Isolation and characterization of a newly discovered plant growth-promoting endophytic fungal strain from the genus Talaromyces.

In the Kandi zone of Punjab, India, root and rhizospheric soil samples were collected from the local vegetation near the Shivalik mountain foothills. Fifteen fungal colonies exhibiting distinct cultural morphology on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates were selected for plant-microbe interaction studies. Among these, the isolate HNB9 was identified as a nonpathogenic root colonizer. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed HNB9 as Talaromyces albobiverticillius, characterized by the secretion of a red pigment as a secondary metabolite. Plants colonized with T. albobiverticillius HNB9 exhibited enhanced growth, manifesting in increased shoot and root length compared to untreated controls. This study unveiled the first evidence that a species from the Talaromyces genus, specifically T. albobiverticillius, possesses dual capabilities of root colonization and plant growth promotion. Moreover, HNB9 demonstrated the production of plant growth-regulating compounds like Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and proficient solubilization of crucial nutrients (Phosphorous, Zinc, and Silica) through plate culture methods. This finding represents a significant contribution to the understanding of root-colonizing fungi with plant growth-promoting attributes, challenging the existing knowledge gap within the Talaromyces genus.

Putative Role of Anti-microbial Peptide Recovered from Lactiplantibacillus spp. in Biocontrol Activity.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) stand as a promising alternative to conventional pesticides, leveraging a multifaceted approach to combat plant pathogens. This study focuses on identifying and characterizing the AMP produced by Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis strain IT, demonstrating potent antibacterial activity against various harmful microorganisms. Evaluation of AMPs' antibacterial activity was conducted through an agar well diffusion assay, a reliable method for assessing secondary metabolite antimicrobial efficacy. The study unveils the antimicrobial potential of the purified extract obtained from Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis IT, isolated from goat milk. Notably, the AMP exhibited robust antibacterial activity against phytopathogens affecting solanaceous crops, including the Gram-negative Ralstonia solanacearum. Expression conditions and purification methods were optimized to identify the peptide's mass and sequence, utilizing LC-MS and SDS-PAGE. This paper underscores the application potential of Lactiplantibacillus spp. IT as a biocontrol agent for managing bacterial infectious diseases in plants. Results indicate optimal AMP production at 37 °C, with a culture broth pH of 5 during fermentation. The obtained peptide sequence corresponded to peaks at 842.5 and 2866.4 m/z ratio, with a molecular weight of approximately 5 kDa according to tricine SDS-PAGE analysis. In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for utilizing Lactiplantibacillus spp. IT derived AMPs in plant biocontrol strategies, showcasing their efficacy against bacterial phytopathogens. These findings contribute valuable insights for advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Precision Genome Editing Techniques in Gene Therapy: Current State and Future Prospects.

Precision genome editing is a rapidly evolving field in gene therapy, allowing for the precise modification of genetic material. The CRISPR and Cas systems, particularly the CRISPR-- Cas9 system, have revolutionized genetic research and therapeutic development by enabling precise changes like single-nucleotide substitutions, insertions, and deletions. This technology has the potential to correct disease-causing mutations at their source, allowing for the treatment of various genetic diseases. Programmable nucleases like CRISPR-Cas9, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) can be used to restore normal gene function, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions. However, challenges, such as off-target effects, unintended modifications, and ethical concerns surrounding germline editing, require careful consideration and mitigation strategies. Researchers are exploring innovative solutions, such as enhanced nucleases, refined delivery methods, and improved bioinformatics tools for predicting and minimizing off-target effects. The prospects of precision genome editing in gene therapy are promising, with continued research and innovation expected to refine existing techniques and uncover new therapeutic applications.

Zinc-solubilizing Bacillus spp. in conjunction with chemical fertilizers enhance growth, yield, nutrient content, and zinc biofortification in wheat crop.

Micronutrient deficiency is a serious health issue in resource-poor human populations worldwide, which is responsible for the death of millions of women and underage children in most developing countries. Zinc (Zn) malnutrition in middle- and lower-class families is rampant when daily calorie intake of staple cereals contains extremely low concentrations of micronutrients, especially Zn and Fe. Looking at the importance of the problem, the present investigation aimed to enhance the growth, yield, nutrient status, and biofortification of wheat crop by inoculation of native zinc-solubilizing Bacillus spp. in conjunction with soil-applied fertilizers (NPK) and zinc phosphate in saline soil. In this study, 175 bacterial isolates were recovered from the rhizosphere of wheat grown in the eastern parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain of India. These isolates were further screened for Zn solubilization potential using sparingly insoluble zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), zinc oxide (ZnO), and zinc phosphate {Zn3(PO4)2} as a source of Zn under in vitro conditions. Of 175 bacterial isolates, 42 were found to solubilize either one or two or all the three insoluble Zn compounds, and subsequently, these isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Based on zone halo diameter, solubilization efficiency, and amount of solubilized zinc, six potential bacterial strains, i.e., Bacillus altitudinis AJW-3, B. subtilis ABW-30, B. megaterium CHW-22, B. licheniformis MJW-38, Brevibacillus borstelensis CHW-2, and B. xiamenensis BLW-7, were further shortlisted for pot- and field-level evaluation in wheat crop. The results of the present investigation clearly indicated that these inoculants not only increase plant growth but also enhance the yield and yield attributes. Furthermore, bacterial inoculation also enhanced available nutrients and microbial activity in the wheat rhizosphere under pot experiments. It was observed that the application of B. megaterium CHW-22 significantly increased the Zn content in wheat straw and grains along with other nutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Mn) followed by B. licheniformis MJW-38 as compared to other inoculants. By and large, similar observations were recorded under field conditions. Interestingly, when comparing the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of wheat, bacterial inoculants showed their potential in enhancing the NUE in a greater way, which was further confirmed by correlation and principal component analyses. This study apparently provides evidence of Zn biofortification in wheat upon bacterial inoculation in conjunction with chemical fertilizers and zinc phosphate in degraded soil under both nethouse and field conditions.

Interaction studies of Serendipita indica and Zhihengliuella sp. ISTPL4 and their synergistic role in growth promotion in rice.

Rapid urbanization and globalization demand increasing agricultural productivity. Soil nutrient supply capacity is continuously decreasing due to soil erosion, degradation, salt deposition, undesired element, metal deposition, water scarcity, and an uneven nutrient delivery system. Rice cultivation requires a large amount of water which is becoming detrimental due to these activities. There is a need to increase its productivity. Microbial inoculants are becoming increasingly important in achieving sustainable agricultural production systems. The current study was conducted to investigate the interaction between the root endophytic fungus Serendipita indica (S. indica) and the actinobacterium Zhihengliuella sp. ISTPL4 (Z. sp. ISTPL4) and their synergistic effects on the growth of rice (Oryza sativa L). Both S. indica and Z. sp. ISTPL4 showed positive interactions. Growth of S. indica was observed at different days after Z. sp. ISTPL4 inoculation, and stimulated growth of S. indica was observed when Z. sp. ISTPL4 was inoculated at 5 dafi (days after fungal inoculation). Z. sp. ISTPL4 promoted the growth of S. indica as it increased spore germination. Furthermore, confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed a 27% increase in the spore size of S. indica in the presence of Z. sp. ISTPL4. In a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis increased production of alanine and glutamic acid was observed in their sequential co-culture as compared with individual cultures. Sequential inoculation of S. indica and Z. sp. ISTPL4 significantly increased the biochemical and physical characteristics of rice as compared with their individual inoculum. Biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll content, total soluble sugar, and flavonoid content in the rice increased by up to 57%, 47%, and 39%, respectively, in the presence of the combined inoculum of S. indica and Z. sp. ISTPL4. This will be the first study, to the best of our knowledge, which shows the fungus and actinobacterium interaction and their synergistic roles in the growth promotion of rice. Furthermore, this novel combination can also be used to boost the growth of other crops to increase the agricultural yield.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Laccase-Producing Bacteria Bhargavaea beijingensis from Paper and Pulp Effluent-Treated Soil Using In Silico Approaches.

Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are considered one of the most prominent multicopper enzymes that exhibit the inherent properties of oxidizing a range of phenolic substrates. Mostly, reported laccases have been isolated from the plants and fungi species, whereas bacterial laccases are yet to be explored. Bacterial laccases have numerous distinctive properties over fungal laccases, including stability at high temperatures and high pH. This study includes the isolation of bacteria through the soil sample collected from the paper and pulp industry; the highest laccase-producing bacteria was identified as Bhargavaea bejingensis, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The extracellular and intracellular activities after 24 h incubation were 1.41 U/mL and 4.95 U/mL, respectively. The laccase-encoding gene of the bacteria was sequenced; moreover, the in vitro translated protein was bioinformatically characterized and asserted that the laccase produced by the bacteria Bhargavaea bejingensis was structurally and sequentially homologous to the CotA protein of Bacillus subtilis. The enzyme laccase produced from B. bejingensis was classified as three-domain laccase with several copper-binding residues, where a few crucial copper-binding residues of the laccase enzyme were also predicted.

Chemically Synthesized AgNPs and Piriformosporaindica Synergistically Augment Nutritional Quality in Black Rice.

The use of biofertilizers has been the spotlight of research aiming to mitigate the food security threat as well as to restore the fertility of agricultural lands, for decades. Several studies are being conducted to unravel the role and mechanisms of plant growth-promoting microbes. In the present research, we evaluated the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Piriformospora indica on the growth and nutritional enhancement of black rice (Oryzae sativa. L.) individually and in combination. Among the different treatment conditions, the AgNPs + P. indica treatment led to a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in morphological and agronomic parameters. In comparison to the control, the percentage increase in plant height in AgNPs-treated black rice was 2.47%, while that for the treatment with only P. indica was 13.2% and that for the treatment with both AgNPs + P. indica was 30.9%. For the number of productive tillers, the effect of AgNPs in comparison to the control was non-significant; however, the effect of P. indica and AgNPs + P. indica showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase of 13.2% and 30.9% in both the treatments, respectively. Gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry analysis of grains revealed that the contents of phenylalanine, tryptophan, and histidine (aromatic amino acids) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased by 75%, 11.1%, and 50%, respectively, in P. indica-treated black rice. Nutrient profiling showed that macronutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium were found to be increased by 72.8%, 86.4% and 59.2%, respectively, in the treatment with AgNPs + P. indica in comparison to the control plants. Additionally, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase of 51.9% in anthocyanin content was observed in AgNPs + P. indica-treated black rice. The P. indica treatment also showed improved growth and augmented nutrient contents. From this study, we were able to understand that AgNPs + P. indica treatment would be a better plant growth-promoting factor and further evaluation would enable us to obtain a clear picture of its mechanisms of action.

Isolation and characterization of halotolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from mangrove region of Sundarbans, India for enhanced crop productivity.

Halotolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial microorganisms utilized to mitigate the biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. The areas of Sundarban mangroves of West Bengal, India have been reported to be rich in halotolerant microflora, yet major area remains unexplored. The present study, therefore, aims to map down the region-specific native microbial community potent of salt tolerance, plant growth promoting (PGP) activity and antagonistic activity against fungal pathogens. Bacterial samples were isolated from the saline soil of the Sundarban mangroves. A total of 156 bacterial samples were isolated and 20 were screened for their salt tolerance potential. These isolates were characterised using morphological, biochemical, and molecular approaches. Based on 16s rRNA sequencing, they were classified into 4 different genera, including Arthrobacter sp. (01 isolate), Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (01 isolate), Kocuria rosea (01 isolate), and Bacillus (17 isolates). The halotolerant isolates which possessed plant growth promoting traits including phosphate, and zinc solubilization, indole acetic acid production, siderophore, and ammonia generation were selected. Further, the effect of two halotolerant isolates GN-5 and JR-12 which showed most prominent PGP activities was evaluated in pea plant under high salinity conditions. The isolates improved survival by promoting germination (36 to 43%) and root-shoot growth and weight of pea plant in comparison to non-inoculated control plants. In a subsequent dual culture confrontation experiment, both these halo-tolerant isolates showed antagonistic activities against the aggressive root rot disease-causing Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid NAIMCC-F-02902. The identified isolates could be used as potential bioagents for saline soils, with potential antagonistic effect on root rot disease. However, further studies at the physiological and molecular level would help to delineate a detail mechanistic understanding of broad-spectrum defence against salinity and potential biotic pathogen.

Deciphering the fertilizing and disease suppression potential of phytofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles on Brassicajuncea.

Every year 30-50% of crops suffer from fungal and bacterial diseases. Use of various chemically synthesized fungicides and bactericides make the soil environment more toxic and harmful to the plant health. Therefore, there is need to find non-toxic and cost effective alternative against plant pathogen. In recent years, nanotechnology has got attention because of its wide application in different areas of agriculture. Various nanoparticles have been used in agriculture for their fertilizing and antimicrobial potential. Among them zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained the attention of agriculturists as zinc is an essential micronutrient for plants. Antifungal activity of Tb-ZnO NPs (Terminalia bellerica synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles) against Alternaria brassicae causative agent of blight disease in Brassica juncea has been reported in our previous study. To use Tb-ZnO NPs as nanofungicides and simultaneously as nanofertilizers, the doses of Tb-ZnO NPs beneficial to the Brassica juncea crop is need to be known. Therefore, experiment has been designed to see the protective and curative potential of Tb-ZnO NPs in alluvial and calcareous soil. Biochemical constituents and stress enzymes analysis has shown significant potential of Tb-ZnO NPs at 200 ppm concentration in alleviating the stress caused by A. brassicae by modulating the photosynthetic, biochemical and enzymatic characteristics. Growth parameter analysis confirmed the role of Tb-ZnO NPs in increasing root and shoot length of B. juncea. Yield component such as seed number, seed weight and oil content of B. juncea crop also has been increased. There was one-fold increase in oil content of B. juncea as compared to control. Maximum percent disease control was found to be 70% in alluvial soil (protective method) grown plants. Therefore, present study supports the hypothesis of a relationship between nutrients and disease suppression.

Exploring the intersection of Aspergillus fumigatus biofilms, infections, immune response and antifungal resistance.

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects the lungs and frequently elicits an allergic immune response in human hosts via inhalation of its airborne asexual spores (conidia). In immunocompromised individuals, the conidia of this fungus can germinate in the lung and result in severe systemic infections characterised by widespread tissue and organ damage. Conversely, in healthy hosts, the innate immune system is instrumental in eliminating the conidia and preventing disease progression. As with numerous other pathogenic fungi, A. fumigatus possesses a set of virulence factors that facilitate its infective mechanism and the circumvention of immune defences in susceptible hosts. The intrinsic capacity of A. fumigatus to form complex 3D-structured biofilms, both on biotic and abiotic surfaces, represents a key determinant of its evasion of the host immune system and resistance to antifungal drugs. This review delineates the pivotal role of A. fumigatus biofilm structure and function as a significant virulence factor in pathogenic infections, such as aspergilloma and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Additionally, we discuss the importance for the development of novel antifungal drugs as drug-resistant strains continue to evolve. Furthermore, co-infections of A. fumigatus with other nosocomial pathogens have a substantial impact on patient's health outcomes. In this context, we provide a brief overview of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), a recently documented condition that has gained attention due to its associated high degree of severity.

Draft Genome Sequence of Aspergillus ochraceus Strain DY1, a Lignin-Degrading Fungus Isolated from Wood Rot.

Aspergillus spp. are known for their lignin-degrading ability and also for the degradation of complex aromatic compounds. In this paper, we present the genome sequence of Aspergillus ochraceus strain DY1, which was isolated from rotten wood in a biodiversity park. The total genome size is 35,149,223 bp, including 13,910 hits of protein-encoding genes, with a GC content of 49.92%.

Bacterial Pigments and Their Multifaceted Roles in Contemporary Biotechnology and Pharmacological Applications.

Synthetic dyes and colourants have been the mainstay of the pigment industry for decades. Researchers are eager to find a more environment friendly and non-toxic substitute because these synthetic dyes have a negative impact on the environment and people's health. Microbial pigments might be an alternative to synthetic pigments. Microbial pigments are categorized as secondary metabolites and are mainly produced due to impaired metabolism under stressful conditions. These pigments have vibrant shades and possess nutritional and therapeutic properties compared to synthetic pigment. Microbial pigments are now widely used within the pharmaceuticals, food, paints, and textile industries. The pharmaceutical industries currently use bacterial pigments as a medicine alternative for cancer and many other bacterial infections. Their growing popularity is a result of their low cost, biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, and environmentally beneficial attributes. This audit article has made an effort to take an in-depth look into the existing uses of bacterial pigments in the food and pharmaceutical industries and project their potential future applications.

Seed biopriming with potential bioagents influences physiological processes and plant defense enzymes to ameliorate sheath blight induced yield loss in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Disease management with the use of conventional pesticides has emerged as a major threat to the environment and human health. Moreover, the increasing cost of pesticides and their use in staple crops such as rice is not economically sustainable. The present study utilized a combination of two commercial powder formulations of biocontrol agents, Trichoderma harzianum (Th38) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf28) to induce resistance against sheath blight disease via seed biopriming in basmati rice variety Vasumati and compared the performance with systemic fungicide carbendazim. Sheath blight infection significantly increased the levels of stress indicators such as proline (0.8 to 4.25 folds), hydrogen peroxide (0.89 to 1.61 folds), and lipid peroxidation (2.4 to 2.6 folds) in the infected tissues as compared to the healthy control. On the contrary, biopriming with biocontrol formulation (BCF) significantly reduced the level of stress markers, and substantially enhanced the levels of defense enzymes such as peroxidase (1.04 to 1.18 folds), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (1.02 to 1.17 folds), lipoxygenase (1.2 to 1.6 folds), and total phenolics (74% to 83%) as compared to the infected control. Besides, improved photosynthesis (48% to 59%) and nitrate reductase activity (21% to 42%) showed a positive effect on yield and biomass, which compensated disease induced losses in bio-primed plants. Conversely, the comparative analysis of the efficacy levels of BCF with carbendazim revealed BCF as a potential and eco-friendly alternative for reducing disease impact and maintaining higher yield in rice under sheath blight infection.

Co-Application of Silver Nanoparticles and Symbiotic Fungus Piriformospora indica Improves Secondary Metabolite Production in Black Rice.

In the current research, unique Nano-Embedded Fungus (NEF), made by the synergic association of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and endophytic fungus (Piriformospora indica), is studied, and the impact of NEF on black rice secondary metabolites is reported. AgNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction process using the temperature-dependent method and characterized for morphological and structural features through UV visible absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential, XRD, SEM-EDX, and FTIR spectroscopy. The NEF, prepared by optimizing the AgNPs concentration (300 ppm) in agar and broth media, showed better fungal biomass, colony diameter, spore count, and spore size than the control P. indica. Treatment with AgNPs, P. indica, and NEF resulted in growth enhancement in black rice. NEF and AgNPs stimulated the production of secondary metabolites in its leaves. The concentrations of chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids were increased in plants inoculated with P. indica and AgNPs. The findings of the study highlight the synergistic effect of AgNPs and the fungal symbionts in augmenting the secondary metabolites in leaves of black rice.

Unraveling the mechanism of sulfur nutrition in pigeonpea inoculated with sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.

An investigation was carried out to understand the mechanism(s) involved in the uptake of sulfur (S) as sulfate in pigeonpea following single inoculation of two sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Stenotrophomonas pavanii in the treatments amended with either elemental sulfur (S0) or sulfate (S6). Colonization potential and biofilm formation were analyzed through confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Furthermore, the effect of seed inoculation on root architecture, expression of genes involved in sulfur oxidation (sox) in bacterial inoculants, and genes involved in sulfate transport in pigeonpea (PpSULTR) were analyzed to correlate with the higher uptake of S in roots and shoots of pigeonpea. Both the SOB exhibited a good colonization potential and biofilm formation on the roots of pigeonpea. Among the 11 sox genes targeted in rhizosphere of pigeonpea, expression was achieved for seven genes, which showed 2-fold increase in treatments inoculated with S. maltophilia and amended with either S6 or S0. The inoculation of S. maltophilia and amendment of S0 led to increased expression of PpSULTR genes by several folds in roots. The inoculation of SOB had a significant influence on non-enzymatic (osmolytes like proline) and enzymatic (PAL, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) levels. The results revealed a significant increase in sulfur uptake in roots and shoots in treatment inoculated with S. maltophilia and amended with S6. The investigation showed that the SOB-mediated over-expression of PpSULTR genes in roots of pigeonpea and sox genes in the rhizosphere were acting synergistically in facilitating higher uptake and translocation of S in roots and shoots of pigeonpea plants.

Biocontrol potential of mycogenic copper oxide nanoparticles against Alternaria brassicae.

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles using fungal cultures is a promising and novel tool in nano-biotechnology. The potential culture of Trichoderma asperellum (T. asperellum) has been used to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in the current study. The necrotrophic infection in Brassica species is caused due to a foliar pathogen Alternaria brassicae (A. brassicae). Mycogenic copper oxide nanoparticles (M-CuO NPs) were characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antifungal potential of CuO NPs was studied against A. brassicae. M-CuO NPs exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 303 nm, and XRD confirmed the crystalline phase of NPs. FTIR spectra confirmed the stretching of amide bonds, and the carbonyl bond indicated the presence of enzymes in T. asperellum filtrate. SEM and TEM confirmed the spherical shape of M-CuO NPs with an average size of 22 nm. Significant antifungal potential of M-CuO NPs was recorded, as it inhibited the growth of A. brassicae up to 92.9% and 80.3% in supplemented media with C-CuO NPs at 200 ppm dose. Mancozeb and propiconazole inhibited the radial growth up to 38.7% and 44.2%. SEM confirmed the morphological changes in hyphae and affected the sporulation pattern. TEM revealed hardly recognizable organelles, abnormal cytoplasmic distribution, and increased vacuolization, and light microscopy confirmed the conidia with reduced diameter and fewer septa after treatment with both types of NPs. Thus, M-CuO NPs served as a promising alternative to fungicides.

Bioprospecting uncultivable microbial diversity in tannery effluent contaminated soil using shotgun sequencing and bio-reduction of chromium by indigenous chromate reductase genes.

The tannery industry generates a consequential threat to the environment by producing a large amount of potentially toxic metal-containing waste. Bioremediation has been a promising approach for treating potentially toxic metals, but the efficiency of remediation in microbes is one of the factors limiting their application in tanneries waste treatment. The motivation behind the present work was to explore the microbial diversity and chromate reductase genes present in the tannery effluent-contaminated soil using metagenomics approach. The use of shotgun sequencing enabled the identification of operational parameters that influence microbiome composition and their ability to reduce Chromium (Cr) concentration. The Cr concentration in Kanpur tannery effluent contaminated soil sample was 700 ppm which is many folds than the approved permissible limit by World Health Organisation (WHO) for Cr is 100 ppm. Metagenomic Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) was extracted to explore taxonomic community structure, phylogenetic linkages, and functional profile. With a Guanine-Cytosine (GC) abundance of 54%, total of 45,163,604 high-quality filtered reads were obtained. Bacteria (83%), Archaebacteria (14%), and Viruses (3%) were discovered in the structural biodiversity. Bacteria were classified to phylum level, with Proteobacteria (52%) being the dominant population, followed by Bacteriodetes (15%), Chloroflexi (15%), Spirochaetes (7%), Thermotogae (5%), Actinobacteria (4%), and Firmicutes (1%). The OXR genes were cloned and checked for their efficiency to reduce Cr concentration. Insitu validation of OXR8 gene showed a reduction of Cr concentration from 700 ppm to 24 ppm in 72 h (96.51% reduction). The results of this study suggests that there is a huge reservoir of microbes and chromate reductase genes which are unexplored yet.

Exploring the Impact of Bioformulated Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Cytomorphology of Alternaria brassicicola.

Black leaf spot of Brassica species is caused by a foliar pathogen Alternaria brassicicola (A. brassicicola), the noxious killer of mustard, cabbage, and cauliflower crops. The current investigation involved the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) from potential strain of Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum). Characterization of CuO NPs was performed by UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and HR-TEM studies. UV-visible spectra showed an absorption peak at 275 nm. FTIR study revealed the presence of N-H bonds which could be due to the presence of enzymes and secondary metabolites released in the filtrate of T. harzianum. SEM and HR-TEM revealed the cube shape CuO NPs formed and average particle size was in the range of 31-45 nm. Poisoned food technique was used to check the antifungal efficacy of CuO NPs against A. brassicicola at various concentrations (0.025, 0.050, 0.1, and 0.15 mg/mL). In vitro assays carried on potato dextrose agar showed maximum antifungal activity at 0.15 mg/mL. The control sample have cylindrical and oblong shape conidia, while transverse septation was 2-4 in untreated population. The lower concentrations of CuO NPs (0.025 and 0.050 mg/mL) caused malformed spherical shape conidia with excessive septation, while its higher concentrations (0.1 and 0.15 mg/mL) leads to viability loss in fungal culture. Results indicated that a higher concentration of CuO NPs serve as an effective biocidal concentration for the control of phytopathogens.

Symbiotic interplay of Piriformospora indica and Azotobacter chroococcum augments crop productivity and biofortification of Zinc and Iron.

In the present study Piriformospora indica (Pi) a phyto-promotional fungus and Azotobacter chroococcumWR5 (AzWR5) a rhizobacterium, were symbiotically evaluated for their role in improving the nutritional quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Co-inoculation of Pi+AzWR5 modified root system architecture of host and along with increasing the proportion of finer roots by 88% and 92% in C306 and Hd2967 respectively. Furthermore, the synergistic impact of Pi+AzWR5 interplayed for enhanced accumulation of Zn and Fe in different plant parts including grains (3.12 and 1.33 fold respectively). Pi+AzWR5 increased the transfer factor of Zn (62%, 94%, 91% and 213%) and Fe (31%, 54%, 68% and 32%) in root, stem, leaves and grains, respectively, and translocation factor of Zn (20%, 18% and 63%) and Fe (18%, 29% and 29%) for root-stem, root-leaves and root-grains, respectively. In addition to these co-inoculation of endophytes led to several fold increase in expression of four ZIP transporter genes in roots and shoot. In addition to these symbiotic association of endophytes with host led to 3 fold increase in grain yield. We thereby conclude that co-inoculation of Pi+AzWR5 substantially improves mobilization of Zn and Fe from soil and increase its concentration in grains as well as improves crop yield.

Microalgae-bacterial granular consortium: Striding towards sustainable production of biohydrogen coupled with wastewater treatment.

Anthropogenic activities have drastically affected the environment, leading to increased waste accumulation in atmospheric bodies, including water. Wastewater treatment is an energy-consuming process and typically requires thousands of kilowatt hours of energy. This enormous energy demand can be fulfilled by utilizing the microbial electrolysis route to breakdown organic pollutants in wastewater which produces clean water and biohydrogen as a by-product of the reaction. Microalgae are the promising microorganism for the biohydrogen production, and it has been investigated that the interaction between microalgae and bacteria can be used to boost the yield of biohydrogen. Consortium of algae and bacteria resulting around 50-60% more biohydrogen production compared to the biohydrogen production of algae and bacteria separately. This review summarises the recent development in different microalgae-bacteria granular consortium systems successfully employed for biohydrogen generation. We also discuss the limitations in biohydrogen production and factors affecting its production from wastewater.