Search Results (669)

Ants act as keystone species in terrestrial ecosystems, providing important ecosystem services. The large-scale production and application of GO constitute a predominant contributor to its inevitable environmental dispersion. Most GO toxicity studies have focused on plants, animals, and microorganisms, with limited research on ground-dwelling ants. In the study, we used Camponotus japonicus as a model to investigate the toxic effects of GO on ants by integrating physiological characteristics, gut microbiota and transcriptome profiling. Results showed that GO exposure induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as evidenced by mitochondrial ROS accumulation and elevated mitochondrial membrane permeability. Physiological assessments revealed that GO exposure induced oxidative stress. Specifically, GO treatment significantly suppressed superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while enhancing peroxidase (POD) and carboxylesterase (CarE) activities and increasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and trehalose. Gut microbiota analyses showed that GO remarkably reduced the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial symbionts (e.g., Candidatus Blochmannia) and destabilized the whole community structure. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling revealed 680 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ants after GO exposure, most of which were significantly enriched in pathways associated with oxidative phosphorylation. This study suggests that GO may compromise ant-mediated ecosystem function and provides a reference for understanding the environmental risks of GO. Our findings also offer new insights for protecting the ecosystem services of ants. Full article

Driven by the energy transition within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, second-generation (2G) ethanol stands out as a technical and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Although first-generation ethanol, produced from saccharine and starchy feedstocks, represents an advance in mitigating emissions, its expansion is limited by competition with areas destined for food production. In this context, 2G ethanol, obtained from residual lignocellulosic biomass, emerges as a strategic route for diversifying and expanding the renewable energy matrix. Thus, this work discusses the current state of 2G ethanol technology based on the gradual growth in production and the consolidation of this route over the last few years. Industrial second-generation ethanol plants operating around the world demonstrate the high potential of agricultural waste as a raw material, particularly corn straw in the United States, which offers a lower cost and significant yield in the production of this biofuel. Similarly, in Brazil, sugarcane by-products, especially bagasse and straw, are consolidating as the main sources for 2G ethanol, integrated into the biorefinery concept and the valorization of by-products obtained during the 2G ethanol production process. However, despite the wide availability of lignocellulosic biomass and its high productive potential, the consolidation of 2G ethanol is still conditioned by technical and economic challenges, especially the high costs associated with pretreatment stages and enzymatic cocktails, as well as the formation of inhibitory compounds that compromise the efficiency of the process. Genetic engineering plays a particularly important role in the development of microorganisms to produce more efficient enzymatic cocktails and to ferment hexoses and pentoses (C₆ and C₅ sugars) into ethanol. In this scenario, not only are technological limitations important but also public policies and tax incentives, combined with the integration of the biorefinery concept and the valorization of (by)products, which prove fundamental to reducing costs, increasing process efficiency, and ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of second-generation ethanol. Full article

Tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) significantly affects tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena) crops worldwide, with its feeding patterns being closely associated with its gut microbiota. We aimed to compare the cultivable gut bacteria of T. absoluta larvae fed on tomato and eggplant to investigate their role in host adaptation. Gut bacteria were cultivated on Luria–Bertani broth, nutrient agar, and Brain Heart Infusion media under different temperature conditions, followed by morphology- and 16S rRNA-based identification. Notably, both feeding groups revealed distinct gut bacterial community structures. Tomato-fed larvae harbored bacteria spanning eight species, five genera, four families, and two phyla. In contrast, eggplant-fed larvae exhibited greater microbial diversity, encompassing 15 species, 10 genera, 9 families, and 3 phyla, including unique genera such as Pseudomonas and Pectobacterium, which was attributed to the host plant contribution. Enterococcus mundtii was the most dominant bacterium, and species such as Bacillus wiedmannii and Micrococcus luteus were most thermotolerant. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of multi-condition culture approaches for thoroughly characterizing insect gut microbiota and underscore the role of host plants in pest adaptability by modulating gut microbial communities, providing new insights for developing sustainable control strategies utilizing “plant–insect–microorganism” interactions. Full article

Plant disease specimens are invaluable resources for investigating the origin and spread mechanisms of plant pathogenic microorganisms. Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc), is one of the most devastating bacterial diseases in citrus production. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Xcc strain GD82, isolated from Guangdong Province during the early outbreak stage in the 1980s. Comparative analysis with modern genomes revealed key differences in structural variations, functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and phage-related fragments, suggesting potential associations between insertions/deletions (InDels) and pathogenicity or environmental adaptation. This study provides critical insights into the evolutionary trajectory of Xcc and the epidemiological dynamics of citrus canker in China. Full article

Debaryomyces hansenii, a yeast that plays an important role in several agri-food processes, is increasingly being investigated as a biological protection factor against fruit and grain pathogens because of its ability to inhibit the growth of unwanted microorganisms. Biological plant protection can be used as an alternative to pesticides, which cannot be used in organic farming. The mechanism of action associated with the biocontrol capacity of D. hansenii against Fusarium graminearum, the agent of Fusarium head blight in wheat, and its involvement in induced plant defense were studied in Triticum turgidum ssp. durum on the mRNA level. A total of 3432 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of T. turgidum ssp. durum were identified by using RNA-Seq analysis in a sample primed with D. hansenii before pathogen application in comparison to a non-protected sample. Upregulated DEGs encode the proteins involved in cell wall biosynthesis and their modification, photosynthesis, secondary metabolism, and cytoskeleton organization. Among the DEGs, candidate transcription factors as well as protein kinases involved in the signal transduction activated by D. hansenii were also shown. Priming durum wheat seedlings with D. hansenii leads to enhancing the cell wall structure, which increases plant resistance to fungal infection. Full article

Artificial cultivation of the endangered medicinal plant Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is a key strategy for resource protection and supply, yet cultivation can cause soil degradation and microbial disorder, while the effect of cultivation on the microbial community and its relationship with soil nutrients remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of artificial cultivation on the soil–microorganism–nutrient cycling system of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, a rare medicinal plant. We compared three groups (Native-wild, Mix-wild, Mix-cultivated) by analyzing soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, community structure, co-occurrence networks, and multi-nutrient cycling drivers. Geographic position drove spatial (landscape scale) heterogeneity of soil nutrients, while cultivation shaped its vertical (soil depth) counterpart. Cultivation altered the natural vertical nutrient pattern via surface fertilization, causing nutrient surface retention. Microbial communities exhibited wild-specific/cultivation-specific responses, bacteria were slightly more sensitive to cultivation effect than fungi. Cultivation altered microbial network complexity depending on the host and increased instability, with only bacterial network associations correlating with soil factors. Fungal diversity and specific taxa became core drivers of multi-nutrient cycling. This study clarifies cultivation’s regulatory mechanism on S. hexandrum’s soil–microorganism system, providing a basis for optimizing cultivation management and protecting this endangered species. Full article

Colombia is the Latin American country with the second-largest area planted with OxG hybrid cultivars, covering more than 120,000 hectares Various health problems can affect yield, especially those affecting fruit. Since 2021, white fruit rot has been reported in the northern, central, and southwestern palm-growing areas. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify associated symptoms and their causal agent. To this end, a total of six locations in the three palm-growing regions were visited, and 36 samples of affected fruits were collected to obtain microorganisms. These microorganisms were inoculated into detached fruits under in vitro conditions, and seven isolates were inoculated into bunches in the field. They were morphologically and molecularly characterized by partial sequencing of the ITS and TEF1 regions. Symptoms of white rot were observed, starting from the base of the fruit to the apex, with the development of a cottony mycelial mass, followed by the formation of sclerotia. A total of 33 organisms were obtained, 30 isolates identified as Agroathelia rolfsii, one Fusarium sp., one Rhizoctonia sp., and one Pestalotiopsis sp. isolate. The Agroathelia isolates exhibited white, cottony growth adhering to the surface of the PDA culture medium. After four days of growth, they developed globose to ellipsoid sclerotia (average 1.00 ± 0.26 (0.46–2.20 mm)). These were initially white and turned brown as they developed, with the average number of sclerotia per plate ranging from 4 to 449 (n = 6). In the in vitro pathogenicity test, only A. rolfsii isolates were pathogenic, with a 100% incidence, an average severity ranging from 10 to 40% infection, and a range of 10 to 100%. In field inoculations, 100% of the inoculated bunches exhibited symptoms similar to those observed under natural field conditions. In all cases, the pathogen was recovered, fulfilling Koch’s postulates and confirming that A. rolfsii is the causal agent of white fruit rot. This constitutes the first record of Agroathelia rolfsii in oil palm in Colombia. Full article

Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles using plant extracts has been widely explored for biomedical applications due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. In this study, gold nanoparticles were phytoformulated using an ethanolic extract of dwarf copper leaf. Their physicochemical properties, antineoplastic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and bactericidal efficacy against selected pathogenic microorganisms were systematically evaluated. The phyto-synthesized AuNPs show potential as an antineoplastic agent, significantly dropping the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells when administered at higher concentrations. Comprehensive characterization revealed that the phyto-formulated AuNPs were predominantly spherical with sizes ranging from 15–38 nm as observed by TEM, while XRD analysis confirmed their crystalline nature. Furthermore, FT-IR analysis determined the plant extract’s functional groups, which served as both reducing and stabilizing agents during synthesis. Additionally, the phyto-formulated AuNPs showed bactericidal efficacy against several microorganisms, including Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Serratia species. Particularly, the phyto-formulated AuNPs were effective against B. cereus and Serratia species. The present results showed that the phyto-formulated AuNPs could be used in biomedical contexts for bactericidal action and medication delivery. By using this cost-effective and eco-friendly nanobiotechnology method, AuNPs can enhance drug delivery and efficacy with lower toxicity effects associated with conventional chemotherapies. Full article

Reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) is an effective approach for controlling horticultural plant diseases by improving soil properties. However, its effects on microbial communities and their functional characteristics across soil depths remain poorly researched. In this study, we evaluated the impacts of RSD using solid (rice bran, RB) and liquid (molasses, MO) organic amendments in a Fusarium-infested field. Changes in biotic and abiotic properties were examined at two soil depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm) and the potential of different amendments to restore microecological functions in deeper soil was assessed. Both RSD treatments alleviated soil acidification and salinization compared with the control. The absolute abundances of Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani were significantly reduced under both treatments, with MO-RSD showing stronger pathogen suppression in the 15–30 cm layer. MO-RSD exerted a greater influence on microbial community structure across soil depths, resulting in bacterial-fungal co-occurrence networks with higher complexity. Metabolic activity and carbon source utilization increased significantly following both RSD treatments, with the greatest enhancement observed in the 0–15 cm layer under MO-RSD. Furthermore, MO-RSD enriched a higher diversity and abundance of beneficial microorganisms such as Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Tumebacillus in the 0–15 cm layer, and Azotobacter, Penicillium, and Neurospora in the 15–30 cm layer. These microbes were closely associated with enhanced metabolic activity and pathogen suppression. Overall, MO-RSD established a more integrated and functionally diverse microbiota across the 0–30 soil profile, likely due to the greater permeability and mobility of liquid organic amendments in shaping deeper soil microbial communities. Full article

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi that can contaminate animal feed. Cattle may be exposed to these toxins through contaminated feed sources such as cereal grains (e.g., corn, barley), silage, hay, and other roughages, where aflatoxins, fumonisins, T-2 toxins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxins, and emerging mycotoxins are most commonly found. Cattle are generally less sensitive to mycotoxins, mainly due to detoxification processes occurring in the rumen. The rumen plays a key role in the degradation or transformation of mycotoxins through the activity of ruminal microorganisms and enzymes before these toxins are absorbed into the bloodstream. However, despite this natural defense, mycotoxins have been shown to impact ruminant health. This article aimed to analyze the literature on the negative effects of mycotoxin exposure on cattle health. In January 2025, a systematic search of various databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Web of Science) was conducted in Google Chrome to identify studies assessing the association between mycotoxin exposure and health complications in cattle. Symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning are nonspecific and include metabolic and hormonal imbalances, inflammatory conditions, weakened immune response, digestive disorders, reduced productivity, and reproductive issues. These toxins may also compromise the safety of the food chain, including the quality of milk and meat products. Due to the increasing risk of mycotoxin contamination in feed, a comprehensive approach to feed management is essential. This includes regular monitoring, proper storage of raw materials, and the use of plant protection products that minimize the risk of contamination. Full article

Burkholderia is a metabolically versatile genus of Gram-negative bacteria that inhabits niches ranging from soil and water to plants and clinical environments. This review provides an integrated examination of Burkholderia species, focusing on their dual roles as both pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. Key pathogenic species, such as members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex and the Burkholderia pseudomallei group, pose significant threats to human, animal, and plant health due to their intrinsic antibiotic resistance and diverse virulence factors. Conversely, several environmental and plant-associated Burkholderia species promote plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and serve as biocontrol agents, supporting sustainable agriculture. We synthesize current knowledge across taxonomy, genomics, pathogenicity, beneficial interactions, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis—including the prolific production of antibiotics, toxins, and volatile organic compounds with pharmaceutical and agricultural potential. Advances in high-throughput genomics are revealing substantial genetic diversity, genome plasticity, and mechanisms underlying both pathogenicity and beneficial traits. Clarifying this dual nature and identifying strategies to mitigate risks will guide the safe and effective exploitation of Burkholderia in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Full article

The increasing demand for palm oil has drastic effects on the ecosystem, as its production is not sustainable. To that end, developing a sustainable alternative to fatty acids and oils is urgent and of utmost interest. Oils produced by oleaginous yeasts present a promising solution, particularly because the fatty acid profile of the oil produced by these yeasts is comparable to that of plant-based oils and fats. The fatty acid composition of the oil determines its physiological properties, thereby determining its potential applications. Accordingly, the production of microbial oil with an optimal composition profile for a specific application is of great importance. In this study, we evaluated the variation that occurred in fatty acid composition due to different cultivation parameters (temperature, C/N ratio, carbon, and nitrogen sources) and applied genetic modifications to improve the lipid accumulation of Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus and Yarrowia lipolytica. We showed that specific fatty acid profiles associated with a particular application can be obtained by carefully selecting the microorganism and cultivation conditions. Full article

Siderophores are low-molecular-weight chelating agents secreted by microorganisms under iron-limiting conditions, playing a crucial role in metal bioavailability and microbial survival. In this study, siderophores produced by Glutamicibacter sp. strain Al-Teq-24-F2, isolated from plant-associated samples, were characterized through a combination of spectroscopic and analytical methods. ESI-MS analysis of the crude extract revealed several abundant ions between 175 and 800 m/z, suggesting a mixture of secondary metabolites. After chromatographic purification, FT-IR and NMR analyses indicated the presence of amide, hydroxyl, and carboxylate functional groups. Integrating these data allowed for the proposal of a siderophore structure with a molecular weight of 438.25 Da. Thermogravimetric analysis showed thermal stability below 115 °C. During Fe (III) complexation, the zeta potential shifted from −21.15 mV to +42 mV, confirming strong interaction between the ligand and the metal. UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy displayed characteristic bathochromic and hypochromic shifts, together with pronounced fluorescence quenching upon iron binding. These findings provide new insight into the structural and physicochemical properties of siderophores produced by Glutamicibacter sp. and highlight their potential applications in biosensing and metal chelation processes. Full article

The Ukrainian brook lamprey (UBL) (Eudontomyzon mariae) spreads in Poland and often replaces the European brook lamprey (EBL) (Lampetra planeri) in rivers contaminated by wastewater effluents. We aimed to investigate whether this phenomenon is associated with differences in the intestinal microbiota of the two lamprey species. We analysed seasonal changes in the midgut microbial content of the UBL ammocoetes collected from a section of the River Gać affected by wastewater treatment plant effluent. The numbers of cultivable psychrophilic (autochthonous) and mesophilic (allochthonous) microorganisms, along with Escherichia coli and faecal streptococci, were compared to those found in the EBL from the same site. Higher levels of the faecal indicator microorganisms were observed in the UBL gut content compared to the EBL across most seasons, particularly in the winter (all mesophiles), in contrast to the levels of psychrophilic bacteria. This may suggest a relatively greater accumulation of mesophilic, sewage-associated bacteria in the UBL gut. Varying intestinal bacterial counts in the UBL gut did not reflect trends observed for the microorganisms in surrounding water during the studied seasons. These findings support the hypothesis that the UBL potentially benefits from the uptake of faecal bacteria. Such adaptation may contribute to its dominance in contaminated freshwater ecosystems, where EBL populations decline. Full article

The mobilization of complex microbial communities from natural resources can be a valuable alternative to the use of single-species biofertilizers when it comes to the decomposition of plant residues. However, the functioning and interaction of microorganisms within these communities remain largely unexplored. Our task was to investigate the cellulose-degrading community using the biofertilizer BAGS (peat-based compost with straw) as an example and define its active component. For this, we monitored the succession of the biofertilizer’s taxonomic composition during two consecutive rounds of its six-month composting process, varying in the applied mineral fertilization. The amount of added nitrogen significantly affected the performance of the biofertilizer, contributing to its high cellulolytic activity. Based on the network analysis, the biofertilizer’s mature phase was determined, and its characteristic ASVs (amplicon sequence variants) were described. Metagenomic analysis of this phase revealed MAGs (metagenome-assembled genomes) corresponding to these ASVs, which contained genes for cellulose and aromatics degradation, as well as genes for nitrogen and sulfur pathways, including anaerobic nitrate reduction and thiosulfate oxidation. Thus, we propose that the cellulose-decomposing bacterial component of BAGS, associated with the mature phase, occupied different trophic niches, not limited to cellulose degradation, which should be considered when designing natural or artificial microbial systems for the decomposition of plant residues. Full article