Study of mechanisms for plant growth promotion elicited by rhizobacteria in Arabidopsis thaliana

The PGPR Bacillus aryabhattai promotes soybean growth via nutrient and chlorophyll maintenance and the production of butanoic acid

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) colonize plant roots, establish a mutualistic relationship with the plants and help them grow better. This study reports novel findings on the plant growth-promoting effects of the PGPR Bacillus aryabhattai. Soil was collected from a soybean field, PGPR were isolated, identified, and characterized for their ability to promote plant growth and development. The bacterium was isolated from the soybean rhizosphere and identified as B. aryabhattai strain SRB02 via 16s rRNA sequencing. As shown by SEM, the bacterium successfully colonized rice and soybean roots within 2 days and significantly promoted the growth of the GA-deficient rice cultivar Waito-C within 10 days, as well as the growth of soybean plants with at least six times longer shoots, roots, higher chlorophyll content, fresh, and dry weight after 10 days of inoculation. ICP analysis showed up to a 100% increase in the quantity of 18 different amino acids in the SRB02-treated soybean plants. Furthermore, the 2-DE gel assay indicated the presence of several differentially expressed proteins in soybean leaves after 24 hrs of SRB02 application. MALDI-TOF-MS identified β-conglycinin and glycinin along with several other proteins that were traced back to their respective genes. Analysis of bacterial culture filtrates via GCMS recorded significantly higher quantities of butanoic acid which was approximately 42% of all the metabolites found in the filtrates. The application of 100 ppm butanoic acid had significantly positive effects on plant growth via chlorophyll maintenance. These results establish the suitability of B. aryabhattai as a promising PGPR for field application in various crops.

Diazotrophic nitrogen fixation through aerial roots occurs in Avicennia marina: implications for adaptation of mangrove plant growth to low-nitrogen tidal flats

Nitrogen limitation of primary production is common in coastal ecosystems. Mangrove trees maintain high levels of nitrogen fixation around their roots. The interior aerial space of mangrove roots, in which atmospheric gas is supplied through lenticels, could be efficient sites for nitrogen fixation. We measured tidal variations of partial pressure of N2 in root aerenchyma and conducted field experiments using 15 N2 as a tracer to track N2 movement through aerial roots of Avicennia marina. We used the acetylene reduction assay to identify the root parts harboring diazotrophs. The nitrogenase activity and estimated nitrogen fixation through aerenchyma were higher in pneumatophores and absorbing roots than in cable roots. Positive correlations between root nitrogen contents and turnover rates of root nitrogen derived from N2 through aerenchyma suggested that the internal supply of N2 to diazotrophs could be the main source for nitrogen assimilation by A. marina roots. Our results confirmed that N2 is supplied to diazotrophs through aerial roots and that nitrogen fixation occurs in A. marina roots. The aerial root structures, which occur across families of mangrove plants, could be an adaptation to survival in not only low-oxygen environments but also tidal flats with little plant-available nitrogen.

Bacillus velezensis FX-6 suppresses the infection of Botrytis cinerea and increases the biomass of tomato plants

Botrytis cinerea causing tomato gray mold is a major cause of economic loss in tomato production. It is urgent and necessary to seek an effective and environmentally friendly control strategy to control tomato grey mold disease. In this study, Bacillus velezensis FX-6 isolated from the rhizosphere of plants displayed significant inhibitory ability against B. cinerea and could promote tomato plant growth. FX-6 could effectively inhibit the growth of Botrytis cinerea mycelium in vitro and in vivo, and the inhibitory rate in vitro could reach 78.63%. According to morphological observations and phylogenetic trees based on sequences of the 16S rDNA and gyrA (DNA gyrase subunit A) genes, the strain FX-6 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. In addition, B. velezensis FX-6 showed antagonistic activity against seven phytopathogens, this indicated that FX-6 had broad-spectrum biocontrol activity. We also found that FX-6 fermentation broth had the strongest antagonistic activity against B. cinerea when the culture time was 72 hours, and the inhibition rate was 76.27%. The growth promotion test revealed that strain FX-6 significantly promoted tomato seed germination and seedling growth. Further deeply study on growth-promoting mechanism indicated that the FX-6 produced IAA and siderophore, and had ACC deaminase activity. The trait of significant biological control activity and growth promoting effect on tomato imply that B. velezensis FX-6 has the potential to be used as a biocontrol agent for tomato gray mold management.

Screening microbial inoculants and their interventions for cross-kingdom management of wilt disease of solanaceous crops- a step toward sustainable agriculture

Microbial inoculants may be called magical bullets because they are small in size but have a huge impact on plant life and humans. The screening of these beneficial microbes will give us an evergreen technology to manage harmful diseases of cross-kingdom crops. The production of these crops is reducing as a result of multiple biotic factors and among them the bacterial wilt disease triggered by Ralstonia solanacearum is the most important in solanaceous crops. The examination of the diversity of bioinoculants has shown that more microbial species have biocontrol activity against soil-borne pathogens. Reduced crop output, lower yields, and greater cost of cultivation are among the major issues caused by diseases in agriculture around the world. It is universally true that soil-borne disease epidemics pose a greater threat to crops. These necessitate the use of eco-friendly microbial bioinoculants. This review article provides an overview of plant growth-promoting microorganisms bioinoculants, their various characteristics, biochemical and molecular screening insights, and modes of action and interaction. The discussion is concluded with a brief overview of potential future possibilities for the sustainable development of agriculture. This review will be useful for students and researchers to obtain existing knowledge of microbial inoculants, their activities, and their mechanisms, which will facilitate the development of environmentally friendly management strategies for cross-kingdom plant diseases.

Antagonistic potential of rhizobacterial isolates against fungal pathogens causing rhizome rot in turmeric

The study aims to select potent bacterial antagonists to be used as biocontrol agents against rhizome rot disease in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). A total of 48 bacterial isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere of turmeric. These isolates were screened for their in vitro antagonism against Fusarium solani FS-01 and Pythium aphanidermatum (ITCC 7908). Production of volatile organic compounds and chitinase activity were also performed. Among the tested isolates, two bacterial isolates (IJ2 and IJ10) showed the highest inhibitory activity against these fungal pathogens. GC/MS analysis of the crude extract produced by Pseudomonas sp. IJ2 and B. subtilis IJ10 was found to contain many bioactive compounds with antifungal and antimicrobial activities. The rhizome treatment with these isolates exhibited the lowest percent disease severity with high biocontrol efficacy against the tested pathogens. These isolates with promising antagonistic potential, therefore, can be used as biocontrol agents against rhizome rot in turmeric.

Bacillus aryabhattai LAD impacts rhizosphere bacterial community structure and promotes maize plant growth

BACKGROUND

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria may significantly impact the soil microbial community and the growth of plant roots and have critical roles in soil ecosystem functioning. However, the interactions between rhizobacteria and plants are extremely complicated and remain understudied.

RESULTS

In this study, a Bacillus strain was isolated from a long-term maize colonization soil and identified as Bacillus aryabhattai strain LAD. Laboratory tests showed that B. aryabhattai LAD had phosphate-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing functions that benefit plant growth. The effects of LAD cultures on the root system development of corn seedlings and the structure of rhizosphere bacterial communities were studied. The most significant stimulations of LAD culture on plant growth were observed at a cell density of 10²  CFU mL^-1 . Treatment with LAD culture in hydroponics caused an increase of 107%, 197%, and 25% in the shoot length, total root length, and main root thickness respectively. The LAD treatment also significantly affected the rhizosphere microbial abundance and community structure. The rhizobacterial abundance and species richness in the corn seedlings treated with LAD culture were significantly lower than those in the control group. However, the LAD-treated samples had higher relative abundances of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria like Bacillus and Burkholderia than the control samples did, suggesting that LAD treatment may facilitate the mutualistic relation between the rhizosphere microbiome and the plant.

CONCLUSION

These results collectively demonstrated that LAD is capable of shaping the rhizosphere microbial community structure and functions as a plant growth-promoting agent, which makes it a strong candidate for application as bio-fertilizer in agricultural systems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Plant Growth Promotion and Heat Stress Amelioration in Arabidopsis Inoculated with Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN Rhizobacteria Quantified with the GrowScreen-Agar II Phenotyping Platform

High temperatures inhibit plant growth. A proposed strategy for improving plant productivity under elevated temperatures is the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). While the effects of PGPR on plant shoots have been extensively explored, roots-particularly their spatial and temporal dynamics-have been hard to study, due to their below-ground nature. Here, we characterized the time- and tissue-specific morphological changes in bacterized plants using a novel non-invasive high-resolution plant phenotyping and imaging platform-GrowScreen-Agar II. The platform uses custom-made agar plates, which allow air exchange to occur with the agar medium and enable the shoot to grow outside the compartment. The platform provides light protection to the roots, the exposure of it to the shoots, and the non-invasive phenotyping of both organs. Arabidopsis thaliana, co-cultivated with Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN at elevated and ambient temperatures, showed increased lengths, growth rates, and numbers of roots. However, the magnitude and direction of the growth promotion varied depending on root type, timing, and temperature. The root length and distribution per depth and according to time was also influenced by bacterization and the temperature. The shoot biomass increased at the later stages under ambient temperature in the bacterized plants. The study offers insights into the timing of the tissue-specific, PsJN-induced morphological changes and should facilitate future molecular and biochemical studies on plant-microbe-environment interactions.

Effect of Plant Preservative MixtureTM on Endophytic Bacteria Eradication from In Vitro-Grown Apple Shoots

Endophytic contaminants are a common problem for the in vitro propagation of woody plants and have significant economic repercussions for the conservation of plant genetic resources and commercial micropropagation. In this study, first, the microbial contamination that appeared around the base of in vitro-grown apple shoots was identified as Bacillus megaterium. Then, plant preservative mixture (PPM^TM) was used as a bactericidal agent in plant tissue culture. Its efficacy for eradicating endophytic B. megaterium in in vitro cultures of apple was tested. In vitro-contaminated shoots were grown in tissue culture medium supplemented with 0.2% v/v PPM^TM for 12 weeks and then transferred to medium without any PPM^TM and cultured for 24 weeks. This study showed that PPM^TM is an effective agent for controlling the growth of B. megaterium. Our results highlight the species-specific response of apple shoots to PPM^TM. PPM^TM was effective in controlling endogenous microbial contaminations from apple varieties 'Golden Delicious', 'Landsberger Renette', 'Suislepper', and 'Aport krovavo-krasnyi'; meanwhile, in 'KG 7' and 'Gold Rush', all the plants grown in the absence of PPM^TM were still bacterially contaminated, even though they were pre-treated for 12 weeks in PPM^TM-supplemented medium. These results therefore suggest the essentiality of further testing of extended incubation of PPM^TM in these cultivars that had outbreaks of bacterial contamination.

Synthetic microbial consortia derived from rhizosphere soil protect wheat against a soilborne fungal pathogen

Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) could potentially enhance some functions of the plant microbiome and emerge as a promising inoculant for improving crop performance. Here, we characterized a collection of bacteria, previously isolated from the wheat rhizosphere, for their antifungal activity against soilborne fungal pathogens. Ten SynComs with different compositions from 14 bacterial strains were created. Seven SynComs protected wheat from Rhizoctonia solani AG8 infection, although SynComs were not more effective than single strains in reducing wheat root rot disease. Further, the mechanisms of interaction of the tested bacteria with each other and plants were explored. We found that nine bacteria and nine SynComs impacted the root growth of Arabidopsis. Nine bacteria and four SynComs significantly inhibited the growth of AG8 by producing volatiles. The cell-free supernatants from six bacteria inhibited the growth of AG8. Together, this study provided the potential for improving crop resilience by creating SynComs.

Paenibacillus polymyxa, a Jack of all trades

The bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa is found naturally in diverse niches. Microbiome analyses have revealed enrichment in the genus Paenibacillus in soils under different adverse conditions, which is often accompanied by improved growth conditions for residing plants. Furthermore, Paenibacillus is a member of the core microbiome of several agriculturally important crops, making its close association with plants an interesting research topic. This review covers the versatile interaction possibilities of P. polymyxa with plants and its applicability in industry and agriculture. Thanks to its array of produced compounds and traits, P. polymyxa is likely an efficient plant growth-promoting bacterium, with the potential of biofertilization, biocontrol and protection against abiotic stresses. By contrast, cases of phytotoxicity of P. polymyxa have been described as well, in which growth conditions seem to play a key role. Because of its adjustable character, we propose this bacterial species as an outstanding model for future studies on host-microbe communications and on the manner how the environment can influence these interactions.

Bacillus licheniformis strain POT1 mediated polyphenol biosynthetic pathways genes activation and systemic resistance in potato plants against Alfalfa mosaic virus

Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is a worldwide distributed virus that has a very wide host range and causes significant crop losses of many economically important crops, including potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). In this study, the antiviral activity of Bacillus licheniformis strain POT1 against AMV on potato plants was evaluated. The dual foliar application of culture filtrate (CF), 24 h before and after AMV-inoculation, was the most effective treatment that showed 86.79% reduction of the viral accumulation level and improvement of different growth parameters. Moreover, HPLC analysis showed that a 20 polyphenolic compound was accumulated with a total amount of 7,218.86 and 1606.49 mg/kg in POT1-treated and non-treated plants, respectively. Additionally, the transcriptional analysis of thirteen genes controlling the phenylpropanoid, chlorogenic acid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways revealed that most of the studied genes were induced after POT1 treatments. The stronger expression level of F3H, the key enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis in plants, (588.133-fold) and AN2, anthocyanin 2 transcription factor, (97.005-fold) suggested that the accumulation flavonoid, especially anthocyanin, might play significant roles in plant defense against viral infection. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione is the major compound in CF ethyl acetate extract, that is suggesting it acts as elicitor molecules for induction of systemic acquired resistance in potato plants. To our knowledge, this is the first study of biological control of AMV mediated by PGPR in potato plants.

Screening for Candidate Genes Associated with Biocontrol Mechanisms of Bacillus pumilus DX01 Using Tn5 Transposon Mutagenesis and a 2-DE-Based Comparative Proteomic Analysis

A total of 1467 mutants of the biocontrol bacterium Bacillus pumilus DX01 were obtained by Tn5 insertional mutagenesis and subjected to the determination of antagonistic capabilities. Compared with the wild-type strain DX01, the mutant M25 was identified to have the most significant reduction in antagonistic capability against the phytopathogen Bipolaris maydis and extracellular proteinase activity. The integration site of the exogenous T-DNA in the genome of mutant M25 was revealed in the coding region of malony CoA-ACP transacylase (MCAT) gene (mcat), which belongs to a polyketide synthase (PKS) gene cluster, DX01pks of B. pumilus DX01. Furthermore, the whole DX01pks gene cluster was cloned using Illumina Solexa sequencing technology, and it has a modular framework different from the other two gene clusters involved in polyketide synthesis in B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 (pks1) and B. subtilis 168 (pksX). Finally, in order to gain more insights into the molecular mechanisms of biocontrol of B. pumilus DX01, the changes in the relative level of expression of total proteins between the original strain DX01 and the mutant M25 were detected by 2-DE-based proteomic analysis. A total of twenty differentially expressed proteins were identified upon the mcat gene transposition mutagenesis. Of these proteins, seven proteins were up-regulated in expression level and the other proteins were down-regulated. Taken together, the results in this study showed that Tn5 transposon mutagenesis of B. pumilus DX01 can lead to a significant change of antiphytopathogen ability, and the DX01pks gene cluster possibly play a potential role in the biocontrol processes of this bacterium.

Bacillus velezensis 83 a bacterial strain from mango phyllosphere, useful for biological control and plant growth promotion

Bacillus velezensis 83 was isolated from mango tree phyllosphere of orchards located in El Rosario, Sinaloa, México. The assessment of this strain as BCA (biological control agent), as well as PGPB (plant growth-promoting bacteria), were demonstrated through in vivo and in vitro assays. In vivo assays showed that B. velezensis 83 was able to control anthracnose (Kent mangoes) as efficiently as chemical treatment with Captan 50 PH™ or Cupravit hidro™. The inoculation of B. velezensis 83 to the roots of maize seedlings yielded an increase of 12% in height and 45% of root biomass, as compared with uninoculated seedlings. In vitro co-culture assays showed that B. velezensis 83 promoted Arabidopsis thaliana growth (root and shoot biomass) while, under the same experimental conditions, B. velezensis FZB42 (reference strain) had a suppressive effect on plant growth. In order to characterize the isolated strain, the complete genome sequence of B. velezensis 83 is reported. Its circular genome consists of 3,997,902 bp coding to 3949 predicted genes. The assembly and annotation of this genome revealed gene clusters related with plant-bacteria interaction and sporulation, as well as ten secondary metabolites biosynthetic gene clusters implicated in the biological control of phytopathogens. Despite the high genomic identity (> 98%) between B. velezensis 83 and B. velezensis FZB42, they are phenotypically different. Indeed, in vitro production of compounds such as surfactin and bacillomycin D (biocontrol activity) and γ-PGA (biofilm component) is significantly different between both strains.

Identification of Pseudomonas Spp. That Increase Ornamental Crop Quality During Abiotic Stress

The sustainability of ornamental crop production is of increasing concern to both producers and consumers. As resources become more limited, it is important for greenhouse growers to reduce production inputs such as water and chemical fertilizers, without sacrificing crop quality. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can stimulate plant growth under resource-limiting conditions by enhancing tolerance to abiotic stress and increasing nutrient availability, uptake, and assimilation. PGPR are beneficial bacteria that colonize the rhizosphere, the narrow zone of soil in the vicinity of the roots that is influenced by root exudates. In this study, in vitro experiments were utilized to screen a collection of 44 Pseudomonas strains for their ability to withstand osmotic stress. A high-throughput greenhouse experiment was then utilized to evaluate selected strains for their ability to stimulate plant growth under resource-limiting conditions when applied to ornamental crop production systems. The development of a high-throughput greenhouse trial identified two pseudomonads, P. poae 29G9 and P. fluorescens 90F12-2, that increased petunia flower number and plant biomass under drought and low-nutrient conditions. These two strains were validated in a production-scale experiment to evaluate the effects on growth promotion of three economically important crops: Petunia × hybrida, Impatiens walleriana, and Viola × wittrockiana. Plants treated with the two bacteria strains had greater shoot biomass than untreated control plants when grown under low-nutrient conditions and after recovery from drought stress. Bacteria treatment resulted in increased flower numbers in drought-stressed P. hybrida and I. walleriana. In addition, bacteria-treated plants grown under low-nutrient conditions had higher leaf nutrient content compared to the untreated plants. Collectively, these results show that the combination of in vitro and greenhouse experiments can efficiently identify beneficial Pseudomonas strains that increase the quality of ornamental crops grown under resource-limiting conditions.

Study on the efficiency of phytoremediation of soils heavily polluted with PAHs in petroleum-contaminated sites by microorganism

The effects of Fire Phoenix (a mixture of Festuca L.) and Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench) on the remediation of two different high concentrations of PAH-contaminated soils were studied under the effect of strain N12 (Mycobacterium sp.), and the changes in rhizosphere enzymatic activity were preliminarily studied. The results of three culture stages (60 d, 120 d, and 150 d) showed that N12 has a promotional effect on the biomass of Fire Phoenix and E. purpurea, and the effect of N12 on the biomass of Fire Phoenix is better. Under the strengthening of N12, the maximum removal rates of Fire Phoenix reached 86.77% and 67.82% at two high PAH concentrations (A and B, respectively). The activity of dehydrogenase (DHO) is positively correlated with the degradation rate of PAHs at the A concentration (P < 0.05). The activity of DHO in soil will continue to increase at a higher level of the B concentration, but the positive correlation between the activity of DHO and the degradation rate of PAH is weakened. In the rhizosphere soil of the two plants, the change in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity with time has a significant negative correlation with the degradation rate of PAHs (P < 0.05). The experiment proved that Fire Phoenix is more suitable for the remediation of heavy PAH-contaminated soil under the condition of microorganism-strengthening, and it can achieve a better degradation effect when the concentrations of PAHs are < 150 mg·kg^-1. Results provide a further scientific basis for the remediation of contaminated sites.

Chronicle of a Soil Bacterium: Paenibacillus polymyxa E681 as a Tiny Guardian of Plant and Human Health

The Gram-positive rhizosphere bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa promotes plant growth and produces various antibiotics. Herein, we review research on this species over the past two and a half decades, and focus on the mechanisms of P. polymyxa strain E681, isolated from barley roots in the South Korea in 1995. Strain E681 has outstanding growth-promoting effects on barley, cucumber, pepper, sesame, and Arabidopsis thaliana and produces antimicrobial compounds that protect plants against pathogenic fungi, oomycetes, and bacteria. Induced systemic resistance elicited by treating seeds or roots with strain E681 is a possible mechanism for protecting systemic plant tissues from biotic and other environmental stresses. Genome sequencing has broadened our horizons for antibiotic development and other industrial applications beyond agricultural use. At least six gene clusters for the biosynthesis of antibiotics have been discovered, including polymyxin (pmx), which was recently re-instated as an antibiotic of last resort against Gram-negative drug-resistant bacteria. Three groups of antibiotic synthetases include the gene clusters that encode one for the non-ribosomal peptide polymyxin, fusaricidin, and tridecaptin, another for the lantibiotic paenilan, and the third for a polyketide. We successfully introduced the pmx gene cluster into the surrogate host Bacillus subtilis and created polymyxin derivatives by domain swapping. Furthermore, various E681 derivatives, including a high fusaricidin producer and strains lacking multi-antibiotics production, have been constructed by random mutagenesis and genome engineering. Thus, E681 is an important bacterium that contributes to both plant and human health.

Molecular Insights into the Involvement of a Never Ripe Receptor in the Interaction Between Two Beneficial Soil Bacteria and Tomato Plants Under Well-Watered and Drought Conditions

Management of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can be implemented to deal with sustainable intensification of agriculture. Ethylene is an essential component for plant growth and development and in response to drought. However, little is known about the effects of bacterial inoculation on ethylene transduction pathway. Thus, the present study sought to establish whether ethylene perception is critical for growth induction by two different PGPB strains under drought conditions and the analysis of bacterial effects on ethylene production and gene expression in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The ethylene-insensitive never ripe (nr) and its isogenic wild-type (wt) cv. Pearson line were inoculated with either Bacillus megaterium or Enterobacter sp. strain C7 and grown until the attainment of maturity under both well-watered and drought conditions. Ethylene perception is crucial for B. megaterium. However, it is not of prime importance for Enterobacter sp. strain C7 PGPB activity under drought conditions. Both PGPB decreased the expression of ethylene-related genes in wt plants, resulting in stress alleviation, while only B. megaterium induced their expression in nr plants. Furthermore, PGPB inoculation affected transcriptomic profile dependency on strain, genotype, and drought. Ethylene sensitivity determines plant interaction with PGPB strains. Enterobacter sp. strain C7 could modulate amino-acid metabolism, while nr mutation causes a partially functional interaction with B. megaterium, resulting in higher oxidative stress and loss of PGPB activity.

Plant growth promoting bacteria as an alternative strategy for salt tolerance in plants: A review

Approximately 5.2 billion hectare agriculture land are affected by erosion, salinity and soil degradation. Salinity stress has significantly affecting the fertile lands, and therefore possesses a huge impact on the agriculture and economy of a country. Salt stress has severe effects on the growth and development of plants as well as reducing its yield. Plants are inherently equipped with stress tolerance ability to responds the specific type of stress. Plants retained specific mechanisms for salt stress mitigation, such as hormonal stimulation, ion exchange, antioxidant enzymes and activation of signaling cascades on their metabolic and genetic frontiers that sooth the stressed condition. Additional to the plant inherent mechanisms, certain plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) also have specialized mechanism that play key role for salt stress tolerance and plant growth promotion. These bacteria triggers plants to produce different plant growth hormones like auxin, cytokinine and gibberellin as well as volatile organic compounds. These bacteria also produces growth regulators like siderophore, which fix nitrogen, solubilize organic and inorganic phosphate. Considering the importance of PGPB in compensation of salt tolerance in plants, the present study has reviewed the different aspect and mechanism of bacteria that play key role in promoting plants growth and yield. It can be concluded that PGPB can be used as a cost effective and economical tool for salinity tolerance and growth promotion in plants.

The effect of isabelin, a sesquiterpene lactone from Ambrosia artemisiifolia on soil microorganisms and human pathogens

Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (common ragweed) is an invasive weed, which is well known for the strong allergenic effect of its pollen as well as for its invasiveness and impact in crop fields (e.g. causing yield losses). This species produces a broad range of sesquiterpenoids. In recent years, new bioactive molecules have been discovered in this plant, e.g. isabelin, a sesquiterpene dilactone. The bioactivity of isabelin has been already demonstrated on allergy-related receptors and its inhibitory effect on seeds of various plant species. Isabelin was tested for potential antimicrobial effects by using a selection of soil-borne bacteria and fungi and three human pathogens as model organisms. For the majority of microorganisms tested, no antimicrobial activity of isabelin was observed. However, isabelin revealed strong antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive soil bacterium Paenibacillus sp. and against the Gram-positive, multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The observed inhibitory activity of isabelin can enlighten the importance to study similar compounds for their effect on human pathogens and on soil and rhizosphere microorganisms.

Volatiles produced by Bacillus mojavensis RRC101 act as plant growth modulators and are strongly culture-dependent

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria have recently been investigated due to their role in plant growth promotion and defense. Whereas some bacterial VOCs like 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (acetoin) and 2,3-butanediol produced by strains of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens promote plant growth, others like hydrogen cyanide and 3-phenylpropionic acid are phytotoxic, inhibiting plant growth. Bacillus mojavensis, a close relative of B. subtilis, is an endophytic bacterium of maize that has been shown to have antagonistic activity against the mycotoxigenic phytopathogen Fusarium verticillioides and growth promotion activity on maize seedlings. To investigate the growth promotion activity of B. mojavensis, Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings were grown on 1/2x Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium in divided Petri dishes while bacteria were grown either on 1/2x MS or nutrient agar (NA) medium, so that only microbial volatiles reached the seedlings. Significant plant growth promotion in Arabidopsis seedlings was observed when 1/2x MS medium was used for bacterial growth. In contrast, phytotoxicity was observed with bacterial growth on NA medium. These results indicate that VOCs produced by B. mojavensis may act as plant growth modulators rather than just promoters. Using Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) coupled with GC-MS, the plant growth promoting compounds acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were both identified as being produced by B. mojavensis on growth promoting 1/2x MS medium. In contrast, while no phytotoxic VOC was conclusively identified from B. mojavensis on NA medium, detection of relatively high levels of acetone/2-propanone indicates its possible contribution to Arabidopsis phytotoxicity.

Proteomic analysis reveals that tomato interaction with plant growth promoting bacteria is highly determined by ethylene perception

Feeding an increasing global population as well as reducing environmental impact of crops is the challenge for the sustainable intensification of agriculture. Plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) management could represent a suitable method but elucidation of their action mechanisms is essential for a proper and effective utilization. Furthermore, ethylene is involved in growth and response to environmental stimuli but little is known about the implication of ethylene perception in PGPB activity. The ethylene-insensitive tomato never ripe and its isogenic wild-type cv. Pearson lines inoculated with Bacillus megaterium or Enterobacter sp. C7 strains were grown until mature stage to analyze growth promotion, and bacterial inoculation effects on root proteomic profiles. Enterobacter C7 promoted growth in both plant genotypes, meanwhile Bacillus megaterium PGPB activity was only noticed in wt plants. Moreover, PGPB inoculation affected proteomic profile in a strain- and genotype-dependent manner modifying levels of stress-related and interaction proteins, and showing bacterial inoculation effects on antioxidant content and phosphorus acquisition capacity. Ethylene perception is essential for properly recognition of Bacillus megaterium and growth promotion mediated in part by increased levels of reduced glutathione. In contrast, Enterobacter C7 inoculation improves phosphorus nutrition keeping plants on growth independently of ethylene sensitivity.

Biological and chemical strategies for exploring inter- and intra-kingdom communication mediated via bacterial volatile signals

Airborne chemical signals emitted by bacteria influence the behavior of other bacteria and plants. We present an overview of in vitro methods for evaluating bacterial and plant responses to bacterial volatile compounds (BVCs). Three types of equipment have been used to physically separate the bacterial test strains from either other bacterial strains or plants (in our laboratory we use either Arabidopsis or tobacco plant seedlings): a Petri dish containing two compartments (BI Petri dish); two Petri dishes connected with tubing; and a microtiter-based assay. The optimized procedure for the BI Petri dish system is described in this protocol and can be widely used for elucidation of potential function in interactions between diverse microbes and those plant and chemical volatiles emitted by bacteria that are most likely to mediate bacterial or plant responses to BVCs. We also describe a procedure for metabolome-based BVC profiling via dynamic (i.e., continuous airflow) or static headspace sampling using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Using both these procedures, bacteria-bacteria communications and bacteria-plant interactions mediated by BVCs can be rapidly investigated (within 1-4 weeks).

Exploring bacterial interspecific interactions for discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds

Recent studies indicated that the production of secondary metabolites by soil bacteria can be triggered by interspecific interactions. However, little is known to date about interspecific interactions between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we aimed to understand how the interspecific interaction between the Gram-positive Paenibacillus sp. AD87 and the Gram-negative Burkholderia sp. AD24 affects the fitness, gene expression and the production of soluble and volatile secondary metabolites of both bacteria. To obtain better insight into this interaction, transcriptome and metabolome analyses were performed. Our results revealed that the interaction between the two bacteria affected their fitness, gene expression and the production of secondary metabolites. During interaction, the growth of Paenibacillus was not affected, whereas the growth of Burkholderia was inhibited at 48 and 72 h. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the interaction between Burkholderia and Paenibacillus caused significant transcriptional changes in both bacteria as compared to the monocultures. The metabolomic analysis revealed that the interaction increased the production of specific volatile and soluble antimicrobial compounds such as 2,5-bis(1-methylethyl)-pyrazine and an unknown Pederin-like compound. The pyrazine volatile compound produced by Paenibacillus was subjected to bioassays and showed strong inhibitory activity against Burkholderia and a range of plant and human pathogens. Moreover, strong additive antimicrobial effects were observed when soluble extracts from the interacting bacteria were combined with the pure 2,5-bis(1-methylethyl)-pyrazine. The results obtained in this study highlight the importance to explore bacterial interspecific interactions to discover novel secondary metabolites and to perform simultaneously metabolomics of both, soluble and volatile compounds.

Tomato ethylene sensitivity determines interaction with plant growth-promoting bacteria

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are soil micro-organisms able to interact with plants and stimulate their growth, positively affecting plant physiology and development. Although ethylene plays a key role in plant growth, little is known about the involvement of ethylene sensitivity in bacterial inoculation effects on plant physiology. Thus, the present study was pursued to establish whether ethylene perception is critical for plant-bacteria interaction and growth induction by two different PGPB strains, and to assess the physiological effects of these strains in juvenile and mature tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) plants.

METHODS

An experiment was performed with the ethylene-insensitive tomato never ripe and its isogenic wild-type line in which these two strains were inoculated with either Bacillus megaterium or Enterobacter sp. C7. Plants were grown until juvenile and mature stages, when biomass, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis as well as nutritional, hormonal and metabolic statuses were analysed.

KEY RESULTS

Bacillus megaterium promoted growth only in mature wild type plants. However, Enterobacter C7 PGPB activity affected both wild-type and never ripe plants. Furthermore, PGPB inoculation affected physiological parameters and root metabolite levels in juvenile plants; meanwhile plant nutrition was highly dependent on ethylene sensitivity and was altered at the mature stage. Bacillus megaterium inoculation improved carbon assimilation in wild-type plants. However, insensitivity to ethylene compromised B. megaterium PGPB activity, affecting photosynthetic efficiency, plant nutrition and the root sugar content. Nevertheless, Enterobacter C7 inoculation modified the root amino acid content in addition to stomatal conductance and plant nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

Insensitivity to ethylene severely impaired B. megaterium interaction with tomato plants, resulting in physiological modifications and loss of PGPB activity. In contrast, Enterobacter C7 inoculation stimulated growth independently of ethylene perception and improved nitrogen assimilation in ethylene-insensitive plants. Thus, ethylene sensitivity is a determinant for B. megaterium , but is not involved in Enterobacter C7 PGPB activity.

Characterization of biocontrol bacterial strains isolated from a suppressiveness-induced soil after amendment with composted almond shells

The improvement in soil quality of avocado crops through organic amendments with composted almond shells has a positive effect on crop yield and plant health, and enhances soil suppressiveness against the phytopathogenic fungus Rosellinia necatrix. In previous studies, induced soil suppressiveness against this pathogen was related to stimulation of Gammaproteobacteria, especially some members of Pseudomonas spp. with biocontrol-related activities. In this work, we isolated bacteria from this suppressiveness-induced amended soil using a selective medium for Pseudomonas-like microorganisms. We characterized the obtained bacterial collection to aid in identification, including metabolic profiles, antagonistic responses, hybridization to biosynthetic genes of antifungal compounds, production of lytic exoenzymatic activities and plant growth-promotion-related traits, and sequenced and compared amplified 16S rDNA genes from representative bacteria. The final selection of representative strains mainly belonged to the genus Pseudomonas, but also included the genera Serratia and Stenotrophomonas. Their biocontrol-related activities were assayed using the experimental avocado model, and results showed that all selected strains protected the avocado roots against R. necatrix. This work confirmed the biocontrol activity of these Gammaproteobacteria-related members against R. necatrix following specific stimulation in a suppressiveness-induced soil after a composted almond shell application.

Arabidopsis thaliana root colonization by the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia is modulated by jasmonate signaling and leads to accelerated flowering and improved yield

Pochonia chlamydosporia has been intensively studied in nematode control of different crops. We have investigated the interaction between P. chlamydosporia and the model system Arabidopsis thaliana under laboratory conditions in the absence of nematodes. This study demonstrates that P. chlamydosporia colonizes A. thaliana. Root colonization monitored with green fluorescent protein-tagged P. chlamydosporia and quantitative PCR (qPCR) quantitation methods revealed root cell invasion. Fungal inoculation reduced flowering time and stimulated plant growth, as determined by total FW increase, faster development of inflorescences and siliques, and a higher yield in terms of seed production per plant. Precocious flowering was associated with significant expression changes in key flowering-time genes. In addition, we also provided molecular and genetic evidence that point towards jasmonate signaling as an important factor to modulate progression of plant colonization by the fungus. Our results indicate that P. chlamydosporia provides benefits to the plant in addition to its nematophagous activity. This report highlights the potential of P. chlamydosporia to improve yield in economically important crops.

Ecologically Different Fungi Affect Arabidopsis Development: Contribution of Soluble and Volatile Compounds

Plant growth and development can be influenced by mutualistic and non-mutualistic microorganisms. We investigated the ability of the ericoid endomycorrhizal fungus Oidiodendron maius to influence growth and development of the non-host plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Different experimental setups (non-compartmented and compartmented co-culture plates) were used to investigate the influence of both soluble and volatile fungal molecules on the plant phenotype. O. maius promoted growth of A. thaliana in all experimental setups. In addition, a peculiar clumped root phenotype, characterized by shortening of the primary root and by an increase of lateral root length and number, was observed in A. thaliana only in the non-compartmented plates, suggesting that soluble diffusible molecules are responsible for this root morphology. Fungal auxin does not seem to be involved in plant growth promotion and in the clumped root phenotype because co-cultivation with O. maius did not change auxin accumulation in plant tissues, as assessed in plants carrying the DR5::GUS reporter construct. In addition, no correlation between the amount of fungal auxin produced and the plant root phenotype was observed in an O. maius mutant unable to induce the clumped root phenotype in A. thaliana. Addition of active charcoal, a VOC absorbant, in the compartmented plates did not modify plant growth promotion, suggesting that VOCs are not involved in this phenomenon. The low VOCs emission measured for O. maius further corroborated this hypothesis. By contrast, the addition of CO2 traps in the compartmented plates drastically reduced plant growth, suggesting involvement of fungal CO2 in plant growth promotion. Other mycorrhizal fungi, as well as a saprotrophic and a pathogenic fungus, were also tested with the same experimental setups. In the non-compartmented plates, most fungi promoted A. thaliana growth and some could induce the clumped root phenotype. In the compartmented plate experiments, a general induction of plant growth was observed for most other fungi, especially those producing higher biomass, further strengthening the role of a nonspecific mechanism, such as CO2 emission.

Impact of a Bacterial Volatile 2,3-Butanediol on Bacillus subtilis Rhizosphere Robustness

Volatile compounds, such as short chain alcohols, acetoin, and 2,3-butanediol, produced by certain strains of root-associated bacteria (rhizobacteria) elicit induced systemic resistance in plants. The effects of bacterial volatile compounds (BVCs) on plant and fungal growth have been extensively studied; however, the impact of bacterial BVCs on bacterial growth remains poorly understood. In this study the effects of a well-characterized bacterial volatile, 2,3-butanediol, produced by the rhizobacterium Bacillus subtilis, were examined in the rhizosphere. The nature of 2,3-butanediol on bacterial cells was assessed, and the effect of the molecule on root colonization was also determined. Pepper roots were inoculated with three B. subtilis strains: the wild type, a 2,3-butanediol overexpressor, and a 2,3-butanediol null mutant. The B. subtilis null strain was the first to be eliminated in the rhizosphere, followed by the wild-type strain. The overexpressor mutant was maintained at roots for the duration of the experiment. Rhizosphere colonization by a saprophytic fungus declined from 14 days post-inoculation in roots treated with the B. subtilis overexpressor strain. Next, exudates from roots exposed to 2,3-butanediol were assessed for their impact on fungal and bacterial growth in vitro. Exudates from plant roots pre-treated with the 2,3-butanediol overexpressor were used to challenge various microorganisms. Growth was inhibited in a saprophytic fungus (Trichoderma sp.), the 2,3-butanediol null B. subtilis strain, and a soil-borne pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum. Direct application of 2,3-butanediol to pepper roots, followed by exposure to R. solanacearum, induced expression of Pathogenesis-Related (PR) genes such as CaPR2, CaSAR8.2, and CaPAL. These results indicate that 2,3-butanediol triggers the secretion of root exudates that modulate soil fungi and rhizosphere bacteria. These data broaden our knowledge regarding bacterial volatiles in the rhizosphere and their roles in bacterial fitness and as important inducers of plant defenses.

Augmenting Sulfur Metabolism and Herbivore Defense in Arabidopsis by Bacterial Volatile Signaling

Sulfur is an element necessary for the life cycle of higher plants. Its assimilation and reduction into essential biomolecules are pivotal factors determining a plant's growth and vigor as well as resistance to environmental stress. While certain soil microbes can enhance ion solubility via chelating agents or oxidation, microbial regulation of plant-sulfur assimilation has not been reported. With an increasing understanding that soil microbes can activate growth and stress tolerance in plants via chemical signaling, the question arises as to whether such beneficial bacteria also regulate sulfur assimilation. Here we report a previously unidentified mechanism by which the growth-promoting rhizobacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (GB03) transcriptionally activates genes responsible for sulfur assimilation, increasing sulfur uptake and accumulation in Arabidopsis. Transcripts encoding for sulfur-rich aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates are also GB03 induced. As a result, GB03-exposed plants with elevated glucosinolates exhibit greater protection against the generalist herbivore, Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm, BAW). In contrast, a previously characterized glucosinolate mutant compromised in the production of both aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates is also compromised in terms of GB03-induced protection against insect herbivory. As with in vitro studies, soil-grown plants show enhanced glucosinolate accumulation and protection against BAW feeding with GB03 exposure. These results demonstrate the potential of microbes to enhance plant sulfur assimilation and emphasize the sophisticated integration of microbial signaling in plant defense.

Sweet scents from good bacteria: Case studies on bacterial volatile compounds for plant growth and immunity

Beneficial bacteria produce diverse chemical compounds that affect the behavior of other organisms including plants. Bacterial volatile compounds (BVCs) contribute to triggering plant immunity and promoting plant growth. Previous studies investigated changes in plant physiology caused by in vitro application of the identified volatile compounds or the BVC-emitting bacteria. This review collates new information on BVC-mediated plant-bacteria airborne interactions, addresses unresolved questions about the biological relevance of BVCs, and summarizes data on recently identified BVCs that improve plant growth or protection. Recent explorations of bacterial metabolic engineering to alter BVC production using heterologous or endogenous genes are introduced. Molecular genetic approaches can expand the BVC repertoire of beneficial bacteria to target additional beneficial effects, or simply boost the production level of naturally occurring BVCs. The effects of direct BVC application in soil are reviewed and evaluated for potential large-scale field and agricultural applications. Our review of recent BVC data indicates that BVCs have great potential to serve as effective biostimulants and bioprotectants even under open-field conditions.

Beneficial Microbes Affect Endogenous Mechanisms Controlling Root Development

Plants have incredible developmental plasticity, enabling them to respond to a wide range of environmental conditions. Among these conditions is the presence of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the soil. Recent studies show that PGPR affect Arabidopsis thaliana root growth and development by modulating cell division and differentiation in the primary root and influencing lateral root development. These effects lead to dramatic changes in root system architecture that significantly impact aboveground plant growth. Thus, PGPR may promote shoot growth via their effect on root developmental programs. This review focuses on contextualizing root developmental changes elicited by PGPR in light of our understanding of plant-microbe interactions and root developmental biology.

Diversity of culturable bacterial endophytes of saffron in Kashmir, India

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a medicinally important plant. The Kashmir valley (J&K, India) emblematizes one of the major and quality saffron producing areas in the world. Nonetheless, the area has been experiencing a declining trend in the production of saffron during the last decade. Poor disease management is one of the major reasons for declining saffron production in the area. Endophytes are known to offer control against many diseases of host plant. During the present study, culturable bacterial endophytes were isolated from saffron plant, identified and assessed for plant growth promoting activities. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis grouped the fifty-four bacterial isolates into eleven different taxa, viz. Bacillus licheniformis, B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. humi, B. pumilus, Paenibacillus elgii, B. safensis, Brevibacillus sp., Pseudomonas putida, Staphylococcus hominis and Enterobacter cloacae. The results were also supported with the identification based on BIOLOG system. B. licheniformis was the dominant endophyte in both leaves and corms of saffron. 81 % isolates showed lipase activity, 57 % cellulase, 48 % protease, 38 % amylase, 33 % chitinase and 29 % showed pectinase activity. 24 % of the isolates were phosphate solublizers, 86 % showed siderophore production and 80 % phytohormone production potential. The present repository of well characterized bacterial endophytes of saffron, have plant growth promoting potential which can be explored further for their respective roles in the biology of the saffron plant.

The Hidden World within Plants: Ecological and Evolutionary Considerations for Defining Functioning of Microbial Endophytes

All plants are inhabited internally by diverse microbial communities comprising bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and protistic taxa. These microorganisms showing endophytic lifestyles play crucial roles in plant development, growth, fitness, and diversification. The increasing awareness of and information on endophytes provide insight into the complexity of the plant microbiome. The nature of plant-endophyte interactions ranges from mutualism to pathogenicity. This depends on a set of abiotic and biotic factors, including the genotypes of plants and microbes, environmental conditions, and the dynamic network of interactions within the plant biome. In this review, we address the concept of endophytism, considering the latest insights into evolution, plant ecosystem functioning, and multipartite interactions.

Influence of rhizobacterial volatiles on the root system architecture and the production and allocation of biomass in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P. Beauv

BACKGROUND

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria are increasingly being seen as a way of complementing conventional inputs in agricultural systems. The effects on their host plants are diverse and include volatile-mediated growth enhancement. This study sought to assess the effects of bacterial volatiles on the biomass production and root system architecture of the model grass Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv.

RESULTS

An in vitro experiment allowing plant-bacteria interaction throughout the gaseous phase without any physical contact was used to screen 19 bacterial strains for their growth-promotion ability over a 10-day co-cultivation period. Five groups of bacteria were defined and characterised based on their combined influence on biomass production and root system architecture. The observed effects ranged from unchanged to greatly increased biomass production coupled with increased root length and branching. Primary root length was increased only by the volatile compounds emitted by Enterobacter cloacae JM22 and Bacillus pumilus T4. Overall, the most significant results were obtained with Bacillus subtilis GB03, which induced an 81 % increase in total biomass, as well as enhancing total root length, total secondary root length and total adventitious root length by 88.5, 201.5 and 474.5 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first report on bacterial volatile-mediated growth promotion of a grass plant. Contrasting modulations of biomass production coupled with changes in root system architecture were observed. Most of the strains that increased total plant biomass also modulated adventitious root growth. Under our screening conditions, total biomass production was strongly correlated with the length and branching of the root system components, except for primary root length. An analysis of the emission kinetics of the bacterial volatile compounds is being undertaken and should lead to the identification of the compounds responsible for the observed growth-promotion effects. Within the context of the inherent characteristics of our in vitro system, this paper identifies the next critical experimental steps and discusses them from both a fundamental and an applied perspective.

Endophytic microbes Bacillus sp. LZR216-regulated root development is dependent on polar auxin transport in Arabidopsis seedlings

Endophytic microbes Bacillus sp. LZR216 isolated from Arabidopsis root promoted Arabidopsis seedlings growth. It may be achieved by promoting the lateral root growth and inhibiting the primary root elongation. Plant roots are colonized by an immense number of microbes, including epiphytic and endophytic microbes. It was found that they have the ability to promote plant growth and protect roots from biotic and abiotic stresses. But little is known about the mechanism of the endophytic microbes-regulated root development. We isolated and identified a Bacillus sp., named as LZR216, of endophytic bacteria from Arabidopsis root. By employing a sterile experimental system, we found that LZR216 promoted the Arabidopsis seedlings growth, which may be achieved by promoting the lateral root growth and inhibiting the primary root elongation. By testing the cell type-specific developmental markers, we demonstrated that Bacillus sp. LZR216 increases the DR5::GUS and DR5::GFP expression but decreases the CYCB1;1::GUS expression in Arabidopsis root tips. Further studies indicated that LZR216 is able to inhibit the meristematic length and decrease the cell division capability but has little effect on the quiescent center function of the root meristem. Subsequently, it was also shown that LZR216 has no significant effects on the primary root length of the pin2 and aux1-7 mutants. Furthermore, LZR216 down-regulates the levels of PIN1-GFP, PIN2-GFP, PIN3-GFP, and AUX1-YFP. In addition, the wild-type Arabidopsis seedlings in the present of 1 or 5 µM NPA (an auxin transport inhibitor) were insensitive to LZR216-inhibited primary root elongation. Collectively, LZR216 regulates the development of root system architecture depending on polar auxin transport. This study shows a new insight on the ability of beneficial endophytic bacteria in regulating postembryonic root development.

Identification of mVOCs from Andean rhizobacteria and field evaluation of bacterial and mycorrhizal inoculants on growth of potato in its center of origin

Food security (a pressing issue for all nations) faces a threat due to population growth, land availability for growing crops, a changing climate (leading to increases in both abiotic and biotic stresses), heightened consumer awareness of the risks related to the use of agrichemicals, and also the reliance on depleting fossil fuel reserves for their production. Legislative changes in Europe mean that fewer agrichemicals will be available in the future for the control of crop pests and pathogens. The need for the implementation of a more sustainable agricultural system globally, incorporating an integrated approach to disease management, has never been more urgent. To that end, the Valorizing Andean Microbial Diversity (VALORAM) project (http://valoram.ucc.ie), funded under FP7, examined the role of microbial communities in crop production and protection to improve the sustainability, food security, environmental protection, and productivity for rural Andean farmers. During this work, microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) of 27 rhizobacterial isolates were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and their antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani was determined in vitro and compared to the activity of a selection of pure volatile compounds. Five of these isolates, Pseudomonas palleroniana R43631, Bacillus sp. R47065, R47131, Paenibacillus sp. B3a R49541, and Bacillus simplex M3-4 R49538 trialled in the field in their respective countries of origin, i.e., Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, showed significant increase in the yield of potato. The strategy followed in the VALORAM project may offer a template for the future isolation and determination of putative biocontrol and plant growth-promoting agents, useful as part of a low-input integrated pest management system.

Potential for plant growth promotion by a consortium of stress-tolerant 2,4-dinitrotoluene-degrading bacteria: isolation and characterization of a military soil

The presence of explosives in soils and the interaction with drought stress and nutrient limitation are among the environmental factors that severely affect plant growth on military soils. In this study, we seek to isolate and identify the cultivable bacteria of a 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) contaminated soil (DS) and an adjacent grassland soil (GS) of a military training area aiming to isolate new plant growth-promoting (PGP) and 2,4-DNT-degrading strains. Metabolic profiling revealed disturbances in Ecocarbon use in the bare DS; isolation of cultivable strains revealed a lower colony-forming-unit count and a less diverse community associated with DS in comparison with GS. New 2,4-DNT-tolerant strains were identified by selective enrichments, which were further characterized by auxanography for 2,4-DNT use, resistance to drought stress, cold, nutrient starvation and PGP features. By selecting multiple beneficial PGP and abiotic stress-resistant strains, efficient 2,4-DNT-degrading consortia were composed. After inoculation, consortium UHasselt Sofie 3 with seven members belonging to Burkholderia, Variovorax, Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Ralstonia species was capable to successfully enhance root length of Arabidopsis under 2,4-DNT stress. After 9 days, doubling of main root length was observed. Our results indicate that beneficial bacteria inhabiting a disturbed environment have the potential to improve plant growth and alleviate 2,4-DNT stress.

Two-way plant mediated interactions between root-associated microbes and insects: from ecology to mechanisms

Plants are members of complex communities and function as a link between above- and below-ground organisms. Associations between plants and soil-borne microbes commonly occur and have often been found beneficial for plant fitness. Root-associated microbes may trigger physiological changes in the host plant that influence interactions between plants and aboveground insects at several trophic levels. Aboveground, plants are under continuous attack by insect herbivores and mount multiple responses that also have systemic effects on belowground microbes. Until recently, both ecological and mechanistic studies have mostly focused on exploring these below- and above-ground interactions using simplified systems involving both single microbe and herbivore species, which is far from the naturally occurring interactions. Increasing the complexity of the systems studied is required to increase our understanding of microbe-plant-insect interactions and to gain more benefit from the use of non-pathogenic microbes in agriculture. In this review, we explore how colonization by either single non-pathogenic microbe species or a community of such microbes belowground affects plant growth and defense and how this affects the interactions of plants with aboveground insects at different trophic levels. Moreover, we review how plant responses to foliar herbivory by insects belonging to different feeding guilds affect interactions of plants with non-pathogenic soil-borne microbes. The role of phytohormones in coordinating plant growth, plant defenses against foliar herbivores while simultaneously establishing associations with non-pathogenic soil microbes is discussed.

The PGPR strain Phyllobacterium brassicacearum STM196 induces a reproductive delay and physiological changes that result in improved drought tolerance in Arabidopsis

Understanding how biotic interactions can improve plant tolerance to drought is a challenging prospect for agronomy and ecology. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are promising candidates but the phenotypic changes induced by PGPR under drought remain to be elucidated. We investigated the effects of Phyllobacterium brassicacearum STM196 strain, a PGPR isolated from the rhizosphere of oilseed rape, on two accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana with contrasting flowering time. We measured multiple morphophysiological traits related to plant growth and development in order to quantify the added value of the bacteria to drought-response strategies of Arabidopsis in soil conditions. A delay in reproductive development induced by the bacteria resulted in a gain of biomass that was independent of the accession and the watering regime. Coordinated changes in transpiration, ABA content, photosynthesis and development resulted in higher water-use efficiency and a better tolerance to drought of inoculated plants. Our findings give new insights into the ecophysiological bases by which PGPR can confer stress tolerance to plants. Rhizobacteria-induced delay in flowering time could represent a valuable strategy for increasing biomass yield, whereas rhizobacteria-induced improvement of water use is of particular interest in multiple scenarios of water availability.

Dynamic chemical communication between plants and bacteria through airborne signals: induced resistance by bacterial volatiles

Certain plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) elicit induced systemic resistance (ISR) and plant growth promotion in the absence of physical contact with plants via volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. In this article, we review the recent progess made by research into the interactions between PGPR VOCs and plants, focusing on VOC emission by PGPR strains in plants. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms by which these bacterial VOCs elicit ISR. We provide an overview of recent progress in the elucidation of PGPR VOC interactions from studies utilizing transcriptome, metabolome, and proteome analyses. By monitoring defense gene expression patterns, performing 2-dimensional electrophoresis, and studying defense signaling null mutants, salicylic acid and ethylene have been found to be key players in plant signaling pathways involved in the ISR response. Bacterial VOCs also confer induced systemic tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as drought and heavy metals. A review of current analytical approaches for PGPR volatile profiling is also provided with needed future developments emphasized. To assess potential utilization of PGPR VOCs for crop plants, volatile suspensions have been applied to pepper and cucumber roots and found to be effective at protecting plants against plant pathogens and insect pests in the field. Taken together, these studies provide further insight into the biological and ecological potential of PGPR VOCs for enhancing plant self-immunity and/or adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses in modern agriculture.

One shot-two pathogens blocked: exposure of Arabidopsis to hexadecane, a long chain volatile organic compound, confers induced resistance against both Pectobacterium carotovorum and Pseudomonas syringae

Bacteria and plant derived volatile organic compounds have been reported as the chemical triggers that elicit induced resistance in plants. Previously, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acetoin and 2,3-butanediol, were found to be emitted from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis GB03, which had been shown to elicit ISR and plant growth promotion. More recently, we reported data that stronger induced resistance could be elicited against Pseudomonas syringae pv maculicola ES4326 in plants exposed to C13 VOC from another PGPR Paenibacillus polymyxa E681 compared with that of strain GB03. Here, we assessed whether another long hydrocarbon C16 hexadecane (HD) conferred protection to Arabidopsis from infection of a biotrophic pathogen, P. syringae pv maculicola and a necrotrophic pathogen, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp carotovorum. Collectively, long-chain VOCs can be linked to a plant resistance activator for protecting plants against both biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens at the same time.

Dynamic chemical communication between plants and bacteria through airborne signals: induced resistance by bacterial volatiles

Certain plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) elicit induced systemic resistance (ISR) and plant growth promotion in the absence of physical contact with plants via volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. In this article, we review the recent progess made by research into the interactions between PGPR VOCs and plants, focusing on VOC emission by PGPR strains in plants. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms by which these bacterial VOCs elicit ISR. We provide an overview of recent progress in the elucidation of PGPR VOC interactions from studies utilizing transcriptome, metabolome, and proteome analyses. By monitoring defense gene expression patterns, performing 2-dimensional electrophoresis, and studying defense signaling null mutants, salicylic acid and ethylene have been found to be key players in plant signaling pathways involved in the ISR response. Bacterial VOCs also confer induced systemic tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as drought and heavy metals. A review of current analytical approaches for PGPR volatile profiling is also provided with needed future developments emphasized. To assess potential utilization of PGPR VOCs for crop plants, volatile suspensions have been applied to pepper and cucumber roots and found to be effective at protecting plants against plant pathogens and insect pests in the field. Taken together, these studies provide further insight into the biological and ecological potential of PGPR VOCs for enhancing plant self-immunity and/or adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses in modern agriculture.