Fungi of the genus Aspergillus promote plant growth and resistance, improve nutrient uptake, protect plants against pathogens, and increase tolerance to environmental stress. We examined the symbiosis between Aspergillus conicus and seedlings of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, a forest species widely grown in Brazil for its valuable wood and resilience. The fungus was initially identified as a contaminant of E. camaldulensis seeds growing in Murashige and Skoog basal medium. We observed that inoculated seedlings developed faster than those without the fungus. In xerophilic medium, A. conicus produced abundant spores. Analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region grouped the isolate with other A. conicus species. Seedlings grown on Murashige and Skoog medium with fungal fragments showed significant shoot growth, more leaves, and greater biomass than uninoculated seedlings. Seeds immersed in A. conicus filtrate for 24 hours showed less contamination with other fungi and a higher germination rate than those in the control group. Indole acetic acid production was below the detection limit. The fungus was endophytic, extensively colonizing the roots and being present in the stems and leaves of inoculated plants. We investigated the implications of this fungal association in silviculture and highlighted its potential benefits for plant growth and environmental stress tolerance.

The diverse spectrum of pigments possessed by cyanobacteria, which are easily recognized by their characteristic blue-green colouring, enables them to exhibit a multitude of colors and hence adapt and flourish in a wide range of biological habitats. This study compares the physiological and physiochemical characteristics of isolated cyanobacteria strains procured from the Department of Microbiology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut. Physiological factors that were investigated include growth rates and pigment composition. These properties were assessed using spectrophotometry, growth curves, and standardized biochemical assays. The results indicated significant variations in the physiological traits of the cyanobacterial strains. Seven cyanobacterial strains were examined to analyze physiological parameters. The identified strains include species of Nostoc, Anabaena, Westiellopsis, Oscillatoria, Tolypothrix, Calothrix, and Phormidium. These strains were cultivated in BG-11 medium, and their pigment levels were analyzed at 7 th, 14 th, 21 st, and 28 th intervals throughout incubation. Distinguishable differences were seen among the different strains of these pigments. Maximum Chlorophyll, Carotenoid, Phycocyanin (PC), Protein, and Carbohydrate content was observed in Anabaena sp. on the 14 th day of incubation, whereas Tolypothrix sp. showed a maximum amount of Allophycocyanin (APC) and Phycoerythrin (PE). This thorough comparison of physiological data sheds light on cyanobacteria’s adaptation mechanisms and possible uses in biotechnology. Comprehending the varied physiological characteristics of these strains may have consequences for bioremediation, environmental management, and the creation of innovative biotechnological instruments across multiple sectors.

Beta class glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity is known to be associated with antibiotic resistance, one of the most serious threats to global health. In this research, the study of antibiotic resistance developed by beta class GST was conducted using KKSG6, one of the GST isozymes found in Acidovorax sp. KKS102. The KKSG6 gene has been successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 Star™ (DE3) using pET101/D-TOPO®-KKSG6 as an expression vector, resulting in the presence of a protein band of approximatly 20 kDa after purification using GSTrap™ HP column. Over-expression of KKSG6 made Escherichia coli BL21 Star™ (DE3) to be less susceptible towards kanamycin, streptomycin, gentamycin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol, suggesting the antibiotics binding with KKSG6. Our study has revealed the KKSG6 conjugation activity towards chloramphenicol, but not with kanamycin and tetracycline. The inhibition of protein conjugation activity towards CDNB by the presence of chloramphenicol has also been demonstrated. An in-silico study using protein-ligand docking predicted that antibiotics binding could take place at the protein dimer interface and H-site depending on their properties.

The capacity to form biofilms is a common trait among many microorganisms present on Earth. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the fatal pine pitch canker agent, Fusarium circinatum, can lead a biofilm-like lifestyle with aggregated hyphal bundles wrapped in extracellular matrix (ECM). Our study suggests that F. circinatum biofilms respond to a changing environment, demonstrated by poor and optimal biofilm development under particular abiotic conditions, including temperature and pH. Further analysis revealed that while planktonic cells produced small amounts of ECM per unit of the biomass, heat- and azole-exposed biofilms produced significantly more ECM than non-exposed biofilms. The increased synthesis of ECM in biofilms due to these abiotic factors underscores biofilm importance in response to various stress conditions, demonstrating the adaptability of F. circinatum to changing environments. Interestingly, azole exposure also led to biofilms that were resistant to DNase, which typically uncouples biofilms by penetrating the biofilm and degrading its extracellular DNA; we propose that DNases were likely hindered from reaching target cells by the ECM barricade. The interplay between antifungal treatment and DNase enzyme suggests a complex relationship between eDNA, ECM, and antifungal agents in F. circinatum biofilms. Therefore, our results show how a phytopathogen’s sessile (biofilm) lifestyle could influence its response to the surrounding environment.