SUPREME : developping tools for SUstainable food PRoduction in mEditerranean area using MicrobEs

Author(s):  
Giovanni De Giudici ◽  
Anna Rosa Sprocati ◽  
Flavia Tasso ◽  
Chiara Alisi ◽  
Patrizia Paganin ◽  
...  

<p>SUPREME’s goal is to support the safe and efficient use of microbial inocula to assist crops growth. We aim at scaling up the use of autochthonous microbes from greenhouse experiments to field scale pilot plants. Different soils and crops meaningful for the regional economies (tomatoes, sunflowers, onions, legumes such as faba beans and vetch, barely, wheat or high biomass leading grasses like sorghum, health crops and cereals as konjac, orchidaceae, amaranth and quinoa) will be considered in the test sites. Test sites are distributed over 6 different areas of the Mediterranean (figure 1). Leading edge characterization and monitoring techniques will be set up to measure: i) soil biodiversity before and after inoculation, ii) crop growth, iii) water and fertilizer consumption, iv) and mineral consumption and formation through biosphere-geosphere interactions allowing to long term assessment of soil mineral.</p><p>Bacteria and fungi can effectively influence plant physiology, growth, defence mechanisms and nutrient uptake (1-5). Mycorrhizal fungi associated with plant roots increase the absorption of nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, and distribution of water between different plants is achieved through the hyphal networks. As a result, growth of crops and trees is enhanced or even only possible as in the case of mycoheterotrophy in ectomycorrhizas. Inocula of PGP bacteria can be used to improve soil functions and the resistance of plants to drought periods contributing to reduce irrigation needs. Especially on arid and bare soils, bacterial inoculants can positively influence biogeochemical element cycles and formation of soil. Thus, they can help to reduce water, N and P requirements by augmenting the soil functions, and to reduce the effect of climate change on crop production. In this work, the first results of the project will be shown.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>1                 Gianinazzi-Pearson and Gianinazzi (1983)-Plant Soil, 71, 211–215</p><p>2                  Smith and Read (1997)- Academic Press</p><p>3                  Gianinazzi et al. (2002) Basel. Switzerland: BirkhäuserVerlag</p><p>4                  Van der Heijden et al. (2008) Ecol. Let., 11, 296–310</p><p>5                  Peterson et al. (1984 )Biotech. Adv., 2, 101-12</p>


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1116
Author(s):  
Elena Baldi ◽  
Paola Gioacchini ◽  
Daniela Montecchio ◽  
Stefano Mocali ◽  
Livio Antonielli ◽  
...  

The aim of the present experiment was to determine if the supply of biofertilizers could differently stimulate the native microbiota, thus determining different patterns of organic material decomposition processes. The microbial composition of soil and litter was investigated by next generation sequencing using a metabarcoding approach. The chemical structure of the decomposing litterbags was investigated through the TG-DTA analysis and NIR spectroscopy. The study was conducted in an apricot orchard in Italy, and two different type of biofertilizers (AMF and Trichoderma spp.) were compared to unfertilized control over one year. Bacteria and fungi in soil, 162 days from litter deposition, evidenced differentiated clusters for control and both biofertilizers; on the other hand, only fungal composition of litterbags was modified as a consequence of Trichoderma spp. supply; no effect was observed in the bacterial community of litterbags. NIR and TG-DTA analysis evidenced a significant change over time of the chemical composition of litterbags with a faster degradation as a consequence of Trichoderma spp. supply testified by a higher degradation coefficient (1.9) than control (1.6) and AMF (1.7). The supply of biofertilizers partially modified the bacteria community of soil, while Trichoderma spp. Influenced the fungal community of the litter. Moreover, Trichoderma spp. Evidenced a faster and higher degradation of litter than AMF-biofertilizers, laying the foundation for an efficient use in orchard.



Soil Research ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teklu Erkossa ◽  
Karl Stahr ◽  
Thomas Gaiser

The study was conducted at Caffee Doonsa (08°88′N, 39°08′E; 2400 m asl), a small watershed in the central highlands of Ethiopia, in order to identify farmers’ goals of soil management and the indicators they use in selecting soils for a certain function, and to categorise the soils in different quality groups with respect to the major functions. Thirty-six male farmers of different age and wealth groups participated in a Participatory Rural Appraisal technique. They listed and prioritised 12 soil functions in the area and itemised the soil quality indicators (characteristics). Based on the indicators, the soils in the watershed were classified into 3 soil quality (SQ) groups (Abolse, Kooticha, and Carii). The SQ groups have been evaluated and ranked for the major soil functions. For crop production, Abolse was graded best, followed by Kooticha and Carii, respectively. The grain and straw yield data of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) taken from the SQ groups confirmed the farmers claim, in that Abolse gave the highest grain yield (4573 kg/ha), followed by 4411 and 3657 kg/ha for Kooticha and Carii, respectively. Local insights should be included in systematic soil quality assessment, and in planning and implementation of various soil management interventions.



2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walid Ellouze ◽  
Ahmad Esmaeili Taheri ◽  
Luke D. Bainard ◽  
Chao Yang ◽  
Navid Bazghaleh ◽  
...  

Soil fungi are a critical component of agroecosystems and provide ecological services that impact the production of food and bioproducts. Effective management of fungal resources is essential to optimize the productivity and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. In this review, we (i) highlight the functional groups of fungi that play key roles in agricultural ecosystems, (ii) examine the influence of agronomic practices on these fungi, and (iii) propose ways to improve the management and contribution of soil fungi to annual cropping systems. Many of these key soil fungal organisms (i.e., arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and fungal root endophytes) interact directly with plants and are determinants of the efficiency of agroecosystems. In turn, plants largely control rhizosphere fungi through the production of carbon and energy rich compounds and of bioactive phytochemicals, making them a powerful tool for the management of soil fungal diversity in agriculture. The use of crop rotations and selection of optimal plant genotypes can be used to improve soil biodiversity and promote beneficial soil fungi. In addition, other agronomic practices (e.g., no-till, microbial inoculants, and biochemical amendments) can be used to enhance the effect of beneficial fungi and increase the health and productivity of cultivated soils.



2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Etesami ◽  
Byoung Ryong Jeong ◽  
Bernard R. Glick

Phosphorus (P) availability is usually low in soils around the globe. Most soils have a deficiency of available P; if they are not fertilized, they will not be able to satisfy the P requirement of plants. P fertilization is generally recommended to manage soil P deficiency; however, the low efficacy of P fertilizers in acidic and in calcareous soils restricts P availability. Moreover, the overuse of P fertilizers is a cause of significant environmental concerns. However, the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), phosphate–solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and the addition of silicon (Si) are effective and economical ways to improve the availability and efficacy of P. In this review the contributions of Si, PSB, and AMF in improving the P availability is discussed. Based on what is known about them, the combined strategy of using Si along with AMF and PSB may be highly useful in improving the P availability and as a result, its uptake by plants compared to using either of them alone. A better understanding how the two microorganism groups and Si interact is crucial to preserving soil fertility and improving the economic and environmental sustainability of crop production in P deficient soils. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge concerning the interactions among AMF, PSB, and Si in enhancing P availability and its uptake by plants in sustainable agriculture.



2021 ◽  
Vol 940 (1) ◽  
pp. 012089
Author(s):  
H Pribadi ◽  
S Jumiyati ◽  
A Muis ◽  
I K Widnyana ◽  
J Mustabi

Abstract The rate of world population growth gets faster every year, while on the other hand the land available for food production activities is increasingly limited. Efforts to increase income and food crop production by using cocoa farming to support national food security can be done by optimizing of land through crop diversification patterns by planting local tubers under cocoa farming. This research aims to analyze the optimization of land use, revenue and production costs. In addition, analyzing the nutritional content contained in each type of local tubers, namely sweet potato, cassava and taro. The research was conducted in the the buffer zone of Lore Lindu National Park (TNLL), Palolo District, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The results showed that the optimization of land use and revenue was obtained through the diversification pattern of sweet potato and cocoa. Optimization of the costs use occurs in the use of fertilizer production inputs. In addition, sweet potatoes have a higher calorific value, protein and fat compared to cassava and taro. However, the carbohydrate content of cassava is higher than that of sweet potato and taro.



2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-08
Author(s):  
Anderson Gonçalves da Silva ◽  
Arlindo Leal Boiça Junior ◽  
Bruno Henrique Sardinha de Souza ◽  
Eduardo Neves Costa ◽  
James da Silva Hoelhert ◽  
...  

Resumo. A cultura do feijoeiro pode ser infestada por insetos que afetam a produção antes e após a colheita, tendo como estimativa de perdas causadas nos rendimentos pelas pragas variando de 33 a 86%. Dentre essas pragas a mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) Autor merece destaque. Esta ocasiona danos diretos decorrentes de sua alimentação e indiretos que ocorrem por meio da excreção açucarada de honeydew ou “mela” e simbiose com a fumagina. No entanto, o dano mais sério causado pela B. tabaci é a transmissão de viroses como o mosaico-dourado-do-feijoeiro, provocando perdas econômicas que podem variar de 30% a 100%. Desse modo, o objetivo do presente estudo é disponibilizar informações a respeito de aspectos importantes de B. tabaci, como: histórico e distribuição geográfica, bioecologia e dinâmica populacional, plantas hospedeiras, métodos de controle adotados, dentre outros, a fim de se fornecer subsídios para futuras pesquisas sobre a mosca-branca em feijão.Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in common beans: General characteristics, bioecology, and methods of controlAbstract. Common bean plants are infested by insects, which can ultimately affect the crop production before and after harvest, with estimated losses ranging from 33 to 86%. Among the insect pests infesting the common beans the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) stands out. This species cause direct injury by feeding on the plants and indirect injury by excreting sugary honeydew that is after colonized by the sooty mold. In addition, the most serious damage caused by B. tabaci is the transmission of virus diseases, especially the common bean golden mosaic, responsible for economic losses varying from 30 to 100%. This review aims at providing information on important aspects of B. tabaci including its geographical distribution, bioecology, population dynamics, host plants, and methods of pest control. We expect that this review can provide valuable subsidies for future studies on the whitefly in common beans.



Author(s):  
Chinedu Egbunike ◽  
Nonso Okoye ◽  
Okoroji-Nma Okechukwu

Climate change is a major threat to agricultural food production globally and locally. It poses both direct and indirect effects on soil functions. Thus, agricultural management practices has evolved to adaptation strategies in order to mitigate the risks and threats from climate change. The study concludes with a recommendation the coconut farmers should explore the idea of soil biodiversity in a bid to mitigate the potential negative impact of climate related risk on the farming. The study proffers the need for adopting sustainable agricultural practices to boost local coconut production. This can contribute to the simultaneous realisation of two of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations: SDG 2 on food security and sustainable agriculture and SDG 13 on action to combat climate change and its impacts. The study findings has implications for tackling climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa and in particular Nigeria in order to boost local agricultural production and coconut in particular without negative environmental consequences and an ability to cope with climate change related risks.



Author(s):  
O. Shkromada ◽  
Yu. Dudchenko ◽  
T. Necherya ◽  
I. Abubakari Kavla

In this field, complex disinfectants were contrasted using effective concentrations against bacteria and spore-forming microorganisms. A significant problem for the owners is the emergence of resistance of strains of microorganisms in the existing production and the same disinfectants. Investigation of trusted working concentrations of disinfectants that do not have a corrosive effect on metal structures. According to the results of research and production, contrast is an effective disinfectant for reducing E. coli and S aureus at 0,3 – 0,5% concentration at exposure for 30 min. and consumption of 100 - 400 cm3 / m2. Laboratory researches were carried out in laboratories of microbiological faculties of veterinary medicine of Sumy National Agrarian University. Disappearance gaps and disinfection on the market in Kyiv. Samples were drawn in the refrigerators from the walls, ceilings and floors. Refrigerated chambers made of stainless steel are made up of rubber and plastic elements. Metals are very vulnerable to corrosion with more concentrated acids and alkali. This was taken into account when choosing a disinfectant and its effective organizations. As a disinfectant used the drug contrast (manufacturer PE "Kronos Agro", Ukraine). The disinfectant was taken at a dose of 100 ml per 1 m2. To produce the culture was prepared basic products containing 1000 mg of the drug in 1 ml of distilled water. The experimental solutions were prepared for study with the main formulations developed. Representatives had extraordinary effects. The  disks were leaked through the disinfectant to obtain a zone of retention of high bacteria and fungi. The reliability of disinfectant destroying the micro-organisms of E. coli and S. aureus test cultures was also known. For the trusted production preparations, the contrast at the trusted enterprises was carried out by the rehabilitation of the premises of the educational laboratory of the Sumy National Agrarian University (premises for animals, dairies, refrigeration chambers). Renovation and test activities were performed at 0,1, 0,25 and 0,5 % of exposed contrast with exposure for 60, 30 and 10 min. the disinfectant was consumed 250 cm3 / m2. Upon completion of the studies, the investigated tests were investigated with distilled water (flow rate - 1000 cm3 / m2). Water that has been washed away test products, presented in specially prepared capabilities. Test results for this after disinfection were also investigated with distilled water, which was found on the disinfectant. To study the corrosion activity of the disinfectant used metal plates 1h1sm2. The metal samples were welded to the fifth mark after the commission before and after the study. 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,5 % contrast solutions were used in the study. For comparison, in the experiments used 2% of productive. M. bovis mycobacterial cultures were grown on Pavlovsky's glycerol medium. The bacterial culture was transferred into sterile vials and sterile isotonic material containing 0,05 cm3 / mg was added. A large amount of delay zone in Petri dishes containing 0,5 % of S. aureus disinfectant, 3,5 times S. cholerase 1,8 S. Enteritidis 2 more than 0,5% formal form . Higher indicators of bacterial properties of the disinfectant contrast at a concentration of 0,5%.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariah M. McIntosh ◽  
Lorinda Bullington ◽  
Ylva Lekberg ◽  
Lila Fishman

SUMMARYUnderstanding the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying plant variation in interactions with root-associated biota (RAB) requires a micro-evolutionary approach. We use locally adapted montane annual and coastal perennial ecotypes of Mimulus guttatus (yellow monkeyflower) to examine population-scale differences in plant-RAB-soil feedbacks.We characterized fungal communities for the two ecotypes in-situ and used a full-factorial greenhouse experiment to investigate the effects of plant ecotype, RAB source, and soil origin on plant performance and endophytic root fungal communities.The two ecotypes harbored different fungal communities and responsiveness to soil biota was highly context-dependent. Soil origin, RAB source, and plant ecotype all affected the intensity of biotic feedbacks on plant performance. Feedbacks were primarily negative, and we saw little evidence of local adaptation to either soils or RAB. Both RAB source and soil origin significantly shaped fungal communities in roots of experimental plants. Further, the perennial ecotype was more colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) than the montane ecotype, and preferentially recruited home AMF taxa.Our results suggest life history divergence and distinct edaphic habitats shape plant responsiveness to RAB and influence specific associations with potentially mutualistic root endophytic fungi. Our results advance the mechanistic study of intraspecific variation in plant–soil–RAB interactions.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
QUANCHAO ZENG ◽  
Yingze Meitang ◽  
Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo ◽  
Yonghong Wu ◽  
Wenfeng Tan

Abstract Background: The impacts of the conversion of natural to agricultural ecosystem on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions are still disputable. Here, we compared the soil biodiversity (bacteria and fungi) and ecosystem functions of citrus orchards in different stages of succession (5–30 years) with those in adjacent natural ecosystems. Different management strategies were also considered for one of this stage (15 years). Results: The results indicate that changes from natural vegetation land to citrus orchards would lead to reduced soil bacterial diversity, as well as significant declines in multiple ecosystem functions associated with C cycle after 30 years of citrus plantation. However, the functions associated with N and P cycle were enhanced by the plantation. Citrus plantation negatively affected the C cycle by reducing the soil microbial diversity. Reduction in soil bacterial biodiversity was indirectly driven by increased soil acidification resulting from citrus plantation, while wheat straw addition could alleviate the reduction (15-year stage). Compared with natural vegetation, citrus plantation also reduced the relative abundance of multiple phylotypes, including Alphaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Subgroup_6, Subgroup_4, Anaerolineae and Bacteroidia. The ecological clusters of soil bacteria and fungi were significantly associated with multiple ecosystem functions, suggesting that citrus planting altered multiple ecosystem functions via ecological clusters. Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate that soil biodiversity, soil functions and C:N:P coupling are sensitive to the conversion of natural vegetation land to agricultural land, and further suggest that proper management of soil acidification can address some negative impacts of land use conversion on soil biodiversity and functions.



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