Search Results (358)

Aim: This study explored the differences in functional traits and soil physical and chemical properties of coastal plant communities under different disturbance intensities. It investigated the correlations between them to gain a deeper understanding of how plant communities adjust their functional traits in response to habitat changes. However, the mechanisms by which human disturbance influences plant functional traits remain unclear. This research endeavors to reveal the adaptive mechanisms and ecological strategies employed by coastal plant communities under different levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Methods: The study examined plant communities in three levels of disturbance (severe, moderate, and mild) in the coastal areas of Pingtan Island. Nine soil physicochemical property indicators and 16 plant functional trait indicators were collected to analyze the correlation between coastal green space plant functional traits and soil physicochemical properties. Results: Soil physicochemical properties (ST, SS, pH) of coastal plants varied under different disturbance intensities. Concurrently, plant functional traits (SLA, LDMC, LTD, LNC, LCC, LPC, LSC, RTD, RPC) also exhibited significant differences. Notably, the interactions among plant functional traits also varied under different disturbance intensities. Furthermore, plant functional traits exhibited distinct response mechanisms to changes in soil physicochemical properties. The plant community adjusts its resource allocation strategy to adapt to environmental changes, which is specifically manifested in the coordination of SRL, SRA, SLA, RPC, RNC, RCC, RSC, LPC, LNC, LT, LTD, and LDMC. Conclusions: Under severe disturbance, plant communities tend to adopt short-term rapid investment-return strategies to cope with harsh environmental conditions; moderate disturbance prompts slow investment-return strategies for long-term stable growth; mild disturbance triggers rapid investment-return strategies to enhance environmental adaptability. The research results indicate that by selecting appropriate plant resources based on different habitat characteristics, it is beneficial for the survival and reproduction of the plant community. Full article

The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is a eusocial insect widely known for its role in pollination and plant biodiversity. Diverse microorganisms, including both beneficial and pathogenic, colonize bees and play important roles in the overall hive health. Microorganisms with biocontrol properties are natural modulators of honey bee microflora. Since most studies have focused on the characterization of worker bee-associated microbes, there is a lack of information about the drones’ microbial environment. In this study, we identified cultivable yeasts from different stages of honey bee drones collected in Lithuania. Sealed larvae hosted the widest variety of yeasts. Metschnikowia species were detected across all developmental stages of drones. The assessment of functionality revealed that M. pulcherrima and M. fructicola exhibited the most pronounced biocontrol properties, accompanied by high levels of autoaggregation and hydrophobicity. Starmerella apis and M. reukaufii were distinguished by the highest autoaggregation capacity, exceeding 60%, and strong adherence to hydrocarbons. Starmerella genus yeasts demonstrated strong biofilm-forming ability. The novel information on the functionality of honey bee drone-inhabiting yeasts suggests their importance in maintaining the healthy microbiological environment of the hive. The isolated yeasts with beneficial traits may serve as candidates for future studies aimed at supporting honey bee health. Full article

Water scarcity is a major constraint to agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluated the effects of gardening waste-based compost and compost tea (CT) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants subjected to osmotic and water deficit stress. The first experiment assessed seed germination and early growth under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress. An inverse correlation between PEG concentration and seed and plant development was found. CT improved the germination rate and early seedling development under moderate stress (2% PEG). The second experiment examined the effect of compost and CT on tomato growth in a 45-day pot trial under three irrigation levels: 100%, 60%, and 40% field capacity (FC). Compost-treated plants consistently showed significantly greater growth and biomass accumulation across all FC levels, especially under moderate water stress. In contrast, CT-treated plants showed a general reduction in growth parameters. In addition, there was a positive association between compost treatment and multiple growth traits, particularly under reduced irrigation conditions. These findings underscore the beneficial effects of compost on plant performance under drought conditions. Full article

A multi-factor analysis of cultivar, biofertiliser, and growing season was conducted to optimise lettuce agronomic and quality traits in diverse soil conditions. The goal was to identify soil differences and offer practical recommendations to improve lettuce traits and quality for farmers and the processing industry. The study employed a complete block design with four treatments, three involving biofertilisers, applied to six lettuce cultivars grown in two contrasting soil types- Mollic Gleysol (Calcaric)-GL and Hortic Anthrosol (Terric, Transportic)-AT, across three consecutive greenhouse seasons (autumn, winter, and spring). Biofertilisers were applied to the soil before transplanting and foliarly during the growing cycle, with four of the following treatments: control (no fertilisation), a fertiliser containing beneficial microorganisms, a Trichoderma-based fertiliser, and a combination of both. In GL soil, all biofertiliser treatments increased rosette height, leaf number, and stem length, whereas in AT soil, all morphological parameters declined significantly. The green cultivars ‘Aquino’ and ‘Kiribati’ showed superior morphological performance, particularly in spring and winter. Rosette fresh weight, a key indicator of plant biomass, reached 236.4 g in ‘Aquino’ grown in GL soil, and 208.6 g in ‘Kiribati’ grown in AT soil. Dualex™ leaf sensor measurement indicated that ‘Aquino’ exhibited the highest nitrogen balance index (NBI), while the red cultivar ‘Gaugin’ recorded the highest chlorophyll, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. Combined fertilisers increased NBI by 6.3% and chlorophyll by 6.8% in GL soil. Trichoderma fertiliser alone raised NBI by 6.8% in GL soil, whereas in AT soil, plants accumulated more flavonoids and anthocyanins (by 9.2% and 8.5%). Optical parameters were highest in autumn. The three-factor experiment demonstrated that cultivar, biofertiliser, and growing season significantly influenced the majority of measured traits. Correlation analysis revealed that rosette fresh weight was positively associated with NBI but negatively correlated with quality-related traits. Based on these findings, cultivars ‘Aquino’, ‘Kiribati’, and ‘Gaugin’ are recommended for both farmers and the processing industry to improve lettuce production quantity and quality. Overall, cultivar, biofertiliser, and season strongly influenced the measured parameters, underscoring the importance of tailoring biofertiliser application to soil type and season to achieve optimal production outcomes. Full article

The growing world population is putting pressure on food and feed production. For many years, selenium deficiencies have been observed in the diets of the inhabitants of most European and other continental countries, both in the environment and in food and fodder. Therefore, it is becoming necessary to supplement these deficiencies. A 3-year field study was therefore carried out to determine the effect of sulphur (0, 15 and 30 kg S ha⁻¹) and selenium (0, 10 and 20 g Se ha⁻¹) on the yield and biometric traits of winter forms of spelt wheat and common wheat, as well as the timing of application (at the tillering stage, BBCH 22–24, and the stem-shooting stage, BBCH 31–34). Sulphur fertilisation had a slight but positive effect on both the grain and straw yields of both wheat species, especially spelt wheat. The highest increase in spelt wheat grain and straw yield and common wheat straw yield was obtained after applying sulphur at a dose of 15 kg S ha⁻¹, by 3%, 5% and 5%, respectively. In the case of selenium, a higher dose (20 g Se ha⁻¹) had the most beneficial effect on the grain yield of spelt wheat (5% increase) and common wheat (8% increase). In turn, a lower dose of this element (10 g Se ha⁻¹) contributed to an increase in the straw yield of both wheat species, by 10% and 17%, respectively. The yield of spelt and common wheat was not dependent on the timing of Se application. The beneficial effect of S and Se fertilisation on the growth and development of the tested plants is also indicated by the high (exceeding 1) tolerance index for Se and the yield response for S. The effect of S and Se on the weight of a thousand grains was not clear-cut. The density of spelt and common wheat ears increased as a result of the impact of S and Se (S: by 6% and 5%; Se: by 10% and 15%, respectively). Delaying the application of Se contributed to an increase in the density of the tested plants. Full article

Progressive urbanization and increasing pressure on urban green areas necessitate the search for innovative, ecological, and efficient solutions for lawn management. The shallow root system of grasses, combined with a long vegetation period, makes these plants particularly sensitive to water and nutrient deficiencies. One research direction involves the use of zeolites, natural aluminosilicate minerals that, due to their porous structure and high sorption capacity, improve water retention and nutrient availability in soil. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different zeolite doses on the initial growth and development of two turfgrass species (Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra), as well as on selected lawn performance traits, and to determine the persistence of these effects over time. This research was conducted in 2020–2023 under pot and micro-plot experiment conditions, using mixtures containing the above species. Four levels of zeolite addition to the substrate were applied: 0% (control), 1%, 5%, and 10%. The results clearly confirmed the beneficial effects of zeolite. Its addition improved the germination, growth, and biomass yield of aboveground parts and roots, as well as enhancing turf aesthetics, ground cover, and winter hardiness, while reducing the proportion of dicotyledonous species. The best effects were obtained with the 5% dose, which should be considered optimal—it significantly improved lawn utility parameters with lower material input compared to the 10% dose. Species response varied: L. perenne responded more strongly to improved water–air conditions, whereas F. rubra utilized higher zeolite doses more effectively in root system development. The highest overall effectiveness was recorded with the 10% dose. Zeolite effectiveness was greatest in the first year after application, showing a declining trend in subsequent years, although a positive effect was still observed in the third year of use. The findings support the recommendation of zeolite as an ecological soil additive that enhances lawn quality and durability, particularly in low-fertility soils and under water deficit conditions. Its application may represent an important component of modern green space management technologies in line with the principles of sustainable development. Full article

The role of the rhizosphere microbiome in naturally suppressing soilborne diseases remains a critical unknown in sustainable agriculture. We investigated this by challenging three genotypes of tomato plants grown in pre-sterilized and natural soils with three major soil-borne pathogens: Ralstonia solanacearum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, and Meloidogyne incognita. The results showed that all tomato genotypes grown in pre-sterilized soils exhibited significantly higher disease severity with all pathogens. This protective effect was linked to higher microbial diversity and the abundance of beneficial taxa like Sphingomonas and Mortierella in natural soil as a significant reduction was recorded in microbial diversity and these microbial taxa in pre-sterilized soil. Pre-sterilization shifted community assembly from deterministic processes to stochastic processes, reducing functional stability. Functional predictions further demonstrated an enrichment of growth-promoting and disease-suppressive traits in natural soils, while sterilized soils favored pathogen-associated functions. Co-occurrence network analysis confirmed that the natural microbiome formed a more complex and robust microbial network, likely increasing its resistance to pathogen invasion. Notably, the reintroduction of soil microbiota from healthy plants partially restored tomato resistance to the three pathogens. These findings highlight the key role of stable rhizosphere microbial communities in suppressing soil-borne diseases and emphasize the importance of conserving microbial diversity and functional stability for plant health and sustainable agriculture. Full article

The genetic diversity of cultivated crops is limited, largely as a result of domestication bottlenecks and the selective pressures imposed during modern breeding. An introgression cross was initiated by mating bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis), as a wild founder parent, with ‘Charleston Grey’ watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) commercial cultivar, focused on identifying and utilizing trait-enhancing alleles from crop wild relative (CWR). Successful crosses resulted in diverse families, including F₁ hybrids, F₂ population, and backcross (BC) progenies. The study revealed substantial variation among the founder parents and their derived progeny in plant growth and major agronomic fruit traits, highlighting the value of this genetic diversity for breeding programs and demonstrating the potential of Citrullus introgression lines to enhance desired traits in cultivated watermelon. Morphological analysis demonstrated that F₁ progeny resembled the maternal parent for the majority of investigated fruit traits. A considerable proportion of the introgression progeny in the F₂ generation outperformed both parents in total soluble solids and lycopene content, suggesting that crop wild relatives hold strong breeding value through beneficial allelic recombination. BC₁ siblings were closer to the wild watermelon, which is presumably maternally controlled through plastome and mitogenome in crosses between cultivated watermelon and wild bitter apple, which is expected to be retained in successive backcrosses. The study uncovers novel alleles of CWR that preserve extensive genetic variation that is essential for enhancing resilience traits in current breeding lines. These introgression-derived resources provide a critical platform for advancing genetic studies and enhancing crop resilience. Full article

A novel bacterial strain was isolated from the roots of Suaeda japonica, a halophytic plant inhabiting tidal zones. Phylogenetic, genomic, and phenotypic analyses identified the isolate as a novel species within the genus Paraburkholderia, for which the name Paraburkholderia suaedae sp. nov. is proposed. The strain exhibits multiple plant growth-promoting traits, including the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, and siderophore, along with the ability to fix nitrogen and solubilize phosphate. Genomic analysis revealed genes associated with enhanced root surface adhesion and rhizosphere survival, such as those involved in thiamine biosynthesis and transport, and biofilm formation via poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (PGA) synthesis. These features suggest the strain’s potential for persistent colonization and beneficial interaction with host plants. Although its direct impact on plant growth has not yet been experimentally validated, the genetic and biochemical evidence supports its potential application in agriculture. The objective of this study was to conduct a polyphasic taxonomic characterization of a novel strain DGU8^T isolated from the roots of the halophyte Suaeda japonica, and to assess its potential as a plant growth-promoting agent, particularly its tolerance to drought-related osmotic stress. Full article

Bacterial outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) mediate stress tolerance, biofilm formation, and interkingdom communication, but their role in beneficial endophytes remains underexplored. We isolated 11 non-redundant isolates associated with Bacillus, Enterococcus, Kosakonia and Kocuria from Agave tequilana seeds, identified by MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We focused on the catalase-negative Enterobacter cloacae SEA01, which exhibits plant-promoting traits and support agave growth under nutrient-poor microcosms. In addition, this endophyte produces OMVs. Time-resolved SEM documented OMV release and cell aggregation within 9 h, followed by mature biofilms at 24 h with continued vesiculation. Purified OMVs (≈80–300 nm) contained extracellular DNA and were characterized by dynamic light scattering and UHPLC–ESI–QTOF-MS lipidomics. The OMV lipidome was dominated by phosphatidylethanolamine (~80%) and was enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids (16:1, 18:1), while the stress-associated cyclopropane fatty acids (17:1, 19:1) were comparatively retained in the whole-cell membranes; OMVs also exhibited reduced ubiquinone-8. SEA01 is catalase-negative, uncommon among plant-associated Enterobacter, suggesting a testable model in which oxidative factors modulate OMV output and biofilm assembly. These may have implications for recognition and redox signaling at the root interface. Future works should combine targeted proteomics/genomics with genetic or chemical disruption of catalase/OMV pathways. Full article

Meeting the growing demand for vegetable oil while promoting agricultural sustainability in Northeast China requires developing high-yield, high-oil-content soybean varieties. We present the comprehensive development and evaluation of Heinong 551, an innovative soybean variety created through an integrated approach of conventional breeding methods and radiation-induced mutation techniques. The breeding program began with hybridization between Heinong 44 (the maternal parent) and Hefeng 47 (the paternal parent), followed by targeted exposure to ⁶⁰Co gamma radiation at 130 Gy to induce beneficial mutations. Using systematic selection protocols over five generations from 2012 to 2016, we identified superior lines that underwent rigorous multi-location testing across seven sites in Heilongjiang Province during 2020–2021. Field evaluation results showed consistent performance, with Heinong 551 achieving average yields of 2901 kg/ha and 3142 kg/ha in those years, representing significant gains of 10. 6% and 11.0. 0% compared to standard control varieties. The cultivar maintained stable phenological traits with a reliable 120-day maturation period and demonstrated strong environmental adaptability across different growing conditions. Biochemical analysis revealed excellent nutritional value, with 39.45% crude protein and 21.69% crude fat, reaching a combined protein–fat percentage of 61.14%. Quality tests confirmed superior seed integrity, with sound seed rates over 97% and minimal pest or disease damage. Disease resistance assessments showed moderate tolerance to gray leaf spot while maintaining excellent overall plant health, with no signs of viral infections or nematode infestations during testing. Heinong 551 has received official approval for cultivation in Heilongjiang Province’ s second accumulated temperature zone, characterized by thermal units ≥2550 °C above a 10 °C threshold. This represents significant progress in high-oil soybean variety development, illustrating the success of combining traditional breeding methods with modern mutation technology. Full article

Silicon (Si), a beneficial element accumulated by rice (Oryza sativa L.), enhances productivity and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Fragrance, primarily driven by 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP), is a key trait in premium rice markets. This study evaluated the effects of Si on grain yield, yield components, 2AP content, and Si accumulation in three Thai fragrant rice genotypes—BNM4, BNMCMU, and KDML105—under highland and lowland conditions. Plants received four Si application rates: 0 (control), 168, 336, and 504 kg Si ha⁻¹. Si significantly increased yield under lowland conditions, while responses in the highland were genotype-dependent, with only BNMCMU showing significant improvement at the highest Si rate. Silicon accumulation in shoot tissues was consistently higher in the highland than in the lowland across all genotypes. Nevertheless, Si application significantly increased shoot Si content under lowland conditions. A positive correlation between grain yield and shoot Si accumulation was observed under both environments, highlighting the role of Si in yield enhancement. The influence of Si on 2AP concentration was limited, with stronger effects from genotype and environment especially in the highland, where KDML105 consistently exhibited the highest 2AP levels. In the lowland, however, Si application significantly enhanced 2AP content in BNMCMU and KDML105. These findings underscore the significance of genotype × environment interaction and support precision Si application to enhance both yield and aroma in fragrant rice. Full article

Biological control with beneficial bacteria offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals for managing plant pathogens and enhancing plant health. However, bacterial biocontrol agents (BCAs) remain underexploited due to regulatory hurdles (such as complex registration timelines and extensive dossier requirements) and limited strain characterization. Recent advances in omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) have strengthened the bioprospecting pipeline by uncovering key microbial traits involved in biocontrol. Genomics enables the identification of biosynthetic gene clusters, antimicrobial pathways, and accurate taxonomy, while comparative genomics reveals genes relevant to plant–microbe interactions. Metagenomics uncovers unculturable microbes and their functional roles, especially in the rhizosphere and extreme environments. Transcriptomics (e.g., RNA-Seq) sheds light on gene regulation during plant-pathogen-bacteria interactions, revealing stress-related and biocontrol pathways. Metabolomics, using tools like Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), identifies bioactive compounds such as lipopeptides, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and polyketides. Co-culture experiments and synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) have shown enhanced biocontrol through metabolic synergy. This review highlights how integrating omics tools accelerates the discovery and functional validation of new BCAs. Such strategies support the development of effective microbial products, promoting sustainable agriculture by improving crop resilience, reducing chemical inputs, and enhancing soil health. Looking ahead, the successful application of omics-driven bioprospection of BCAs will require addressing challenges of large-scale production, regulatory harmonization, and their integration into real-world agricultural systems to ensure reliable, sustainable solutions. Full article

The early stages of plant–microbe interaction are critical for establishing beneficial symbioses. We investigated how the endophytic fungus Fusarium solani strain FsK modulates tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) development and hormone pathways during in vitro co-cultivation. Seedlings were sampled at three early interaction stages (pre-contact, T1; initial contact, T2, 3 days post-contact, T3). Root traits and root and leaf transcripts for abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (ET) pathways were quantified, alongside fungal ET-biosynthesis genes. FsK altered root system architecture, increasing root area, lateral root number, root-hair length, and fresh biomass. These morphological changes coincided with tissue- and time-specific shifts. In leaves, FsK broadly affected ABA biosynthetic and homeostasis genes (ZEP1, NCED1, ABA2, AAO1, ABA-GT, BG1), indicating reduced de novo synthesis with enhanced deconjugation of stored ABA. ET biosynthesis was curtailed in leaves via down-regulation of ACC oxidase (ACO1–3), with isoform-specific changes in ACC synthase (ACS). The ET receptor ETR1 was transiently expressed early (T1–T2). FsK itself showed staged activation of fungal ET-biosynthesis genes. These results reveal coordinated fungal–plant hormone control at the transcriptional level that promotes root development during early interaction and support FsK’s potential as a biostimulant. Full article

This study investigated the isolation and formulation of a bacterial conditioner as a biostimulant for Triticum durum (durum wheat) under salinity stress. An Algerian alkaline–saline soil was sampled, characterized for its physical and chemical characteristics and its culturable and total microbial community (16S rRNA gene metabarcoding). Three bacterial strains showing high 16S rRNA gene similarity to Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus proteolyticus, and Niallia nealsonii were selected for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits under different salinity levels, including phosphate solubilisation (194 µg mL⁻¹), hormone production (e.g., gibberellin up to 56 µg mL⁻¹), and good levels of hydrocyanic acid, ammonia, and siderophores. N. nealsonii maintained high indole production under saline conditions, while B. proteolyticus displayed enhanced indole synthesis at higher salt concentrations. Siderophore production remained stable for P. putida and N. nealsonii, whereas for B. proteolyticus a complete inhibition was registered in the presence of salt stress. The consortium density and application were tested under controlled conditions using Medicago sativa as a model plant. The effective biostimulant formulation was tested on Triticum durum under greenhouse experiments. Bacterial inoculation significantly improved plant growth in the presence of salt stress. Root length increased by 91% at 250 mM NaCl. Shoot length was enhanced by 112% at 500 mM NaCl. Total chlorophyll content increased by 208% at 250 mM NaCl. The chlorophyll a/b ratio increased by 117% at 500 mM. Also, reduced amounts of plant extracts were necessary to scavenge 50% of radicals (−22% at 250 mM compared to the 0 mM control). Proline content increased by 20% at both 250 mM and 500 mM NaCl. These results demonstrate the potential of beneficial bacteria as biostimulants to mitigate salt stress and enhance plant yield in saline soils. Full article