Browsing by Author "Lakshmi Kant"

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Exploring the Natural Product Diversity of EPN Symbionts with a Focus on Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2024) Ashish Kumar Singh; Sirisha Tadigiri; Ram Kumar; Kiran Kumar Mishra; Lakshmi Kant
This book chapter explores the diverse and abundant world of nematodes, particularly Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) belonging to the genera Heterorhabditis and Steinernema. The microscopic worms engage in symbiotic relationships with Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus bacteria, respectively, contributing significantly to killing insects. The life cycle involves infecting insect hosts, where symbiotic bacteria play a key role in target host killing and creating a congenial condition favouring nematode propagation. Intricate symbiosis relies on natural products (NPs) produced by these bacteria, showcasing antibiotic, immunosuppressive, and insecticidal properties. Xenorhabdus produces compounds like xenocoumacins and xenortides, acting as defensive weapons and aiding in the breakdown of insect tissues. Photorhabdus species synthesise phenazine pigments and antibiotics, including photorhabdusin, creating a favourable environment within the insect cadaver. The discussion extends to potential applications of these secondary metabolites in medicine and agriculture, emphasising their significance in drug discovery and biopesticide development. The chapter also touches upon gene regulation mechanisms and strategies to enhance the production of antimicrobial compounds, addressing potential constraints in the future development of these bioactive substances. The chapter sheds light on the fascinating world of nematode-bacterium symbiosis and its promising applications in various industries. © 2024 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
Role of AM fungi in growth promotion of high-value crops
(Elsevier, 2022) Manoj Parihar; Manoj Kumar Chitara; Hanuman Ram; Asha Kumari; Gopal Tiwari; Kiran Rana; Bisweswar Gorain; Utkarsh Kumar; Jaideep Kumar Bisht; Lakshmi Kant
In order to meet the food demands of burgeoning population, innovative and efficient management practices are required for sustainable agricultural production. The high value crops (HVCs) including vegetables, horticulture, fruit and field crops such as potato, cotton, sugarcane etc. not only strengthen the financial security of farmers but also ensure their food, fiber and nutritional availability. To improve the productivity of HVCs, use of beneficial microbial symbionts such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is very promising and eco-friendly approach. The AMF form association with most of the land plants including agricultural and HVCs. They provide numerous benefits to the plants including better availability of water and nutrients, alleviate various biotic and abiotic stresses and promote plant growth. However, AMF response in improving the plant performance depends upon several other aspects such as soil environment, AMF strains, plant genotypes, agricultural management practices etc. In this regard, future research must be towards optimization of AMF plant association, suitable inoculum production and application techniques and co-inoculation of AMF with other plant growth promoting bacteria. In the present chapter we will discuss the state-of-the-art of potential of AMF to improve the production of HVCs, its application in micro-propagation program, commercialization and future advancement for sustainable production system. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.