A Novel Bacillus safensis-Based Formulation along with Mycorrhiza Inoculation for Controlling Alternaria alternata and Simultaneously Improving Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Steviol Glycosides in Stevia rebaudiana under Field Conditions

The excess use of chemicals by farmers in the agroecosystems degrades soil quality, disturbs soil ecology, and increases soil salinity and health hazards in humans. Stevia rebaudiana is an important medicinal and aromatic crop whose leaves contain steviol glycosides (SGs). The Bacillus safensis NAIMCC-B-02323 strain STJP from the rhizosphere of S. rebaudiana producing salicylic acid (16.80 µg/mL), chitinase (75.58 U/mL), β-1,3-glucanase (220.36 U/mL), and cellulase (170 U/mL) was taken as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The cell-free supernatant (CFS) from strain STJP showed significant biocontrol activity against Alternaria alternata (80%), suggesting the protective role of extracellular metabolite(s) against phytopathogens. Paneer whey-based bioformulation (P-WBF) was developed to exploit B. safensis STJP to enhance the growth, nutrient uptake, soil properties, stevioside content, and SGs biosynthesis in S. rebaudiana under an A. alternata-infested field. The combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza (Glomus fasciculatum ABTEC) significantly enhanced plant growth parameters after 90 days, in comparison with control. The symbiotic action (P-WBF and mycorrhiza) displayed much better results in terms of chlorophyll a and b (improved by 132.85% and 39.80%, respectively), protein (by 278.75%), flavonoid (by 86.99%), carbohydrate (by 103.84%), antioxidant (by 75.11%), and stevioside (by 120.62%) contents in plants as compared to the untreated set. Further, the augmentation of potassium (by 132.39%), phosphorous (by 94.22%), and zinc (by 111.11%) uptake in plant tissues and soil was also observed by the application of P-WBF and mycorrhiza. The expression of UGT74G1 and UGT85C2 genes related to SG biosynthesis was upregulated (2.7- and 3.2-fold, respectively) in plants treated with P-WBF and mycorrhiza as further confirmed by the accumulation of SGs. The results suggest that the application of P-WBF and mycorrhiza not only provides an ecofriendly and sustainable solution to improve stevioside content in S. rebaudiana by a nutrient-linked mechanism but also paves the way to enhanced production of stevioside.


Introduction
An important medicinal, aromatic, and industrial crop, Stevia rebaudiana is a substitute for sugar with broad medicinal properties and superior flavor outline and is also of agronomic importance [1]. S. rebaudiana contains various vitamins and minerals, such as Fe, Si, Co, Mn, Ca, Mg, Se, Ti, and Zn, and has been explored for its curative practices as hepatoprotective [2], antihyperglycemic [3], antitumor [4], anti-inflammatory [5], and immunomodulatory [6]. In addition, it is well known as a natural sweetener due to its combination with AMF. The effect of PGPR and AMF on growth parameters, such as shoot and root length, fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW), number of leaves, chlorophyll, antioxidant, flavonoid, and nutrient uptake in plants; and soil health, was checked. In addition, the relative highest transcript profiles of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of SGs in S. rebaudiana was investigated after the application of PGPR and AMF. The developed novel method may prove to be a valuable asset for farmers involved in the organic farming of S. rebaudiana.
Cell-free supernatant (CFS) of isolate STJP showed better inhibitory activity against A. alternata in comparison to cell suspension (CS). The CS recorded 32.5% inhibition of fungal growth, while the CFS of isolate STJP showed an 80% inhibitory effect on the fungal pathogen (Figure 1a

Impact of Bioformulation on Growth of S. Rebaudiana
B. safensis STJP (Paneer whey-based bioformulation (P-WBF)) positively affected the plant growth parameters as observed after 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) of seedlings in the field (Supplementary Figure S1). Among all treatments, P-WBF plus mycorrhiza recorded the maximum increment in vegetative parameters as compared to control (Table 1).

Impact of Bioformulation on Growth of S. Rebaudiana
B. safensis STJP (Paneer whey-based bioformulation (P-WBF)) positively affected the plant growth parameters as observed after 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) of seedlings in the field (Supplementary Figure S1). Among all treatments, P-WBF plus mycorrhiza recorded the maximum increment in vegetative parameters as compared to control (Table 1). P-WBF and mycorrhiza (combined) treatment enhanced FW and DW by 91.36% and 78.94%; 73.41% and 104.82%; and 136.30% and 184.22% after 30, 60, and 90 DAS of seedlings, in comparison with control plants, respectively (Table 1). Only P-WBF-treated plants also showed significant enhancement in FW (72.99%, 59.10%, and 92.64%) and DW (53.07%, 81.97%, and 131.03%) as compared with negative control (A. alternata) after 30, 60, and 90 DAS of seedlings. The application of mycorrhiza alone corresponded to a 31

Impact of Bioformulations on Biochemical Aspects of S. rebaudiana
S. rebaudiana grown in the field showed higher chlorophyll a (57.71%) and chlorophyll b (22.31%) content when treated with P-WBF even in the presence of phytopathogens/control. A significant increase in chlorophyll content (a and b) was observed after a combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza (132.85% and 39.80%) as compared to control. Although the plants treated with mycorrhiza alone also increased chlorophyll content (a and b), their result was not as good as compared to other treatments ( Figure 2).
There was a 278.75%, 86.99%, and 75.11% enhancement in protein, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity in the plants treated with P-WBF and mycorrhiza, in comparison with control. P-WBF and mycorrhiza (separately) also improved the protein (153.06% and 33.67%), flavonoid (56.91% and 16.26%), and antioxidant activity (50.39% and 12.63%) (in the plants) in the presence of phytopathogens, but it was significantly less than the P-WBF and mycorrhiza treatment in combination (Figures 2 and 3).
Mycorrhiza-, P-WBF-, and P-WBF plus mycorrhiza-treated plants resulted in a higher carbohydrate content by 25.64%, 50.39%, and 103.84%, respectively, as compared with control ( Figure 3). The protein content improved by 227.55% as compared to control by the combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza ( Figure 3). Overall, the results suggest that P-WBF and mycorrhiza combined was the best treatment for the enhancement of antioxidant activity and chlorophyll, carbohydrate, and flavonoid contents. There was a 278.75%, 86.99%, and 75.11% enhancement in protein, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity in the plants treated with P-WBF and mycorrhiza, in comparison with control. P-WBF and mycorrhiza (separately) also improved the protein (153.06% and 33.67%), flavonoid (56.91% and 16.26%), and antioxidant activity (50.39% and 12.63%) (in the plants) in the presence of phytopathogens, but it was significantly less than the P-WBF and mycorrhiza treatment in combination (Figures 2 and 3). Mycorrhiza-, P-WBF-, and P-WBF plus mycorrhiza-treated plants resulted in a higher carbohydrate content by 25.64%, 50.39%, and 103.84%, respectively, as compared with control ( Figure 3). The protein content improved by 227.55% as compared to control by the combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza ( Figure 3). Overall, the results suggest  There was a 278.75%, 86.99%, and 75.11% enhancement in protein, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity in the plants treated with P-WBF and mycorrhiza, in comparison with control. P-WBF and mycorrhiza (separately) also improved the protein (153.06% and 33.67%), flavonoid (56.91% and 16.26%), and antioxidant activity (50.39% and 12.63%) (in the plants) in the presence of phytopathogens, but it was significantly less than the P-WBF and mycorrhiza treatment in combination (Figures 2 and 3). Mycorrhiza-, P-WBF-, and P-WBF plus mycorrhiza-treated plants resulted in a higher carbohydrate content by 25.64%, 50.39%, and 103.84%, respectively, as compared with control ( Figure 3). The protein content improved by 227.55% as compared to control by the combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza ( Figure 3). Overall, the results suggest

Stevioside Content
In the presence of A. alternata, the maximum stevioside content (120.62%) in S. rebaudiana was obtained under combined treatment with P-WBF and mycorrhiza ( Figure 4). P-WBF-treated plants had significantly enhanced stevioside content (95.39%) when compared with control. However, this result was not significant in comparison to the combined treatment (P-WBF and mycorrhiza). Mycorrhiza-treated plants also had enhanced stevioside content (29.97%) as compared to the negative control (A. alternata). Overall, the results suggest that the combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza was a more effective method for the augmentation of stevioside content in S. rebaudiana. This result was compared and confirmed with the chromatogram of stevioside (under different treatments) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Figure 5a,b). pared with control. However, this result was not significant in comparison to the com-bined treatment (P-WBF and mycorrhiza). Mycorrhiza-treated plants also had enhanced stevioside content (29.97%) as compared to the negative control (A. alternata). Overall, the results suggest that the combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza was a more effective method for the augmentation of stevioside content in S. rebaudiana. This result was compared and confirmed with the chromatogram of stevioside (under different treatments) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Figure 5a,b).  pared with control. However, this result was not significant in comparison to the combined treatment (P-WBF and mycorrhiza). Mycorrhiza-treated plants also had enhanced stevioside content (29.97%) as compared to the negative control (A. alternata). Overall, the results suggest that the combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza was a more effective method for the augmentation of stevioside content in S. rebaudiana. This result was compared and confirmed with the chromatogram of stevioside (under different treatments) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Figure 5a,b).

Impact of P-WBF and Mycorrhiza on Nutrient Uptake in S. rebaudiana
The combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza resulted in a 94.22% enhancement of phosphorus (P) content in the plant when compared with control ( Table 2). P-WBF and mycorrhiza (individually) positively affected the P content as compared to uninoculated plants and resulted in a 71.52% and 24.39% increment in the uptake of P, respectively, as compared to control (A. alternata). Zinc (Zn) uptake in S. rebaudiana was also significantly augmented when applied with P-WBF plus mycorrhiza (111.11%) in comparison with the control plants ( Table 2). The amount of Zn content was increased by 93.70% and 48.14% with P-WBF and mycorrhiza treatments (separately) in comparison to uninoculated plants, respectively. P-WBF along with mycorrhiza significantly enhanced potassium (K) (132.39%) content in comparison with the control plants ( Table 2). Mycorrhiza-and P-WBF-treated plants (separately) showed a 34.57% and 87.22% increment in the uptake of K when compared with the control plants. Overall, the combined treatment (P-WBF plus mycorrhiza) was found to be better for the uptake of nutrients (P, K, and Zn) by S. rebaudiana. In the current experiment, the relative gene expression related to SG biosynthesis was modified with the application of different treatments ( Figure 6). P-WBF-treated plants showed upregulation of the UGT85C2 and UGT74G1 genes, resulting in enhanced stevioside and steviolmonoside production (results show 2.2-and 2.8-fold enhancement); on the other hand, gene UGT76G1 was downregulated, decreasing the production of rebaudioside-A. In addition, mycorrhiza also upregulated the expression of UGT85C2 and UGT74G1 while downregulating the expression of UGT76G1. The combined application of mycorrhiza plus P-WBF showed a strong transcriptional profile in SG production. Except for the UGT76G1 gene, the expression of the UGT85C2 and UGT74G1 genes was upregulated (3.22-and 2.7-fold), which caused significant enhancement in the steviolmonoside and stevioside content ( Figure 6). Overall, the combined treatment (mycorrhiza plus P-WBF) was found to be more effective in the modification of SG biosynthesis.

Impact of Bioformulation on Soil Health
After the harvesting of S. rebaudiana, the nutrients in the soil were checked, and it was observed that K, P, Zn, C, and N of the combined treatment (P-WBF and mycorrhiza)treated soils were 100.89, 39.16, 366.66, 67.10, and 74.72% higher, respectively, than without any treatment (Figure 7). Soil treated with P-WBF increased K, P, Zn, C, and N at the levels of 72.19, 20.97, 80.95, 43.66, and 56.31%, respectively, in comparison with control ( Figure 7). Mycorrhiza-treated soil was 17.48, 2.09 and 40.25% higher in K, P, and Zn content, respectively, in the presence of phytopathogen (A. alternata). However, mycorrhiza on its own did not significantly affect the C and N content when the result was compared with control ( Figure 7). The experimental field soil was alkaline (pH: 8.3) in the control set. In this regard, the pH of all the treated soils was recorded between 6.7 and 7.8 (P-WBF and mycorrhiza: 6.9; P-WBF: 7.2; and mycorrhiza: 7.8). Overall, the P-WBF and mycor-

Impact of Bioformulation on Soil Health
After the harvesting of S. rebaudiana, the nutrients in the soil were checked, and it was observed that K, P, Zn, C, and N of the combined treatment (P-WBF and mycorrhiza)treated soils were 100.89, 39.16, 366.66, 67.10, and 74.72% higher, respectively, than without any treatment (Figure 7). Soil treated with P-WBF increased K, P, Zn, C, and N at the levels of 72.19, 20.97, 80.95, 43.66, and 56.31%, respectively, in comparison with control ( Figure 7). Mycorrhiza-treated soil was 17.48, 2.09 and 40.25% higher in K, P, and Zn content, respectively, in the presence of phytopathogen (A. alternata). However, mycorrhiza on its own did not significantly affect the C and N content when the result was compared with control ( Figure 7). The experimental field soil was alkaline (pH: 8.3) in the control set. In this regard, the pH of all the treated soils was recorded between 6.7 and 7.8 (P-WBF and mycorrhiza: 6.9; P-WBF: 7.2; and mycorrhiza: 7.8). Overall, the P-WBF and mycorrhiza inoculation was found to be a good method for the improvement of soil fertility. The effects of the inoculation (P-WBF and mycorrhiza) resulted in a significant impact on soil quality and plant productivity.

Discussion
PGPR have been extensively used for the enhancement of plant growth and control of phytopathogens [24]. The application of PGPR can be a sustainable approach to manage leaf spot disease (caused by A. alternata) in S. rebaudiana. In the current study, isolate STJP produced 16.80 μL of salicylic acid in in vitro conditions. Salicylic acid is a natural phenolic compound and plant growth hormone in many plants, and its role is considered in the growth promotion of plants and improvement in soil quality by the prevention of fungal phytopathogens via inducing systemic resistance mechanisms [25]. Salicylic acid produced by B. amyloliquefaciens CNU114001 accelerated mineral solubilization in soil and inhibited the growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Alternaria sp. [26]. El-Garhy et al. [27] demonstrated that exogenous applications of salicylic acid on tomato crops enhanced induced systematic resistance (ISR) against A. alternata and improved its quality and productivity.
B. safensis STJP showed biocontrol against A. alternata, and its CFS was also effective against the phytopathogen. The bacterium strain STJP produced chitinase (75.58 U/mL), a cell wall (fungal)-degrading enzyme belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase family, and mainly secreted by rhizobacteria [28]. This enzyme can enhance the nutrient mobilization and the plant's defense system against fungal phytopathogens due to the degradation of chitin present in the fungal cell wall, and its role is further reported in the augmentation of growth and productivity of plants [29]. Many rhizobacteria, including Bacillus spp., use chitin as an energy source by degrading it with the help of chitinase [30]. The isolate STJP also produced β-1, 3-glucanase (220.36 U/mL) along with cellulase. These enzymes have the ability to break down the glycosidic bond in the cell wall of fungal phytopathogens and also help in the upgrading of soil fertility, cell division, seed maturation, rapid growth, flower formation, and mobilization of nutrients in plant tissue [28,31]. The Bacillus halodurans strain C-125 inhibited fungal growth and soil nutrients by the production of β-1, 3-glucanase and cellulase enzyme [32]. Overall, the isolate STJP was found to be a very

Discussion
PGPR have been extensively used for the enhancement of plant growth and control of phytopathogens [24]. The application of PGPR can be a sustainable approach to manage leaf spot disease (caused by A. alternata) in S. rebaudiana. In the current study, isolate STJP produced 16.80 µL of salicylic acid in in vitro conditions. Salicylic acid is a natural phenolic compound and plant growth hormone in many plants, and its role is considered in the growth promotion of plants and improvement in soil quality by the prevention of fungal phytopathogens via inducing systemic resistance mechanisms [25]. Salicylic acid produced by B. amyloliquefaciens CNU114001 accelerated mineral solubilization in soil and inhibited the growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Alternaria sp. [26]. El-Garhy et al. [27] demonstrated that exogenous applications of salicylic acid on tomato crops enhanced induced systematic resistance (ISR) against A. alternata and improved its quality and productivity.
B. safensis STJP showed biocontrol against A. alternata, and its CFS was also effective against the phytopathogen. The bacterium strain STJP produced chitinase (75.58 U/mL), a cell wall (fungal)-degrading enzyme belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase family, and mainly secreted by rhizobacteria [28]. This enzyme can enhance the nutrient mobilization and the plant's defense system against fungal phytopathogens due to the degradation of chitin present in the fungal cell wall, and its role is further reported in the augmentation of growth and productivity of plants [29]. Many rhizobacteria, including Bacillus spp., use chitin as an energy source by degrading it with the help of chitinase [30]. The isolate STJP also produced β-1, 3-glucanase (220.36 U/mL) along with cellulase. These enzymes have the ability to break down the glycosidic bond in the cell wall of fungal phytopathogens and also help in the upgrading of soil fertility, cell division, seed maturation, rapid growth, flower formation, and mobilization of nutrients in plant tissue [28,31]. The Bacillus halodurans strain C-125 inhibited fungal growth and soil nutrients by the production of β-1, 3-glucanase and cellulase enzyme [32]. Overall, the isolate STJP was found to be a very good PGPR because of its ability to produce different plant growth-promoting (PGP) metabolites, such as indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, solubilized potassium, phosphate, and zinc [1,20], and it also produced biocontrol metabolites, such as salicylic acid, chitinase, and β, 1,3-glucanase. Such isolates can be very important for use as a bioinoculant. In this regard, strain STJP (B. safensis NAIMCC-B-02323) was used to develop paneer whey-based bioformulation (P-WBF). Based on the shelf life, ease of availability, and presence of nutrients, it was found to be an effective liquid carrier (paneer whey) [1], and hence it was further applied for field trial.
Better plant biomass (fresh and dry weight), number of leaves, plant length, and nutrient uptake was observed in S. rebaudiana by the treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza in the presence of the fungal pathogen, which might be associated with the solubilization of minerals and the production of hormones, siderophores and lytic enzymes by B. safensis STJP. A cocktail of PGP properties (plant growth and biocontrol traits) of Bacillus spp. will help translocate minerals by the nutrient transpiration xylem pathway [33] and increase plant productivity by the growth inhibition of fungal pathogens, such as A. alternata [26,34]. The bioformulation developed utilizing Bacillus coagulans applied on a sugar beet crop, showed high biomass and yield of the plant due to the solubilization of P, K, and Zn in the presence of phytopathogens [35]. Furthermore, the mutualistic interaction between mycorrhizal fungi and plants is one of the most important biological interactions involved in the augmentation of plant growth under nutrient-deficient and naturally infested soils. The mycorrhizal nutrient solubilization of Zn, K, and P directly aids in the increase in fresh biomass and crop productivity [23].
In the presence of phytopathogens, the combined treatment (P-WBF and mycorrhiza) increased chlorophyll, carbohydrate, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity in S. rebaudiana as compared to other treatments performed in the study. Bacillus-based bioformulations with several PGP properties have been found to improve plant growth and nutrient, chlorophyll, and metabolite content in a variety of medicinal, vegetable, and fruit crops [36,37]. The Bacillus sp. strain CL12 enhanced the growth parameters, including flavonoid and antioxidant activity and metabolite (curcumin) content, in Curcuma longa due to the solubilization of nutrients and the production of hormones, siderophore, and lytic enzymes [38]. Bacillus spp. are also reported to control leaf spot disease (A. alternata) of Aloe vera [39] and also improved biochemical aspects and metabolite contents of the plants [38,39]. Similarly, B. safensis STJP-based bioformulation displayed PGP properties, and its application on the stevia plants increased growth parameters, biochemical aspects, and metabolite contents in the presence of the fungal pathogen.
Stevioside is a key sweetener found in the stevia plant and is a sugar alternative. In the present study, the combined treatment of P-WBF and mycorrhiza gave the highest levels of stevioside content (120.53% as compared to control) under phytopathogen-infested conditions. This might be due to the production of various PGP traits including biocontrol activity against A. alternata. The combined application of Bacillus sp. with mycorrhiza showed better growth, disease management, and yield of the coriander plant by nutrient translocation as compared to a single application (Bacillus or mycorrhiza) or without any treatment in the field [40]. The combined treatment (P-WBF plus mycorrhiza) was found to be better for the nutrient (P, K, and Zn) uptake by S. rebaudiana. However, in the present study, the number of leaves, plant length, FW, DW, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls), and biochemical aspects were significantly reduced in the control sets. Furthermore, the nutrient uptake in the stevia plant was low in comparison with the treated sets. Due to all these factors, there was a reduced metabolite (stevioside) content in the control sets. Overall, the developed P-WBF utilizing B. safensis STJP was capable of controlling leaf spot disease in stevia and promoted growth, yield, and stevioside accumulation. Until now, there have been no reports on the bioformulation for S. rebaudiana growth enhancement and secondary metabolite augmentation at the field scale. According to our knowledge, this is the first study on the application of P-WBF to increase growth and stevioside content in S. rebaudiana in A. alternata-infested fields.
Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are well known to produce a number of important secondary metabolites. In the current study on the application of PWF and mycorrhiza, SG biosynthesis was enhanced in S. rebaudiana even when grown in an A. alternata-infested field. We observed that the UGT74G1 and UGT85C2 genes showed upregulation, while the UGT76G1 gene was found to be downregulated in the stevia plant. Modi et al. [9] observed that among the three genes, the UGT76G1 gene was upregulated in the biosynthesis of SGs, enhancing the rebaudioside-A production after gibberellin treatment. In our study, we found that it was the UGT74G1 gene of the plant rather than the UGT76G1 gene that resulted in modification of the SGs pattern. However, the expression of the UGT76G1 gene might be suppressed in the presence of a fungal pathogen (A. alternata), and it showed downregulation and reduced rebaudioside-A accumulation. Moreover, the expression of such genes can be upregulated by the application of chemicals or PGP additives [10,41]. Kumar et al. [42] reported that the UGT74G1 gene was upregulated in the SG biosynthesis pathway when it was treated with gibberellic acid in S. rebaudiana. The mycorrhiza-treated plant augmented SG production by the upregulation of UGT74G1 gene expression; the result suggests that the gene improves stevioside production correlating with increased sweetness [31,42]. The co-inoculation of mycorrhiza and PGPR thus resulted in a strong transcriptional profile and improved SG production.
Soil fertility mainly depends on nutrient availability, pH, healthy microbial population, and uptake of soluble nutrients by the roots to promote plant growth and productivity [40]. Soil nutrients, such as P, K, Fe, and Zn, are generally unavailable to the plant because of their insolubility in the soil [43]. In the current study, the combined application of P-WBF and mycorrhiza improved soil pH (6.9) and solubilized nutrients (K, P, Zn, C, and N) resulting in the improvement of nutrient availability in the soil. The pH of the soil is important for the survival of helpful microbes and plant growth. Soil fertility, microbial population, and plant growth can all be affected by pH levels that are too low or too high. Improved soil pH resulted in better availability of nutrients thus significantly impacting plant growth and nutrient (metabolite) content [44,45].
Overall, B. safensis STJP showing PGP traits, such as phosphate, Zn, and K solubilization and the ability to chelate Fe (via siderophore) along with biocontrol traits (lytic enzymes and salicylic acid), can be a big boon for the overall management of S. rebaudiana cultivation. The combined application of the PGPR and mycorrhiza not only improved plant growth parameters and stevioside content but also controlled the leaf spot disease. This may help in enhancing the quality of produce and will be helpful in improving the production of a very important plant metabolite.

Microorganisms, Phytopathogen, and Seedling Collection
Bacterium strain STJP was isolated from the rhizospheric locale of S. rebaudiana plant and identified as Bacillus safensis NAIMCC-B-02323 as already reported by the authors [1,20]. Afterward, paneer whey-based bioformulation (P-WBF) using B. safensis was developed [1] and taken for field trials.

Biocontrol Characteristics of Isolate
For the qualitative and quantitative estimation of hydrogen cyanide, a nutrient agar plate containing glycine was used as per Bakker and Schipper [46]. The quantitative determination of salicylic acid was checked in a succinate medium by the cell-free culture extraction method [47].

Antagonistic Activity by Cell Suspension and Cell-Free Supernatant from Isolate
The antagonistic activity of isolate STJP against A. alternata was evaluated via CS and CFS as per Soria and Audisio [50]. To obtain the CS and CFS, isolate (1% v/v) was inoculated in the nutrient broth (HiMedia, Mumbai, India) and incubated in a shaker (150 rpm, 28 • C, and 48 h). After incubation, the growth medium was centrifuged (9000 rpm, 15 min, 4 • C). CFS was collected after centrifugation, and CS was obtained through a sterilized membrane filter (0.22 µm pore-size cellulose acetate membrane) as per Soria and Audisio [50]. For the examination of the antifungal assay, CS and CFS were inoculated into separate potato dextrose broth (PDB) containing A. alternata and incubated at 150 rpm, 28 • C, and 120 h. After incubation, the broth was centrifuged, and numbers of cells/spores of fungus were counted as per Soria and Audisio [50].

Field Study
The developed paneer whey-based bioformulation (P-WBF) using B. safensis STJP [1] was used for validation in natural (unsterilized soil) field conditions. The field experiment was performed in Horticulture Research Farmhouse (HRF), BBAU, Lucknow (latitude 26.8467 • N and longitude 80.9462 • E) with an elevation of 123 m above sea level from February to April 2018 (90 days) and repeated from February to April 2019 for 90 days as per Tewari and Arora [51]. During the experiments, temperatures were recorded between 12 • C and 36 • C; humidity was recorded between 46% and 82%, and occasional rainfall was recorded in February. The pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium percentage, organic content, sand, silt, and clay of the experimental field were determined to be 8.2, 3.2 mmhos cm −1 , 14 %, 0.8%, 7%, 1.1%, and 84%, respectively. The soil of the field is naturally infested with A. alternata (10 3 CFU/g of soil). The field experiment was designed using a completely randomized block design (CRD) with five replicates of each treatment in a standard plot size of 200 m 2 (15 m × 10 m), where each block was 2 m × 2 m, with the following treatments: (1) control (A. alternata/experimental field), (2) B. safensis STJP (bioformulation), (3) mycorrhiza (Glomus fasciculatum), and (4) mycorrhiza + B. safensis STJP. An approximate 0.20 m distance was left in between each block, and 28-day seedlings of S. rebaudiana (variety: CIM-Mithi) of approximately the same size (selected based on visual observation) were sown in a 35 cm row width. Before sowing the seedlings, the CFU of strain STJP was counted (~10 8 CFU mL −1 ) in the bioformulation using plate count and standard serial dilution methods. The seedling of stevia plant was treated by bacterial strain STJP by root-dip method [20], while mycorrhiza treatment in stevia seedling was performed according to Mandal et al. [52]. During the entire experiment, normal water was used for irrigation (four-fold) in the field. No chemicals (fertilizers or pesticides) were applied in this trial. FW, DW, number of leaves, and root and shoot length were checked 30, 60, and 90 days after planting.

Effect of Bioformulation on Biochemical Aspects of S. rebaudiana
The examination of carbohydrate (soluble sugar) was performed by Anthrone method [53]. The soluble sugar (carbohydrate) was calculated (g −1 FW of the leaf by using a standard curve of glucose) as per Albalasmeh et al. [53]. The protein content of stevia leaves was determined in mg/g FW of the leaves according to the standard method of Lowry [54] using bovine serum albumin (BSA) (Sisco-pH 6-7, fraction V) as standard. Chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b) of the plant was checked and expressed in mg/g FW of leaf according to Arnon [55]. Antioxidant activity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay using methanol standard as per Braca et al. [56]. For the estimation of flavonoid content, aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used [57] by using quercetin (HPLC grade) (Hi-Media, Mumbai, India) solution in methanol as standard, and the content was expressed in mg per gram DW of the plant as per Quettier-Deleu et al. [57].

Estimation of Stevioside Content
After 90 days of treatment, S. rebaudiana shoots were harvested from each treatment and dried at 50 • C in a hot air oven. Furthermore, using the hot water method, stevioside was extracted with water at 78 ± 2 • C for 56 min [58]. The resulted sample was filtered using Whatman filter paper Number 42, and then water was vaporized (45 • C; 55 rpm min −1 ; 75 mbar) through a rotatory evaporator (model: R-100 Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) as per Rahi et al. [59]. The obtained sample containing stevioside was mixed with acetonitrile and water (both HPLC grade, Merck, Mumbai, India) in a 20:80 ratio. The blended sample was filtered via a millipore membrane (0.45 µm) in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) vial, and the obtained sample was tested for stevioside content using HPLC (Waters 2489 UV/Visible Detector, Milford, MA, USA) entailing mixed-mode wax-1 column (5µm). Afterward, 20 µL dissolved sample was introduced into the sample loop, and a further mobile phase was set in an 80:20 v/v ratio of acetonitrile and water (HPLC Grade, Merck, Mumbai, India) at the pressure of 1100 psi, flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, run time of 10 min, and temperature of 40 • C as per Rahi et al. [59]. The result was viewed at 210 nm after injecting the sample in an analytical column. The obtained result was interpreted through standard stevioside (98% purity, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

Effect of P-WBF on Nutrient Uptake in Stevia Plants
S. rebaudiana plants were harvested (90 DAS of seedlings) and dried in a hot air oven (temp: 50 ± 2 • C; time: 4 days) for nutritional estimation. The dried plant sample (100 mg) was grinded and then digested with H 2 SO 4 and HClO 4 (6 mL) in a ratio of 9:1 using the hot plate technique (10 min) to determine phosphorus (P) content. The colorless, digested sample was diluted in double-distilled water (100 mL). The obtained sample was then tested for P using the vanadomolybdophosphoric yellow color technique [60]. The Zn uptake in S. rebaudiana was measured following digesting process as per Horwitz et al. [61] using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS; model: AA240FS Fast Sequential AAS, Agilent Technologies, San Francisco, USA). The uptake of K content in the plant was estimated with a triacid digestion procedure as per Jackson [62]. For the investigation of overexpression of candidate genes, same stage, uniform axial-positioned leaves of control and treated plants were taken (after 90 days of growth). Sequences of candidate genes were taken from the model organism, and the primers were designed using Gene Runner Software (version 6) as per Kumar et al. [42]. The major three genes involved in the biosynthesis of SGs were UGT85C2, UGT74G1, and UGT76G1. Primers of the genes were provided to make a stock solution (100 pmol with 0.3× TE buffer), and then this solution was diluted 10 pmol for PCR master mix preparation. For the validation of gene primers, 1.0 µL and 0.2 µL samples (in 25 µL and 20 µL systems) were taken each for DNA confirmation and real-time experiments, respectively [42]. cDNA sample was taken for control and run in RT-PCR using all the selected primers. The steps of PCR (cycling conditions) before the melting curve of designed genes and all validation procedures were followed as per Kumar et al. [42].

RNA Extraction and cDNA Synthesis
For isolation of RNA, TRIzol reagent was used as per Ghawana et al. [63]. Briefly, 50 mg of leaf or tissue and 1 mL of TRIzol reagent (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) was mixed for homogenization. Then, 0.2 mL of chloroform was added to lyse the tissues or cells and centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 min. The aqueous phase (upper part of the sample) was mixed with isopropanol (0.6 mL), and further centrifugation was performed to obtain a sample in precipitate form. Afterward, the sample was rinsed with 75% chilled ethanol. The obtained RNA was dissolved in treated water of diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) as per Modi et al. [9].
According to the manufacturer's instructions, the cDNA was primed from cDNA synthesis kit for RT-qPCR (BioAdvanced Systems, Mexico. Briefly, reaction mixtures (20 µL) containing total RNA, dNTP mix, reverse transcriptase, RNase inhibitor, and oligo dT primers were incubated for 60 min at 37 • C followed by 10 min at 65 • C to denature enzyme present in the sample, and the obtained samples were diluted 5 times and used as a working solution [9].

Quantitative Analysis of UGT85C2, UGT74G1, and UGT76G1 Genes in Steviol Glycoside Biosynthesis Using RT-qPCR
The gene expression was tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using Act and 18S rRNA genes as endogenous control [42,64]. cDNA synthesis was prepared as described above, and PCR was carried out using 1 µL of cDNA template in a 25 µL reaction. For each gene, conditions of PCR cycling were optimized to achieve amplification beneath the exponential phase of PCR as per Kumar et al. [42]. The samples (control and treatments) were analyzed using SyberGreen mix as fluorophore to quantify by RT-qPCR (Model: BIO-RAD C1000) with three replicates, and the result was interpreted using 2 −∆∆CT Method [9]. Signal intensities were examined, and the image was captured using a gel documentation machine (Model: iBright TM CL1000, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). AD-1000 software was used for the calculation of integrated density value (IDV) to examine deviations in the expression of candidate genes [9].

Effect of Bioformulation on Soil Health
After the tilling of plants, soil pH and electrical conductivity were measured by the standard method of Jackson [62]. The total organic carbon in the soil was observed using a wet oxidation method described by Grewal et al. [65]. The available P content in soil (treated and nontreated) was determined by using Kjeldahl digestion method [66]. Total nitrogen (N) from the soil sample was analyzed with an aqueous solution (HCl/HNO 3 ) in a ratio of 3:1 as per the alkaline permanganate method [67]. After the physiochemical properties, the biological properties of soil (in each pot) were examined separately.

Experimental Statistical Analysis
The field experiment used a completely randomized block design (CRD) with five replicates, and the data were reported as the mean minus standard deviation (SD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the result validity, and Duncan's multiple range test (p ≤ 0.05) was used to check the significant differences between distinct sets [68]. Three replicates of gene expression related to SG biosynthesis were performed, and the statistical significance of the candidate gene was determined using the ANOVA test (p = 0.05) as per Compton [69].

Conclusions
The use of B. safensis as a bioformulation to promote plant growth and manage fungal pathogen is an environmentally friendly method. P-WBF-based B. safensis bioformulation has had a significant impact on S. rebaudiana growth parameters, biochemical aspects and metabolite attributes, as well as on SG biosynthesis, and has proven to be a viable alternative to chemicals. B. safensis has a variety of PGP and biocontrol properties and was used as a novel paneer whey-based bioformulation to boost stevia plant growth and SG accumulation by delivering an array of nutrients. The current study's findings suggest that B. safensis with PGP abilities could be a viable tool for improving farmer livelihoods through improved S. rebaudiana cultivation in an ecofriendly manner. Exploiting a PGP strain such as B. safensis as a cheap and effective bioformulation could be a better option for soil reclamation, sustainable agriculture, and production of green metabolites for the agro, food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.