Sarfraz Hussain

Perspective of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) containing ACC deaminase in stress agriculture.

Ethylene is a gaseous plant growth hormone produced endogenously by almost all plants. It is also produced in soil through a variety of biotic and abiotic mechanisms, and plays a key role in inducing multifarious physiological changes in plants at molecular level. Apart from being a plant growth regulator, ethylene has also been established as a stress hormone. Under stress conditions like those generated by salinity, drought, waterlogging, heavy metals and pathogenicity, the endogenous production of ethylene is accelerated substantially which adversely affects the root growth and consequently the growth of the plant as a whole. Certain plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) contain a vital enzyme, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, which regulates ethylene production by metabolizing ACC (an immediate precursor of ethylene biosynthesis in higher plants) into α-ketobutyrate and ammonia. Inoculation with PGPR containing ACC deaminase activity could be helpful in sustaining plant growth and development under stress conditions by reducing stress-induced ethylene production. Lately, efforts have been made to introduce ACC deaminase genes into plants to regulate ethylene level in the plants for optimum growth, particularly under stressed conditions. In this review, the primary focus is on giving account of all aspects of PGPR containing ACC deaminase regarding alleviation of impact of both biotic and abiotic stresses onto plants and of recent trends in terms of introduction of ACC deaminase genes into plant and microbial species.

Chapter 5: Impact of pesticides on soil microbial diversity, enzymes, and biochemical reactions.

Abstract Pesticides are extensively used in agriculture as a part of pest control strategies. Owing to their xenobiotics characteristics, pesticides may adversely affect the proliferation of beneficial soil microorganisms and their associated biotransformation in the soil. Inactivation of nitrogen‐fixing and phosphorus‐solubilizing microorganisms is observed in pesticide‐contaminated soils. Recent studies show that some pesticides disturb molecular interactions between plants and N‐fixing rhizobacteria and consequently inhibit the vital process of biological nitrogen fixation. Similarly, many studies show that pesticides reduce activities of soil enzymes that are key indicators of soil health. The applied pesticides may also influence many biochemical reactions such as mineralization of organic matter, nitrification, denitrification, ammonification, redox reactions, methanogenesis, etc. However, a few reports reveal some positive effects of applied pesticides on soil health. In this chapter, we attempt to analyze the impacts of pesticides on soil microbial communities, soil biochemical reactions, and soil enzymes.

Bioremediation and Phytoremediation of Pesticides: Recent Advances

The use of genetically modified or native microorganisms and plants to degrade or remove pollutants has emerged as a powerful technology for in situ remediation. An understanding of the genetic basis of the mechanisms of how microorganisms and plants biodegrade pollutants and how they interact with the environment is important for successful implementation of this technology. Recent studies have demonstrated that microbes and transgenic plants produce pesticide-degradaing enzymes that can mineralize different groups of pesticides and their metabolites with greater efficiency. This review describes the most recent progress in biotechnological approaches for enhancing the capability of microorganisms and plants through the characterization and transfer of pesticide-degrading genes, induction of catabolic pathways, and display of cell surface enzymes.

Optimization of environmental parameters for biodegradation of alpha and beta endosulfan in soil slurry by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Aim:  To determine optimal environmental conditions for achieving biodegradation of α‐ and β‐endosulfan in soil slurries following inoculation with an endosulfan degrading strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Microbial degradation of chlorpyrifos in liquid media and soil.

Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum insecticide which is used extensively in agriculture worldwide. Its massive application has led to the contamination of water and soil, and disruption of biogeochemical cycles. In addition, its residues have been detected in various ecological systems. A number of methods are currently available that can be used for the detoxification of such pesticides, however, this review focuses on microbial biodegradation which is considered to be one of the most viable options for the removal of organophosphate pesticides from the environment. Identification of genes and enzymes responsible for the cleavage of specific functional groups of the pesticide and understanding the kinetics of biodegradation are critical to accomplish successful bioremediation. Recently, the use of indigenous or genetically modified microorganisms and/or plants has increased the chances for in-situ bioremediation of contaminated sites. The literature provides evidence that the bioremediation process can be enhanced by maintaining an effective chlorpyrifos-degrading microbial community in the contaminated site and optimizing environmental conditions.

Obesity is an Eating Disorder not a Disease

Blood group diet research is gaining popularity among scientists and they are exploring new reasons to preferences of diet in four blood group type individuals. The concept of balanced diet and nutrition seems not to be working properly because diseases like obesity, diabetes, CVD, and cancer are causing millions of deaths each year in the world. Many scientists still did not pay any attention to the strong correlation between blood group diet and diseases except few in the world. There are strong evidences that these four blood group individuals have different taste buds which are the bases for selection of foods which ultimately become nutrition of that individual. A very nutritious food if not selected by a person having a particular blood group will provide no any nutrition to that particular individual. Blood group “A” has bland, “B” has sweet, “O” has saltish, and “AB” has bitter and astringent taste buds. Distribution of blood group types in different regions of the world indicates that there are strong variations in blood group diet because all four blood group types have four different types of tissues (A- nervous, B-epithelial, O-muscular and AB-connective). Macro and micronutrients are also specific to these blood group types (A-Zinc & Magnesium, B-Iron, O-Iodine and AB need additional calcium). Pakistan has blood groups population as “B” 36%, “O” 33%, “A” 21%, and “AB” 9%. USDA diet pyramids were designed to guide about the diet of Human beings living in different regions of the world. But these diet pyramids are no more valid because of the reason that they are nutritionally and biochemically unsound, but still in many countries these pyramids are being used for the assessment of diet without any positive effects. A diet pyramid based on blood groups is designed to guide about the diet of individuals based on blood groups. Diet charts formulated for four blood group types are based on scientific correlation to prevent diseases and remain healthy.