Search

The use of organic nutrient regimes is regarded as holistic and ecological approach for agricultural sustainability. It offers improved soil health, increased crop growth and enhanced fruit quality, whilst minimizing costs and sustaining the use of natural resources. The present investigation was conducted over two consecutive seasons, viz. 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India to study the effect of different combinations of organic manures along with consortium of biofertilizers on leaf and soil characteristics of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims). The investigation comprises of fourteen treatments of various combinations of organic manures along with consortium of biofertilizers, viz. farmyard Manure (FYM) vermicompost (VC) pig manure (PIM), poultry manure (POM), Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potash solubilizing bacteria (KSB), and vesicular arbascular mycorrhiza (VAM). The results demonstrated that the use of organic amendments in combination with biofertilizers enhanced leaf nutrient status as well soil properties in the passion fruit orchard. Among the different treatment combinations used in the investigation, POM + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB + VAM was the most efficient in improving the leaf and soil nutrient status of passion fruit. This consortium may achieve high microbial load, high nutrient availability for soil which results in better growth of the crop. This treatment may therefore be recommended as an alternative option to meet the demand for long term maintenance of soil fertility as well agro-ecosystem conservation and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional agricultural practices, which rely heavily on polluting agrochemicals, are pushing us towards an unsustainable future. Biofertilizers are multifaceted and span the environmental, agricultural, and economic dimensions. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impact of plant growth-promoting bacteria Azotobacter chrocooccum and Pseudomonas sp. and their interaction on the growth and productivity of cotton (Gossypium barbadense L. vr. Giza CV 97) under different levels of nitrogen fertilization (50, 75, and 100% nitrogen recommended dose). Nitrogen deficiency resulted in lower cotton growth, chlorophyll, and stem anatomical parameters as well as yield or yield components compared to optimal nitrogen fertilization. Application of A. chrocooccum and Pseudomonas sp. and their interaction mitigated harmful nitrogen deficiency stress. Cotton fiber quality measurements (fiber length, micronaire, and fiber strength) were insignificantly affected by bacterial biofertilizers and their interactions under all levels of nitrogen fertilization. A. chrocooccum and Pseudomonas sp. interaction was the best treatment at all levels of nitrogen fertilization, producing thicker, wider vascular conductive, cortical tissue, and xylem vessel diameters. This treatment also improved cotton growth and gave the highest seed yield, lint percentage, and boll weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights the importance of urban agriculture in ensuring food security and promoting sustainability in urban areas, using a neutrosophic multi-criteria approach to evaluate the impact of biostimulants and organic additives on soil quality, plant growth, and crop yields. The research demonstrates that biofertilizers such as Chromococcus and Azotobacter significantly improve nutrient availability and plant health, resulting in robust and high-quality harvests, while mineral additives like zeolites enhance soil fertility and moisture retention. Three scenarios were analyzed using neutrosophic logic to handle the inherent uncertainty in urban agricultural systems: the first scenario shows exceptional plant growth and yield with high sustainability (valued as "Very Very High" according to neutrosophic logic), the second scenario highlights challenges in vegetative growth and sustainability (valued as "Low"), and the third scenario combines good plant growth with high sustainability and significant contributions to climate change mitigation (valued as "Medium High"). In summary, integrating organic amendments and biofertilizers in urban agriculture, evaluated through neutrosophic methods, is essential for creating resilient and productive agricultural systems, benefiting soil health, biodiversity, resource conservation, and local economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yield quality and quantity in hydroponic greenhouses usually rely on optimum crop root health and effective nutrient mobility. This study evaluated the effects of applying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biochar on different growth characteristics of commercial rose cultivars in a hydroponic cultivation system. In this experiment, Rosa hybrida cultivars were 'Angelina' and 'Dolce Vita'. Treatments included concentrations of 0, 1.5, 3 and 6 g L-1 biochar, and 0 and 7 g L-1 of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as organic biofertilizers for the growth of rose plants. Biofertilizer application at 3 g L-1 biochar and 7 g L-1 arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi optimally increased flowering shoot diameter, flower diameter, flowering shoot length, and leaf phosphorus content. The 'Dolce Vita' cultivar responded more favorably to higher concentrations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biochar than the 'Angelina' cultivar in the hydroponic culture medium. Stem diameter, stem length, and flower diameter in both cultivars improved in response to higher biochar concentrations. The increased flowering shoot length resulted from root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and an enhanced nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus. A higher nutrient supply increased cell division and shoot growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Relatively few studies have explored the impact of biofertilizers on the qualitative and quantitative yield of saffron despite its global agricultural and medical importance. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and phytochemical responses of saffron to potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and iron‐zinc (Fe‐Zn) biofertilizers over 2 consecutive years (2022–2023). The treatments included single and combined applications of K, P, and Fe‐Zn biofertilizers containing active bacterial inoculum, along with a control group, resulting in a total of eight treatments. Biofertilizers were applied at a rate of 0.5 L per hectare by fertigation in mid‐February. Flowering began in mid‐November in both 2022 and 2023, lasting approximately 3 weeks, during which data were collected.The highest flower count (3.5 times greater than the control group), longest flowering duration (2.4 times longer than the control group), greatest stigma dry weight (3.2 times higher than the control group), and highest flowering rate (1.2 times greater than the control group) were recorded in the second year application of the K + Fe‐Zn treatment. The K + Fe‐Zn treatment also enhanced quality traits significantly, including total phenolic content (1.11 g kg−1; an increase of 1.1 times relative to the control), anthocyanin (977 mg kg−1, an increase of 8.4 times), crocin (126.9 g kg−1, an increase of 1.2 times), picrocrocin (59.8 g kg−1, an increase of 1.2 times), and safranal (1.8 g kg−1, an increase of 3.3 times).Overall, the 2 year application of K + Fe‐Zn solubilizing bacteria as biofertilizer improved both the qualitative and quantitative traits of saffron markedly, underscoring its potential importance in sustainable saffron cultivation in mineral‐fortified soils. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rice, particularly Basmati rice, holds significant global importance as a staple food. The indiscriminate use of phosphate-based fertilizers during rice production has led to high residual levels of these chemicals in soil, impacting soil health and fertility. This study aimed to address this challenge by investigating the potential of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in improving soil fertility and boosting the growth of Basmati rice. Methods: Using amplicon-based 16S rDNA sequencing, bacterial isolation and cultivation, conducting greenhouse and field experiments, and PSB localization, we optimized the search for PSB inoculants to enhance Basmati rice growth. Results and discussion: Rice rhizosphere prokaryote communities showed significant differences in microbial diversity and composition between between basmati and non-basmati rice cultivated areas. Dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling. Isolation and optimization of PSB strains, including Acinetobacter sp. MR5 and Pseudomonas sp. R7, were carried out and soil microcosm studies confirmed their efficacy in increasing soil available phosphorus concentration. Response surface methodology revealed the relative importance of factors such as pH, inoculum density and incubation temperature in maximising phosphate solubilization. Microplot experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of optimized PSB inoculants in promoting Basmati rice growth, with significant increases in plant height, tiller number, biomass, and grain yield compared to uninoculated controls. A consortium of PSB proved superior to single-strain inoculants, even with reduced chemical fertilizer application. Field trials at several rice growing sites confirmed the positive impact of the PSB consortium on grain yield, soil phosphorus availability, and plant phosphorus uptake. The competence and persistence of the inoculated strains in the rhizosphere was confirmed by FISH and BOX Polymerase Chain Reaction (BOX-PCR). This work highlights the potential of PSB-based biofertilizers to improve soil fertility, promote sustainable rice production and reduce the negative environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers. Future research would focus on scaling up these findings for widespread adoption in agriculture and exploring their applicability to other crops and agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.), a key staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, is particularly vulnerable to concurrent drought and heat stress, which threatens crop yield and food security. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have shown potential as biofertilizers to enhance plant resilience under such abiotic stresses. This study aimed to (1) identify PGPR isolates tolerant to drought and heat, (2) assess their capacity to mitigate the effects of these stresses on early maize growth, and (3) analyze maize gene expression changes associated with PGPR-induced tolerance. Rhizobacteria were isolated and screened for drought and heat tolerance, alongside key plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, including phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and indole acetic acid production. In vitro and pot trials evaluated the effects of selected isolates on maize growth under stress, using indicators such as shoot length, root and shoot biomass (wet and dry), and leaf water content. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to profile maize stress response genes. The identified PGPR isolates included Bacillus cereus (11MN1), Bacillus pseudomycoides (21MN1B), Lelliottia amnigena (33MP1), and Leclercia adecarboxylata (36MP8). Greenhouse trials demonstrated that L. amnigena 33MP1, L. adecarboxylata 36MP8, and a mixed culture of isolates (11MN1, 21MN1B, 33MP1, 36MP8) effectively alleviated the adverse effects of concurrent drought and heat stress in maize. Notably, qRT-PCR analysis indicated that PGPR-induced tolerance may involve the modulation of stress response genes CAT2 (catalase 2) and DHN2 (dehydrin 2), which play roles in oxidative stress management and cellular protection. The PGPR isolates identified in this study represent promising bioinoculants for enhancing maize resilience under climate-induced stresses, offering a sustainable approach to improve maize productivity, conserve water, and reduce irrigation needs in drought-prone regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current agricultural practices face numerous challenges, including declining soil fertility and heavy reliance on chemical inputs. Rhizosphere microbial metabolites have emerged as promising agents for enhancing crop health and yield in a sustainable manner. These metabolites, including phytohormones, antibiotics, and volatile organic compounds, play critical roles in promoting plant growth, boosting resistance to pathogens, and improving resilience to environmental stresses. This review comprehensively outlines the mechanisms through which rhizosphere microbial metabolites influence crop health, traits, functional components, and yield. It also discusses the potential applications of microbial secondary metabolites in biofertilizers and highlights the challenges associated with their production and practical use. Measures to overcome these challenges are proposed, alongside an exploration of the future development of the functional fertilizer industry. The findings presented here provide a scientific basis for utilizing rhizosphere microbial metabolites to enhance agricultural sustainability, offering new strategies for future crop management. Integrating these microbial strategies could lead to increased crop productivity, improved quality, and reduced dependence on synthetic chemical inputs, thereby supporting a more environmentally friendly and resilient agricultural system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented field experiment on rice (Oryza sativa L.) commenced in the summer of 2020 at the Rice Research Station in Al-Mishkhab, Iraq, aiming to estimate the genetic parameters of rice cultivars using bio-, organic, and mineral fertilizers. The experiment layout had a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement and three replications. The main plots included fertilizer combinations, i.e., full dose of mineral fertilizer (T0), full dose of biological fertilizer (T1), full dose of organic fertilizer (T2), half of the mineral and biofertilizer (T3), half of the organic and biofertilizer (T4), and half of the organic and mineral fertilizer (T5). The subplots comprised six rice cultivars, i.e., Yasamin, Dijlah, Mishkhab-2, Brnamge-4, Amber-33, and Ghadeer. The results revealed, on average, the rice cultivar Amber-33 had the tallest plant height (107.32 cm) and minimum days to 50% flowering (103.73 days), and cultivar Dijlah had the highest average for panicle length, 1000-grain weight, and biological yield (28.12 cm, 23.05 g, and 12.29 t ha-1, respectively). Cultivar Yasamin showed the maximum grain yield (4.50 t ha-1) compared with other cultivars. For fertilizer treatments, half of the organic and mineral fertilizer (T5) had the utmost average of grain yield (4.05 t ha-1), and half of the mineral and biofertilizer (T3) had the maximum plant height, panicle length, and biological yield (90.24 cm, 25.13 cm, and 13.58 t ha-1, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the effects of bio-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on proline content, peroxidase, and catalase enzyme activity of two Iraqi wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Ibaa 99 and Al-Rasheed) compared with NPK fertilizers. The biosynthesis of AgNPs from A. graveolens aqueous extract, and their characterization occurred through the alteration in color of the reaction blend, as an unambiguous proof for AgNPs' formation. Determining the size and shape of AgNPs used a scanning microscope and an atomic force microscope to characterize them. Uv-spectrophotometer described the AgNPs, revealing the peak of highest absorption at (λmax) 408 nm. The X-Ray Diffraction device application diagnosed the AgNP properties. The research transpired at the AL-Nahrain Laboratories, where cultivated cultivars in September 2022 had three replications for each concentration of biosynthesized AgNPs and NPK treatments (0.1, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/ml), and a control for comparison. A significant decrease in proline was evident for Al-Rasheed cultivar, while a significant increase appeared in Ibaa 99 cultivar. A notable decrease in proline resulted from NPK fertilizer treatments. Peroxidase and catalase enzyme activity significantly rose in both cultivars, while nonsignificant differences were visible when using NPK between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt faces challenge in supplementing animal feed requirements, which add huge pressure on the budget and foreign currency reserves annually, making it necessary to find alternative solutions. The sprouted barley is considered one of these recent alternatives to animal feed. Sprouted barley faces challenges represented in fungal growth, which have strong competition for oxygen with the embryo and can inhibit seed germination in addition to producing aflatoxins, biofertilizers of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are considered a practical and safe solution for these challenges. In this work, five tomato rhizobacterial strains were isolated and identified using the 16SrRNA gene and were found to belong to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Peribacillus frigoritolerans, Pseudomonas flourescens, Bacillus pumilus, and Paenibacillus uliginis, respectively. We reported here that most of these five isolates exhibited multiple PGP properties (PGPP), including the production of ACC deaminase, Indole-acetic acid (IAA), chelating siderophores and phosphate solubilization. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BMG150 isolate exhibited the highest values for all the PGPP except siderophores production (1457 nmol, 37.4 µg/ ml, and 3.7 mg/ml, respectively). We also scanned the presence/ absence of the NRP gene clusters in the five isolates as an important PGPP using bioinformatics tools and NRPs degenerate primers. All five isolates showed NRPs gene clusters presence with the superiority of NRPs number for the strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BMG150 (surfactin, plipastatin, iturin and bacillibactin siderophore). Accordingly, we used Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BMG150, Pseudomonas flourescens PMG01 separately and a formula of the other three isolated strains as biofertilizers in sprouted barley cultivation which proved their efficiency in promoting their growth characteristics and reflected on protein pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there is growing consumer interest in Triticum spelta L., which has high nutritional value. This species is recommended for cultivation in organic farming. In this system of agriculture, biofertilizers are an alternative to mineral fertilization. Biofertilizers stimulate plant growth by providing nutrients through the biological fixation of molecular nitrogen from the air or by increasing the availability of insoluble nutrients in the soil and by synthesizing substances that stimulate plant growth. Green manure biomass and root secretions provide growth material for soil microorganisms, and microorganisms return nutrients to the soil and plants through nutrient decomposition and conversion. Considering the many benefits of using biofertilizers and growing cereals with cover crops for green manure in cereal rotations, field research was carried out on an organic farm to evaluate the soil microbes and the amount of biomass from green manures and their follow-up effect on Triticum spelta L. yields using biofertilizers. Two factors were researched: (I) biofertilizers: control object (no biofertilizer), Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum Br 17, Arthrobacter agilis + Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum, and combined application of atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria with phosphate solubilizing bacteria; (II) green manures: control object (no green manure application), Trifolium pratense L., Trifolium pratense L. + Lolium multiflorum L., and Lolium multiflorum L. The results show that the most favorable abundance of microorganisms determined in the soil after harvesting Hordeum vulgare L. was recorded after the application of biofertilizers containing atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria under a mixture of Trifolium pratense L. with Lolium multiflorum L. Plowing green manure from a mixture of Trifolium pratense L. with Lolium multiflorum L. resulted in an average increase of 39% in grain yield of Triticum spelta L., while the application of a biofertilizer containing Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum Br 17 + Arthrobacter agilis + Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum resulted in an average increase of 63%. The proposed spelt wheat cultivation technique can be recommended for agricultural practice due to the positive response of grain yield, but it may also be an important direction for further research to reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global rise in population has led to an increased demand for food production, necessitating the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Traditional methods often rely on synthetic chemicals that negatively impact both human health and the environment. This study aimed to screen soil fungal strains for plant-growth-promoting traits, specifically focusing on their ability to solubilize phosphates, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and synthesize siderophores. Fungal strains were identified using rDNA sequencing of the ITS regions, and their growth-promoting abilities were assessed in vitro. Aspergillus flavus JKJ7, Talaromyces purpureogenus JKJ12, and Trichoderma koningiopsis JKJ18 exhibited varying degrees of phosphate solubilization, with T. purpureogenus JKJ12 solubilizing the highest amount of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), while A. flavus JKJ7 was the most effective in solubilizing phytic acid calcium salt (PCS). In terms of IAA production, A. flavus JKJ7 produced the highest auxin concentration (68.51 mg/L), followed by T. koningiopsis JKJ18 and T. purpureogenus JKJ12. Additionally, A. flavus JKJ7 produced the highest amount of siderophores (83.7%), indicating its potential for improving iron uptake in plants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct functional capabilities among the strains, particularly in phosphate solubilization and IAA production, suggesting their complementary use in consortium formulations. These results indicate that these fungal strains possess significant plant-growth-promoting traits and could be used as bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture, either as single strains or in combination [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for sustainable farming practices has brought attention to biofertilizers to improve soil quality and boost crop yield while minimizing environmental impacts. This study explores the potential integration of biofertilizers within push–pull cropping systems, an agroecological approach that utilizes companion cropping to repel and attract pests. This review focuses on how biofertilizers could optimize plant–microbe interactions, promoting nutrient uptake, pest control, and soil health. Key biofertilizers, including nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and potassium-solubilizing bacteria, improve nutrient availability, which leads to higher crop yields and resilience. They also enhance soil water retention and drought tolerance, which are crucial under changing climate conditions. Biofertilizers support beneficial microbial communities, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while fostering disease suppression and stress tolerance in crops. Their effectiveness can be significantly increased when biofertilizers are integrated with push–pull technology (PPT). However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent biofertilizer performance and the complexity of microbial interactions. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to refining production and application techniques. This study emphasizes the need to investigate biofertilizer-mediated plant–microbiome dynamics further to unlock their full potential. It concludes that future research should focus on the synergies between biofertilizers and agroecological systems to enhance food security and environmental sustainability. This work advances our understanding of optimizing biofertilizers in sustainable farming practices, particularly within the PPT framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard yellow maize is a crucial crop in Peruvian agriculture that plays a significant role in food security and livestock production. However, intensive fertilization practices in agronomic management have negatively impacted soil health. To explore more sustainable agricultural technologies, researchers investigated solutions using microorganisms to enhance plant growth. This study assessed the synergistic effects of microbial inoculants and mineral fertilization on INIA 619 and Dekal B-7088 maize varieties' yield and nutritional quality. A split-plot design was employed, incorporating four inoculation treatments—no inoculant, Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma viride, and Pseudomonas putida—combined with fertilization levels of 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The findings revealed that Bacillus subtilis boosted yields by 13.1% in INIA 619 and 55.5% in Dekal B-7088. Additionally, combined with 100% fertilization, microbial inoculation increased protein content by 47% and carbohydrates by 6% in INIA 619 while maintaining nutritional quality with 75% fertilization. Similarly, in Dekal B-7088, inoculation with total fertilization enhanced protein content by 54% and fiber by 27%. These results demonstrated that microbial inoculation could reduce mineral fertilization by up to 25% while sustaining high yields and improving the nutritional quality of maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Food security is increasingly threatened by climate change and environmental pressures that hinder plant growth and development. Harnessing soil microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth‐promoting bacteria, offers a promising approach to boost crop production. However, existing screening methods for these microorganisms often prove ineffective in real‐world, stress‐prone environments, limiting the efficacy of microbial biofertilizers. To address this challenge, this review proposes the integration of silicon—renowned for its stress‐mitigating properties in plants—with biofertilizers. Silicon has been shown to work synergistically with plant growth‐promoting microorganisms, enhancing plant resilience to environmental stress while improving colonization efficiency and plant‐microbe interactions in stressful conditions. By combining silicon with biofertilizers to create silicon‐enriched biofertilizers, this strategy has the potential to optimize microbial performance and fortify food security against global challenges. The review advocates for the co‐application of silicon and microbial biofertilizers as a sustainable solution to boost plant resilience against environmental stressors, thereby contributing to agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the quality of aerated (A), non-aerated (NA) and bioslurry (B) as potential bio-fertilizers were evaluated. Aerated and non-aerated compost teas were brewed from two different compost: exhausted grape marc (G); and a mixture of residues (M): goat manure, grape marc, garden raking leaves and alfalfa cutting hay. Bioslurry was prepared from fresh organic material in anaerobic digestion, according to FAO. Aeration, with shorter extraction time, resulted in higher pH (8.25 and 7.44 regarding 7.32 and 6.98, respectively, for AM, NAM, AG and NAG), but in general with lower nutrient concentration than non-aerated. B presented higher nitrogen content (7.86 mg L−1 N-NO3− and 40.77 mg L−1 N-NH4+). No pathogens or phytotoxic effects were detected. To our knowledge, this is the first time that B has been evaluated, and our results suggest that the use of fresh organic matter may generate a high-quality product to be used as a biostimulant. Agricultural bio-inputs, elaborated from organic residues, represent a cheaper and safer alternative to traditional fertilizers, while residues are reduced and reused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana 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.)

Enhancing herbal plant germination through biological priming is crucial under water stress conditions. This study investigated the effects of different biopriming techniques on the physiological and biochemical attributes of two lavender genotypes (English and French) under water stress induced by PEG-6000 (-1, -0.5, - 0.25, and 0 MPa) during 2022. Results indicated that the English genotype outperformed the French genotype regarding germination parameters and photosynthetic pigment content, while the French genotype exhibited higher activity levels of antioxidant enzymes. Under well-watered conditions, hydropriming (HP) and Azetobacter + Pseudomonas (AzPs) treatments led to the most excellent germination percentages and tallest seedlings in the English genotype. Hydropriming and AzPs treatments resulted in the most elevated levels of chlorophyll a, b, and total. Additionally, when subjected to water stress, the AzPs treatment showed the highest chlorophyll b and total. Proline content was found to vary between genotypes and treatments, with the highest mean associated with the English genotype and seed priming with AzPs + Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under the highest level of water stress. The study suggests that bio-priming with biofertilizers and hydropriming can improve germination parameters and physiological characteristics, with individual biofertilizers being more effective than their combined application. Moreover, the English genotype exhibited superior features to the French genotype, and using of AMF and AzPs alone can enhance seed germination and improve the biochemical characteristics of lavender under water stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the impact of organic and chemical fertilizers on the total production and morphophysiological characteristics of Mentha spicata L., a medicinal plant, during two growing seasons in 2021. The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design at Zanjan University's research farm, employing treatments of vermicompost (at rates of 5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare), urea (at rates of 50, 100, and 150 kilograms per hectare), and a control treatment. Significant differences were observed in all measured indices between the fertilizer treatments and harvest times. Particularly, the application of vermicompost at a concentration of 10 tons per hectare significantly enhanced fresh and dry weights, stem height and diameter, number of branches, percentage and yield of essential oils, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity compared to other treatments. The urea treatment also significantly increased chlorophyll b, leaf width, and length compared to other treatments. Enzyme measurements conducted during one season revealed the highest levels of the APX enzyme in the vermicompost treatment (15 tons per hectare), the CAT enzyme in the vermicompost treatments (10 and 15 tons per hectare), and the SOD enzyme in the vermicompost treatment (10 tons per hectare) during the second harvest. Conversely, the control treatment exhibited the lowest levels across all measured traits. Overall, the results highlight the beneficial effects of using organic and environmentally friendly fertilizers in improving essential oils content, physiological traits, and the overall yield of M. spicata L., suggesting their potential for enhancing sustainable agriculture practices and medicinal plant productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symbiotic relationships between plants and bacteria play a pivotal role in both natural and agricultural ecosystems, particularly through endophytic colonization or rhizospheric interactions. This study evaluated the plant growth-promoting potential (PGP) of native rhizobial strains Rhizobium sp. ACO-34A and Mesorhizobium sp. 28A (now reclassified within the genus Kumtagia), isolated from Agave americana. Through phenotypic characterization, PGP evaluation, and comparative genomic analysis, both strains demonstrated the ability to thrive under diverse salinity levels and pH conditions, reflecting their adaptability to challenging environments. Rhizobium sp. ACO-34A exhibited superior resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals, coupled with robust PGP traits, such as phosphate solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, which are crucial for enhancing nutrient availability and root development. Similarly, Mesorhizobium sp. 28A showed exceptional phosphate solubilization efficiency and contributed to improved seedling performance. These findings highlight the capacity of rhizobia associated with agave species to improve plant growth, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, and support sustainable agriculture, particularly in nutrient-depleted or semi-arid soils. Genomic analyses revealed the presence of genes linked to stress resilience and nutrient acquisition, underlining the functional versatility of these strains. By leveraging these native rhizobial strains, agricultural practices can achieve higher productivity and sustainability, making them valuable tools for enhancing the agronomic yield and ecological resilience of agave crops for agro-industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increasing population and the food security is at risk, there is decreased crop productivity as soil fertility status is declining. As, the present experiment was conducted in view of understanding the better nutrient acquisition of plants in the presence of biofertilizers on the growth, yield and quality parameters of onion under randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments in order to optimize nutrient uptake for improved agricultural productivity and sustainability, providing valuable insights for more efficient farming practices. The results revealed that the growth parameters such as maximum plant height (72.68cm) and leaf length (63.07 cm) were recorded with the treatment T2 (100% RDF); number of leaves (10.13) was recorded with treatment T6 (100% RDF + Bacillus); leaf width (17 mm) and neck length (9.78 cm) were recorded with treatment T5 (100% RDF + Pseudomonas); yield parameters such as plant fresh weight (189.33g) was recorded with treatment T5 (100% RDF + Pseudomonas); bulb weight at harvest (170.46g) and yield/m² (3.78 kg/m²) was recorded maximum with treatment T6 (100% RDF + Bacillus). The quality parameters such as ascorbic acid (14.67 mg/100g) and dry matter % (20.32) were also recorded maximum for treatment T6 (100% RDF + Bacillus). As a result, it can be concluded that the combination of 100% RDF + Bacillus is best as compared to other treatments as it projected highest B:C ratio (2.98) in view of onion production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is essential for plants' growth, yield, and crop quality, and its deficiency limits food production worldwide. In addition, excessive fertilization and inefficient use of N can increase production costs and cause environmental problems. A possible solution to this problem is the application of biofertilizers, which improve N assimilation and increase biomass and yield. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of the application of a combination of green and red algae (Ulva lactuca and Solieria spp.), Rhizobium sp., Trichoderma asperellum, and the combination of the above three biofertilizers on N assimilation. A completely randomized design was performed, with 10 plants per treatment and five treatments: T1 = control; T2 = algal extracts; T3 = Rhizobium sp.; T4 = T. asperellum; T5 = T2 + T3 + T4. Our analyses showed that the biofertilizers' application was better than the control. The application of Rhizobium sp. had the best performance amongst all of the biofertilizers, with the highest nitrate reductase activity in maize leaves, which enhanced photosynthesis, increasing biomass and yield. The use of Rhizobium sp. showed increases in biomass (13.4%) and yield (11.82%) compared to the control. This research shows that biofertilizers can be a key component for sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the question about organic cultivation of crops is becoming more popular. It means, that farmers which want to use organic products and grow crops it sustainable way have to follow certain rules. So, the aim of our study was to estimate effect of seed inoculation and foliar fertilization of corn by special fertilizer products with microorganisms that certified Organic standard. Therefore, corn seeds were treated by biofertilizers in liquid (Leanum) and powdered (Vitamin O7) forms and then sown in the field conditions. During summer period, plants were treated by liquid fertilizer one or two times. Also, impact of the soil tillage was studied. Research was conducted on the effects of cultivation at depths of 15-18 and 5-8 cm, as well as plowing and flat-cutting cultivation at depths of 25-28 cm. It was found that fertilization impacted on corn yield and grain quality - protein, ash and starch content. Usage of seed inoculants and foliar fertilization in generally leads to increase yield but at different levels. Protein and oil content had a weak positive correlation with applied fertilizers on the background of flat-cut tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the safe use of microbiome-based solutions in agriculture, the genome sequencing of strains composing the inoculum is mandatory to avoid the spread of virulence and multidrug resistance genes carried by them through horizontal gene transfer to other bacteria in the environment. Moreover, the annotated genomes can enable the design of specific primers to trace the inoculum into the soil and provide insights into the molecular and genetic mechanisms of plant growth promotion and biocontrol activity. In the present work, the genome sequences of some members of beneficial microbial consortia that have previously been tested in greenhouse and field trials as promising biofertilizers for maize, tomato and wheat crops have been determined. Strains belong to well-known plant-growth-promoting bacterial genera such as Bacillus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas and Rahnella. The genome size of strains ranged from 4.5 to 7.5 Mbp, carrying many genes spanning from 4402 to 6697, and a GC content of 0.04% to 3.3%. The annotation of the genomes revealed the presence of genes that are implicated in functions related to antagonism, pathogenesis and other secondary metabolites possibly involved in plant growth promotion and gene clusters for protection against oxidative damage, confirming the plant-growth-promoting (PGP) activity of selected strains. All the target genomes were found to possess at least 3000 different PGP traits, belonging to the categories of nitrogen acquisition, colonization for plant-derived substrate usage, quorum sensing response for biofilm formation and, to a lesser extent, bacterial fitness and root colonization. No genes putatively involved in pathogenesis were identified. Overall, our study suggests the safe application of selected strains as "plant probiotics" for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Artificial Tree project, developed by the authors, presents an innovative approach to urban sustainability by integrating microalgae cultivation systems for CO2 capture, biomass production, and urban cooling. This study evaluates the project's feasibility and effectiveness in transforming urban furniture into functional photobioreactors that enhance environmental quality. Inspired by natural aesthetics, the Artificial Tree functions as both a CO2 sink and a biofertilizer producer. Using Scenedesmus microalgae, the system captures 50 kg of CO2 annually per unit and generates 28 kg of biomass, which further reduces emissions when utilized as a biofertilizer. To assess its impact, a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method was employed, considering factors such as CO2 capture, biomass production, social engagement, visual appeal, and scalability. This methodology incorporated a three-level qualitative scale and criteria tailored to compare similar projects with at least three months of operation and available data on microalgae productivity. Results highlight that the Artificial Tree achieves up to 2.5 times more CO2 fixation than a mature tree while combining environmental benefits with public engagement. Its modular and aesthetic design supports educational outreach and inspires larger-scale implementation. This project demonstrates significant potential to redefine urban spaces sustainably by seamlessly integrating functionality, artistic expression, and public interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shifting agriculture (popularly known as 'Jhum') in north-eastern Himalayas is plagued by substantial reduction in paddy yield and soil quality. The region's paddy yield and soil condition may be improved by the use of right integrated nutrient management (INM) technology on the jhum lands. We used 7 treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design (RBD) to evaluate the soil health and yield of direct-seeded upland paddy (Oryza sativa L.) in this study. The results showed that the combination of inorganic fertilization, organic manure, and bio-fertilizers (T5) significantly (P < 0.05) increased paddy height, number of tillers hill−1, number of grains panicle−1 and test seed weight. Simultaneously, these combined treatments significantly increased soil organic carbon and available Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) contents. All the soil chemical properties except the soil pH significantly (p < 0.05; n = 7) affected various growth and yield parameters of paddy. The INM of organic manure and bio-fertilizers (T7) significantly enhanced the soil's biological properties. Thus, INM technology is recommended to enhance paddy yield while sustaining the soil health in upland paddy cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Phosphorus recovery from waste streams is a global concern due to open nutrient cycles. However, the reliability and efficiency of recycled P fertilizers are often low. Biostimulants (BS), as a potential enhancer of P availability in soil, could help to overcome current barriers using recycled P fertilizers. For this, a deeper understanding of the influence of BSs on soil P turnover and the interaction of BSs with plants is needed. Methods: We conducted an incubation and a pot trial with maize in which we testednon-microbial (humic acids and plant extracts) and microbial BSs (microbial consortia) in combination with two recycled fertilizers for their impact on soil P turnover, plant available P, and plant growth. Results and discussion: BSs could not stimulate P turnover processes (phosphatase activity, microbial biomass P) and had a minor impact on calcium acetate-lactate extractable P (CAL-P) in the incubation trial. Even though stimulation of microbial P turnover by the microbial consortium and humic acids in combination with the sewage sludge ash could be identified in the plant trial with maize, this was not reflected in the plant performance and soil P turnover processes. Concerning the recycled P fertilizers, the CAL-P content in soil was not a reliable predictor of plant performance with both products resulting in competitive plant growth and P uptake. While this study questions the reliability of BSs, it also highlights the necessity toimprove our understanding and distinguish the mechanisms of P mobilization in soil and the stimulation of plant P acquisition to optimize future usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the intricate relationship between plants and bacterial endophytes, revealing their multifaceted roles in promoting plant growth, resilience, and defense mechanisms. By selectively shaping their microbiome, plants harness diverse endophytic bacterial strains to enhance nutrient absorption, regulate hormones, mitigate damage, and contribute to overall plant health. The review underscores the potential of bacterial endophytes in self-sustaining agricultural systems, offering solutions to reduce reliance on fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of endophytes in enhancing plant tolerance to various environmental stresses, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity. The review emphasizes the significance of understanding and harnessing the mutualistic relationship between plants and endophytes for maximizing agricultural yields and promoting sustainable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional agricultural practices viz; usage of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, often translate into a surge in soil infertility and plant susceptibility to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Incorporation of organic manure in traditional agricultural practices offers the advantages of enhancing soil texture, aeration, structure, and water retention while aiding in the growth of a healthy plant system via the easy availability of nutrients. Microbial-based techniques like biofertilizers are being encouraged as an alternative to chemical fertilizers to increase crop productivity. They have proven to have a substantial impact on plant development by viable sustainable strategies to increase plant biomass. Under the integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS), organic amendments in addition to synthetic fertilizers are more efficient in increasing and maintaining crop output and soil fertility. The objective of this review is to revisit the impact of the combined application of organic manures and beneficial bacterial populations on soil health, agricultural productivity, and sustainability in field crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 were conducted to asses the groundnut production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake influenced by graded levels of phosphorus (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha−1), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) application in Alfisols at Botany farm, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli in a factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations which were replicated thrice. Results indicated that higher dose of phosphours (60 kg ha−1), biofertilizers (AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each) and their interaction was found prominent in augmenting the highest bacterial, actinomycetes, fungal populations. Further, the combined application of phosphate and the AMF and PSB strain at higher level significantly improved the enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline and acid phosphatase, CO2 evolution and SMBC compared to lower dose of phosphorus and non-inoculated treatment was on par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 with dual inoculation of AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each. However, DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) status showed significant improvement because of various treatment combinations. Similarly, the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg ha−1 exhibited the highest uptake in edible portion of crops which was resulted in significantly highest pod yield (35.86 q ha−1) of groundnut which was at par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 (31.96 q ha−1) indicating beneficial effect for improving as well sustaining soil health in long term aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morocco is located in the northwestern part of Africa and is one of the Mediterranean countries threatened by the increasing generation of organic waste. Without any treatment or management strategy, these wastes are dumped illegally in large quantities and can affect natural resources. Recently, the anaerobic digestion method seems to be one of the best processes available to treat organic wastes. In the present study, the 15-m3 Puxin digester was used to produce biogas and digestate from cow dung. A total amount of 3500 kg of cattle dung was treated, generating a specific biogas production of 0.163 m3 kg−1 volatile solid. Furthermore, the application of the digestate diluted to 50% as biofertilizer for maize crop showed higher yield (P < 0.05) compared to the NPK fertilizer (45 quintals per ha and 33 quintals per ha respectively, i.e., + 36%) and the control (+ 80%). These valuable results can promote the development of biogas technology in Morocco as well as in similar countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought had affected the crops production in Morocco, during the last decade. Plants breeding is still a solution to increase crops tolerance for water scarcity. Using natural biofertilizer based on microorganisms still a good practice to enhance the resilience of agriculture to drought. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of water shortage and use of a biofertilizer based on the strain of Pseudomonas putida on five genotypes of eggplants selected for drought tolerance under the semi-arid of the northeast of Morocco. Two irrigations regimes: 100% (amount of water irrigation made by growers) and 50% of this amount with and without the biofertilizer (1 × 108 UFC/g). The biofertilizer was applied three times during the plant growth stages. The experiment was conducted at commercial farm production and using a randomized complete block design. Plants were organized in blocks containing 3 plants for each genotype and repeated in 5 repetitions. Crops were planted on August 3rd, 2022, and experiments ended on January 2nd, 2023. The results showed different responses among the genotypes in terms of growth. The effect of Pseudomonas on plant height showed that there was a significant increase, at 100% irrigation for C14, B3, C8, B5 and C11 with 20%, 19%, 17%, 14.29% and 12,5%, respectively compared with the control. For C8 and B3, when subjected to 100% water with biofertilizer, there was an increase in the average number of fruits compared to 100% water without the biofertilizer. The highest yield was recorded with B5 under 100% irrigation + fertilizer (1.35 kg/plant). Water shortage impacted the productivity of all genotypes and the fruit number and yield increased with the use of the biofertilizer. Our study is still valuable under the conditions of this trial and more experiments will be needed at several seasons and at different growing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated treatment methods for urban wastewater sludge, specifically examining natural drying over five years, accelerated freeze–thaw–drying cycles, and composting with and without a zeolite additive. The findings reveal that composting effectively stabilized the sludge while retaining essential nutrients crucial for agriculture. Notably, with the addition of 2% zeolite by total mass, approximately 40% of the total nitrogen was preserved. Adequate aeration during composting maintained acceptable levels of phosphorus compounds, with the phosphorus content expressed as P2O5 showing significant retention compared with the natural drying methods. Composting also demonstrated a substantial reduction in petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations, which decreased from 30 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg, thereby showcasing its potential for processing contaminated sludge. The inclusion of zeolite enhanced the nitrogen retention by an additional 10–20% compared with the composting without zeolite, aligning with previous studies on its effectiveness. While composting and thermal treatments, like accelerated freeze–thaw cycles, influenced the physical properties of the sludge—such as reducing the moisture content and altering the volatile substance concentrations—they did not significantly affect the heavy metal levels. Natural drying over five years resulted in reduced metal quantities, which possibly reflected changes in the wastewater characteristics over time. Given that the heavy metal concentrations remained largely unchanged, additional treatment methods are recommended when the initial sludge contains high levels of these contaminants to ensure the safe use of the final product as fertilizer. This study underscored the significant role of biochemical and microbiological processes during composting and natural drying in transforming sludge properties. Future research should focus on establishing upper contamination thresholds and exploring microbiological safety measures to enhance the viability of sludge reuse in agriculture, balancing nutrient preservation with environmental safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to mitigate the issue of drought in potato production and quality using number of sustainable strategies. The experiment carried out at vegetable field of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad during spring season 2023. The experiment was conducted using split arrangement within Randomized Complete Block Design with two factors and three replicates (2X6X3). Applying TiO2-NPs represented the first factor (main plot) (10 mg.L-1 ), which symbolized (T0, T1). six treatments were included to represent subplots (regular irrigation interval (I) prolonged irrigation interval (D), fungal biofertilizers (DB), fungal biofertilizers + mannitol (DBM), fungal biofertilizers +xanthan (DBZ), fungal biofertilizers + mannitol+ xanthan (DBMZ). Results showed the superiority of spraying TiO2-NPs in all yield traits. Also the results revealed interaction treatment T1DBMX in producing significant results the entire vegetative growth traits and stress related enzymes concentrations in compare to control treatment T0D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains, isolated from the rhizosphere of Oroxylum indicum, to enhance the growth of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) and brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). With the increasing global demand for sustainable agricultural practices, PGPR offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The research involved screening ten PGPR strains and their consortia for compatibility, followed by evaluating their effects on plant growth parameters, including plant height, shoot biomass, and root biomass, under controlled conditions. Statistical analysis indicated that both individual and consortia PGPR treatments significantly improved growth performance compared to untreated controls. Results demonstrated that three individual strains (Btr-7, Bcer-24, and Bcer-25) significantly enhanced plant height and biomass in chilli plants. For brinjal plants, the strains Erog-1 and Bcer-21 showed significant growth improvements when applied individually. Additionally, the use of PGPR consortia, specifically Btro-7+Bcer-13, Ptai-40+Sarl-43, Bthu-4+Bcer-24, and Bcer-24+Bcer-25, led to substantial increases in plant height and biomass for both chilli and brinjal plants. These findings highlight the potential of PGPR, both as individual strains and in consortia, to promote sustainable crop production, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. Future research should focus on field trials to validate these results under diverse agro-climatic conditions and explore the commercialization potential of effective PGPR strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to discover new strategy to enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing negative effects on cultivation system is the driving force behind much novel research. Little is known about the use of natural growth promoters, in combination with Spirulina algae extract (Sae), on plants' quality and quantity characteristics. This can be an effective strategy to reduce the impact of environmental stress on plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of natural growth promoters in combination with Sae on the functional properties and enzymatic activity of Cape gooseberry plants. For this purpose, natural growth stimulants, Kitoplus® and Azotobacter, were foliar applied to plants in a completely randomized factorial design under greenhouse conditions, with varying concentrations of Sae. Results indicated that the use of Sae in conjunction with natural growth promoters had a significant impact on increasing the yield of Cape gooseberry plants. The study found that using Kitoplus® and Spirulina extract at a concentration of 0.5% increased the yield of Cape gooseberry plants by 35.82% compared to control plants, with a yield of 310.43 g per plant. The leaves of Physalis plants treated with 0.5% Kitoplus®, Azotobacter biofertilizer, and Sae had the highest amount of chlorophyll, which was observed to be 46.2%, 40.1%, and 32.3% higher than that of control, respectively. Exposure to Kitoplus® (0.5%) and Azotobacter biofertilizer (0.5%) resulted in the highest percentage (25.49%) of dry to fresh weight ratio (DF) per fruit in the plant. Additionally, plants treated with Kitoplus® at 0.5% in combination with Azotobacter (0.5%) and Sae (0.5%) showed a 14.83% increase in vitamin C (VITC) levels compared to control plants. The highest levels of total antioxidant content (73.8%) and total carbohydrate content were obtained from plants treated with Spirulina algae extract spray at a concentration of 0.5% in the presence of Kitoplus® and Azotobacter. Results also showed that the highest activity of peroxidase (POD) (by 43.5% and 38.8%) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (by 29.1% and 28.4%) enzymes was observed in plants sprayed with natural growth promoters in the presence of Spirulina algae extract at concentrations of 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively. Overall, this research opens the possibility of utilizing foliar spray of effective biostimulants in combination with Sae to improve the quantity and quality of Cape gooseberry plants. Implementing this simple, safe, eco‐friendly, and low‐cost management tool can result in nutritionally rich fruit that benefits the consumer at little or no additional cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia play a pivotal role in enhancing crop productivity, shaping microbial community structure, and improving soil quality, making them key components for sustainable ecosystem development. The symbiotic relationship between AMF and rhizobia is crucial for facilitating efficient biological nitrogen fixation and nutrient absorption, thereby reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The findings of various studies, however, indicate that soil environment can impede the symbiotic relationship between AMF and rhizobia. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 158 articles from 1980 to 2022 to explore the synergistic interactions in legume–AMF–rhizobium systems and the potential mechanisms underlying this synergism. Our findings revealed that the inoculation with AMF and/or rhizobia significantly (p < 0.001) increased legume plant nitrogen content, phosphorus content, shoot biomass, yield, AMF colonization rate, and the number and weight of nodules compared to uninoculated controls (effect size d > 0). Moreover, there was a substantial synergistic effect between AMF and rhizobia (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, soil salinity stress, drought stress, and pH stress could hinder the positive effects of inoculation treatments, possibly due to the plant trade-off strategies under abiotic stress conditions. This research may potentially lead to new solutions for sustainable agricultural systems amidst the challenges posed by global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofertilizers constitute a safe way to alleviate the impacts of water shortage and the overload of chemical fertilizers. This work focuses on the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on potato's agro-physiological response, beneath the reduction of water, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers. Five microbioal treatments (C: Control, AMF: Mycorhizae, B1: Bacillus halotolerans , B2: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B1B2: B. halotolerans + B. amyloliquefaciens) were tested in arrangement with two nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) rates (F1: Entire rate, F ½: Half rate) and three irrigation levels (100 % of crop water requirement: 100 % ETc; 75 % ETc; 50 % ETc) in a two year factorial split plot design. We studied vegetative growth, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, water status, osmoticums, N, P, K and enzymatic antioxidants accumulation. Data obtained in 2019–2022 showed that AMF and B1B2 biofertilizers were beneficial to improve Root/Shoot, Dry Underground Part/Aerial Part, leaf area (LA), water saturation deficit (WSD), chlorophyll index (SPAD) and tuber yield under 75 % ETc. The photosynthetic promoter effect of biofertilizers under 75 % ETc, compared to 50 % ETc was observed in the following trend B1B2>AMF>B1. The efficacy of B1B2 and AMF were coupled to high catalase (CAT) activity. Potatoes treated with B1B2 were found to be efficient for 75 % ETc in terms of proline accumulation. The AMF was more effective in terms of soluble sugars (SS) accumulation and control of osmotic potential (Ψs). Taking together, the B1B2 and AMF could be regarded as efficient biofertilizers under 75 % ETc, alleviating the impacts of water stress and the problem of excessive fertilization in potatoes. 100 % ETc: 100 % crop water requirement; 75 % ETc: 75 % crop water requirement; 50 % ETc: 50 % crop water requirement; F1: 100 % NPK; F1/2: 50 % NPK; AMF: arbuscular mycorhizal fungi; B1: B. halotolerans ; B2: B. amyloliquefaciens ; B1B2: B. halotolerans + B. amyloliquefaciens (B1B2). [Display omitted] • Pooled PGPR bacteria and mycorhizae are efficient biofertilizers for 75 % ETc potatoes. • Efficacy of pooled PGPR and mycorhizae is linked to enhanced catalase activity. • Pooled PGPR enhanced proline accumulation. • Mycorhizae increased sugars accumulation and controlled the osmotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan). The experiment was conducted in split plot design comprising seven intercropping in main plots {Sole maize, maize + cowpea (1:1), maize + blackgram (1:1), maize + soybean (1:1), maize + cowpea (2:2), maize + blackgram (2:2), maize + soybean (2:2)} and four liquid biofertilizers (Control, Azotobacter, PSB, NPK consortia) in sub plots within three replication. The results revealed that the maximum plant height, dry matter accumulation, grain and stover yield was obtained under sole maize, which was statistically at par with maize + cowpea (2:2) and maize + blackgram (2:2). Among liquid biofertilizers, the maximum growth and yield was recorded under the application of NPK consortia which was equally effective with Azotobacter over PSB and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizosphere microbial community plays a critical role in plant growth and development, serving as biofertilizer that solubilizes minerals, enhances nutrient uptake, and produces plant growth-promoting substances. Therefore, this study was caried out to isolate and characterize the microbial community structure in flooded Paddy across Ebonyi State Agroecological Zones, for Biofertizer microbes and effects on Rice plant growth. The four rice accessions (Oryza sativa) used in this study were sourced from Biotechnology Research and Development Centre, Ebonyi State University; and planted in Pots with control checks (unplanted soil), in a Greenhouse. The physicochemical parameters of the soil were determined using AOAC standard methods. The microbial community in the rhizosphere of paddy microcosms was characterized using (Colony counting machine, expressed in colony forming unit per mililitre (cfu/ml)), 16SrRNA gene amplification and three Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers namely, OPB05, OPT05, and OPB03 and resolved independently on agarose gel. Rice plant growth were measured in heights across four growth stages and across the three Agroecological Zones. The physicochemical properties showed that the soil was slightly acidic, had different fractions of sand, Organic Carbon, Organic matter and essential nutrients such as; Ca, P, and Mg. The microbial population differed significantly between planted and unplanted soils; while the microbial load decreased gradually as the plants' growth stages increased. Isolates biochemical analysis revealed mostly the presence of bacteria (Bacillus and Brevibacillus species), while confirmatory molecular identification of the bacterial isolates, showed that Aeromonas hydrophilia strain A210 16S, Pseudomonads plecoglossicida strain RJ39 16S, Aeromonas caviae 16S, Eschericha coli strain 26561, Pseudomonas otitidis strain JK79 16S, Enterobacter cloacae strain ES-2 16S, Serratia marcescens strain AL105_R2A02 16S and Aeromonas diversa strain 2478-85 16S were present in the rhizosphere of different Oryza species. Phylogenetic relatedness among the isolates showed isolates B1, B3 and B10 to be closely related. It showed that 90% of the isolates were of the gamma proteobacteria origin, while 10% belong to the Firmicutes. On 90 Day After Planting (DAP), Faro 59 performed the highest across the zones, while Faro 52 was the least performed across the zones. The study has proven the presence of biofertilizer microbes in rice rhizosphere and that; Despite a higher absolute microbial abundance, there was no major shift in the relative abundance of microbial groups in the planted paddy, suggesting how highly adapted and relatively stable, and beneficial microbial community is to rice plants across Ebonyi State soil, and the possibilities of using them as biofertilizer source by farmers and breeders as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizer in promoting plants growth and yield to mitigate environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofertilizers offer a sustainable method for improving rice growth and productivity, yet their effects on the interaction between plant growth, photosynthetic activity, and gene expression remain under-researched. This study examines how biofertilizer influences rice physiology, focusing on photosynthetic regulation and expression of chlorophyll-related genes. Eight fertilizer treatments were applied: control (CNT), biofertilizer (BF), deactivated biofertilizer (DABF), rice straw (RS), rice straw with biofertilizer (RS+BF), organic fertilizer (OF), organic fertilizer with biofertilizer (OF+BF), and inorganic fertilizer (IOF). Plant height, tiller number, SPAD, NDVI, chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis rates were measured, while gene expression analysis was conducted using RT-qPCR. The OF+BF treatment produced the most significant results, leading to a 31% increase in plant height, a 135% increase in tiller number, and a 42% increase in chlorophyll content (SPAD values) compared to the control. Additionally, OF+BF enhanced photosynthetic efficiency by 74%, with the highest net photosynthetic rate of 48.23 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1. Gene expression analysis revealed that OF+BF upregulated key photosynthesis-related genes, such as OsChlD and OsCHLM, showing a 70% and 90% increase in expression. These findings highlight the potential of integrating biofertilizers with organic fertilizers to sustainably boost rice growth and productivity, contributing to global food security and climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the use of biofertilizers on the degree of colonization of cucumber and tomato plant roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the number of AMF spores in the rhizosphere soil. Two experiments were carried out in containers on cucumber and tomato plants under field conditions. The plants were fertilized with standard NPK fertilizer, mineral fertilizers: POLIFOSKA 6, Super FOS DAR 40 and urea in the full recommended dose and reduced by 40%, microbiologically enriched, and only with strains of beneficial microorganisms (Bacillus spp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Paenibacillus Polymyxa, Aspergillus niger, Purpureocillium lilacinum). The experimental results showed a beneficial effect of the POLIFOSKA 6 mineral fertilizer enriched with beneficial bacteria of the Bacillus genus on increasing the colonization of the roots of tomato and cucumber plants by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Compared to the control, fertilization with microbiologically enriched urea at doses of 100% and 60% reduced the frequency of mycorrhizas in the roots of tomato and cucumber plants. The use of POLIFOSKA 6 100% and Super FOS DAR 40 at a dose of 60% resulted in an increase in the number of spores in the rhizosphere soil. The experimental results will allow the development of new biofertilizers as alternative methods of fertilizing plants and improving soil quality compared to standard mineral fertilization.

Nitrogen is essential for plants’ growth, yield, and crop quality, and its deficiency limits food production worldwide. In addition, excessive fertilization and inefficient use of N can increase production costs and cause environmental problems. A possible solution to this problem is the application of biofertilizers, which improve N assimilation and increase biomass and yield. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of the application of a combination of green and red algae (Ulva lactuca and Solieria spp.), Rhizobium sp., Trichoderma asperellum, and the combination of the above three biofertilizers on N assimilation. A completely randomized design was performed, with 10 plants per treatment and five treatments: T1 = control; T2 = algal extracts; T3 = Rhizobium sp.; T4 = T. asperellum; T5 = T2 + T3 + T4. Our analyses showed that the biofertilizers’ application was better than the control. The application of Rhizobium sp. had the best performance amongst all of the biofertilizers, with the highest nitrate reductase activity in maize leaves, which enhanced photosynthesis, increasing biomass and yield. The use of Rhizobium sp. showed increases in biomass (13.4%) and yield (11.82%) compared to the control. This research shows that biofertilizers can be a key component for sustainable agricultural practices.

Organic farming is gaining momentum nowadays and the demand for organic food is increasing day by day. Field investigations were carried out during five consecutive summer seasons (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020) at the Regional Research Station, Vridhachalam to optimize the organic inputs and to develop an organic production package for sesame. The field experiment comprised eight treatments with different organic inputs [farm yard manure (FYM), neem cake, biofertilizers, panchakavya] applied in different forms. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice. The experimental results showed that the application of FYM @ 12.5 t/ha + seed treatment (Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria + PGPR each @ 600 g/ha of seed) + soil application of biofertilizer (Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria + PGPR each @ 2 kg/ha of seed) and foliar application of 3% panchagavya at 35 and 45 DAS recorded a higher seed yield (783 kg/ha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental 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.)