Mohd Musheer Altaf

Diversity and Applications of Penicillium spp. in Plant-Growth Promotion

Abstract Maintaining soil health and increased crop productivity are the two major challenges for sustainable agriculture and food security. Effective microorganisms are considered as the key elements to overcome this problem. Soil fungi are known to play a significant role in soil fertility and plant nutrient turnover. In this chapter, we focus on the characteristics, diversity, and role of a common soil fungus, Penicillium in plant-growth promotion. Penicillium is widely known for its secondary metabolite production. In this chapter the various plant-growth promoting activities of Penicillium such as phosphate solubilization, production of siderophore, and plant-growth regulators are highlighted. The effect of Penicillium as a bioinoculant in enhancing crop productivity and its potential role in sustainable agriculture is also reviewed.

Rhizobacterial Biofilms: Diversity and Role in Plant Health

The diverse nature of rhizobacteria and their interaction with plant roots involves complex processes and provides a unique microbial niche in the rhizosphere both beneficial and harmful to plant health depending on nature of bacteria. Biofilms are defined as the bacterial populations which stick to living and nonliving surfaces and encased in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Both disease-causing and beneficial plant growth-encouraging bacteria may form biofilm on abiotic and biotic surfaces including plant surface and in soil. It is now well known that a microbe under natural condition forms mixed/polymicrobial biofilm. The process of biofilm development and their regulation are well studied among human pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, recent investigations indicated an increased interest in the research on biofilm on plant-associated rhizobacteria such as Azotobacter, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudomonas and Rhizobium. In this chapter we have made an attempt to review recent studies on rhizobacterial biofilms and their possible impact on plant health under natural and stress conditions.

Quorum Sensing in Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Its Impact on Plant-Microbe Interaction

Quorum sensing is a widespread mechanism in enormous number of bacteria for regulating various gene expression in a cell density-dependent manner through production and recognition of small molecules known as autoinducer. Diverse kinds of quorum-sensing networks are found in different bacterial species. Among various signal molecules, acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) signal molecules are the most and widely studied in bacteria. A number of simple to advanced techniques are being used to identify and characterize signal molecules. Production of signal molecules in a number of rhizospheric bacteria is documented. Rhizosphere is an active atmosphere where microbe-microbe and microbe-plant interaction is highest due to rich availability of nutrients provided in the form of root exudates. Several ecological and interdependent key characters of bacteria, like antibiotic, siderophore, or enzyme secretion, virulence factors of phytopathogens, as well as plant-microbe communications, are coordinated through quorum sensing (QS). In this chapter, we have provided brief fundamental aspects of quorum sensing and then addressed the recent trends on the significance of quorum sensing and signal molecules in microbe-microbe and microbe-plant interactions in the rhizosphere with special reference to plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and plant health.

Bacterial Volatiles: Potential Applications in Plant Growth and Health

Microorganisms including bacteria produce several kinds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the last decade, an increasing research confirmed the role of VOCs as environmental friendly and potential growth inducers. These volatile compounds can help in mitigating dependence on synthetic chemicals and recombinant DNA technology. Recent experiments carried out under field conditions successfully established the role of bacterial volatiles in increasing food production. However, the information on the contribution of bacterial volatiles in plant growth and development is scattered. In this chapter, we have discussed the role of volatile organic compounds in microbe-microbe and microbe-plant interactions. Effect of VOCs as inducers for enhancing crop productivity is reviewed. Problems associated with field applications are also highlighted.

Diversity, Quorum Sensing, and Plant Growth Promotion by Endophytic Diazotrophs Associated with Sugarcane with Special Reference to Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Endophytic bacteria are widely distributed among plants and colonize both intracellular and intercellular spaces and do not harm the host plant. However, the distributions of endophytic diazotrophs are limited. Endophytic diazotrophs like Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus are mainly associated with sugarcane and some other plants and responsible for significant contribution of biological nitrogen fixation with sugarcane. In this article, we described the diversity and role of quorum sensing. We also discussed the contributions of different bacterial traits that are necessary for successful colonization of the plant interior part. Further mechanisms of plant growth promotion are elaborated. Molecular characterization and identification of endophytic diazotrophs will further help in better understanding of plant colonization and plant growth promotion.

A novel strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens WS1 Forms biofilm on root surface and enhances growth of wheat plant

T global demand for herbal medicine, for primary healthcare, is not only large but growing because of better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and the fewer side effects. Caesalpinia pulcherrima L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as ‘Peacock flower’ is a highly medicinal, fast growing, ornamental, woody leguminous plant, distributed throughout India. The plant bears a beautiful array of flowers and almost all part of this plant are medicinal and exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties including antitumor, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The plant is also a source of various phytoactive constituents such as tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides, rotenoids, flavones, flavonols etc. C. pulcherrima L. is conventionally propagated through seeds which are not reliable because of low germination rate and seed viability. Moreover if the plants are raised through seeds, they show high heterozygosity and great variation in growth, habit and yield that may negatively affect the quality and appearance of the plant. To overcome these problems and to meet the increased demand of this plant, an alternative propagation method like plant tissue culture would be beneficial in enhancing multiplication rate and bioactive molecules in the plant. In the present study we described an efficient and reproducible protocol which can be exploited for rapid regeneration and large scale propagation of C. pulcherrima L. The nodal explants obtained from a mature plant were cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of plant growth regulators like BA (6-benzyladenine), Kn (Kinetin), IBA (Indole 3 butyric acid) and NAA (α naphthaline acetic acid) singly as well as in combination. Of the different cytokinins tested BA with an optimal concentration of 5μM was shown to be most effective in inducing multiple shoots with 60% regeneration frequency and of the different combinations BA (5 μM) + NAA (0.5 μM) was shown to be best for maximum multiplication with 78% regeneration frequency. Rooting was successfully induced (80%) in shoots excised from proliferated shoot cultures on half strength MS medium supplemented with 2.5 μM IBA after four weeks of implantation. The rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized to natural condition with 80% survival rate.M malnutrition affects billions of people and continues to impose substantial health, economic and social burdens worldwide. Zinc (Zn) is one of the essential micronutrients crucial for both plants and humans. It is an exceptional micronutrient in respect to its diverse and critical functions in biological systems such as maintenance of structural and functional integrity of biological membranes and as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes. Zn deficiency is one of the major yield limiting factors. The major limitation for plant to acquire Zn may be due to low content in soil or problem in uptake and translocation within plant system.The present study tries to elucidate the effects of different doses (50 to 125 ppm) of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) on the cytomorphological, biochemical and molecular characters of Psoralea corylifolia. Treated populations from lower doses significantly improved some characters and higher concentrations pronounced depressing effects in terms of growth parameters and yield. Dose dependent increases in the chromosomal abnormalities were recorded and the main chromosomal anomalies were univalents, multivalents, laggards, precocious separation, stickiness, unequal separation of chromosomes, micronuclei, and cytomixis. A total of 7 mutant phenotypes were recorded under field conditions in M2. Among the 7 identified putative mutants, tall mutants were the most abundant followed by bushy, dwarf and small seeded and high yielding. In addition, interestingly other mutants such as short root, albino, and anther less mutants were also observed at a lower frequency. Twenty ISSR primers screened two ISSR primers which produced clear and reproducible bands were selected for amplifying 7 selected variant DNA samples (amplifying three times with each primer). A total of 56 fragments were amplified by two primers, with an average of 6.29 bands per primer and the band size ranged from 53 bp to 830 bp, and 36 polymorphic bands were found. EMS at lower concentrations acts as a best mutagen and at higher concentrations acts as a toxicant in Psoralea corylifolia, lower concentrations can be effectively incorporated for raising viable mutants in this medicinally useful plant.The study shows in depth the induction of variability in Psoralea corylifolia, by ethyl methane sulphonate for conservation strategies with respect to enhanced phytomedicine production.G room and greenhouse experiments examined the potential of actinomycetes as microbial inoculant to improve the yield of upland rice. Fifty-nine isolates from rice and corn rhizosphere and existing collection of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) were screened for growth promoting activities. Thirty-two isolates produced indoleacetic acid (IAA), fourteen of which showed ACC deaminase activity while twenty-four solubilized bound phosphate in vitro. Five isolates were selected from among 59 isolates evaluated for further study. The selected isolates were subjected to morphological and 16S rDNA analysis to establish isolates identity. Based on morphology and 16S rDNA analysis, the probable identities of the selected isolates with their corresponding percent identity are as follows: YB6y, Actinomycetales bacterium-95%; AVermi3, uncultured Actinomyces-96%; AVermi7, Streptomyces sp-95%; NB1, Rhodococcus sp-95%; NB3, Streptomyces mutabilis-98%. In the growth room, the selected actinomycetes increased root dry weight of upland rice by 24 to 71% at 14 days after sowing (DAS). All five isolates were rhizosphere competent as indicated by the root colonization study. Actinomycetes colonized the roots of upland rice with population densities ranging from 5.9 x 105 to 1.2 x 107 CFU g-1 rhizosphere soil with R:S ratios of 0.8 to 1.1. At 30 DAS, actinomycete isolate NB3 population in the rhizosphere increased 100-fold with R:S ratio of 1.08. In the greenhouse, NB3 combined with full rate of fertilization, had the highest shoot biomass. At full rate of fertilization, inoculation with NB1, AVermi7, YB6y and NB3 significantly increased P uptake by 80 to 136% over the uninoculated control. Inoculation with NB3 and AVermi7 significantly increased grain yield by 62% and 48% respectively, relative to uninoculated treatment. The significant increase in grain yield by NB3 and AVermi7 and their ability to colonize the rhizosphere demonstrate the potential of these actinomycetes as plant growth-promoting inoculants for upland rice. However, field assessment is recommended to determine the effect of biotic and abiotic stresses in the performance of promising actinomycetes.A set of two experiments on the effect of plant growth regulators (paclobutrazol @ 3ml.m 1 canopy diameter, NAA @ 80 ppm), flower enhancing chemicals (Ca (NO3) 2 @ 1%, H3PO4 @ 0.5%, KH2PO4 @ 1%) in combination with fruit set improving chemicals (spermidine @ 0.01 mM, spermine @ 0.1 mM, boron -20% @1.25gm.l -1 ) on flowering, fruit set and yield of mango cv. Banganpalli, was conducted at Fruit Research Station, Sangareddy, Dr. YSRHU, A.P. In two experiments the design adopted is Randomized Block Design with factorial concept with three replications per treatment. Various vegetative parameters like number of new flushes (number), internodal length (cm), flowering parameters like time taken for panicle initiation(days), days taken for 50 % flowering and 100 % flowering per cent of flowering (%), panicle length and panicle breadth (cm), and yield parameters like number of days taken for fruit set from panicle initiation (days), number of fruits. panicle -1 (number), number of fruits tree -1 , fruit weight (gm) and yield (kg tree -1 ) were recorded. In the first experiment mango cv. Banganpalli trees were sprayed with flower enhancing plant growth regulators and fruit set improving chemicals alone and in combinations. Trees applied with paclobutrazol alone significantly reduced the vegetative growth in terms of minimum number of new flushes and internodal length compared to control trees. Paclobutrazol alone and in combinations with fruit set improving chemical significantly minimized the number of days taken for panicle initiation and increased the number of days taken for 50% and 100% flowering, duration of flowering along with increase in percent of flowering, panicle length and breadth when compare to control trees. Significantly the highest fruits.panicle -1 , fruit.tree -1 and yield was recorded in paclobutrazol (42.17 % over control) alone applied trees compare to control. Boron could able to significantly increase the fruit.panicle -1 and final retention of fruits and increased the fruit weight reflecting in the overall increase in yield by 37 percent. Among the combination, maximum increase in yield over control was recorded in paclobutrazol application along with spermidine (63.11 %), NAA + spermidine (57.59 %), NAA + boron (60.03 %). However, based on benefit cost ratio spraying of NAA + Boron has give maximum benefit cost ratio of 3.06. Among the fruit set improving chemical boron either alone or in combination with NAA has recorded highest improvement in the yield. In the second experiment mango cv. Banganpalli trees were sprayed with flower enhancing chemicals in combination with fruit set improving chemicals. Ca (NO3)2 applied trees has reduced significantly the number of new flushes and H3PO4 has significantly reduced the intermodal length. KH2PO4 and H3PO4 alone or in combinations with fruit set improving chemical significantly minimized the number of days taken for panicle initiation and increased the number of days taken for 50% and 100% flowering, duration of flowering along with increase in percent of flowering, panicle length and breadth when compare to control trees. Significantly the highest fruits.panicle -1 , fruit. tree -1 and yield was recorded in Ca(NO3) 2 (29.81 % over control ) applied trees and spermidine (48.72 % over control) applied trees alone compare to control. Spermidine alone could able to significantly increase the fruit.panicle -1 and final retention of fruits and increased the fruit weight reflecting in the overall increase in yield by 48.72 %. Among the combination, maximum increase in yield over control was recorded in Ca (NO3)2 + spermidine (87.27 %), H3PO4 + spermine (76.09 %), KH2PO4 + Spermine (74.51 %). However, based on benefit cost ratio spraying of Ca (NO3)2 + spermidine has give maximum benefit cost ratio of 3.35.Plant MIR genes are independent transcription units that encode long primary miRNA precursors which usually contain introns. We showthat the introns of MIR163/MIR161 are crucial for accumulation of proper levels of mature miRNA. Removal of the MIR163/MIR161 intron led to a drop-off in the level of mature miR163/miR161. We demonstratethat the stimulating effects of the intron mostly reside in the 5’ss rather than on a genuine splicing event.Our findings are biologically significant since the presence of functional splice sites in the MIR163 geneis mandatory for pathogen-triggered accumulation of miR163 and proper regulation of at least one of its targets. L7.2A B S T R A C T The present study entitled “Correlates of adoption of vegetables by tribal farmers of Keonjhar district of Odisha” was under-taken with a view to find out the socio-economic profile of tribal vegetable farmers; to find out the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents with the vegetable adoption and rejection. Further an attempt was made to identify the constraints that hinder the vegetable adoption by the tribal farmers. Accordingly Suggestions were collected from field level & formulation of suitable strategies for comprehensive study in near future. The number of respondents of the study was 145 tribal vegetable farmers of Keonjhar district. The data collected through a pre-tested structured interview schedule with employment of appropriate statistical measures for analysis and interpretation of the data. The major findings of the study from the socio-economic profile were majority of the tribal farmers belonged to young age category(44.82 percent).Most of the respondents were illiterate(51.72 percent),having big & joint family(57.24 percent and 60 percent respectively),and less social participation(74.48 percent).Being traditionals, Most of the respondents were localite in nature(56.55 percent). Out of the sample only 18.62 percent farmers had vegetable trading as second livelihood option. The education land holding size,familysize,outwardorientation,housing pattern,occupation,social participation, ownership right, holding size, savings status and annual income are significantly correlated with adoption behaviour at 5 percent level of significance but age, family type, credit status have not significantly correlated with adoption behaviour. Out of all vegetables chilli placed 1st Rank followed by tomato & okra. Out of the sample 51.48 percent were using local varieties of vegetables due to their culture & trait; 54.48 percent were using chemicals for seedling & root dip treatment. Due to illiteracy, most of the farmers were following broadcasting method (53.80 percent) in seed sowing and most of them using their own way (46.89 percent) in seed rate innovations by neglecting scientific methods. Out of the sample 48.25 percent farmers were maintaining plant to plant distance in planting. In fertilizer innovation 40 percent farmers using nitrogen as major fertilizer by using 55.89 percent green manure and 44.11 percent were using FYM. From farm mechanization point of view they were adopting both hand operated & machine operated equipments. From all total 54.48 percent farmers were using rose cane for watering and 67.58 percent were using hand sprayer. A total of 33.10 percent respondents were using IPM & IDM packages due to influence of goverment/NGOs. Vermi-Compost and Amrit Pani ,a typical ITK was adopted by19.31 percent of the respondents. A total of 14.48 percent of respondents had rejected stubble burning in field preparation and rejection of Guamal variety of pumpkin(44.82 percent),VNR seed of okra(33.79 percent) and BT brinjal variety(57.24 percent) in varietal adoption, seed treatment by captain(17.24 percent),line sowing(33.79 percent), row to row planting in cole crops(40 percent),flood irrigation in root crops, chilly and leafy vegetables.(28.96 percent),wooden plough as implement(29.66percent),hand weeding(11.72 percent) in intercultural operation, plucking of fully matured vegetables(15.86 percent),traditional preservation(32.41 percent) in post harvest technology, use of endosulfan & DDT(86.20 percent), and use of pheromone traps & tricho cards(40 percent) perceived as final. Discontinuance was found in seed treatment by Gammaxene & Danadar (86.89 percent) & in variety Namdhari seed (hybrid) of bittergourd (32.41percent ).The respondents were of view that ignorance & negligence by govt.(42.25 percent) were main social constraints, Severe weed infestation(86.89 percent), more disease & pest attack(82.06 percent),in sufficient skill (31.72 percent) were main technological constraints. PoorS hexandrum Royle (syn. P. emodi Wall) is a critical endangered medicinal plant native to alpine and subalpine regions of Himalayan countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, China and Bhutan (2500-4200m) commonly known as “bankakri or Giriparpat” in NorthWestern Himalayan region. This medicinal plant is well known for anticancer compounds podophyllotoxin and its derivatives. Till date, Podophyllum species have been the source of podophyllotoxin, the preliminary compound for the production of the semi-synthetic anti-cancer drugs etoposide (VP-16-213), teniposide (VM-26), etopophos, Pod-Ben25, Condofil, Verrusol, Warticon etc. which are used in the treatment of leukaemia, lung, testicular cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.Identification of specific, widely adapted and stable genotypes in any crop can be done by evaluation of its expression of stability which may be achieved through one of the finest breeding strategy, genotype x environment interaction. A genotype is stable if it maintains its approximate yield in different environments. Opium poppy ( Papaver somniferum L.) is one of the most geographically-widespread medicinal plant having multiple medicinal properties due to opium and its alkaloids chiefly morphine, codeine, thebaine, narcotine and papaverine. The response of opium poppy genotypes to different environmental conditions varies which may change the grading of individuals within a set of genotypes, giving rise to genotype x environment interaction. So, there is always a need to develop new high yielding varieties which must be tested for their adaptability and stability in different environments prior to their release for commercial farming. The present study was aimed to identify promising and stable genotypes from few advanced breeding lines using Eberhart and Russell model and simultaneously its comparison with various other stability models like Shukla’s si 2 , Wricke’s Wi 2 and Tai’s λ i for its aptness and authenticity. Correlations study was also done to find out the interrelationship of each stability parameter with yield and among them. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for stability revealed highly significant differences between genotypes which suggest presence of considerable difference amongst genotypes. The GEI (linear) as well as pooled deviation mean squares were also significant, representing the presence of both predictable and non-predictable components. Five genotypes LT31, BR231, BR233, BR242 and BR234 were identified stable in yield performance through Eberhart and Russell model and were also confirmed by other stability models. It was interesting to note that mean yield performance and stability parameters had positive association. This study concluded that Eberhart and Russell model can be reliably used for the identification of stable genotypes over environments.The present work was conducted to evaluate controlling the subterranean sand termite, Psammotermes hybostoma using some unordinary natural oils and others in the laboratory and field as indoor and outdoor investigations, respectively. The results were analyzed statistically by T-test. Ten kinds of oils [Caraway, Onions, Garlic, Clove, Peppermint, Basil, Eucalyptus (Camphor), Sesame, Tar and Fenugreek] and three other substances [Neem seeds extraction, gum bees powder (Propolis) and aluminum sulphate powder (Alum)] were used. These materials have been observed under laboratory conditions, and field conditions at two regions namely; El-Konooz region and the farm land of South Valley University during the period from January to December 2011, and in three infected buildings at El-Konooz region during the period from February till June 2012 in Qena city. Laboratory results showed that, the highest mortality rate was recorded by using caraway oil (100 workers per hour). In contrast, the lowest mortality rate was observed when propolis and neem seeds extraction used (0.26 workers per hour) equally. On the other hand, the outdoor field results agreed with the laboratory investigations. Thus, the highest ratio of sand termite individuals, caught in corrugated cardboard traps allover one complete year, was in the traps treated with propolis (95.6 %). In contrast, the lowest was (0.24 %) with clove oil. The ratio was (0.0 %) in the presence of the following oils (caraway, basil, camphor, garlic, peppermint and tar) at El-Konooz region. Moreover, field results of the farm land of South Valley University showed that the highest ratio of sand termites individuals was in the traps treated with propolis (92.7 %). Inversely, the ratio was (0.0 %) in the cases of the following oils (caraway, basil and garlic). On the other hand, statistical analysis on the feild results showed highly significant differences between the mean numbers of the individuals caught in traps treated with all oils and their control. Whereas, no significant differences were recorded in the case of propolis and neem seeds extraction and their control. In relation to the results on infected buildings, the total numbers of individuals obtained from corrugated cardboard pieces were zero in the doors and windows frames that treated with the following oils (caraway, basil and camphor), despite continuing injury in the control case (2070 and 1424 individuals from doors and windows frames, respectively). Thus, it is recommended using the most effective repellent oils (caraway, basil, camphor, garlic, peppermint, tar and clove) in subterranean termite control inside buildings by spraying infected timber or injection in the ground or by traps in the soil