delivery in the soil still persist and include survival to desiccation, precise delivery, programmable resuscitation, competition with the indigenous rhizosphere, and soil structure. These factors play a critical role in microbial root association and development of a beneficial plant microbiome. Engineering the seed microenvironment with protein and polysaccharides is one proposed way to deliver PGPB precisely and effectively in the seed spermosphere. In this review, we will cover new advancements in the precise and scalable delivery of microbial inoculants, also highlighting the latest development of multifunctional rhizobacteria solutions that have beneficial impact on not only legumes but also cereals. To conclude, we will discuss the role that legislators and policymakers play in promoting the adoption of new technologies that can enhance the sustainability of crop production.

En México, la producción de planta de Pinus greggii Engelm. en vivero debe alcanzar estándares morfológicos y fisiológicos fijados por la Norma Mexicana para la Certificación de la Operación de Viveros Forestales (NMX-AA-170-SCFI-2016), donde destaca la nutrición y la presencia de micorrizas. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el crecimiento de Pinus greggii en la etapa de vivero, con base en la inoculación micorrícica con dos productos comerciales y el uso de un fertilizante de liberación controlada en dos dosis. La hipótesis fue que al menos una combinación del tipo de inoculante y dosis de fertilización, favorece el crecimiento de las plantas en proporción mayor. El diseño experimental fue bloques completos al azar con nueve tratamientos, los datos se analizaron con ANDEVA y las medias de los tratamientos se compararon con la prueba de Tukey. A los 11 meses de la siembra se analizaron variables morfológicas, índices de calidad, porcentaje de supervivencia y de micorrización; además, se caracterizaron las ectomicorrizas desarrolladas. La supervivencia varió de 64 a 99%, con los porcentajes mayores en los tratamientos inoculados solo con hongos nativos o exóticos. Las plantas mostraron diferencias significativas en las variables morfológicas; los tratamientos combinados, sin importar la dosis o tipo de inoculante, mostraron resultados mejores. El porcentaje de colonización micorrícica varió de 37 a 63%, y destacaron los tratamientos inoculados con esporas de hongos exóticos y fertilizados (en ambas dosis). La diversidad de esporas de hongos contenidos en los inoculantes comerciales no coincidió con las especies de hongos que establecieron simbiosis con P. greggii. En conclusión, la adición de fertilizante de liberación controlada e inoculación con productos comerciales dio como resultado una producción de planta de calidad.

High-Si spheroidal graphite (SG) iron is a relatively new addition to the family of SG irons. While the industry has been successful in producing class 500-14 and 600-10 irons there is a paucity of published research data on the efficiency of inoculation on shrinkage and porosity reduction. The critical phase is the end of solidification when, as the amount of eutectic graphite generated decreases, graphite expansion may become insufficient to compensate the solidification shrinkage, increasing the risk of micro-shrinkage (microporosity) formation. The goal of this industrial research was to assess the efficiency of eight commercial inoculants in minimizing porosity occurrence in a 3.45%C, 3.75%Si SG iron. Metallographic analysis was conducted on the TA cups to evaluate the nodule count and size distribution. SEM analysis was used to study the type of nuclei, and tomography to quantify the amount of porosity in each TA cup. An attempt was made to correlate the graphite formation rate during eutectic solidification with the porosity level. Inoculants rich in Zr seem to produce the best results.

Current study was planned to demonstrate (Experiment I), the impact of seed bacterization (inoculation dose—106, 108, 1010, 1012 CFU/ml) with two bacterial isolates Variovorax paradoxus RAA3 and M11 (Unidentified) on growth and foliar nutrient content (NPK) of wheat (var. H1105 and PBW660) and cowpea (var. PL-1 and PL-2) cultivars under glass house conditions. Strain RAA3 treated plants exhibited most promising results for shoot fresh weight (26.7%, 30.2%), shoot dry weight (44.4%, 63.3%) and chlorophyll content (66.8%, 66.9%) as compared to the control plants of respective varieties. This inoculant also caused significant changes in the foliar nitrogen (14.5%, 14.2%), phosphorus (36.4%, 46.7%) and potassium (20.1%, 65.9%) content in wheat and cowpea, respectively, as compared to the non-inoculated plants. Moreover, the inoculum dose of 108 of bacterial inoculum was found to be most effective and thus, considered as an optimum dose for the plant growth promotion. In another study (Experiment II), seed bacterization with RAA3 (108 CFU/ml) on nine different varieties of wheat was performed, and significant varietal and treatment effect were observed for many of growth parameters as compared to untreated control plants. Overall results showed maximum response at inoculum dose of 108, therefore this dose was taken to assess the influence of PGPR inoculation on rhizospheric microbial diversity of wheat and cowpea. We observed that RAA3 inoculation has led to a shift in microbial population in both wheat and cowpea varieties. Irrespective of varieties, RAA3 (inoculum dose of 108 CFU/ml) treated plants of wheat showed dominant microbial groups of siderophores producers, nitrogen fixers and actinomycetes, whereas, in RAA3 treated plants of cowpea the dominant microbial population of only siderophores producers was recorded.

AIMS The present study is aimed to reveal the variations in epiphytic microbial composition among six whole crop corn (WCC) varieties and their contributions on ensiling characteristics and microbial composition of WCC silage. METHODS AND RESULTS Six WCC varieties (JS06, YS23, BS20, JS39, JS40 and JS26) were ensiled for 90 days. All WCC varieties were well fermented with low pH value (

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bacterial-enzymatic inoculants with different concentrations of fibrolytic enzymes on the fermentation quality and nutritional value of the silage of BRS capiaçu grass. Two bacterial-enzymatic inoculants with different levels of enzyme complex were evaluated (Silotrato® (5%) and Biotrato® (8%)) and control silage (without additive) according to a completely randomized design with eight replicates. To evaluate the silage aerobic stability, a completely randomized split plot design was used with three treatments (plots) and seven times after opening (subplots). There was no interaction between treatments and times after opening on values of pH (P=0.79). Regarding bacterial-enzymatic inoculants, the silage pH was 21.66% and 16.16% higher in silage without additive (mean of 6.00) compared to silage with 5% and 8% enzyme complex (P < 0.01). There was no difference between treatments on pH (P = 0.08), lactic acid (p = 0.08) and acetic acid (p = 0.64), means of 3.11, 47.31 g dry matter (DM)-1 and 11.19 g DM-1, respectively. There was no difference between treatments for any of the chemical composition variables (P = 0.86). Mean values for DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients were 22.31%, 6.65%, 71.15% and 42.07%, respectively. There was a higher concentration of butyric acid in the control silage compared to Silotrato® silage. The control silage and silage treated with Biotrato® presented effluent losses (P = 0.05) 13.99% higher than silage with Silotrato®. For ensiling BRS capiaçu grass, it is recommended to use lactic acid bacteria containing 5% fibrolytic enzymes.

The massive use of inputs is often applied in common bean for nitrogen (N) supply, better plant development, and to prevent plant disease. Instead, the co-inoculation of Rhizobium, Azospirillum and...

Soil is a dynamic living matrix and it isn't only a critical resource in agricultural produce yet it is too towards uptake of all life processes. The chemical fertilizers utilized in agriculture to expand yields, pests, and weeds, have a big harmful impact on the ecosystem. Because of current public concerns about the symptoms of agrochemicals, there is an understanding of cooperative activities of plants and rhizosphere microbial populations. So, there is a need for biological agents that are acknowledged worldwide. The utilization of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a better choice to solve this problem. PGPR are microorganisms that can be used to improve plant reactions against biotic and abiotic stresses. Rhizosphere microbiomes which have appeared to improve plant development and yield are regulated or impacted by a couple of natural factors, for example, soil type, plant cultivar, environmental change furthermore, anthropogenic exercises. This accomplishment is achievable by saddling nitrogen-fixing endophytic and free-living rhizobacteria. Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum and Bacillus, have been found to affect crops by upgrading both above and subterranean biomass and could thus assume positive function in accomplishing maintainable agribusiness results. Consequently, it is important to consider this rhizosphere microbiome with more advanced culture-free methods. This points towards examining factors that can tweak rhizosphere microbiome with centre around the commitments of nitrogen fixing microorganisms towards economical horticultural turn of events and the strategies that can be utilized for their betterment. Future examination in rhizosphere science will depend on the promotion of sub-atomic and biotechnological ways to deal with increment of our insight into rhizosphere science and to accomplish a coordinated administration of soil microbial population.

Azospirillum brasilense is a plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) widely used as an inoculant in diverse species, including maize (Zea mays L.) to improve their growth, development and productivity. Its ability to survive to the presence of herbicides has been demonstrated. Currently, the effectiveness of foliar application of biological formulations takes advantage of the intrinsic capacity of bacteria, regardless of the edaphic conditions of the soil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the foliar inoculation of A. brasilense Az39 in maize crop with different combinations of herbicides to increase production and to improve sustainable management practices. The field study was performed during three successive seasons. In the growing seasons between 2015 and 2018, different combinations of glyphosate and atrazine were evaluated with and without the foliar inoculation of Az39. A higher yield and total chlorophyll content were observed, together with a lower damage of membranes in the treatment with foliar inoculation of Az39, one application of atrazine and two applications of glyphosate. The yield varied between seasons but in all of them, the foliar inoculations with Az39 benefited the crop. Therefore, application of A. brasilense Az39 improves the performance of the maize crop under suitable combinations of herbicides based upon cost and environmental risk. These results, obtained with PGPB native strains, demonstrate its complementary benefits for the development of sustainable crop production practices.

Cellulolytic micro-organisms are potent silage inoculants that decrease the fibrous content in silage and increase the fibre digestibility and nutritional value of silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtilis CCMA 0087 and its enzyme β-glucosidase on the nutritional value and aerobic stability of corn silage after 30 and 60 days of storage. We compared the results among silage without inoculant (SC) and silages inoculated with B. subtilis 8 log10 CFU per kg forage (SB8), 9 log10 CFU per kg forage (SB9) and 9·84 log10 CFU per kg forage + β-glucosidase enzyme (SBE). No differences were observed in the levels of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre due to the different treatments or storage times of the silos. Notably, the population of spore-forming bacteria increased in the SB9-treated silage. At 60 days of ensiling, the largest populations of lactic acid bacteria were found in silages treated with SB8 and SBE. Yeast populations were low for all silages, irrespective of the different treatments, and the presence of filamentous fungi was observed only in the SBE-treated silage. Among all silage treatments, SB9 treatment resulted in the highest aerobic stability.

The untapped microbial communities in medicinal plants can have a genetically varied population with multi-functional plant growth promoting characters. An attempt was made to investigate the effec...

We determined if a microbial inoculant could improve the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage subjected to various challenges during storage that included an air stress challenge and low packing density. In Experiment 1, whole-plant corn was untreated (CTR) or treated (INO, Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 and Pediococcus pentosaceus 12455. Five individually replicated 7.5-L silos, at a density of 240 kg of dry matter (DM)/m3, for each treatment were kept sealed (NAS) for 19 wk, air stressed early (ES, 3 h/wk for wk 1-9), or air stressed late during storage (LS, 3 h/wk for wk 10-19). Inoculation increased the number of agar-culturable lactic acid bacteria regardless of air stress status, but it did not affect the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Early, but not late air stress, resulted in silages with a higher relative abundance of Acetobacter when compared with NAS. Silages treated with INO had greater concentrations of acetic acid than CTR. Numbers of yeasts were lowest for INO regardless of air stress and CTR-LS had the most yeasts among all treatments. Silages that were not air stressed had a higher relative abundance of Candida tropicalis than air stressed silages. Monascus purpureus was detected in ES and LS but not in NAS, and its relative abundance was numerically higher in CTR-ES than in INO-ES and statistically higher in CTR-LS compared with INO-LS. Early air stress numerically reduced aerobic stability compared with NAS, and there was a statistical tendency for lower stability in LS compared with NAS. Inoculation improved aerobic stability regardless of when the air stress occurred. In Experiment 2, corn silage was prepared with the same primary treatments of CTR and INO but was packed at a low (LD; 180 kg of DM/m3) or a normal (ND; 240 kg of DM/m3) density and sealed (NAS) or air stressed (AS; 24 h on d 28, 42, and 89) for 92 d of storage. The concentration of acetic acid was greater in INO compared with CTR and in AS compared with NAS. Numbers of yeasts were lower in NAS compared with AS regardless of inoculation and they were lower in INO-AS compared with CTR-AS. Treatment with INO improved aerobic stability but the improvement was better in NAS versus AS and better in ND versus LD. Overall, our experiments corroborate past findings showing that INO markedly improves the aerobic stability of corn silage but they are the first to show that improvement can be sustained even when the silage was exposed to regular air stresses and when packed at a low density.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of different roughages in total mixed ration (TMR) inoculated with or without coculture of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on in vitro rumen fermentation and microbial population.Methods: Three TMRs formulations composed of different forages were used and each TMR was grouped into two treatments: non-fermented TMR and fermented TMR (F-TMR) (inoculated with coculture of L. acidophilus and B. subtilis). After fermentation, the fermentation, chemical and microbial profile of the TMRs were determined. The treatments were used for in vitro rumen fermentation to determine total gas production, pH, ammonianitrogen (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Microbial populations were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All data were analyzed as a 3×2 factorial arrangement design using the MIXED procedure of Statistical Analysis Systems.Results: Changes in the fermentation (pH, lactate, acetate, propionate, and NH3-N) and chemical composition (moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, and ash) were observed. For in vitro rumen fermentation, lower rumen pH, higher acetate, propionate, and total VFA content were observed in the F-TMR group after 24 h incubation (pL. acidophilus and B. subtilis, in the TMR caused changes in the pH, lactate and acetate concentrations, and chemical composition of experimental diets. In addition, F-TMR composed with Italian ryegrass silage and corn silage altered ruminal pH and VFA concentrations during in vitro rumen fermentation experiment.

Whole-plant soybean silage (WPSS) is a potential high-protein roughage source for ruminant diets. However, WPSS can be difficult to ensile and fermentation is a challenge. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chitosan and microbial inoculants on fermentation profile, fermentation losses, chemical composition, and in vitro degradation of WPSS. Forty experimental silos (PVC tubing with 28 cm i.d. and 25 cm height) were produced. Soybean plants from 10 plots were ensiled in a completely randomized block design to evaluate the following treatments: (1) control (CON): WPSS without additives; (2) chitosan (CHI): WPSS additive with 6 g/kg DM of chitosan; (3) LBB: WPSS treated with 5.0 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus buchneri (NCIM 40788) per kg of fresh matter and (4) LPP: WPSS treated with 1.6 × 108 CFU of Lactobacillus plantarum and 1.6 × 108 CFU of Pediococcus acidilactici per kg of fresh matter. Silos were opened 120 days after ensiling. Microbial inoculants reduced silage pH, whereas LPP-treated silos showed the lowest concentration of NH3-N, ethanol, butyric, acetic, branched-chain, and propionic organic acids. LBB-treatment decreased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count relative to other treatments, and LPP-treatment showed the lowest fermentation losses, improving dry matter (DM) recovery. Relative to other treatments, LPP increased silage DM, organic matter, and decreased acid detergent insoluble crude protein (CP), improving DM and neutral detergent fibre in vitro degradation. Treatments showed no effect on silage aerobic stability. Thus, LPP-treatment improves fermentation profile, reduces fermentation losses, and increases the nutritional value of WPSS.

The practical experience substantiates the need to treat soybean seeds with high-quality inoculants and VuksalKoMo 15 with the trace elements content of cobalt and molybdenum. The processes of inoculation of seeds in the form of rhizobial bacteria significantly improve the soy plants ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the early stages of development. We begin to observe the rhizobial formation on the corinium soybean system already at the stage of BBCH 12–13. This in turn will affect the yield and productivity of Rosin soybeans. One of the important aspects of soybean cultivation is providing not only macroelements, NPK, Ca, S, but also microelements. Carrying out experiments on the effect of seed inoculation on soybean yield, we combined an inoculant, VuksalKoMo preparation and Sdandak Top insecticidal fungicide preparation with a sowing period of up to 5–7 days in a tank mixture. One of the main requirements is the use of high-quality inoculants with a high content of viable nitrogen-fixing bacteria for processing soybean seeds. This, in turn, will ensure high yields of soybeans with optimal costs and the fastest return on investment, especially in today's conditions. The research results are aimed at solving urgent problems in the technology of growing leguminous crops, namely: developing a version of the technology for growing soybeans for the selection of varieties, adapted to a given climatic zone, the use of inoculants and micronutrients in the conditions of climate change

Maize is an important crop around the world supporting food security, especially in developing countries. The increasing demand for food and renewable energy resources has been supported studies of competitiveness and complementarity interactions between trees, crops, and animals. Thus, the integrated systems should promote a synergic relationship between the components, resulting in greater production of crops, animals, and forestry. Our objective was to describe recent advances on maize production in integrated systems and how recent research can contribute to intensify and/or diversify the production system. The current literature supports the following appointments. The increase in the soil organic carbon in integrated systems improves the physical (density and aggregate stability), chemical (nutrient retention), and biological (greater diversity and microbial mass) properties. Great grain yield and input reduction are possible with the microbial inoculants' use. The inoculants' action is maximized when associated with fertilizers and/or biochar. The biochar acts as a soil conditioner, increasing the water and nutrients retention in the soil, favoring the maize growth. Maize can be grown in the understory (moderate shade), but productivity will be reduced. Thus, we identified the need for research on shading-tolerant genotypes, intercropped management to minimizes competition, quantification of the stratified light profile by a system component (tree, maize, and grass), and more complex and accurate mathematical models to support decisions in the integrated systems arrangements. Understanding these practices would encourage producers to enhance the use of integrated systems.