Browsing by Author "Verma J.P."
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Item Bacterial community in biological soil crusts from a Brazilian semiarid region under desertification process(University of Sao Paolo, 2024) Pinheiro J.I.; Filho P.F.M.; Garcia K.G.V.; Moreira J.V.; Silva D.F.D.; Ara�jo A.S.F.; Verma J.P.; Melo V.M.M.; Pereira A.P.A.Biological soil crusts (BSC) are commonly found in soils in the drylands regions, which can influence stabilization, water retention, nutrient cycling (particularly carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics), and several ecological processes. However, the composition of BSC in Brazilian soils undergoing the desertification process remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the bacterial community in BSC formed in a Brazilian semiarid region under the desertification process. Thus, a highly desertified region was selected from which 34 BSC samples were collected. The total DNA of the BSC was extracted from 0.5 g samples, and the bacterial community was sequenced by a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform (Miseq � Illumina�) using universal primers (515F and 806R). Bioinformatic analysis was carried out in QIIME (v.1.9), and the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) table was constructed following the Sumaclust methodology. The pH of BSC, C, N, and phosphorus contents was analyzed. Our study identified a diverse bacterial community in the BSCs. Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria phyla presented the greatest relative abundance (%) across the samples. Cyanobacteria were dominated by the orders Nostocales and Leptolyngbyales. The prediction of the putative functions found that mostf OTU were related to phototrophy, photosynthetic cyanobacteria, and photoautotrophy. The study found correlations between bacterial phyla and BSC properties, with Cyanobacteria positively related to C. Chloroflexi, Armatimonadetes, and WPS-2 were negatively correlated with C and N contents. These results suggest the critical roles bacteria communities play in BSCs from the Caatinga biome and highlight the potential impact of environmental factors on their diversity and functions. � 2024, University of Sao Paolo. All rights reserved.Item Chickpea seed endophyte Enterobacter sp. mediated yield and nutritional enrichment of chickpea for improving human and livestock health(Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Mukherjee A.; Gaurav A.K.; Chouhan G.K.; Singh S.; Sarkar A.; Abeysinghe S.; Verma J.P.Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are used as a good source of proteins and energy in the diets of various organisms including humans and animals. Chickpea straws can serve as an alternative option for forage for different ruminants. This research mainly focussed on screening the effects of adding beneficial chickpea seed endophytes on increasing the nutritional properties of the different edible parts of chickpea plants. Two efficient chickpea seed endophytes (Enterobacter sp. strain BHUJPCS-2 and BHUJPCS-8) were selected and applied to the chickpea seeds before sowing in the experiment conducted on clay pots. Chickpea seeds treated with both endophytes showed improved plant growth and biomass accumulation. Notably, improvements in the uptake of mineral nutrients were found in the foliage, pericarp, and seed of the chickpea plants. Additionally, nutritional properties such as total phenolics (0.47, 0.25, and 0.55 folds), total protein (0.04, 0.21, and 0.18 folds), carbohydrate content (0.31, 0.32, and 0.31 folds), and total flavonoid content (0.45, 027, and 0.8 folds) were increased in different parts (foliage, pericarp, and seed) of the chickpea plants compared to the control plants. The seed endophyte-treated plants showed a significant increase in mineral accumulation and improvement in nutrition in the different edible parts of chickpea plants. The results showed that the seed endophyte-mediated increase in dietary and nutrient value of the different parts (pericarp, foliage, and seeds) of chickpea are consumed by humans, whereas the other parts (pericarp and foliage) are used as alternative options for forage and chaff in livestock diets and may have direct effects on their nutritional conditions. Copyright � 2024 Mukherjee, Gaurav, Chouhan, Singh, Sarkar, Abeysinghe and Verma.Item Draft genome sequence of cellulose-degrading Bacillus stercoris BHUJPV-SS7 isolated from soil mixed with wood powder(American Society for Microbiology, 2024) Singh S.; de Araujo Pereira A.P.; Pellegrinetti T.A.; Verma J.P.We report a complete genome of Bacillus stercoris BHUJPV-SS7 isolated from soil which contains 4,299 predicted genes and 4,012 predicted protein-coding genes within its chromosome (4,115,399 bp), and has 43.51% G + C content and a predicted beta-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) gene. � 2024 Singh et al.Item Grazing exclusion restores soil health in Brazilian drylands under desertification process(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Lima A.Y.V.; Cherubin M.R.; da Silva D.F.; Mota J.C.A.; Silva F.G.M.; de Araujo A.S.F.; Melo V.M.M.; Verma J.P.; de Araujo Pereira A.P.The Brazilian drylands (Caatinga biome) are facing accelerated soil desertification due to human activities (e.g., overgrazing). However, restoration practices (e.g., grazing exclusion), are promising to curb soil desertification and, eventually, increase soil functioning. However, the understanding of soil health (SH) changes, induced by desertification and restoration in the Caatinga biome remains, poorly understood. Here, the SMAF (Soil Management Assessment Framework) was applied to assess the impact of desertification and long-term grazing exclusion on the SH in the Caatinga biome. Three conditions were assessed: i) native vegetation (NV), ii) degraded soil by overgrazing (DE) and iii) restored soil by grazing exclusion (RE). Soil samples (0�10 cm) were collected in both rainy and dry seasons, and chemical (pH, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), K+, and P), physical (bulk soil density), and biological (soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and ?-glucosidase activity) indicators were analyzed. Then, integrated soil health indexes (SHI) were calculated using the SMAF algorithms. Briefly, DE reduced (0.44 and 0.47 in rainy and dry seasons, respectively) the SHI compared to NV (0.72 and 0.82 in rainy and dry seasons, respectively). Importantly, RE recovered SH after two decades of implantation (0.65 and 0.79 in rainy and dry seasons, respectively). Bulk soil density and SAR were the indicators that presented a higher negative correlation with SH, mainly in DE, while SOC, MBC, and ?-glucosidase activity correlated with SH in NV and RE soils. Biological soil health indicators increased in dry season, which may be due to the deciduous behavior of Caatinga vegetation, which could intensify microbial activity. We provided novel evidence that SMAF can be a user-friendly tool to monitor changes in SH under Brazilian drylands soils. In addition, long-term grazing exclusion can restore SH, contributing to curbing the desertification process in the region. � 2023 Elsevier B.V.Item Impact of bacterial volatiles on the plant growth attributes and defense mechanism of rice seedling(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Goyal T.; Mukherjee A.; Chouhan G.K.; Gaurav A.K.; Kumar D.; Abeysinghe S.; Verma J.P.Rice is a major dietary element for about two billion people worldwide and it faces numerous biotic and abiotic stress for its cultivation. Rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae reduce up to 30 % rice yield. Overuse of synthetic chemicals raises concerns about health and environment; so, there is an urgent need to explore innovative sustainable strategies for crop productivity. The main aim of this study is to explore the impact of bacterial volatiles (BVCs) on seedling growth and defense mechanisms of rice under in-vitro condition. On the basis of plant growth promoting properties, six bacterial strains were selected out of ninety-one isolated strains for this study; Pantoea dispersa BHUJPVR01, Enterobacter cloacae BHUJPVR02, Enterobacter sp. BHUJPVR12, Priestia aryabhattai BHUJPVR13, Pseudomonas sp. BHUJPVWRO5 and Staphylococcus sp. BHUJPVWLE7. Through the emission of bacterial volatiles compounds (BVCs), Enterobacter sp., P. dispersa and P. aryabhattai significantly reduces the growth of rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae by 69.20 %, 66.15 % and 62.31 % respectively. Treatment of rice seedlings with BVCs exhibited significant enhancement in defence enzyme levels, including guaiacol peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids by a maximum of up to 24 %, 48 %, 116 % and 80 %, respectively. Furthermore, BVCs effectively promote shoot height, root height, and root counts of rice. All BVCs treated plant showed a significant increase in shoot height. P. dispersa treated plants showed the highest increase of 60 % shoot and 110 % root length, respectively. Root counts increased up to 30% in plants treated with E. cloacae and Staphylococcus sp. The BVCs can be used as a sustainable approach for enhancing plant growth attributes, productivity and defence mechanism of rice plant under biotic and abiotic stresses. � 2024Item Impact of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganism (PGPM) Consortium on Biochemical Properties and Yields of Tomato Under Drought Stress(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Krishna R.; Ansari W.A.; Altaf M.; Jaiswal D.K.; Pandey S.; Singh A.K.; Kumar S.; Verma J.P.Drought is the most important abiotic stress that restricts the genetically predetermined yield potential of the crops. In the present study, four tomato varieties: Kashi Vishesh, Kashi Aman, Kashi Abhiman, and Kashi Amrit, were used to study the effect of PGPMs (plant growth-promoting microorganisms). PGPM strains, Bacillus megaterium BHUPSB14, Pseudomonas fluorescens BHUPSB06, Pseudomonas aeruginosa BHUPSB01, Pseudomonas putida BHUPSB0, Paenibacillus polymixa BHUPSB17, and Trichoderma horzianum, were used as the consortium. The control group was irrigated up to 80% of field capacity, while 7-, 14-, and 21-day water-deficit-exposed (DWD) plants� pot soil moisture was maintained to 40, 25, and 15% of the field capacity, both with and without the PGPM inoculation condition. The physiological parameters, such as electrolyte leakage, relative water content, photosynthetic efficiency, and chlorophyll color index, were significantly improved by PGPM application under progressive drought stress, compared to the control. PGPM application enhanced the proline accumulation and reduced the formation of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation under drought stress. The plant growth attributes were significantly increased by PGPM application. The Kashi Amrit variety showed the highest fruit yield among the four varieties under all the treatments. The PGPM consortium application also improved the soil physico-biological properties and nutrient availability in the soil. The PGPM consortium used in this study can potentially mitigate drought stress on tomato in drought-prone regions and act as a biofertilizer. The present study will open a new avenue of drought stress management in tomato. � 2024 by the authors.Item Innovations and advances in enzymatic deconstruction of biomass and their sustainability analysis: A review(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Singh S.; Morya R.; Jaiswal D.K.; Keerthana S.; Kim S.-H.; Manimekalai R.; Prud�ncio de Araujo Pereira A.; Verma J.P.Increasing population and continuously growing food demand has led to an overwhelming production of agro waste. Further the improper management of agro waste and stubble burning leads to harmful emissions (especially GHG emissions) into the atmosphere. The conversion of waste into biofuels is a highly lucrative option considering the utilization of waste and its use as an alternative to fossil fuel. However, it needs to tackle the obstacles in proper transportation of waste to the site of conversion or biorefineries, technical issues in the pre-treatment, high moisture content in the feedstock, compositional variations in the feedstock, enzymatic efficiency of the saccharifying enzymes, and the various other steps used in the conversion of biomass from raw material to end product. And when all these factors are optimized, the cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness of the processes and the product have to be considered. This review sheds light upon the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass for conversion into biofuels in biorefineries with a major emphasis on bioethanol. This review describes the innovations and advances made to increase the cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness of alternative fuels such as bioethanol, highlighting recent developments in pretreatment methods, enzymatic saccharification as well as their sustainability analysis. In recent past, advanced methods such as CRISPR-Cas gene editing and artificial intelligence have emerged as powerful tools for microbial modification in biofuel production. The recent advancements and achievements in the field, including the gene editing of microbial strains with enhanced biofuel production capabilities which would revolutionize the industry are highlighted. � 2023 Elsevier LtdItem Soil Quality Evaluation in Mono and Mixed Eucalypt Plantation(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Pereira A.P.A.; Cherubin M.R.; de Araujo A.S.F.; Santana M.C.; de Medeiros E.V.; da Costa D.P.; de Souza A.J.; Lima A.Y.V.; da Silva D.F.; Estrada P.A.C.; Mendes L.W.; Verma J.P.; Koutika L.S.; Cardoso E.J.B.N.Soil quality (SQ) pertains to the intricate and ongoing capacity of soil to function as a thriving ecosystem that supports the growth of plants and animals. However, there is a limited understanding of SQ assessment in mixed forest plantations. Therefore, we formulated and tested the hypothesis that the inclusion of a nitrogen-fixing tree species (such as Acacia mangium) improves SQ indicators in mixed treatments involving Eucalyptus trees. To evaluate the changes in SQ, we conducted a field experiment that employed the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) tool to analyze pure and mixed plantations of Eucalyptus grandis and A. mangium. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0�20 cm from different treatments, including pure E. grandis without nitrogen fertilization (E), pure A. mangium (A), pure E. grandis with nitrogen fertilization (E + N), and mixed E. grandis and A. mangium (E + A). Sampling took place at 27 and 39 months after planting. We selected seven indicators of SQ: two biological indicators (soil microbial biomass carbon and ?-glucosidase enzyme activity), four chemical indicators (soil organic carbon, pH, available phosphorus, and potassium), and one physical indicator (bulk density). By applying the SMAF tool, we determined the SQ scores for each indicator. The results revealed that E + A stands exhibited higher SMAF scores than pure stands, particularly in terms of pH (0.49 and 0.52 at 27 and 39 months, respectively) and phosphorus levels (0.84 and 0.82, at 27 and 39 months), respectively. Forest management practices and the sampling period had the most pronounced impact on biological and chemical indicators. Notably, significant positive correlations were observed between SMAF scores and pH, available phosphorus content, enzymes, soil organic carbon, and microbial biomass in both sampling periods. This study effectively provided novel information that introducing a nitrogen-fixing tree species in combination with eucalyptus trees enhances SQ, as indicated by the SMAF tool, which could reduce the need for external inputs (e.g., mineral fertilizers) by the farmers. Future studies should analyze the effects of A. mangium not only with other E. grandis varieties but also with other forestry essences. � 2024 by the authors.Item Unearthing the power of microbes as plant microbiome for sustainable agriculture(Elsevier GmbH, 2024) Mukherjee A.; Singh B.N.; Kaur S.; Sharma M.; Ferreira de Ara�jo A.S.; Pereira A.P.D.A.; Morya R.; Puopolo G.; Melo V.M.M.; Verma J.P.In recent years, research into the complex interactions and crosstalk between plants and their associated microbiota, collectively known as the plant microbiome has revealed the pivotal role of microbial communities for promoting plant growth and health. Plants have evolved intricate relationships with a diverse array of microorganisms inhabiting their roots, leaves, and other plant tissues. This microbiota mainly includes bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoans, and viruses, forming a dynamic and interconnected network within and around the plant. Through mutualistic or cooperative interactions, these microbes contribute to various aspects of plant health and development. The direct mechanisms of the plant microbiome include the enhancement of plant growth and development through nutrient acquisition. Microbes have the ability to solubilize essential minerals, fix atmospheric nitrogen, and convert organic matter into accessible forms, thereby augmenting the nutrient pool available to the plant. Additionally, the microbiome helps plants to withstand biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pathogen attacks and adverse environmental conditions, by priming the plant's immune responses, antagonizing phytopathogens, and improving stress tolerance. Furthermore, the plant microbiome plays a vital role in phytohormone regulation, facilitating hormonal balance within the plant. This regulation influences various growth processes, including root development, flowering, and fruiting. Microbial communities can also produce secondary metabolites, which directly or indirectly promote plant growth, development, and health. Understanding the functional potential of the plant microbiome has led to innovative agricultural practices, such as microbiome-based biofertilizers and biopesticides, which harness the power of beneficial microorganisms to enhance crop yields while reducing the dependency on chemical inputs. In the present review, we discuss and highlight research gaps regarding the plant microbiome and how the plant microbiome can be used as a source of single and synthetic bioinoculants for plant growth and health. � 2024 Elsevier GmbHItem Urban greenspaces and nearby natural areas support similar levels of soil ecosystem services(Springer Nature, 2024) Eldridge D.J.; Cui H.; Ding J.; Berdugo M.; S�ez-Sandino T.; Duran J.; Gaitan J.; Blanco-Pastor J.L.; Rodr�guez A.; Plaza C.; Alfaro F.; Teixido A.L.; Abades S.; Bamigboye A.R.; Pe�aloza-Bojac� G.F.; Grebenc T.; Nahberger T.U.; Ill�n J.G.; Liu Y.-R.; Makhalanyane T.P.; Rey A.; Siebe C.; Sun W.; Trivedi P.; Verma J.P.; Wang L.; Wang J.; Wang T.; Zaady E.; Zhou X.; Zhou X.-Q.; Delgado-Baquerizo M.Greenspaces are important for sustaining healthy urban environments and their human populations. Yet their capacity to support multiple ecosystem services simultaneously (multiservices) compared with nearby natural ecosystems remains virtually unknown. We conducted a global field survey in 56 urban areas to investigate the influence of urban greenspaces on 23 soil and plant attributes and compared them with nearby natural environments. We show that, in general, urban greenspaces and nearby natural areas support similar levels of soil multiservices, with only six of 23 attributes (available phosphorus, water holding capacity, water respiration, plant cover, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and arachnid richness) significantly greater in greenspaces, and one (available ammonium) greater in natural areas. Further analyses showed that, although natural areas and urban greenspaces delivered a similar number of services at low (>25% threshold) and moderate (>50%) levels of functioning, natural systems supported significantly more functions at high (>75%) levels of functioning. Management practices (mowing) played an important role in explaining urban ecosystem services, but there were no effects of fertilisation or irrigation. Some services declined with increasing site size, for both greenspaces and natural areas. Our work highlights the fact that urban greenspaces are more similar to natural environments than previously reported and underscores the importance of managing urban greenspaces not only for their social and recreational values, but for supporting multiple ecosystem services on which soils and human well-being depends. � Crown 2024.
