Isolation, screening and characterization of bacteria associated with cocoa tree roots for different plant growth promotion (PGP) activities

Aims@#Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a group of bacteria that colonise plant roots and enhance plant growth by a diverse range of mechanisms. This study aims to determine the capabilities of PGPR isolated from cocoa tree roots and their efficiency in enhancing plant growth under greenhouse conditions.@*Methodology and results@#Eight samples of healthy cocoa tree roots were collected from different locations in Malaysia. Isolated bacteria were screened based on nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, and catalase activity. The efficiency of purified PGPR was evaluated from pot experiments of cocoa seedlings under greenhouse conditions. Out of 122 isolates, 18 isolates showed several traits of nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization and were further screened for other plant growth promoting (PGP) traits like catalase and production of indole acetic acid (IAA). Out of all the PGP trait tests, seven isolates showed the most prominent results for in vitro tests and were further tested in vivo for growth promotion of cocoa seedlings under greenhouse conditions. In the presence of bacterial isolates with 2.5 g of inorganic fertilizer, Leclercia adecarboxylata resulted in increases in plant height, leaf number, root length, stem fresh weight and total fresh and dry weight of cocoa seedlings by 15.68%, 17.14%, 9.48%, 5.67%, 11.84% and 25.12%, respectively.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Based on the result, L. adecarboxylata incorporated with selected carrier material improve cocoa seedling growth and biomass. This formulation also reduces the production cost of inorganic fertilizer and increase the application and development of biofertilizer.

Characterization of bacterial endophytes from the roots of native and cultivated Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa)

Brazil nut is a very important nontimber forest product in the Amazon region. Propagation of this tree still represents a challenge due to slow and uneven seed germination. In this context, plant growth-promoting bacteria can facilitate the process of propagation. The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria from the roots of Brazil nut trees in native terra firme forest and cultivation areas in northern Brazil, and to identify mechanisms by which bacteria act in plant growth promotion. Overall, 90 bacterial isolates were obtained from the roots of Brazil nut trees in monoculture, agroforestry and native forest areas by using different semisolid media. The isolates were characterized by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Plant growth-promoting characteristics were evaluated by the presence of the nifH gene, aluminum phosphate solubilization and the production of indole compounds. The isolates were affiliated with 18 genera belonging to 5 different classes (α-Proteobacteria, ß-Proteobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinobacteria). The genus Bacillus was predominant in the forest and monoculture areas. Fourteen isolates presented the nifH gene. Most of the bacteria were able to solubilize aluminum phosphate and synthetize indole compounds. The results indicated high diversity of endophytic bacteria present among the roots of Brazil nut trees, mainly in the agroforestry area, which could be related to soil attributes. Among the 90 isolates, the 22 that presented the best results regarding plant growth promotion traits were good candidates for testing in seedling production of Brazil nut trees. (AU)

Microbiome and imputed metagenome study of crude and refined petroleum-oil-contaminated soils: Potential for hydrocarbon degradation and plant-growth promotion

Microbial community structure of crude petroleum oil (CP)- and refined petroleum oil (RP)-contaminated soil wasinvestigated. The taxonomical and functional diversity of such soils can be a great source of information about microbialcommunity and genes involved in petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) degradation. In this study, microbial diversity of soilscontaminated by RP from urban biome of Pune, India, and CP from agricultural biome of Gujarat, India, were assessed by16S rRNA amplicon sequencing on Illumina MiSeq platform. Association between the soil microbial community and thephysicochemical parameters were investigated for their potential role. In RP- and CP-contaminated soils, the microbiomeanalysis showed Proteobacteria as most dominant phylum followed by Actinobacteria. Interestingly, Firmicutes were mostprevailing in a CP-contaminated sample while they were least prevailing in RP-contaminated soils. Soil moisture content,total organic carbon and organic nitrogen content influenced the taxa diversity in these soils. Species richness was more inRP as compared to CP soils. Further prediction of metagenome using PICRUSt revealed that the RP and CP soils containmicrobial communities with excellent metabolic potential for PHC degradation. Microbial community contributing to genesessential for soil health improvement and plant growth promotion was also gauged. Our analysis showed promising resultsfor future bioaugmentation assisted phytoremediation (BAP) strategies for treating such soils.

Screening and characterization of siderophore producing endophytic bacteria from Cicer arietinum and Pisum sativum plants

Siderophores are low molecular weight iron chelating secondary metabolites synthesized by various groupsof microorganisms help in scavenging iron-limited conditions. Siderophores produced by endophytic bacteriafacilitate the plant growth by providing iron to plants. The objective of this study was to isolate and screenthe siderophore producing endophytes from nodules and roots of Cicer arietinum and Pisum sativum plants.Out of total 84 isolates, only 14 endophytes produced siderophore and quantitative analysis was also done.Ten best siderophore producers (above 65% siderophore units) were characterized for the type of siderophoreproduced. Most of them were producing hydroxamate and carboxylate type of siderophores. These 10 isolateswere evaluated for other plant growth promoting (PGP) traits in vitro. All of them were producing ammoniaand indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Isolate CPFR10 was found to be positive for all the PGP traits viz. ammonia,organic acid, HCN, and IAA production. Diversity analysis of these 10 isolates using Amplified rDNARestriction Analysis profile revealed nine genotypes at 90% similarity

Evaluation of root-knot nematode disease control and plant growth promotion potential of biofertilizer Ning shield on Trichosanthes kirilowii in the field

Abstract Biofertilizer Ning shield was composed of different strains of plant growth promotion bacteria. In this study, the plant growth promotion and root-knot nematode disease control potential on Trichosanthes kirilowii in the field were evaluated. The application of Ning shield significantly reduced the diseases severity caused by Meloidogyne incognita, the biocontrol efficacy could reached up to 51.08%. Ning shield could also promote the growth of T. kirilowii in the field by increasing seedling emergence, height and the root weight. The results showed that the Ning shield could enhance the production yield up to 36.26%. Ning shield could also promote the plant growth by increasing the contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter, and increasing the contents of leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment. Moreover, Ning shield could efficiently enhance the medicinal compositions of Trichosanthes, referring to the polysaccharides and trichosanthin. Therefore, Ning shield is a promising biofertilizer, which can offer beneficial effects to T. kirilowii growers, including the plant growth promotion, the biological control of root-knot disease and enhancement of the yield and the medicinal quality.

Endophytic Bacillus strains enhance pearl millet growth and nutrient uptake under low-P

Abstract Bacterial endophytes are considered to have a beneficial effect on host plants, improving their growth by different mechanisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of four endophytic Bacillus strains to solubilize iron phosphate (Fe-P), produce siderophores and indole-acetic acid (IAA) in vitro, and to evaluate their plant growth promotion ability in greenhouse conditions by inoculation into pearl millet cultivated in a P-deficient soils without P fertilization, with Araxá rock phosphate or soluble triple superphosphate. All strains solubilized Fe-P and three of them produced carboxylate-type siderophores and high levels of IAA in the presence of tryptophan. Positive effect of inoculation of some of these strains on shoot and root dry weight and the N P K content of plants cultivated in soil with no P fertilization might result from the synergistic combination of multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Specifically, while B1923 enhanced shoot and root dry weight and root N P content of plants cultivated with no P added, B2084 and B2088 strains showed positive performance on biomass production and accumulation of N P K in the shoot, indicating that they have higher potential to be microbial biofertilizer candidates for commercial applications in the absence of fertilization.

Endophytic Bacillus strains enhance pearl millet growth and nutrient uptake under low-P

Abstract Bacterial endophytes are considered to have a beneficial effect on host plants, improving their growth by different mechanisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of four endophytic Bacillus strains to solubilize iron phosphate (Fe-P), produce siderophores and indole-acetic acid (IAA) in vitro, and to evaluate their plant growth promotion ability in greenhouse conditions by inoculation into pearl millet cultivated in a P-deficient soils without P fertilization, with Araxá rock phosphate or soluble triple superphosphate. All strains solubilized Fe-P and three of them produced carboxylate-type siderophores and high levels of IAA in the presence of tryptophan. Positive effect of inoculation of some of these strains on shoot and root dry weight and the N P K content of plants cultivated in soil with no P fertilization might result from the synergistic combination of multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Specifically, while B1923 enhanced shoot and root dry weight and root N P content of plants cultivated with no P added, B2084 and B2088 strains showed positive performance on biomass production and accumulation of N P K in the shoot, indicating that they have higher potential to be microbial biofertilizer candidates for commercial applications in the absence of fertilization.

Diversity and Plant Growth Promoting Capacity of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Halophytic Plants from the West Coast of Korea

Five halophytic plant species, Suaeda maritima, Limonium tetragonum, Suaeda australis, Phragmites australis, and Suaeda glauca Bunge, which are native to the Muan salt marsh of South Korea, were examined for fungal endophytes by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region containing ITS1, 5.8S rRNA, and ITS2. In total, 160 endophytic fungal strains were isolated and identified from the roots of the 5 plant species. Taxonomically, all 160 strains belonged to the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota. The most dominant genus was Fusarium, followed by the genera Penicillium and Alternaria. Subsequently, using 5 statistical methods, the diversity indices of the endophytes were determined at genus level. Among these halophytic plants, P. australis was found to host the greatest diversity of endophytic fungi. Culture filtrates of endophytic fungi were treated to Waito-C rice seedlings for plant growth-promoting effects. The fungal strain Su-3-4-3 isolated from S. glauca Bunge provide the maximum plant length (20.1 cm) in comparison with wild-type Gibberella fujikuroi (19.6 cm). Consequently, chromatographic analysis of the culture filtrate of Su-3-4-3 showed the presence of physiologically active gibberellins, GA(1) (0.465 ng/mL), GA(3) (1.808 ng/mL) along with other physiologically inactive GA(9) (0.054 ng/mL) and GA(24) (0.044 ng/mL). The fungal isolate Su-3-4-3 was identified as Talaromyces pinophilus.

Ameliorative effect of plant growth promoting bacterial endophyte Pantoea agglomerans on salt stress at early stage of growth in rice

Aims: Endophytes are known to impart tolerance to crop plants; hence the study was initiated to evaluate some plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria isolated from rice and maize for salt tolerance in rice. Methodology and results: A total of 31 endophytic bacteria were screened for growth promoting characteristics on the basis of phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, Indole acetic acid biosynthesis, production of ammonium, protease and cellulase. Only 2 Bacillus species and Pantoea agglomerans were positive for all growth characteristics and subsequently inoculated with rice seeds under controlled as well as in saline condition (NaCl) in order to evaluate the plant growth promoting (PGP) ability on the basis of germination rate and seedling vigor. The seedling grown under control condition, significantly alter the growth parameters such as germination rate, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight along with seedling vigor index. Under saline condition, the genus Bacillus and Pantoea invariably counteracted the effect of stress; however, P. agglomerans showed significant differences for shoot length, fresh and dry weight. Analysis of correlation coefficient exhibited positive and strong association of seedling vigor index with dry weight and rate of germination, thereby revealing the interdependency of the traits under stress. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The study confirmed a mutualistic interaction of P. agglomerans with the host plant rice and leads to enhanced growth of the host under salt stress condition.

Interrelationships between Bacillus sp. CHEP5 and Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA6144 in the induced systemic resistance against Sclerotium rolfsii and symbiosis on peanut plants.

Plant-growth-promoting bacteria are often used to enhance crop yield and for biological control of phytopathogens. Bacillus sp. CHEP5 is a biocontrol agent that induces systemic resistance (ISR) in Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut) against Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent of root and stem wilt. In this work, the effect of the co-inoculation of Bacillus sp. CHEP5 and the peanut nodulating strain Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6144 was studied on induction of both systemic resistance and nodulation processes. Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6144 did not affect the ability of Bacillus sp. CHEP5 to protect peanut plants from S. rolfsii by ISR and the priming in challenged-plants, as evidenced by an increment in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme activity. Additionally, the capacity of Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6144 to induce nodule formation in pathogen-challenged plants was improved by the presence of Bacillus sp. CHEP5.

Plant growth promoting capability and genetic diversity of bacteria isolated from mud volcano and lime cave of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Twenty four bacterial strains from four different regions of mud volcano and lime cave were isolated to estimate their diversity, plant growth promoting and biocontrol activities to use them as inoculant strains in the fields. An excellent antagonistic effect against four plant pathogens and plant growth promoting properties such as IAA production, HCN production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, starch hydrolysis and hydrolytic enzymes syntheses were identified in OM5 (Pantoea agglomerans) and EM9 (Exiguobacterium sp.) of 24 studied isolates. Seeds (Chili and tomato) inoculation with plant growth promoting strains resulted in increased percentage of seedling emergence, root length and plant weight. Results indicated that co-inoculation gave a more pronounced effects on seedling emergence, secondary root numbers, primary root length and stem length, while inoculation by alone isolate showed a lower effect. Our results suggest that the mixed inocula of OM5 and EM9 strains as biofertilizers could significantly increase the production of food crops in Andaman archipelago by means of sustainable and organic agricultural system.

Epiphytic and endophytic bacteria that promote growth of ethnomedicinal plants in the subtropical forests of Meghalaya, India / Bacterias epífitas y endófitas que promueven el crecimiento de plantas etnomedicinales en los bosques subtropicales de Meghalaya, India

The present study was aimed to investigate the endophytic and epiphytic bacteria associated with selected ethnomedicinal plants from the pristine subtropical forests of Meghalaya and analyse them for plant growth promotion and antagonistic ability. This study is an attempt to explore plant associated bacteria which are beneficial to host plants, and thus aid in the conservation of ethnomedicinal plants of the studied subtropical forests, which are dwindling due to exploitation. The plant growth promotion parameters like indole acetic acid (IAA) production, mineral phosphate solubilisation, acid phosphatase activity, presence of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC) gene, nitrogen fixation, cellulose digestion, chitin and pectin degradation were screened among the isolates. The study revealed significant differences in bacterial population not only between the epiphytic and endophytic microhabitats, but also amongst the host plants. Out of the 70 isolated plant associated bacteria, Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pantoea sp., and Lysinibacillus sp. showed potent plant growth promotion properties. Bacillus siamensis C53 and B. subtilis cenB showed significant antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens. This study indicated the isolates inhabiting the plants prevalent in the subtropical sacred forests could be explored for use as plant growth promoters while practising the cultivation and conservation of ethnomedicinal plants. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1295-1308. Epub 2014 December 01.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las bacterias endófitas y epífitas asociadas con plantas medicinales seleccionadas de los bosques subtropicales prístinos de Meghalaya, para estimular el crecimiento de plantas y la capacidad antagónica. Este estudio es un intento de explorar las plantas asociadas a bacterias que benefician a la planta hospedera, y así ayudar en la conservación de plantas medicinales de los bosques subtropicales estudiados, los cuales son cada vez más escasos debido a la explotación. Los parámetros de promoción de crecimiento de las plantas, tales como: índice de producción de ácido acético (IAA), solubilización de fosfato mineral, actividad de la fosfatasa ácida, presencia del gen 1-aminociclopropano-1-ácido carboxílico desaminasa (ACC), fijación de nitrógeno, digestión de celulosa, quitina y pectina fueron seleccionados entre los aislamientos. El estudio reveló diferencias significativas en la población bacteriana, no sólo entre los microhábitats epífitos y endófitos, sino también entre las plantas hospederas. De las 70 bacterias aisladas de plantas asociadas, Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pantoea sp. y Lysinibacillus sp. mostraron potentes propiedades estimulantes del crecimiento vegetal. Bacillus C53 siamensis y B. subtilis cenB mostraron actividad antagónica significativa contra los patógenos probados. Este estudio indicó que los aislamientos que habitan en las plantas predominantes en los bosques sagrados subtropicales podrían explorarse para su uso como promotores del crecimiento vegetal, mientras se practica el cultivo y conservación de plantas medicinales.

Exploitation of trichoderma species on the growth of Pythium Aphanidermatum in Chilli

Damping-off of chilli caused by Pythium aphanidermatum is a major nursery disease in vegetables. In vitro experiments evaluated the effect of eight isolates of Trichoderma species (from chilli rhizosphere) were tested against P. aphanidermatum. All the Trichoderma species had varied antagonistic effects against the pathogen. Among them, TVC3 recorded maximum growth inhibition of P. aphanidermatum and produced more amounts of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. The culture filtrate of the Trichoderma isolate TVC3 recorded complete inhibition on the mycelial growth of pathogen at 15 percent concentration. Moreover, chilli seeds treated with culture filtrate of the isolate TVC3 recorded maximum germination percentage, shoot length, root length and vigour index of chilli. The study identified the Trichoderma isolate (TVC3) performed well in inhibiting the mycelial growth of pathogen as well as increased the plant growth in chilli.

Caracterização e influência de rizóbios isolados de alfafa na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de arroz / Characterization and influence of alfafa rhizobia on germination and early growth of rice seedling

A inoculação de plantas leguminosas com rizóbios é um dos principais métodos biotecnológicos de utilização de micro-organismos em plantas visando à fixação biológica de nitrogênio na agricultura. No entanto, nos últimos anos, vêm sendo observada nesses micro-organismos a capacidade de produção de fitohormônios, principalmente o ácido indol-acético (AIA) e a promoção de crescimento em gramíneas. Dessa forma, os objetivos deste trabalho foram quantificar o ácido indol-acético produzido por rizóbios isolados de alfafa, avaliar o efeito da inoculação desses micro-organismos na germinação de sementes de arroz e realizar a caracterização genética desses isolados. Nove rizóbios isolados de nódulos de alfafa foram avaliados quanto a sua capacidade de produção de equivalentes de AIA e a influência da inoculação desses micro-organismos na germinação e desenvolvimento de plântulas de arroz. Os rizóbios produtores de AIA foram identificados pelo sequenciamento da região do gene 16S do DNAr. A produção de equivalentes ao ácido indol-acético foi observada em todos rizóbios, com valores que variaram de 43,04 a 101,26µg mL-1 em meio de cultura. Com relação à germinação das sementes de arroz, a inoculação com rizóbios acelerou o processo e o crescimento de suas plântulas. Os rizóbios UFRGS Ms58, Ms515, Ms195, Ms205, Ms2010 e 2012 foram identificados como pertencentes à espécie Sinorhizobium meliloti e UFRGS Ms55, Ms72 e Ms75 à espécie Rhizobium sp.

The inoculation of leguminous plants with rhizobia is one of the main methods of biotechnological use of microorganisms in order to obtain biological nitrogen fixation in agriculture. However, in recent years it has been attributed to these microorganisms the ability to produce phytohormones, mainly indole acetic acid (IAA), and to promote the growth in grasses. Thus, the objectives of this study were to quantify the indole acetic acid produced by rhizobia from alfalfa and to evaluate the effect of inoculation of these microorganisms on the germination of rice seed and to perform the genetic characterization of these isolates. Nine rhizobia, from nodules of alfalfa, were evaluated for their ability to produce IAA equivalents and for their influence in inoculating these microorganisms on germination and seedling development of rice. Moreover, these rhizobia producers of IAA were identified by the 16S region of DNAr. The equivalent production of indole acetic acid was observed in all tested isolates, with values ranging from 43.04 to 101.26µg mL-1 in culture medium. Regarding the germination of rice seeds, the inoculation with rhizobia accelerated this germination and its growth. Microorganisms UFRGS Ms58, UFRGS Ms515, UFRGS Ms195, UFRGS Ms205, UFRGS Ms2010 and UFRGS 2012 were identified as belonging to the species of Sinorhizobium meliloti. Microorganisms Ms55 UFRGS, UFRGS Ms75 and UFRG Ms72 were identified as belonging to the species of Rhizobium sp.

CARACTERIZACIÓN DE BACTERIAS DIAZOTRÓFICAS ASIMBIÓTICAS ASOCIADAS AL EUCALIPTO (Eucalyptussp.) EN CODAZZI, CESAR (COLOMBIA) / Characterization of Diazotrophic Bacteria Non-Symbiotic Associated with Eucalyptus (Eucalyptussp.) in Codazzi, Cesar (Colombia)

Se evaluó el efecto de las épocas climáticas (lluvia y sequía) y del estrato de la muestra (suelo rizosférico, raíces y hojas) sobre la población de los géneros Azotobacter, Beijerinckia, Derxia, Azospirillum, Herbaspirillum, Gluconacetobacter y Burkholderia en el Eucalipto (Eucalyptus sp.). Así mismo, se evalúo su capacidad en la producción de compuestos indólicos como promotores del crecimiento vegetal y su actividad de reducción de acetileno como indicador de la fijación biológica de nitrógeno. Los resultados no registraron diferencias estadísticas significativas en el test de Tukey (P ≤ 0.05) en la población con respecto a la época climática. Con respecto al estrato de muestra, los aislamientos tentativos de Herbaspirillum sp. y Azospirillum sp. presentaron diferencias significativas en suelo rizosférico y raíces. Se obtuvieron 44 aislamientos de los cuales se agruparon por caracterización fenotípica como: 14 presuntivos de Beijerinckia sp., 12 de Azotobacter sp., ocho de Derxia sp., cuatro de Herbarpirillum sp., cinco de Azospirillum sp., uno de Gluconacetobacter sp. y uno de Burkholderia sp. Por su alto potencial fueron seleccionados y criopreservados los aislamientos C27, C26 y C25, las cuales presentaron los mejores valores de eficiencia in vitro, superando valores de producción de las cepas de referencia utilizadas (A. chroococcum (AC1) y A. brasilense (SP7)).

The effect of climatic seasons (rainy and dry) and the stratum sample (rhizospheric soil, roots and leaves) the population of the genera Azotobacter, Beijerinckia, Derxia, Azospirillum, Herbaspirillum, Gluconacetobacter and Burkholderia in soil rhizosphere, roots and leaves of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.). It also assesses their ability to produce indoles compounds as plant growth promoters and their acetylene reduction activity as an indicator of biological fixation of nitrogen. The results showed no statistically significant differences in the Duncan test (P ≤ 0.05) in the population with respect to the climate epoch, suggesting that these bacteria are able to tolerate stress conditions by different physiological mechanisms. With respect to the stratum sample isolates attempts of Herbaspirillum sp. and Azospirillum sp. significant differences in rhizospheric soil and roots. We obtained 44 isolates of which were grouped by phenotypic characterization as 14 suspected of Beijerinckia sp., 12 Azotobacter sp., 8 Derxia sp., 4 Herbaspirillum sp., 5 Azospirillum sp., 1 Gluconacetobacter sp. and 1 Burkholderia sp. Due to their high potential were selected isolates C27, C26 and C25. These four strains present the best values of efficiency in vitro, exceeding production values of the reference strains used (A. chroococcum (AC1) and A. brasilense (SP7)).

Enhancement of clover growth by inoculation of P-solubilizing fungi and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

This study evaluated the synergism between several P-solubilizing fungi isolates and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to improve clover ( Trifolium pratense) growth in the presence of Araxá apatite. Clover was sown directly in plastic pots with 300g of sterilized washed sand, vermiculite and sepiolite 1:1:1 (v:v:v) as substrate, and grown in a controlled environment chamber. The substrate was fertilized with 3 g L-1 of Araxá apatite. A completely randomized design, in 8×2 factorial scheme (eight P-solubilizing fungi treatments with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi)and four replicates were used. The P-solubilizing fungi treatments consisted of five Brazilian P-solubilizing fungi isolates (PSF 7, 9, 20, 21 and 22), two Spanish isolates ( Aspergillus niger and the yeast Yarowia lipolytica) and control (non-inoculated treatment). The greatest clover growth rate was recorded when Aspergillus niger and PSF 21 were co-inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Aspergillus niger, PSF 7 and PSF 21 were the most effective isolates on increasing clover growth in the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Greater mycorrhizal colonization resulted in greater clover growth rate in most PSF treatments. PSF 7 was the best isolate to improve the establishment of mycorrhizal and rhizobia symbiosis.

Este estudo avaliou o sinergismo entre diversos isolados defungos solubilizadores de fosfato e micorrízicos arbusculares para beneficiar o crescimento de trevo ( Trifolium pratense) na presença de apatita de Araxá. A cultura foi semeada diretamente em potes plásticos com 300 g de substrato esterilizado formado por areia lavada, vermiculita e sepiolita 1:1:1 (v:v:v) e cultivada em câmara climática. O substrato foi fertilizado com 3 g L-1 de apatita de Araxá. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento completamente casualizado, esquema fatorial 8×2 (oito tratamentos de inoculação de fungos solubilizadores de fosfato com ou sem fungos micorrízicos arbusculares) e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos de fungos solubilizadores de fosfato consistiram em cinco isolados brasileiros de fungos solubilizadores de fosfato (FSF 7, 9, 20, 21 e 22), dois isolados procedentes da Espanha ( Aspergillus niger e a levedura Yarowia lipolytica) e o controle (tratamento não inoculado). A maior taxa de crescimento da cultura foi obtida quando Aspergillus niger e FSF 21 foram co-inoculados com fungos micorrízicos arbusculares. Aspergillus niger, FSF 7 e o FSF 21 foram os isolados mais efetivos para incrementar o crescimento de trevo na presença de fungos micorrízicosarbusculares. A maior taxa de colonização micorrízica resultou em alta taxa de crescimento de trevo na maioria dos tratamentos com fungos solubilizadores de fosfato. O isolado FSF 7 foi o melhor para favorecer o estabelecimento das simbioses com fungos micorrízicos e com rizóbio.

Isolation, molecular characterization and growth-promotion activities of a cold tolerant bacterium Pseudomonas sp. NARs9 (MTCC9002) from the Indian Himalayas

A bacterium that grows and expresses plant growth promotion traits at 4°C was isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Amaranth, cultivated at a high altitude location in the North Western Indian Himalayas. The isolate was Gram negative and the cells appeared as rods (2.91 x 0.71 μm in size). It grew at temperatures ranging from 4 to 30°C, with a growth optimum at 28°C. It exhibited tolerance to a wide pH range (5-10; optimum 8.0) and salt concentrations up to 6 percent (wt/vol). Although it was sensitive to Rifampicin (R 20 μg mi-1), Gentamicin (G 3 μg mi-1), and Streptomycin (S 5 μg mi-1), it showed resistance to higher concentrations of Ampicillin (A 500 μg mi-1), Penicillin (P 300 μg mi-1), Polymixin B sulphate (Pb 100 μg mi-1) and Chloramphenicol (C 200 μg mi-1). The 16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed maximum identity with Pseudomonas lurida. The bacterium produced indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and solubilizes phosphate at 4, 15 and 28°C. It also retained its ability to produce rhamnolipids and siderophores at 15°C. Seed bacterization with the isolate enhanced the germination, shoot and root lengths of thirty-day-old wheat seedlings by 19.2, 30.0 & 22.9 percent respectively, as compared to the un-inoculated controls.

Response of micropropagated sugarcane varieties to inoculation with endophytic diazotrophic bacteria

Previous studies estimated that sugarcane could obtain up to 60% of total nitrogen accumulated from BNF. Here a mixture of five endophytic diazotrophic strains was tested in a field trial, inoculated in two micropropagated sugarcane varieties and three locals, to determine the effects on commercial crop conditions. The sugarcane plantlets were inoculated in vitro, and after 17 months of growing in the field, the productivity and BNF contribution showed to be influenced by the plant genotype and soil type. The highest BNF contributions was observed in the poorest soil for both varieties. Smaller increases in productivity were observed for SP 701143 variety grown in soil with low or medium fertility. In contrast, a decrease in the stem productivity was observed in the SP 813250 variety grown in the three localities.

Experimentos anteriores estimaram que a cana-de-açúcar pode obter até 60% do N acumulado via fixação biológica de nitrogênio (FBN). Neste trabalho, os efeitos da inoculação da mistura de cinco espécies de bactérias diazotróficas endofíticas foram testados em duas variedades de cana-de-açúcar micropropagadas, sob condições de campo. Após 17 meses de crescimento, a produtividade e a FBN apresentaram influência do genótipo vegetal e da localidade de cultivo. As maiores contribuições via FBN foram observadas no solo de menor fertilidade, para ambas variedades de cana-de-açúcar. Pequenos aumentos de produtividade foram observados para a variedade SP 701143 nos solos de baixa e média fertilidade. Por outro lado, a inoculação na variedade SP 813250 apresentou decréscimo de produtividade nos três tipos de solo testados.

Response of micropropagated sugarcane varieties to inoculation with endophytic diazotrophic bacteria

Previous studies estimated that sugarcane could obtain up to 60% of total nitrogen accumulated from BNF. Here a mixture of five endophytic diazotrophic strains was tested in a field trial, inoculated in two micropropagated sugarcane varieties and three locals, to determine the effects on commercial crop conditions. The sugarcane plantlets were inoculated in vitro, and after 17 months of growing in the field, the productivity and BNF contribution showed to be influenced by the plant genotype and soil type. The highest BNF contributions was observed in the poorest soil for both varieties. Smaller increases in productivity were observed for SP 701143 variety grown in soil with low or medium fertility. In contrast, a decrease in the stem productivity was observed in the SP 813250 variety grown in the three localities.

Experimentos anteriores estimaram que a cana-de-açúcar pode obter até 60% do N acumulado via fixação biológica de nitrogênio (FBN). Neste trabalho, os efeitos da inoculação da mistura de cinco espécies de bactérias diazotróficas endofíticas foram testados em duas variedades de cana-de-açúcar micropropagadas, sob condições de campo. Após 17 meses de crescimento, a produtividade e a FBN apresentaram influência do genótipo vegetal e da localidade de cultivo. As maiores contribuições via FBN foram observadas no solo de menor fertilidade, para ambas variedades de cana-de-açúcar. Pequenos aumentos de produtividade foram observados para a variedade SP 701143 nos solos de baixa e média fertilidade. Por outro lado, a inoculação na variedade SP 813250 apresentou decréscimo de produtividade nos três tipos de solo testados.