agricultural microbiology

Beneficial bacterial-Auricularia cornea interactions fostering growth enhancement identified from microbiota present in spent mushroom substrate

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Researchers discovered that certain beneficial bacteria, particularly Pseudonocardia mangrovi, can significantly boost the growth of wood ear mushrooms (Auricularia cornea) through laboratory studies. By analyzing the microscopic communities in spent mushroom substrates from high-yielding versus low-yielding farms, they identified bacteria that promote mushroom growth through multiple mechanisms. Co-cultivation experiments and protein analysis revealed these bacteria work synergistically by helping mushrooms break down nutrients and produce growth-enhancing compounds. This research can help farmers select beneficial microbes to improve mushroom yields and profitability.

Manipulating Agaricus bisporus developmental patterns by passaging microbial communities in complex substrates

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This research demonstrates that farmers can manipulate when button mushrooms fruit by selectively enriching certain bacteria in growing materials through a passaging technique. By mixing colonized substrate with fresh material multiple times, researchers found they could either speed up or slow down mushroom fruiting body formation. Although the total mushroom harvest remained the same, this approach offers potential for better timing of crop cycles and more sustainable cultivation practices.

Influence of substrate formulation on some morphometric characters and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus EM-1 (Ex. Fr) Kummer grown on rice wastes and wawa (Triplochiton scleroxylon) sawdust in Ghana

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This study examined how different combinations of agricultural waste materials affect the growth and quality of oyster mushrooms. Researchers tested various recipes using rice straw, rice husks, and sawdust with different additives, composting for different lengths of time. They found strong relationships between mushroom size (cap width and stalk length) and overall yield, suggesting these measurements can reliably predict mushroom quality and help with pricing and grading.

Characterization of Two Potential Biocontrol Bacillus Strains Against Maize Stalk Rot

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Scientists discovered two beneficial bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus siamensis, that can protect maize plants from a serious fungal disease called stalk rot. These bacteria work in two ways: they directly kill the fungus and they promote healthy plant growth. By analyzing the bacteria’s genetic makeup, researchers found that they produce multiple natural antibiotic compounds that explain their powerful disease-fighting abilities. This research suggests these bacteria could be used as a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

Antifungal Activity of Industrial Bacillus Strains against Mycogone perniciosa, the Causative Agent of Wet Bubble Disease in White Button Mushrooms

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Researchers tested two special bacteria strains (Bacillus subtilis B-10 and M-22) to protect white button mushrooms from wet bubble disease, a serious fungal infection that can destroy entire crops. When applied to mushroom growing beds, both bacteria effectively prevented the disease-causing fungus from developing, with success rates between 50-99% depending on application method. This offers mushroom farmers a natural, chemical-free alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting their crops.

Genetic Characterisation of the Bacterial Microbiota Associating With a Strain of Epichloë Fungal Endophyte of Perennial Ryegrass and the Interaction With Its Paenibacillus Members

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Researchers discovered that cultures of a fungal endophyte found in perennial ryegrass contain complex bacterial communities dominated by Paenibacillus bacteria. These bacterial cells live on the surface of fungal filaments and regulate each other’s populations through antagonistic interactions, with one strain (E300) acting as a keystone species that controls the community structure. Despite these dynamic bacterial changes, the fungal host’s growth remained unaffected, suggesting a balanced symbiotic relationship important for the grass’s agricultural performance.

MSB2-activated pheromone pathway regulates fungal plasma membrane integrity in response to herbicide adjuvant

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Commercial herbicides used in farming contain additives that can harm beneficial soil fungi more than the main active ingredient. This study shows that the additive Triton CG-110 in Roundup herbicide damages fungal cells by disrupting their ability to absorb nutrients. Fungi respond by activating a stress response pathway that helps them survive by reinforcing their cell membranes. Understanding these processes is important for protecting beneficial fungi used in agriculture.

Microbiome Analysis Reveals Biocontrol of Aspergillus and Mycotoxin Mitigation in Maize by the Growth-Promoting Fungal Endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae Ct0861

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Researchers discovered that a beneficial fungal endophyte called Colletotrichum tofieldiae can protect maize crops from contamination by harmful Aspergillus fungi that produce dangerous toxins called aflatoxins. When maize plants were treated with this endophyte either through seed coating or leaf spraying, they grew better and produced higher yields while also experiencing a dramatic 90% reduction in fungal contamination and extremely low aflatoxin levels. The protection mechanism appears to work indirectly by boosting the plant’s own defense systems rather than through direct combat with the pathogenic fungus, offering a sustainable and safe solution for improving crop quality and food safety.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza suppresses microbial abundance, and particularly that of ammonia oxidizing bacteria, in agricultural soils

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This study examined how a common soil fungus called arbuscular mycorrhiza affects bacteria and archaea that process ammonia in agricultural soils. Using 50 different soils from the Czech Republic, researchers found that the fungus suppresses ammonia-oxidizing bacteria but not archaea. Interestingly, the fungus actually increased ammonia levels in soil rather than depleting them, suggesting the suppression works through mechanisms beyond simple competition for nutrients.

Bacillus velezensis CNPMS-22 as biocontrol agent of pathogenic fungi and plant growth promoter

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A bacterial strain called Bacillus velezensis CNPMS-22 shows promise as a natural pest control agent for crops. When applied to maize seeds, it reduced fungal diseases and increased plant productivity as effectively as chemical fungicides. The bacteria produces natural compounds that kill harmful fungi while also promoting plant growth, offering a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.

Research Keyword: agricultural microbiology