Browsing by Author "H.B. Singh"

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A proteomic approach to understand the tripartite interactions between plant-trichoderma-pathogen: Investigating the potential for efficient biological control
(Springer International Publishing, 2016) Chetan Keswani; Kartikay Bisen; S.P. Singh; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh
Efficient biological control of plant diseases involves successful interactions among plant, biocontrol agents, and pathogens. Trichoderma spp. being the most popular and successful biocontrol agents are predominantly used to protect plants against a broad range of phytopathogens. However, a better understanding of the tripartite relationship established among Trichoderma-plant-pathogen is necessary in order to advance the practical applicability in agroecosystems and to unveil the cross talk involved in this beneficial association. Moreover, comprehensive knowledge of this three-way association is also required to identify the effective strain of Trichoderma to be used for efficient plant disease control. In this regard, several approaches have been adapted to study these tripartite interactions at molecular level such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Although transcriptomic approach generates huge data, the study is incomplete without involving proteomic aspect, as it is directly responsible for cellular activity. Therefore, implication of proteomics in studying plant-pathogen interaction is now gaining noteworthy attention. Recently, proteomic approach has been found to contribute successfully in recognizing and characterizing the major proteins playing key role in inducing the defense mechanism in plants against pathogen attack. Nevertheless, empathizing proteomics of Trichoderma spp. can be used to discover novel determinants that would be helpful in developing new biocontrol formulation with enhanced biocontrol potential. Moreover, strain improvement using such determinants could also be achieved. In addition, proteomic study of the pathogen in this interaction is of great interest, as it would give insight into two aspects: firstly, the major factors contributing to the pathogenicity and secondly, targeting such factors for diminishing the pathogenicity. Therefore, in this chapter we focus our attention on highlighting the recent advances and findings regarding the proteomic approach used to study tripartite interaction between Trichoderma-plant-pathogen. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016.
A review on crop losses, epidemiology and disease management of rice brown spot to identify research priorities and knowledge gaps
(2013) M.K. Barnwal; A. Kotasthane; N. Magculia; P.K. Mukherjee; S. Savary; A.K. Sharma; H.B. Singh; U.S. Singh; A.H. Sparks; M. Variar; N. Zaidi
Rice brown spot (BS) is a chronic disease that affects millions of hectares of rice every growing season, grown by some of the most resource-poor farmers. Despite its widespread occurrence and impact, much still needs to be understood about BS. Reported yield losses in relative terms vary widely from 4 to 52 %. However, accurate, systematic estimates are lacking. BS is conventionally perceived as a secondary problem that reflects rice crops that experience physiological stresses, e. g. drought and poor soil fertility, rather than a true infectious disease. Much remains to be understood about the mechanisms leading to epidemics and crop losses. Quantitative and qualitative knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of the epidemiological processes, sources of resistance and biocontrol methods. In this review we identify several of these gaps, which if filled, could lead to a strong impact on the management of brown spot. We also use the architecture of a simulation model to position and prioritize these knowledge gaps, assess the epidemiological consequences of disease management options on BS monocyclic processes and explore the impact changing production situations on this important disease. © 2013 The Author(s).
Adaptive soil management
(2013) P.C. Abhilash; Rama Kant Dubey; Vishal Tripathi; Pankaj Srivastava; J.P. Verma; H.B. Singh
[No abstract available]
Addressing stresses in agriculture through bio-priming intervention
(Springer Singapore, 2018) Deepranjan Sarkar; Sumita Pal; M. Mehjabeen; Vivek Singh; Sonam Singh; Subhadip Pul; Jancy Garg; Amitava Rakshit; H.B. Singh
Concurrent occurrences of different stresses, i.e. biotic and abiotic, are very common in the environment of plants which consequently reduce yield. As cost-effective options are very limited, bio-priming is a suitable tool to address the numerous challenges associated with agriculture. Plant growth benefits are easily attainable through this technique while managing the natural resources and enhancing the environmental sustainability. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2018. All rights reserved.
Antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activity of biofabricated silver nanoparticles against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae causing blight disease of rice instigates disease suppression
(Springer, 2020) Sandhya Mishra; Xiaodong Yang; Shatrupa Ray; Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto; H.B. Singh
Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been well documented in earlier studies. As their efficient role in combating phytopathogens has begun recently, there is a huge scope to explore their effectiveness in agriculture. Considering the strong antifungal activity of biosynthesized AgNPs (as reported in our previous study), our main aim is to elucidate their antibacterial activity against bacterial plant pathogens to authenticate their wide range of agricultural applications. The present manuscript highlights the potential role of biosynthesized AgNPs against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causing disastrous sheath blight disease of rice worldwide. We observed strong antibacterial activity of biosynthesized AgNPs (size ~ 12 nm) against Xoo at 20, 30 and 50 µg/mL concentrations. The significant inhibitory impact of AgNPs on biofilm formation by Xoo was noted even at the lower dose of 5 µg/mL (p = 0.001). Maximum biofilm inhibition (p = 0.000) was caused at 50 µg/mL concentration of AgNPs in comparison to control. Furthermore, disease suppression by biosynthesized AgNPs was authenticated under greenhouse conditions. Foliar spray of AgNPs significantly reduced the blight symptoms in rice sheaths as shown by 9.25% DLA (% Diseased leaf area) as compared to 33.91% DLA in Xoo inoculated rice plants. Altogether, our data suggest that biosynthesized AgNPs based nanoformulation can be applied for successful management of blight disease of rice. In addition, the antibiofilm strategies instigated by AgNPs can be exploited against a wide range of bacterial phytopathogens. In light of rapidly emerging antibiotic-resistant microbial strains, the current work provides an alternate effective platform for the application of nanoformulation for augmenting sustainability in the agriculture. © 2020, Springer Nature B.V.
Antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing activities of green pod of Acacia nilotica L.
(2009) Brahma N. Singh; B.R. Singh; R.L. Singh; D. Prakash; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh
The antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing activities of eight extracts were studied in green pods of Acacia nilotica. The specific phenolic compositions and their quantifications were performed by HPLC and MS/MS, which showed that the HEF (pH 4) was higher in gallic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin, rutin, and GTs. In order to find antioxidant potential of various extracts, their activities were studied for TPC, AOA, FRSA, RP, inhibition of LPO, FIC activity, HO{radical dot} and O2{radical dot} - scavenging activities. Among them HEF (pH 4) has shown potent antioxidant activity. HEF (pH 4) was also found effective in protecting plasmid DNA and HAS protein oxidation induced by HO{radical dot}. Pre-treatment of HEF (pH 4) at 75 and 150 mg/kg body weight for 6 days caused a significant increase in the levels of CAT and SOD and decrease in the level of MDA content in liver, lungs, kidneys and blood when compared to CCl4-intoxicated rats. Eventually, the extracts were also screened for anti-QS activity. Of these extracts two showed QS inhibition: HEF (pH 4) and HCE. The results obtained strongly indicate that green pod of A. nilotica are important source of natural antioxidants. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Applications of agriculturally important microorganisms for sustainable crop production
(Elsevier, 2020) Hagera Dilnashin; Hareram Birla; Trinh Xuan Hoat; H.B. Singh; S.P. Singh; Chetan Keswani
Conventional agriculture cannot fulfill all the requirements expected from agriculture. Whereas, sustainable agriculture can help us achieve all the agricultural needs. Sustainable agriculture fulfills the agricultural needs by using the resources from the environment to the maximum, without damaging the natural resources. Hence, this technique provides safe and healthy products from agriculture without causing damage to the environment. The microbial population plays a key role in determining the strength and productivity of agro-ecosystems as they directly affect the fundamental processes related to them. Ongoing research areas help in understanding the diversity, dynamics and importance of soil microbial communities and how they can help in increasing the agricultural productivity. Although, here is the only effects of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and cyanobacteria on sustainable agriculture is addressed. An agricultural system which is sustainable, improves human health, causes no damage to the natural environment and meets the global food requirement can be referred to as an ideal system. Use of bio-fertilizers can help reduce environmental pollution, urea consumption and soil depletion. The PGPR and cyanobacteria model systems can deliver genetic constituents and bioactive compounds which affect sustainable agriculture and hence environment. PGPR and cyanobacteria can improve crop production and soil health, utilizing sustainable technique. © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) as Potential Biocontrol Agents
(Springer, 2022) Shailesh K. Vishwakarma; Talat Ilyas; Deepti Malviya; Zaryab Shafi; Mohammad Shahid; Bavita Yadav; Udai B. Singh; Jai P. Rai; H.B. Singh; Harsh V. Singh
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) belong to the phylum Glomeromycota and form a symbiotic relationship with more than 80% of land plants. They are beneficial for plants in many ways and extensively researched for their potential as biocontrol agents (BCA). First, we outline the origin of the concept, taxonomy and ecological distribution of AMF. Afterwards, current concepts of AMF as BCA against different types of plant pathogens and pests, e.g. nematode, fungi, bacteria, virus and insect along with their mode of action and mechanisms and factors regulating the effects and biochemical and molecular mechanism that regulates plant response to a pathogen, are presented. We further discuss key findings about AMF as BCA. Finally, the best approaches to incorporate this knowledge into sustainable agriculture, as well as the possible benefits of AM, are compiled. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.
Arthrobotrys oligospora-mediated biological control of diseases of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) caused by Meloidogyne incognita and Rhizoctonia solani
(2013) U.B. Singh; A. Sahu; N. Sahu; R.K. Singh; S. Renu; D.P. Singh; M.C. Manna; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh; K.P. Singh
Aims: To study the biocontrol potential of nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora in protecting tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) against Meloidogyne incognita and Rhizoctonia solani under greenhouse and field conditions. Methods and Results: Five isolates of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora isolated from different parts of India were tested against Meloidogyne incognita and Rhizoctonia solani in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants grown under greenhouse and field conditions. Arthrobotrys oligospora-treated plants showed enhanced growth in terms of shoot and root length and biomass, chlorophyll and total phenolic content and high phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity in comparison with M. incognita- and R. solani-inoculated plants. Biochemical profiling when correlated with disease severity and intensity in A. oligospora-treated and untreated plants indicate that A. oligospora VNS-1 offered significant disease reduction in terms of number of root galls, seedling mortality, lesion length, disease index, better plant growth and fruit yield as compared to M. incognita- and R. solani-challenged plants. Conclusion: The result established that A. oligospora VNS-1 has the potential to provide bioprotection agents against M. incognita and R. solani. Significance and Impact of the Study: Arthrobotrys oligospora can be a better environment friendly option and can be incorporated in the integrated disease management module of crop protection. Application of A. oligospora not only helps in the control of nematodes but also increases plant growth and enhances nutritional value of tomato fruits. Thus, it proves to be an excellent biocontrol as well as plant growth promoting agent. © 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology.
Athelial stage induction in Sclerotium rolfsii by leaves and rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus
(2003) B.K. Sarma; U.P. Singh; H.B. Singh
Twelve isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii from seven hosts, viz., two isolates each from Cicer arietinum, Cyperus rotundus and Vigna mungo, one isolate each from Phaseolus vulgaris, Amorphophallus campanulatus, Lotus berthelotii and Colocasia variegata and two isolates from soil of different geographic localities were tested for their ability to produce athelial stage on Cyperus rotundus rhizome meal agar (CRMA) medium. Four isolates, i. e., two from C. arietinum, one each from P. vulgaris and A. campanulatus produced abundant athelial stage on CRMA medium whereas the other six isolates did not. Fresh rhizome meal and leaves of C. rotundus induced athelial stage in C. arietinum isolate of S. rolfsii (Varanasi isolate), whereas dried rhizome and leaf powder were not effective even at higher concentrations. Six and 8% concentrations (w/v) of fresh rhizome powder incorporated in the CRMA medium were highly effective in inducing athelial stage whereas fresh leaf paste showed maximum effect at 12 and 15% (w/v). However, the induction of athelial stage was more at 6 and 8% fresh rhizome powder compared to fresh leaf paste.
Bio-inoculants as Prospective Inputs for Achieving Sustainability: Indian Story
(AESSRA, 2020) Chinmay Gupta; Mahesh Kumar Yadav; Vishram Meena; Ambuj Singh; H.B. Singh; B.K. Sarma; S.P. Singh; Amitava Rakshit
Increasing consumption of synthetic chemical fertilizers played a great role in alleviating hunger but has also resulted in some adverse effects on natural resources like disaster in soil quality and conceivable outcomes of water pollution. Due to these unfavorable effects, emphasis is being laid on alternate forms of agriculture that are more sustainable. The development of bioinoculant with multi-crop growth promoting activities is most important for sustenance of agriculture. Instead of being financially viable and ecoaccommodating in nature, a few imperatives incorporate temperamental supplies and non-appearance of appropriate quality control limit the application or execution of the innovation. In the present review status, use and major manufacturer/industries involved for production of bioinoculants in India has been presented. The total number of units including public, private and cooperatives estimated to be 297. Maharashtra is having the highest number of private companies (68) followed by Gujarat (56) while Tamil Nadu have the highest number public sector units (7) and Delhi is having highest number of cooperatives units (3). Production data (carrier base in MT) revealed that Gujarat (6575 MT) topped the list first followed by Madhya Pradesh and Karnatka (2589.9 MT) during 2016-17. Zone wise bio-fertilizer production in India during the same period is highest in Karnatka both in carrier based formulation (31553.06 MT) and liquid based formulation (993.443 KL). © 2019 EA. All rights reserved.
Bio-inoculants in Horticultural Crops
(Elsevier, 2024) Amitava Rakshit; Vijay Singh Meena; Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto; Manoj Parihar; Adalberto Benavides Mendonza; H.B. Singh
Bio-inoculants in Horticultural Crops, Volume Three in the Advances in Bio-inoculant series, focuses on real-time application of novel microbes that have been proven to enhance and improve plant health and productivity. The book provides comprehensive information on a range of biological approaches and mechanisms for the improvement of horticultural crops being practiced in different production systems. Covering the subject from historical developments to recent advances in microbial interventions, it addresses the potential role and bio-mechanism of bio-inoculants for challenges including stress tolerance, production, commercialization, application methodology, challenges and future roadmap for sustainable production system of horticultural crops. This volume will be useful to scientists, academicians, and students of horticulture, agriculture microbiology, plant protection, and other related subjects. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Biofabricated silver nanoparticles act as a strong fungicide against Bipolaris sorokiniana causing spot blotch disease in wheat
(Public Library of Science, 2014) Sandhya Mishra; Braj Raj Singh; Akanksha Singh; Chetan Keswani; Alim H. Naqvi; H.B. Singh
The present study is focused on the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using culture supernatant of an agriculturally important bacterium, Serratia sp. BHU-S4 and demonstrates its effective application for the management of spot blotch disease in wheat. The biosynthesis of AgNPs by Serratia sp. BHU-S4 (denoted as bsAgNPs) was monitored by UV-visible spectrum that showed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 410 nm, an important characteristic of AgNPs. Furthermore, the structural, morphological, elemental, functional and thermal characterization of bsAgNPs was carried out using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron and atomic microscopies, energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectrometer, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), respectively. The bsAgNPs were spherical in shape with size range of ∼10 to 20 nm. The XRD and EDAX analysis confirmed successful biosynthesis and crystalline nature of AgNPs. The bsAgNPs exhibited strong antifungal activity against Bipolaris sorokiniana, the spot blotch pathogen of wheat. Interestingly, 2, 4 and 10 m g/ml concentrations of bsAgNPs accounted for complete inhibition of conidial germination, whereas in the absence of bsAgNPs, conidial germination was 100%. A detached leaf bioassay revealed prominent conidial germination on wheat leaves infected with B. sorokiniana conidial suspension alone, while the germination of conidia was totally inhibited when the leaves were treated with bsAgNPs. The results were further authenticated under green house conditions, where application of bsAgNPs significantly reduced B. sorokiniana infection in wheat plants. Histochemical staining revealed a significant role of bsAgNPs treatment in inducing lignin deposition in vascular bundles. In summary, our findings represent the efficient application of bsAgNPs in plant disease management, indicating the exciting possibilities of nanofungicide employing agriculturally important bacteria. © 2014 Mishra et al.
Biological management of Fusarium wilt of tomato using biofortified vermicompost
(Zhongkai University, 2017) M.J. Basco; K. Bisen; C. Keswani; H.B. Singh
Fusarium wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici is a serious problem limiting tomato production worldwide. Biological control has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to the chemical fungicides. Biological management of Fusarium wilt of tomato using vermicompost biofortified with selected biological control agents (BCAs) i.e. Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis was the hypothesis of this study. In vitro test showed that all the selected microbes were antagonistic to F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. The levels of different antioxidants, different plant growth parameters and incidence of disease were recorded at different time intervals in designed treatments. According to the experimental results, significant variations in reduction of disease incidence, enhancement in plant growth, yield and as well as higher stimulation of antioxidants were observed in tomato plants treated with biofortified vermicompost as compared to the control. Maximum values were recorded in plants treated with T. harzianum fortified vermicompost. © Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
Biopesticides: Volume 2: Advances in Bio-inoculants
(Elsevier, 2021) Amitava Rakshit; Vijay Singh Meena; P.C. Abhilash; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh; Leonardo Fraceto; Manoj Parihar; Anand Kumar Singh
Biopesticide: Volume Two, the latest release in the Advances in Bioinoculant series, provides an updated overview on the active substances utilized in current bioinsecticides, along with information on which of them can be used for integrated pest management programs in agro-ecosystems. The book presents a comprehensive look at the development of novel solutions against new targets, also introducing new technologies that enhance the efficacy of already available active substances. Finally, readers will find insights into the advanced molecular studies on insect microbial community diversity that are opening new frontiers in the development of innovative pest management strategies. This book will be valuable to those prioritizing agro biodiversity management to address optimal productizing and enhanced food security. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Bioremediation of soils contaminated with Ni and Cd: An overview
(Springer Singapore, 2017) Amitava Rakshit; Sumita Pal; Manoj Parihar; H.B. Singh
Environmental pollution due to heavy metals (HM) is a concern globally since this may lead to geoaccumulation, bioaccumulation, and biomagnifications in ecosystems as they can penetrate the food sequence via anthropogenic actions such as continuous addition of waste water, sewage sludge application, and purification of metals. These metals have been widely studied and their effects on soil-plant-animal continuum regularly reviewed with varied perspective. In the present review, we sum up contemporary knowledge about bioremediation of heavy metals in particular nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) which are potential soil and water pollutants. Among the different bioremediation options available phytoremediation emerges as a sustainable and inexpensive technology. On the other hand, as phytoremediation is a dawdling process, enhancement of efficiency and for augmented stabilization or removal of HMs from soils arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi afford a smart system to press forward plant-based environmental clean-up. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017. All rights reserved.
Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles as a nanoweapon against phytopathogens: exploring their scope and potential in agriculture
(Springer Verlag, 2015) Sandhya Mishra; H.B. Singh
The beneficial use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in agroecosystems is not fully explored with partial information available, of which most of the studies are limited to laboratory conditions and only few involve natural ecosystems. AgNPs, being the most popular metallic nanoparticles exhibiting antimicrobial property, are predominantly used for plant disease management. Owing to the ill hazards of chemically synthesized AgNPs, their biosynthesis using environment-friendly biomolecules is gaining noteworthy attention. In addition, considering the advantages of nanoformulations over biopesticides, there is no doubt that biosynthesized AgNP-based biopesticides could revolutionize the agricultural sector in the future. Though enhanced commercial use of AgNPs has generated biosafety issues in modern scenario but expecting their significant contribution towards agricultural sector, it is too early to predict the risk factor associated with their usage. To unveil the toxicity factor of AgNPs, we need to focus and understand the major interactions of AgNPs in agroecosytems. Hence, the present review highlights (i) the potential application of AgNPs in the agricultural sector particularly for plant disease management, (ii) significance of biosynthesized AgNPs using microbes and plants over their chemical synthesis, (iii) major interactions of AgNPs in agroecosystems (with soil, soil biota, and plants) with emphasis to deal with toxicity-determining factors, and (iv) identifying future research work holding promising applications of biosynthesized AgNPs in agroecosystems. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Biotic stress management in agricultural crops using microbial consortium
(Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2013) Akansha Jain; Akanksha Singh; Brahma N. Singh; Surendra Singh; R.S. Upadhyay; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh
Microbial populations have functional roles within communities where interactions among distinct microorganisms will permit their survival. Therefore, it is suggested to device mixed inoculants that may interact synergistically, with different or complementary mode of action, so that increased disease resistance is provided and under certain stresses we can assume that atleast one is functional. The mechanisms responsible for this biocontrol activity include competition for nutrients, niche exclusion, induced systemic resistance (ISR), and the production of anti-microbial metabolites. Therefore, seeing the success stories of mixed inoculants (combination of microorganisms that interact synergistically) over single bioinoculant, consortiums are being currently devised for crop management. The extreme complexity of interactions occurring is highlighted, and some potential areas and shortcomings required to overcome for future researches in this area are discussed briefly. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013. All rights are reserved.
Biotic stress management in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through conventional and molecular approaches
(Springer Singapore, 2020) Prakash Singh; Ram Lakhan Verma; Ravi S. Singh; Ravi P. Singh; H.B. Singh; Pandurang Arsode; Manish Kumar; Pawan Kumar Singh
The rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity is often adversely disturbed by several abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, submergence, fungal, bacterial, and nematode oriented biotic diseases and pest like brown plant hopper (BPH) and stem borer (SB). The major biotic stresses such as bacterial leaf blight (BLB), sheath blight (ShB), blast, brown spot (BS), false smut (FS), brown plant hopper (BPH), yellow stem borer (YSB), and gall midge (GM) play crucial roles in decreasing the productivity and quality of rice grains. Among the several breeding procedures and various control measures available for mitigating the biotic stresses/factors, the host plant resistance is most effective, economic and eco-friendly which is basically developed by traditional breeding approaches. The related species of rice and wild sources are important for identification of many resistance genes/QTLs, which are successfully introgressed or deployed or pyramided in numerous breeding lines through resistance breeding program and various molecular approaches. In this chapter, an inclusive valuation of the conventional and molecular approaches for mitigating the biotic stresses in rice by imparting major resistance sources has been presented. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020. All rights reserved.
Can endophytic Arthrobotrys oligospora modulate accumulation of defence related biomolecules and induced systemic resistance in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) against root knot disease caused by Meloidogyne incognita
(2013) Udai B. Singh; Asha Sahu; Nisha Sahu; Bhanu P. Singh; R.K. Singh; Renu; Dhananjaya P. Singh; R.K. Jaiswal; B.K. Sarma; H.B. Singh; M.C. Manna; A. Subba Rao; S. Rajendra Prasad
The soil community is an often ignored part of research which links plant biodiversity and ecosystem functioning despite their influence on numerous functions such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. Few consistent patterns have been detected that link plant and soil community composition; however, it has not been studied in details. Arthrobotrys oligospora, a model predacious fungus for nematode trapping, beside biocontrol potential may modulate plant health and increase natural antioxidants in tomato fruit directly or indirectly. In the present study we have investigated the effects of nematode trapping fungus A. oligospora on induction and bioaccumulation of natural antioxidant and defence related biomolecules in tomato plants when challenged with Meloidogyne incognita causing root knot. Endophytic and rhizospheric isolates of A. oligospora were isolated from different parts of India and characterized under controlled laboratory conditions. The study describes the multifarious effects of endophytic and rhizospheric isolates of A. oligospora in green house and field conditions in tomato plants when inoculated individually or in combination. It was found that A. oligospora EAO-147 and RST-101 when applied individually or in combination significantly increased various attributes in plants. Among both the isolates, endophytic A. oligospora EAO-147 was found to be more potential in enhancing the defence related biomolecules, enzymes and exhibited biocontrol potentials against M. incognita. With application of A. oligospora, increase in nutritional quality of ripe tomato fruits (mineral nutrients and natural antioxidant properties) was also demonstrated first time. Results suggest that application of A. oligospora, particularly endophytic, not only helps in control of nematodes but also increase plant growth as well as enhances the nutritional value of tomato fruits. Thus, it proves to be an excellent biocontrol as well as plant growth promoting agent. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.