Aspergillus sibiricus (Aspergillaceae, Eurotiales), a novel acid-tolerant species in Aspergillus section Fumigati

A novel species in Aspergillus section Fumigati is described as Aspergillus sibiricus. The new species was isolated from an open coal mine in Altai, Siberia, Russia and is represented by ex-type strain CBS 143307. We used a polyphasic taxonomic approach to characterise the species. A description based on morphological features is provided and shows that the new species differs morphologically from closely related species (A. assulatus, A. nishimurae and A. waksmanii). Partial sequences of the loci encoding β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM), ribosomal polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) and internal transcribed spacer rDNA region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) were analyzed as well. Sequences data, macro- and micromorphological and physiological characteristics distinguish A. sibiricus from all known species in section Fumigati, series Unilaterales. A. sibiricus, isolated from an acidic habitat (pH 3.2–3.4), is able to grow at pH 2 and is considered an acid-resistant species.

Nocardia acididurans sp. nov., an acid-tolerant actinobacterium isolated from bio-fertilizer of Musa species

A novel acid-tolerant actinobacterium (strain LPG 2T), which formed fragmented substrate mycelia, was isolated from bio-fertiliser of Musa spp. collected from Lampang Province, Thailand. Its morphological and chemotaxonomic properties, e.g., the presence of mycolic acid and MK-8 (H4ω-cycl) in the cells, showed that strain LPG 2T was a member of the genus Nocardia . 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that this strain was closely related to Nocardia otitidiscaviarum NBRC 14405T (98.7 %). The low average nucleotide identity–blast and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values (<78.6 and <24.0 %, respectively), and several phenotypic differences between strain LPG 2T and its related Nocardia type strains, indicated that the strain merits classification as representing a novel species of the genus Nocardia , for which we propose the name Nocardia acididurans sp. nov. The type strain is LPG 2T (=TBRC 11242T=NBRC 114293T).

Adaptation To Soil Acidity By Common Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) is Associated With Root Morphological Traits and Structures

Aims Common bean is an important source of food and fodder and is used to improve soil fertility when integrated in cropping systems through intercropping or rotation. Although widely grown by smallholders in Ethiopia, its productivity is constrained by several factors including soil acidity, which limits nutrient availability and uptake. The negative effects of soil acidity may be mediated by root system morphology and structure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if root traits in common bean are associated with tolerance to soil acidity. Methodology The study was laid out in a split-plot design, whereby soil amendment practices with phosphorus (+P or -P) and liming (+lime or –lime) and their combinations were assigned to main plots and varieties to subplots. Two improved varieties (Nasir and Deme) and two farmers’ varieties (Polpole and Pantarkin) of common bean were evaluated under each soil amendment practice. Results Farmers’ variety Polpole produced significantly (p< 0.05) more hypocotyl roots (14.17) with a wider hypocotyls angle (5.87°) than other varieties. In addition, Polpole had a larger tap root diameter (2.57 mm) and length (34.10 cm) in plots amended with P. The improved variety Deme showed a higher number of basal roots (14.0) and basal root whorls (4.20) as well as lower basal root angle (0-15°) in plots amended with P and lime. Analyses demonstrate that common bean varieties differ in their ability to tolerate soil acidity due to differences in their root morphological and structural traits. Conclusion The results suggest an opportunity to identify and further develop acid tolerant varieties for low input farming systems to improve and enhance bean productivity and efficiency of the agro ecosystem at large.

More on search for causes of sensitization to tuberculin PPD for mammals in cattle

Despite the large number of papers dealing with the description of proposed methods for bovine tuberculosis diagnosis and mechanisms of non-specific reaction development in diseased and healthy animals, various aspects require further study. Many specialists are still of the view, formulated when studying causes of pseudoallergic reactions, that the agents of actinomycosis, trematode infections etc. can cause sensitization of the animal body to tuberculin PPD for mammals. The possibility of sensitization of cattle body to Аctinomyces bovis tuberculin was studied in 240 animals identified as actinomycosis diseased among 3,473 tested animals. Only 11 (4.6%) of the total number of diseased animals were reactors to tuberculin PPD for mammals. During bacteriological tests of material from animals euthanized for diagnostic purposes (tuberculin reactors and nonreactors with a confirmed postmortem diagnosis of actinomycosis), acid-tolerant nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) cultures were isolated. The results of the experiment conducted in 628 cows of a dairy holding confirmed that Actinomyces bovis lacks tuberculin-associated allergenicity: actinomycosis was detected only in one of 96 (15.2%) tuberculin reactors. The conducted clinical tests with high significance level (Р < 0.005) showed that there is no association between allergic reaction to tuberculin PPD for mammals and actinomycosis infection. The obtained results are indicative of imperfections in differential diagnosis, and further studies in this field should significantly contribute to gaining a better insight into non-specific sensitization of cattle body to tuberculin.

Selection and evaluation the corn lines from multiple-cross progeny based on targeted selection environment on acid soil

Development of tolerant variety can be conducted in the targeted area. It will increase efficiency in producing the acid-tolerant lines. However, the availability of diversity is key in selection. Multiple crosses or crosses between F1 hybrids can be one approach in creating high population diversity. Therefore, the development and selection of offspring of the selfing 1 generation from a cross of two hybrids can be a solution in producing tolerant lines. This study aimed to select multiple-cross maize lines in the generation S1 in an acidic environment. The research was carried out from August to November 2019 at the Maros Cereal Research Center, South Sulawesi. This study was designed with an Augmented Design as an experimental design and a randomized block design as an environmental design. The lines used consisted of 100 S1 lines from crosses of NK7328/HJ28 that did not repeat and six comparison varieties, namely NK7328, HJ28, Sukmaraga, Srikandi Kuning, Bima-9, and Piooner 36 repeated in each block. Based on the results of this study, the evaluation of maize S1 lines under acid soil showed a good variability, especially on generative traits. The ear weight is the best secondary character supported the Grain weight per Ear as the main character. The result of selection showed that 20 S1 lines recommended to selfing cross for continued on the next generation.

Some results of the study of alfalfa and meadow clover samples created by biotechnology methods

The conditions for creating alfalfa samples MN-2 (from the Selena variety) and P-67 (from the Lugovaya variety) with increased resistance to Fusarium pathogens using the method of gamete selection are described. The method is based on the selection of gametes in vivo under the influence of a selective factor (culture filtrate) introduced into the generative organs at the early stages of their development using vacuum infiltration. The method was developed in the biotechnology department of the V.N. V.R. Williams. The accessions are included in the breeding process and are currently the accessory varieties. In order to identify differences at the genetic level between the created varieties and the original forms, a comparative analysis was carried out using 2 types of molecular markers based on the PCR method. DNA polymorphism was detected using SRAP primers, which may indicate a change in the structure of genes associated with economic and biological traits. Research is ongoing. When growing under the conditions of a selection and greenhouse complex of acid-tolerant plants of meadow clover, created using cellular technologies in vitro, the infestation by powdery mildew of 120 acid-tolerant plants was studied. No signs of damage were found in 10% of plants. The largest number of affected plants (36.7%) had a score of 3. It was found that a high infestation with powdery mildew (scores 4 and 5) significantly reduces the number of inflorescences in the bush to 83.4 and 75.7%, respectively. Therefore, in further studies to create a population of acid-tolerant plants, the genotypes of meadow clover were used without signs and with a low score of powdery mildew damage.

Lactic Acid Bacteria as A Bio Preservative: Importance and Production

Biopreservation is the method of employing natural microflora and their antimicrobial compounds to extend the storage life and improve the safety of foods. Streptococcus lactis was the first pure strain of lactic acid bacteria which was isolated from milk by Liszt. He named it bacterium lactis. Lactic acid bacteria are gram-positive, acid-tolerant, have low Guanine-Cytosine content and are generally non-sporulating, non-respiring, either spherical cocci or rod-shaped bacilli bacteria that share most of them their metabolic and physiological characteristics. These bacteria are mostly present in decomposing plants and milk products. They have an increased tolerance to acidity. Most species are incapable of respiration and therefore media used for lactic acid bacteria include a carbohydrate source. At the end of carbohydrate fermentation, these bacteria give out lactic acid as a major end product. The review focuses on the process of lactic acid production by lactic acid bacteria and its expanding importance in a variety of disciplines. Keywords: Lactic acid bacteria, bio preservative, food, microflora

Current Progress in Production of Building-Block Organic Acids by Consolidated Bioprocessing of Lignocellulose

Several organic acids have been indicated among the top value chemicals from biomass. Lignocellulose is among the most attractive feedstocks for biorefining processes owing to its high abundance and low cost. However, its highly complex nature and recalcitrance to biodegradation hinder development of cost-competitive fermentation processes. Here, current progress in development of single-pot fermentation (i.e., consolidated bioprocessing, CBP) of lignocellulosic biomass to high value organic acids will be examined, based on the potential of this approach to dramatically reduce process costs. Different strategies for CBP development will be considered such as: (i) design of microbial consortia consisting of (hemi)cellulolytic and valuable-compound producing strains; (ii) engineering of microorganisms that combine biomass-degrading and high-value compound-producing properties in a single strain. The present review will mainly focus on production of organic acids with application as building block chemicals (e.g., adipic, cis,cis-muconic, fumaric, itaconic, lactic, malic, and succinic acid) since polymer synthesis constitutes the largest sector in the chemical industry. Current research advances will be illustrated together with challenges and perspectives for future investigations. In addition, attention will be dedicated to development of acid tolerant microorganisms, an essential feature for improving titer and productivity of fermentative production of acids.

Development of an Haa1-based biosensor for acetic acid sensing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Acetic acid is one of the main inhibitors of lignocellulosic hydrolysates and acetic acid tolerance is crucial for the development of robust cell factories for conversion of biomass. As a precursor of acetyl-CoA, it also plays an important role in central carbon metabolism. Thus, monitoring acetic acid levels is a crucial aspect when cultivating yeast. Transcription factor-based biosensors represent useful tools to follow metabolite concentrations. Here, we present the development of an acetic acid biosensor based on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcription factor Haa1 that upon binding to acetic acid relocates to the nucleus. In the biosensor, a synthetic transcription factor consisting of Haa1 and BM3R1 from Bacillus megaterium was used to control expression of a reporter gene under a promoter containing BM3R1 binding sites. The biosensor did not drive expression under a promoter containing Haa1 binding sites and responded to acetic acid over a linear range spanning from 10 to 60 mM. To validate its applicability, the biosensor was integrated into acetic acid producing strains. A direct correlation between biosensor output and acetic acid production was detected. The developed biosensor enables high-throughput screening of strains producing acetic acid and could also be used to investigate acetic acid tolerant strain libraries.