Agricultural Microbiology

Innovative fungal bioagents: producing siderophores, IAA, and HCN to support plants under salinity stress and combat microbial plant pathogens

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Scientists discovered two beneficial fungi that help wheat plants survive in salty soil and resist diseases. These fungi work by producing growth-promoting substances and natural compounds that fight harmful plant pathogens. When used to treat wheat seeds, these fungi significantly improved plant growth even under high salt stress conditions, offering a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides for farming in salt-affected areas.

Bacteria from the Amphibian Skin Inhibit the Growth of Phytopathogenic Fungi and Control Postharvest Rots

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Researchers discovered that bacteria living on frog skin can effectively prevent fungal diseases that rot fruits after harvest. These bacteria work by producing toxic compounds and releasing protective gases that stop fungi like green mold from growing. When applied to citrus, tomatoes, and blueberries, the bacteria significantly reduced fruit rot, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for food preservation.

A review on microbe–mineral transformations and their impact on plant growth

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Soil microorganisms are crucial partners that help plants access nutrients locked in soil minerals. Bacteria and fungi produce special acids and molecules that dissolve minerals, making nutrients like phosphorus, iron, and zinc available for plant roots to absorb. This natural process reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and helps plants grow stronger while cleaning up contaminated soils.

Selected rhizobacteria strains improved the tolerance of Vicia faba plants to microcystins contaminated irrigation water and reduced human health risk

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Farmers in semi-arid regions like Morocco often irrigate crops with water containing toxic cyanobacterial compounds called microcystins, which accumulate in food crops and harm human health. This study showed that inoculating faba bean plants with beneficial soil bacteria, particularly Achromobacter marplatensis, reduced microcystin accumulation in plants by 36% and promoted healthier plant growth despite contaminated water. The approach offers an affordable, sustainable solution to protect food crops in areas with microcystin-contaminated irrigation water.

Biocontrol effects of Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus subtilis against strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora

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Researchers isolated three beneficial bacteria (two Bacillus velezensis strains and one Bacillus subtilis strain) that effectively fight strawberry root rot disease. These bacteria work by both directly killing the disease-causing fungus and boosting the strawberry plant’s natural immune system. The bacteria can live inside the strawberry plant and soil, providing long-lasting protection. This offers farmers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their strawberry crops.

Emerging Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Sustainable Agriculture: From Biology to Field Application

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are microscopic fungi that naturally partner with plant roots to help them grow stronger and healthier. These fungi can improve crop productivity without chemical fertilizers by helping plants absorb water and nutrients, resist drought and salty soils, and fight off diseases. Scientists are now developing commercial products containing these beneficial fungi to help farmers grow crops more sustainably and organically.

Bacterial community shifts in Fusarium-induced avocado root rot and the antagonistic potential of Bacillus siamensis NB92

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Avocado plants are threatened by a fungal disease called root rot that damages roots and reduces fruit production. Researchers discovered that when avocado roots become diseased, the beneficial bacteria in the soil around the roots decrease significantly. They isolated a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus siamensis NB92 from healthy avocado soil that can fight against the disease-causing fungus by producing special compounds. When applied to diseased soil, this bacterium reduced the fungal pathogen and protected avocado stems from damage, offering a natural alternative to chemical treatments.

The biocontrol potential of endophyte Bacillus velezensis to reduce post-harvest tomato infection caused by Rhizopus microsporus

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Researchers tested a naturally occurring bacteria called Bacillus velezensis as a safe alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting tomatoes from rot-causing mold. The bacteria produces special compounds that can kill or slow down the growth of Rhizopus microsporus, a fungus that commonly spoils tomatoes after harvest. While the results show promise, the effectiveness varied depending on which specific strain of bacteria and mold was used, suggesting more research is needed to fine-tune the approach.

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.

Actinomycetes isolated from rhizosphere of wild Coffea arabica L. showed strong biocontrol activities against coffee wilt disease

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Researchers discovered that certain bacteria called actinomycetes, particularly a strain called MUA26, can effectively fight coffee wilt disease, a serious fungal infection that damages coffee plants. These beneficial bacteria produce natural compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus and were tested on coffee seedlings in a greenhouse, showing 83% effectiveness at preventing the disease. This discovery offers coffee farmers an organic alternative to chemical pesticides, which are expensive and harmful to the environment.

Research Topic: Agricultural Microbiology