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Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 34487

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sergio de los Santos Villalobos

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Biotecnología del Recurso Microbiano, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Obregón 85000, Mexico
Interests: microbial ecology of plant-growth-promoting microorganisms and biological control agents in agro-systems; genetic and functional diversity of microbial communities associated with soil, rhizosphere, and crops; crop–microorganisms interactions at physiological, metabolic, and molecular levels; agricultural soil conservation using isotopic techniques

Dr. Fannie I. Parra-Cota

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Guest Editor

Campo Experimental Norman E. Borlaug, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Ciudad Obregón 85000, Mexico
Interests: genetic and functional diversity of soil microbial communities; crops x microorganisms interactions at metabolic and molecular levels

Dr. Amelia C. Montoya-Martinez

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Biotecnología del Recurso Microbiano, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON), Obregón 85000, Mexico
Interests: plants-microorganisms-soil interactions; agricultural plant science; molecular biology; plant pathology; biological control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Crop production needs to increase in order to meet the demands of the current and future population. Thus, intensive production systems have been implemented through the use of chemical fertilizers and phytosanitary control. These agricultural practices have negative consequences such as environmental contamination; loss of microbiome diversity; the proliferation of new phytopathogens, pests, and weeds; lower agro-ecosystem fertility; and risk to human health; among others. Therefore, it is our job to design innovative agricultural alternatives to increase the crop yield in order to achieve food security sustainably.

A promising strategy for this global challenge is the use of microorganisms that exert beneficial effects on plants, either by helping their growth and/or protecting them from biotic and/or abiotic stresses; these are termed plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs). This group of microorganisms plays a crucial role in plants’ development, yield, and quality, forming close relationships that trigger a wide range of positive physiological, metabolic, and molecular responses. Thus, PGPMs can be studied for the bioprospection and bioformulation of microbial inoculants for agricultural applications, but a deep study of the microbiome–plant-environment relationships is also necessary in order to assure the effective and sustainable use of beneficial microorganisms.

This Special Issue will provide a collection of the most recent and significantly advanced research, offering new insights into the beneficial effects of microorganisms in sustainable agriculture, and their interactions with plants. We welcome the submission of original research papers, reviews, genome announcements, or draft genomes that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

The effects of microorganisms on crop yield and quality under greenhouse and/or field conditions.
Effects of microorganisms on plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Bioprospection of biological control agents and/or plant-growth-promoting microorganisms.
Bioformulation of beneficial microorganisms for developing microbial inoculants.
Molecular and metabolic mechanisms associated with beneficial microorganisms.
Plant microbiome analyses.
Genomic and transcriptomic studies of plant–beneficial microorganisms interactions.
Taxonomy and systematics of beneficial microorganisms.

Dr. Sergio de los Santos Villalobos
Dr. Fannie I. Parra-Cota
Dr. Amelia C. Montoya-Martinez
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs)
plant–microbe interactions
bioinoculants
soil microbial diversity
crop enhancement
microbiome
biological control
sustainable agriculture

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 506 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture: Harnessing Microbes’ Potential to Help Feed the World

by Amelia C. Montoya-Martínez, Fannie Isela Parra-Cota and Sergio de los Santos-Villalobos

Plants 2022, 11(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030372 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5615

Abstract

The global population is projected to increase to near 10 billion people by the year 2050 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

12 pages, 4576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Gluconacin on Bacterial Tomato Pathogens and Protection against Xanthomonas perforans, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Spot Disease

by Elizabeth Teixeira de Almeida Ramos, Fábio Lopes Olivares, Letícia Oliveira da Rocha, Rogério Freire da Silva, Margarida Goréte Ferreira do Carmo, Maria Teresa Gomes Lopes, Carlos Henrique Salvino Gadelha Meneses, Marcia Soares Vidal and José Ivo Baldani

Plants 2023, 12(18), 3208; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183208 - 8 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1265

Abstract

As agricultural practices become more sustainable, adopting more sustainable practices will become even more relevant. Searching for alternatives to chemical compounds has been the focus of numerous studies, and bacteriocins are tools with intrinsic biotechnological potential for controlling plant diseases. We continued to explore the biotechnological activity of the bacteriocin Gluconacin from Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, PAL5 strain, by investigating this protein’s antagonism against important tomato phytopathogens and demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing bacterial spots caused by Xanthomonas perforans. In addition to this pathogen, the bacteriocin Gluconacin demonstrated bactericidal activity in vitro against Ralstonia solanacearum and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, agents that cause bacterial wilt and bacterial spots, respectively. Bacterial spot control tests showed that Gluconacin reduced disease severity by more than 66%, highlighting the biotechnological value of this peptide in ecologically correct formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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30 pages, 8461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacillus-Loaded Biochar as Soil Amendment for Improved Germination of Maize Seeds

by Vanja Vlajkov, Ivana Pajčin, Snežana Vučetić, Stefan Anđelić, Marta Loc, Mila Grahovac and Jovana Grahovac

Plants 2023, 12(5), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051024 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2983

Abstract

Biochar is considered one of the most promising long-term solutions for soil quality improvement, representing an ideal environment for microorganisms’ immobilization. Hence there is a possibility to design microbial products formulated using biochar as a solid carrier. The present study was aimed at development and characterization of Bacillus-loaded biochar to be applied as a soil amendment. The producing microorganism Bacillus sp. BioSol021 was evaluated in terms of plant growth promotion traits, indicating significant potential for production of hydrolytic enzymes, indole acetic acid (IAA) and surfactin and positive tests for ammonia and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase production. Soybean biochar was characterised in terms of physicochemical properties to evaluate its suitability for agricultural applications. The experimental plan for Bacillus sp. BioSol021 immobilisation to biochar included variation of biochar concentration in cultivation broth and adhesion time, while the soil amendment effectiveness was evaluated during maize germination. The best results in terms of maize seed germination and seedling growth promotion were achieved by applying 5% of biochar during the 48 h immobilisation procedure. Germination percentage, root and shoot length and seed vigour index were significantly improved when using Bacillus-biochar soil amendment compared to separate treatments including biochar and Bacillus sp. BioSol021 cultivation broth. The results indicated the synergistic effect of producing microorganism and biochar on maize seed germination and seedling growth promotion, pointing out the promising potential of this proposed multi-beneficial solution for application in agricultural practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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16 pages, 5776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Responses of Agave maximiliana to Inoculation with Autochthonous and Allochthonous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

by Laura Verónica Hernández-Cuevas, Luis Alberto Salinas-Escobar, Miguel Ángel Segura-Castruita, Paola Andrea Palmeros-Suárez and Juan Florencio Gómez-Leyva

Plants 2023, 12(3), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030535 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2145

Abstract

The benefits of mycorrhizal interactions are only known in 8 of 210 recognized Agave taxa. We evaluated the effects of autochthonous and allochthonous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on growth and nutrient assimilation in Agave maximiliana. The autochthonous consortium (Cn) of eight species was propagated from the rhizospheric soil of A. maximiliana, while Claroideoglomus claroideum (Cc) and Claroideoglomus etunicatum (Ce) were employed as allochthonous AMF. Six treatments were included in the study: Cn, Ce, Cc, Ce + Cc, Tf (fertilized control), and Tn (non-fertilized control, not inoculated). Mycorrhizal colonization increased over time, and the colonization percentages produced by Cn and the allochthonous AMF, both alone and mixed together, were equal at 6, 12, and 18 months. Height increased steadily and was higher in AMF-treated plants from seven months onward. Growth indicators of AMF-treated and AMF-free plants were equal at 6 months, but the beneficial effects of allochthonous and autochthonous AMF were evident in all growth indicators at 18 months and in sugar and mineral (P, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe) content. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi significantly improved all growth parameters of A. maximiliana regardless of the origin of the inoculums. This is the first study to report the positive effects of AMF colonization in A. maximiliana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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16 pages, 1627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Phyllosphere Bacteria on Plant Physiology and Growth of Soybean Infected with Pseudomonas syringae

by Charles Agbavor, Babur S. Mirza and Alexander Wait

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2634; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192634 - 7 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2529

Abstract

Phyllosphere bacteria are an important determinant of plant growth and resistance to pathogens. However, the efficacy of phyllosphere bacteria in regulating infection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea (Psg) and its influence on soybean growth and physiology is unknown. In a greenhouse study, we assessed the influence of a phyllosphere bacterial consortium (BC) of 13 species isolated from field-grown soybean leaves on uninfected and deliberately Psg infected soybean plants. We measured Psg density on infected leaves with and without the application of the BC. The BC application resulted in a significant reduction in Psg cells. We also measured plant biomass, nodule mass and number, gas exchange, and leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen in four treatment groups: control plants, plants with a BC and no infection (BC), plants with BC and infected with Psg (BC + Psg), and plants infected with Psg alone. For all variables, plants infected with Psg alone showed significant reduction in measured variables compared to both BC treatments. Therefore, the bacterial consortium was effective in controlling the negative effects of Psg on growth and physiology. The BC treatment sometimes resulted in increases in measured variables such as plant biomass, nodule numbers, and leaf chlorophyll as compared to control and BC + Psg treatments. Overall, the positive influence of BC treatment on plant growth and physiology highlights its potential applications to increase crop yield and control bacterial pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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15 pages, 6811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Interaction between Symbiotic N₂ Fixing Bacteria and Bacillus strains to Improve Growth, Physiological Parameters, Antioxidant Enzymes and Ni Accumulation in Faba Bean Plants (Vicia faba) under Nickel Stress

by Mohssen Elbagory, Sahar El-Nahrawy and Alaa El-Dein Omara

Plants 2022, 11(14), 1812; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141812 - 9 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1944

Abstract

Several activities in the agriculture sector lead to the accumulation of Nickel (Ni) in soil. Therefore, effective and economical ways to reduce soil bioavailability of Ni must be identified. Five isolates of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar Viceae (ICARDA 441, ICARDA 36, ICARDA 39, TAL–1148, and ARC–207) and three bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, B. circulance, and B. coagulans) were evaluated for tolerance and biosorption of different levels of Ni (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg L⁻¹). Pot experiments were conducted during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons using four inoculation treatments (inoculation with the most tolerant Rhizobium (TAL–1148), inoculation with the most tolerant Rhizobium (TAL–1148) + B. subtilis, inoculation with the most tolerant Rhizobium (TAL–1148) + B. circulance, and inoculation with the most tolerant Rhizobium (TAL–1148) + B. coagulans) under different levels of Ni (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg kg⁻¹), and their effects on growth, physiological characteristics, antioxidant enzymes, and Ni accumulation in faba bean plants (Vicia faba C.V. Nobaria 1) were determined. The results showed that Rhizobium (TAL–1148) and B. subtilis were the most tolerant of Ni. In pot trials, inoculation with the most tolerant Rhizobium TAL–1148 + B. subtilis treatment was shown to be more effective in terms of growth parameters (dry weight of plant, plant height, number of nodules, and N₂ content), and this was reflected in physiological characteristics and antioxidant enzymes under 600 mg kg⁻¹ Ni compared to the other treatments in the 2019/2020 season. In the second season, 2020/2021, a similar pattern was observed. Additionally, lower concentrations of Ni were found in faba bean plants (roots and shoots). Therefore, a combination of the most tolerant Rhizobium (TAL–1148) + B. subtilis treatment might be used to reduce Ni toxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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11 pages, 1875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biorecovery of Agricultural Soil Impacted by Waste Motor Oil with Phaseolus vulgaris and Xanthobacter autotrophicus

by Blanca Celeste Saucedo Martínez, Liliana Márquez Benavides, Gustavo Santoyo and Juan Manuel Sánchez-Yáñez

Plants 2022, 11(11), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111419 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

Agricultural soil contamination by waste motor oil (WMO) is a worldwide environmental problem. The phytotoxicity of WMO hydrocarbons limits agricultural production; therefore, Mexican standard NOM-138-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2012 (NOM-138) establishes a maximum permissible limit of 4400 ppm for hydrocarbons in soil. The objectives of this study are to (a) biostimulate, (b) bioaugment, and (c) phytoremediate soil impacted by 60,000 ppm of WMO, to decrease it to a concentration lower than the maximum allowed by NOM-138. Soil contaminated with WMO was biostimulated, bioaugmented, and phytoremediated, and the response variables were WMO concentration, germination, phenology, and biomass of Phaseolus vulgaris. The experimental data were validated by Tukey HSD ANOVA. The maximum decrease in WMO was recorded in the soil biostimulated, bioaugmented, and phytoremediated by P. vulgaris from 60,000 ppm to 190 ppm, which was considerably lower than the maximum allowable limit of 4400 ppm of NOM-138 after five months. Biostimulation of WMO-impacted soil by detergent, mineral solution and bioaugmentation with Xanthobacter autotrophicus accelerated the reduction in WMO concentration, which allowed phytoremediation with P. vulgaris to oxidize aromatic hydrocarbons and recover WMO-impacted agricultural soil faster than other bioremediation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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Review

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18 pages, 5699 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Bacillus cabrialesii: Five Years of Research on a Novel Species of Biological Control and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria

by Karem Ma. Figueroa-Brambila, Alina Escalante-Beltrán, Amelia Cristina Montoya-Martínez, Alondra María Díaz-Rodríguez, Naomi Dayanna López-Montoya, Fannie Isela Parra-Cota and Sergio de los Santos-Villalobos

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132419 - 22 Jun 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2938

Abstract

Bacillus cabrialesii is a novel bacterial species isolated from wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) plants in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico, by our research team. Over years of research studying this strain at the cutting-edge level, it has shown different mechanisms of action. B. cabrialesii is strongly reported as a plant-growth-promoting bacterium and a biological control agent on wheat crops. Knowing this, B. cabrialesii has been brought from lab to field as part of a bacterial consortium, not to mention that there are ongoing investigations into formulating a cost-effective bioinoculant to increase the yield and/or quality of wheat. Moreover, studies of this novel species as a biocontrol agent in other crops (pepper, tomato, cucumber, and potato) are being carried out, with preliminary results that make B. cabrialesii a promising biological control agent, inhibiting the growth of phytopathogens. However, research into this bacterium has not only been reported in our country; there are many studies around the world in which promising native Bacillus strains end up being identified as B. cabrialesii, which reaffirms the fact that this bacterial species can promote plant growth and combat phytopathogens, showing great agrobiotechnological potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 3151 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Look at Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria

by Lorena Jacqueline Gómez-Godínez, José Luis Aguirre-Noyola, Esperanza Martínez-Romero, Ramón Ignacio Arteaga-Garibay, Javier Ireta-Moreno and José Martín Ruvalcaba-Gómez

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1668; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081668 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9922

Abstract

Bacteria have been used to increase crop yields. For their application on crops, bacteria are provided in inoculant formulations that are continuously changing, with liquid- and solid-based products. Bacteria for inoculants are mainly selected from natural isolates. In nature, microorganisms that favor plants exhibit various strategies to succeed and prevail in the rhizosphere, such as biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and siderophore production. On the other hand, plants have strategies to maintain beneficial microorganisms, such as the exudation of chemoattractanst for specific microorganisms and signaling pathways that regulate plant–bacteria interactions. Transcriptomic approaches are helpful in attempting to elucidate plant–microorganism interactions. Here, we present a review of these issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture)

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