International Conference on Microbiome R & D and Biostimulants October 15-16, 2018 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Biography:

Jason M. Crawford received his doctoral training at the Johns Hopkins University before conducting a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. He began his independent research lab in the Chemical Biology Institute at Yale in 2012 and is currently the Maxine F. Singer ’57 PhD Associate Professor of Chemistry and of Microbial Pathogenesis. Jason is an active member of the Yale Cancer Center Developmental Therapeutics Program and of the Yale Center for Pulmonary Infection Research and Treatment. Jason’s lab focuses on decoding novel bacterial metabolic pathways associated with human hosts. The lab also interrogates their broader roles in cell biology and medicine.

Abstract:

The human gut microbiota constitute a complex, diverse community of microorganisms that influence human physiology, clinical responses to drugs, and disease progression. Bacterial members of the microbiota produce a literal smorgasbord of small molecule metabolites, the vast majority of which remain unknown, that contribute to the regulation of a wide variety of intramicrobial-, intermicrobial-, and host-bacteria interactions. While bacterial communities at a whole affect microbial composition and host physiology, reductionist approaches can identify specific opportunistic pathogens or beneficial mutualists within these complex populations that regulate host phenotypes in genetically susceptible patients. The reductionist approaches facilitate sourcing of often potent metabolites produced in low amounts, interrogating bacterial metabolic pathways at the genetic level, and establishing molecular modes of action and resistance of individual metabolic pathways at the organismal level. We highlight a series of cell-extrinsic metabolic responses in gut bacteria and their roles in host cell regulation. We then delve deeper into two contrasting examples from the gut:  1) plant-bacteria metabolic axes that could participate in cardiovascular health; and 2) bacterial metabolites and their roles in colorectal cancer initiation.

Biography:

Stoffer has acquired a BSc-degree in Tropical Agriculture at the Royal Dutch College for Tropical Agriculture (Deventer, the Netherlands) and was trained a Nutritionist (MSc) at Wageningen University (1992) and has obtained his PhD in Medical Sciences/Immunology at the Academic Medical Centre of the University of Amsterdam/ (1998). Following a career in the food supplement industry as science communicator and health educator he founded NutriClaim in 2007 (www.nutriclaim.com), providing specialist services pertaining to the scientific substantiation of health claims made on food, and in the marketing authorization of Novel Foods in the EU. In addition, Stoffer is a voluntary member of the Pool of International Experts, assessing project proposals for grants to applied research contributing to innovation for food security and private sector development in the 15 partner countries of Dutch development cooperation at the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research /Science for Global Development (WOTRO)/Food & Business Applied Research Fund (ARF). Currently, Stoffer also is Work Package Leader in the EU FP7-funded project “MyNewGut - Microbiome Influence on Energy balance and Brain Development-Function Put into Action to Tackle Diet-related Diseases and Behavior”. Stoffer is valued by his collaborators and clients for his professionalism, integrity and flexibility.

Abstract:

Biography:

Dr Dibyajyoti Banerjee, MD is currently Additional Professor, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. He is interested in developing novel concepts for drug development and his several concepts are published and many researchers are working with it. His focus in drug development is diabetes and tuberculosis. Apart from drug development he is interested in developing point of care testing tools. In this area also he has developed several tools which are in current use.

Abstract:

Butyrate producing taxa of the gut microbiome ferments carbohydrate and produces a short chain fatty acid butyrate. Butyrate is getting recognized with various physiological roles including control of metabolism towards a healthy shift. Recently it is proved that metformin , a biguanide class of drug which is beneficial for type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the butyrate producing taxa of the gut microbiome. Authorities believe that this is one of the important mechanisms of action of metformin apart from AMPK activation. Butyrate is proved to be beneficial in a number of disease conditions including malignancy and tuberculosis. The author believes that such issue can be explored for novel drug development for diabetes , obesity and tuberculosis . To simply put that butyrate in appropriate formulation has the potential to control   the metabolic epidemic and the associated tuberculosis  that the modern world is facing. These issues will be discussed in my presentation. 

Biography:

Director ORIC, Distinguished National Professor/ Professor Emeritus/Tenured Professor, Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, GC University, Lahore. 1. Chairperson, Pakistan Chapter of Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (2012-to date) 2. General Secretary, Pakistan Chapter of Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (2005-2012) 3. Vice-Chairperson, International Organization for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (2007-2008) 4. Member, American Chemical Society (2006-2008) Member, International Association of Science and Technology for Development (IASTED) Technical Committee on Biomedical Engineering (2003-2006)

Abstract:

The growing demands of bioenergy has led to the emphasis on novel cellulases to improve efficiency of biodegradation process of plant biomass for bioethanol production. Therefore, a novel gene TnEgl (936 bp) was cloned from a hyperthermophilic eubacterium Thermotoga naphthophila and overexpressed as soluble endo-1,4-β-glucanase (TnEgl) belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 12 in Escherichia coli BL21 CodonPlus. Enhancing heterologous expression of cloned protein using various cultivation and induction strategies. After gene cloning and expression of a thermostable protein enhanced using various modifying cultivation media and induction parameters. After optimal production of TnEgl with a molecular weight of 36 kDa, was purified to homogeneity, and characterized completely. High-cell-density or dry cell weight (DCW) and optimal expression of endo-1,4-β-glucanase were obtained in 3×ZYBM9 medium after 72 h inducement at 22°C, induced the culture either with 0.5 mM IPTG/100 mM lactose after heat shock treatment (42°C for 1h) when OD600nm reached at 0.6. Recombinant extracellular enzyme activity was improved by 7.78 and 6.18 fold in 3×ZYBM9 and ZYBM9, respectively under optimal cultivation conditions. Using M9NG and YNG auto-induction medium, activity was 6.5 and 4.76 fold increased after 72 h incubation at 22°C with agitation (200 rev min-1). Hence, the results showed that the effective process strategy is essential to enhance engineered cell mass (production) and enzyme expression. The purified enzyme was optimally active with 1036 Umg-1 of specific activity against 4% CMC at pH 6.0 and 95°C. Enzyme exhibited great stability over a broad pH (6.0-9.0) and temperature range (80-90°C), and was quite stable for 12 hours at 80°C. Enzyme showed great resistance towards various chemical inhibitors and great affinity towards various substrates. A hyperthermotolerant TnEgl with great catalytic efficiency and independence of various chemical inhibitors, all noteworthy features make TnBglB a suitable candidate for various industrial applications.

Biography:

Dr. Hira Sabir Malik has her expertise in evaluation and passion in improving the health and wellbeing. Her open and contextual evaluation model based on responsive constructivists creates new pathways for improving healthcare. She built this model after years of experience in research, evaluation, teaching and administration both in hospital and education institutions. The foundation is based on years of evaluating services of the health care organization, which is a methodology that utilizes the previous generations of evaluation: measurement, description and judgment. It allows for value-pluralism. This approach is responsive to all stakeholders and has a different way of focusing.

Abstract:

The first major objective of this study is to explore the service quality level of Public Hospitals in the city of KARACHI from perspective of patients. Secondly, the satisfactions level of the ailing patients towards the services provided by these health care government sectors in general is investigated. The measurement instrument used in this study is based on Questionnaires. Customer satisfaction and service quality are often treated together as functions of customer’s perceptions and expectations. Research has shown that high service quality contributes significantly to customer satisfaction and customer delight. This study empirically explores the relationship between hospital quality management and service quality performance for a sample of patients of government health care hospitals in the city of Karachi. SERVQUAL model has been adopted to encompass various aspects of service quality. The study has been undertaken to demonstrate the Gaps for measuring patient’s perceptions-expectation of health care services quality in GOVT hospitals in the city of Karachi. . In this study an attempt has been made to explore the service quality gap which is called ‘Gap Score’ by means of making a comparison between customers’ expectations and their actual perceptions towards the services and the government hospital patients are treated in. The purpose of this research is to provide review of the SERVQUAL research in measurement of health care service quality, to obtain information about quality parameters of services provided by GOVT hospitals of Karachi & to find out as to how much these parameters rate are as per the expectations of the patients.

A sample size of 150 ailing patients is taken from department to department in different government hospitals situated in the city of Karachi.

The results have shown an alarming situation where government hospitals are far away from the patients expectations. Furthermore there is an extreme need for training in the area of public hospital staff and their attitudes towards the ailing. Looking at the situation it is highly recommended that the government should take a country wide initiative to launch special programs where hospitals internal structures and work process are re-organized on the principles of quality management practices, through the introduction of ISO Programs. This would help in improving the service quality at each stage of the services provided by these hospitals.

Biography:

Dr. Arup Ghosh, Senior Scientist & Head, Agronomy and Biofertilizer Group, Biotechnology and Phycology Division in a top CSIR laboratory has his expertise in development and evaluation of biostimulants developed from marine seaweeds (macroalgae) on crops and soil. He has the passion for improving the livelihood opportunities and profitability of farmers through innovative products in a sustainable manner. His research findings through agronomic trials and molecular tools have helped opened new insights regarding the use of seaweed biostimulants enabling the entrepreneurs to commercialize and take these products to the farming community in a big way. He has years of experience in research, evaluation, teaching and administration and has executed several national and International projects. He has to his credit many book chapters, popular articles and more than 80 peer reviewed articles in Journals of repute. His research approach is based on the felt needs of the stakeholders and has won accolades to the Institute he is associated with

Abstract:

Inorganic fertilizers have detrimental effect to the soil. The organic seaweed (macroalgae) based biostimulants offers great potential for enhancing crop productivity with low associated carbon footprint. However, besides evaluating their efficacy across varied agro-ecological conditions, their effect on soil microbial flora ought to be simultaneously studied which would be important from long term use perspective. Thus, an experiment was conducted with five treatments wherein maize plants were subjected to soil moisture stress once (V5) or thrice (V5,10,15) at its critical growth stages to study the effect of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed extract (KSWE) on drought alleviation as well as its effect on soil bacteria along with suitable controls. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Cultivation technologies for several macroalgae like Gracilaria, Kappaphycus, etc., have been developed at CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar in India. A process to obtain liquid seaweed fertilizers (LSF) was developed from red seaweed, Kapppahycus alvarezii (US Patent No. 6,893,479). To demonstrate and validate its efficacy as biostimulant, over 170 agronomic and large scale demonstration trials were carried out on cereals, pulses, oilseeds, sugar, fodder and vegetables in varied agro-ecological zones across 20 states in India. In maixe crop under controlled condition, high throughput sequencing through Illumina platform was employed for sequence analysis of V3 region of 16S rRNA gene amplified from soil metagenome obtained from the soil underneath the crop canopy in the root zone.  Findings: From multi-locational trials, KSWE proved an effective bio-stimulant that enhanced crop yields by 13-37 percent over and above the recommended chemical fertilizers dosages (control) and in several cases their quality. Studies on soil microbiome indicated that the Steroidobacter, Anaerolinea, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Ammoniphilus and Nitrospira were the predominant genera falling under the Phyla Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes and Nitrospirae and they got significantly influenced due to the treatments at harvest of maize. The abundance of these genera was significantly decreased (49-80%) by subjecting soil moisture stress three times at V5, 10 and 15 stages when compared to that in normally irrigated soil, which got significantly improved by subsequent KSWE application at the respective stages under drought.  Members of some taxa associated in plant growth promotion and nutrient cycling (Nitrosomonas, Nitrosvibrio, Rubrobacter, Flavobacterium) were found significantly enriched by application of KSWE thrice under severe drought.  Higher number of species were identified in normally irrigated treatment and treatment where KSWE and drought were applied thrice. The treatments having enriched microbial abundance due to KSWE application under severe stress also recorded significantly higher cob yields suggesting their contribution in stress amelioration through plant growth promotion and better soil nutrient cycling.

Biography:

Doctoral Studies at Doctoral School of Engineering Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" Iași, Romania; Researches regarding the influence of some ecological foliar fertilizers on crop yield and quality of cultivated medicinal and aromatic species. Leader/Organizer/Participant in EU Projects/Courses/Trainings in France, Poland, Latvia/Turkey/Romania.

Abstract:

Nowadays, the demand for medicinal plants for the pharmaceutical industry but also for food and cosmetics is constantly growing. This obliges agronomists to find technological solutions to increase production more efficient. At the same time, the increase in quality of agricultural products through the use of technology and organic fertilizers is demanded. An alternative to conventional fertilizers are organic fertilizers that can be applied as foliar and soil. Because fertilizers used to increase plant production affects the quality in terms of the content of bioactive substances such as phenols, this paper aims at highlighting the ecological foliar fertilizers (Fylo®, GeolinoPlants & Flowers®, Cropmax®, Fitokondi®) influence on content total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity.

The total content of phenolics recorded the highest values ​​for the fertilizer Fitokondi - 162 mg GAE/g DW, followed by Geolino – 150 mg GAE/g DW, compared to 116 mg GAE/g DW in unfertilized plants. In terms of the content of flavonoids, only Geolino lead to an increase, with 386.38 mg quercetin/g DW, compared to 332.92 mg quercetin/g DW in control plants. Free radical scavenging capacity was 38% in the Geolino treatment and of 31% in control plants.

Foliar fertilization of medicinal plants can thus be used to obtain increased yield and phenolic compounds synthesis, allowing better performance of plants under organic fertilization. The foliar fertilizers treatments influenced the culture of Cynara scolymus L. in the first year of cultivation. These partial results are the starting point for future analysis and experiments regarding quality and yield of artichoke. Such foliar fertilizers can be recommended for ecological cultivation of artichoke, both as a vegetable and also as a medicinal plant, with important therapeutic properties.

Biography:

Sana Ullah is an active veterinarian who has got his DVM degree from Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan. He has a very good experience in parasitological lab techniques, sedimentation method, flotation method and direct smear method for identification of eggs for various parasites. He has done research work on comparative studies on dressing percentage and distribution of cut parts in broiler and layer, in collaboration with the department of Animal Products and Technology. He has also performed a research project on, prospective evaluation of pain in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy and castration in dogs from the department of surgery and obstetrics.

Abstract:

Six female dogs were operated for ovariohysterectomy and six male dogs were castrated to assess severity of pain, wound healing and its complications if any from post-operative care. The heart rate, body temperature and respiratory rate were also recorded.Body temperature, heart rate and respiration in male and female dogs during the process of operation differed significantly (P<0.05). On average the body tempe1·ature of female dogs was significantly higher (102.01±0.91°F) than the male dogs (1 OI .86±0.60°F). The heart rate of female dogs was significantly higher (109.42±23.06 beats per minute) than the male dogs (95.42±15.97 beats per minute). Respiratory rate of female dogs was significantly higher (40.68±5.07 breaths per minute) than the male dogs (35.93±6.03 breaths per 1ninute). The post-operative body temperature on average of female dogs (ovariohysterectorny) was higher than the male dogs castrated. The heart rate varied between animals in the same sex and on average heart rate of female dogs was higher than the male dogs. The respiration also varied between animals as well as between male and females, but respiration rate was higher in female dogs than the male dogs. The female and male dogs varied markedly in relation to postoperative pain due to their respective operations. There was great variation between dogs for the degree of pain or severity of pain after ovariohysterectomy surge1·y and tl1is might be associated with the physical health of these animals. The male dogs physically were of different health conditions and may be the weaker dogs felt prolonged pain as compa1·ed to those with good health.

Biography:

Cha-ah Crystella Ngong has completed her DVM at the age of 26 years from Ngaoundere University School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences. She currently works as a research assistant for the brucellosis control program in Cameroon under the Zoonosis in Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) program

Abstract:

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of animals and man caused by bacteria of genus Brucella. Though eradicated in some parts of the world, it remains endemic in sub-Saharan Africa including Cameroon. The aim of this study was to contribute to the epidemiology of brucellosis in the North-West region of Cameroon by detecting the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies in bovine bulk milk as this serves a route of transmission from animals to man. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Brucella abortus antibodies in bovine bulk milk in the peri-urban zones of Bamenda. One hundred bulk milk samples were collected from 100 herds and tested by milk I-ELISA test. The conducted study revealed the presence of anti-Brucella abortus antibodies in bovine bulk milk. The study revealed that bovine brucellosis is widespread in animal production systems in this area. The animal infection pressure in these systems has remained strong due to movement of livestock in search of pasture, co-existence of animal husbandry, communal sharing of grazing land, concentration of animals around water points, abortions in production systems, locality of production systems and failure to quarantine upon introduction of new animals. The circulation of Brucella abortus antibodies in cattle farms recorded in the study revealed potential public health implication and suggest economic importance of brucellosis to the cattle industry in the Northwest region of Cameroon. The risk for re-emergence and transmission of brucellosis is evident as a result of the co-existence of animal husbandry activities and social-cultural activities that promote brucellosis transmission. Well-designed countrywide, evidence-based studies of brucellosis are needed. These could help to generate reliable frequency and potential impact estimates, to identify Brucella reservoirs, and to propose control strategies of proven efficacy

Biography:

Dr. Qiaoyun Huang is a Changjiang Scholar Professor, Distinguished Young Scholar of NSFC, professor of environmental microbiology at Faculty of Resources and Environment, Vice Director of State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, China. His research focuses on the interfacial processes of soil mineral-organic matter-microorganism interactions and environmental impacts. He has published more than 140 referred SCI papers. He is currently the vice chairman of Commission 2.5 of International Union of Soil Sciences, and the executive member of the International Advisory Committee of International Society for Environmental Biogeochemistry. He was the Chairman of the 4^th International Symposium on Interactions of Soil Minerals with Organic Matter and Microorganisms and the 21^st International Symposium on Environmental Biogeochemistry. He serves as the editorial member for several international journals such as Applied Soil Ecology, Journal of Soils & Sediments, Frontier in Microbiology and Geomicrobiology Journal.

Abstract:

Bacteria, phyllosilicates and iron oxides are widely distributed in soils and sediments. They are the most reactive and finest colloidal components in these systems. Bacteria are commonly found together with phyllosilicate minerals or oxides to form various composites and complexes which alter soil physicochemical properties, and further affect their metal-binding behaviors. Research done over the past decades has greatly improved our understanding with respect to the mechanisms of the interfacial reactions between bacteria and clay minerals, impacts of clay minerals on bacterial activity, biosorption and modeling of metals on bacteria-mineral composites. More studies from molecular level are needed in order to enhance the ability of bacteria and their association with soil components to remediate toxic metals-contaminated soils. The focus of future investigations should be on the mechanisms by which metals are sorbed and bound by bacterial cell surfaces and bacteria-soil/mineral composites. Atomic force microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and nano secondary ion mass spectrometry are promising techniques which can provide information about the dynamic morphology and elemental distributions of mineral-bacteria interactions, the number and type of near-neighbors for the metals of interest together with estimates of bond distances. Another research imperative is to isolate bacteria from a variety of contaminated soils and associated environments, and elucidate the mechanisms of their tolerance to toxic metals. Molecular biotechnologies, notably DNA recombinant technology for bacterial surface display can yield highly sorptive bacteria. The impact of these bacteria on the binding and distribution of toxic metals at the interface of the bacteria-soil compo-site/solution interface is worthwhile investigating. Equally important is the association of heavy metal-resistant bacteria with hyperaccumulator plants and its potential in remediating toxic metal-polluted soils.

Biography:

For being B.Sc. (Ag) and M.Sc.(Ag) from BHU, he was awarded Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi in 1992. He started his academic career as Sr. Research Assistant followed by UGC- Reasearch Associate at BHU. After that he joined DRDO as Scientist ‘C’ in 1996 at IAT, Pune and finally served Defence Agricultural Reasearch Laboratory, now Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research, Pithoragargh, Uttarakhand. There he worked as Officer-in-Charge of DARL Field Stations at Arabachauhan (Barmer) and Auli (Joshimath). He joined as lecturer in 2003, became Reader in 2004 and presently serving as Professor in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. The area of his research of interest has been soil microbiology / microbial biotechnology / organic farming / soil fertility with emphasis on development of quality plant growth promoting rhizobacteria using molecular tools and techniques to enhance crop production and maintenance of soil health under organic and integrated nutrient management system in Indo-gangatic plains of India. During his tenure in DRDO, he, first time, studied the soils of Leh and Ladakh. In addition to propagation of medicinal plants including seabuckthorn, agriculture and environmental warfare, development of technologies for season / off-season (protected) vegetables and their dissemination to the locals and Jawans of army unites staying at high altitude were his interest area of research work. However, he is still involved in revival of cold desert soils of Himalayan region by means of bioinoculants. Besides executing 12 research projects, guiding 10 Ph.D. and 27 M.Sc. (Ag) students at BHU he has published more than 100 research papers in journals of national and international repute, 7 book chapters and may popular articles. Dr. Yadav is presently acting as reviewer of research papers in many journals of national and international repute. He joined 20th World Soil Science Congress held at Jeju, South Korea during 2014 and he has been a recipient of Fellow of Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences, BHU-Research Fellowship, UGC-Post Doctoral Fellowship, Award of “Best Research Paper by DRDO. Besides serving as member of different committees of administrative bodies in BHU, he has also been elected as Councilor of Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi for the year of 2009 and 2010

Abstract:

The soils of arid temperate regions of Leh valley, situated an elevation of more than 3000m  in J&K, India, are poorly developed under influence of climatic factors (where mean monthly temperature varies from of 27.8 ⁰C to – 14.3 ⁰C and sometimes falls to -30 ⁰C), geomorphic processes aided by glacial drift and geolithology. Most of the soils of this valley have more than 35% coarse fragments (skeletal), calcareous, neutral to alkaline in reaction, very low content of organic carbon, available N and P and classified as Sandy-skeletal (calcareous) Typic Eutrocypts.  Under such circumstances, microbial activities and nutrients cycling of added organic manure / fertilizers in soil are very poor and consequently grown vegetable crop give less response to nutrients. By principle, dynamic properties of soils can be improved by application of beneficial microbes. Therefore, efforts were made to revive the soils of Leh valley by isolation, selection and application of quality plant probiotics (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) with cultivation of vegetables particularly tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Selection of effective plant probiotic strains of Pseudomonas trivialis (JY-01, JY-05), Pseudomonas sp. (JY-02, 03, 04, 07, and JY -11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BHUPSB-02), P.fluorescens (BHUPSB-06) and Bacillus subtilis (BHUPSB-13) was done on the basis of biochemical, plant growth promoting properties and molecular characterization of many rhizosphere bacteria isolated from the soils of Leh valley. Further, isolation and selection of Frankia strain FL-1(symbiotic N₂-fixer) was done from the root nodules of non-leguminous Seabuckthorn (Hippophae spp.) shrubs wildly grown in Leh valley. This strain of Frankia was showing plant growth promoting properties and synergistic relationship with above plant probiotic strains. During the interaction study, Frankia isolate (FL-1) and B. subtilis (BHUPSB-13) were showing inhibitory effect on both Ralstonia solanacearum ( causing root wilt) and Fusarium oxysporum lycopersici (causing stem wilt) in tomato under in-vitro condition.  Therefore, based on Theory of Koch Pastulate, a pot experiment was conducted on tomato Var. Kashiamrit with 12 treatments in triplicate under CRBD at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during kharif 2014-15 to see the effect of P. fluorescens, B. subtilis and Frankia, separately and in combination, to control the infestation of wilt causing pathogen and promotion of growth and yield. Observation after 10 days of infestation showed that the plants without pretreated with PGPR were showing much more infestation and few of plants died completely in separate or combined treatments of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Though, B. subtilis, P. fluorescens and Frankia (FL-1) were effective, separately or in combination, to control the infestation of both pathogens but B. subtilis was more effective to control bacterial pathogen while, Frankia isolate (FL-1) was effective not only to controlling both pathogens but also for higher plant growth and early flowering in the tomato plant.  However, combined effect of B. subtilis and Frankia had given significantly better performance of disease control, growth and fruit yield of tomato in comparison of individual inoculants.

            These strains of plant probiotics are now being used by different agricultural laboratories and other stakeholders involved in cultivation of tomato and other vegetables in Leh valley. Though, there is need of further study but results of improvement in rhizosphere microflora, soil microbial biomass carbon, hydrogenase and phosphtase enzymic activities high yield of tomato under inoculated conditions conferred that the plant probiotic consortium of  Pseudomonas trivialis (JY-01, JY-05), Pseudomonas sp. (JY-02, 03, 04, 07, and JY -11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BHUPSB-02), P.fluorescens (BHUPSB-06) and Bacillus subtilis (BHUPSB-13) would be useful to revive the soils of Leh valley for cultivation of tomato as well as other vegetables.

Biography:

For being B.Sc. (Ag) and M.Sc.(Ag) from BHU, he was awarded Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi in 1992. He started his academic career as Sr. Research Assistant followed by UGC- Reasearch Associate at BHU. After that he joined DRDO as Scientist ‘C’ in 1996 at IAT, Pune and finally served Defence Agricultural Reasearch Laboratory, now Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research, Pithoragargh, Uttarakhand. There he worked as Officer-in-Charge of DARL Field Stations at Arabachauhan (Barmer) and Auli (Joshimath). He joined as lecturer in 2003, became Reader in 2004 and presently serving as Professor in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. The area of his research of interest has been soil microbiology / microbial biotechnology / organic farming / soil fertility with emphasis on development of quality plant growth promoting rhizobacteria using molecular tools and techniques to enhance crop production and maintenance of soil health under organic and integrated nutrient management system in Indo-gangatic plains of India. During his tenure in DRDO, he, first time, studied the soils of Leh and Ladakh. In addition to propagation of medicinal plants including seabuckthorn, agriculture and environmental warfare, development of technologies for season / off-season (protected) vegetables and their dissemination to the locals and Jawans of army unites staying at high altitude were his interest area of research work. However, he is still involved in revival of cold desert soils of Himalayan region by means of bioinoculants. Besides executing 12 research projects, guiding 10 Ph.D. and 27 M.Sc. (Ag) students at BHU he has published more than 100 research papers in journals of national and international repute, 7 book chapters and may popular articles. Dr. Yadav is presently acting as reviewer of research papers in many journals of national and international repute. He joined 20th World Soil Science Congress held at Jeju, South Korea during 2014 and he has been a recipient of Fellow of Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences, BHU-Research Fellowship, UGC-Post Doctoral Fellowship, Award of “Best Research Paper by DRDO. Besides serving as member of different committees of administrative bodies in BHU, he has also been elected as Councilor of Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi for the year of 2009 and 2010

Abstract:

The soils of arid temperate regions of Leh valley, situated an elevation of more than 3000m  in J&K, India, are poorly developed under influence of climatic factors (where mean monthly temperature varies from of 27.8 ⁰C to – 14.3 ⁰C and sometimes falls to -30 ⁰C), geomorphic processes aided by glacial drift and geolithology. Most of the soils of this valley have more than 35% coarse fragments (skeletal), calcareous, neutral to alkaline in reaction, very low content of organic carbon, available N and P and classified as Sandy-skeletal (calcareous) Typic Eutrocypts.  Under such circumstances, microbial activities and nutrients cycling of added organic manure / fertilizers in soil are very poor and consequently grown vegetable crop give less response to nutrients. By principle, dynamic properties of soils can be improved by application of beneficial microbes. Therefore, efforts were made to revive the soils of Leh valley by isolation, selection and application of quality plant probiotics (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) with cultivation of vegetables particularly tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Selection of effective plant probiotic strains of Pseudomonas trivialis (JY-01, JY-05), Pseudomonas sp. (JY-02, 03, 04, 07, and JY -11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BHUPSB-02), P.fluorescens (BHUPSB-06) and Bacillus subtilis (BHUPSB-13) was done on the basis of biochemical, plant growth promoting properties and molecular characterization of many rhizosphere bacteria isolated from the soils of Leh valley. Further, isolation and selection of Frankia strain FL-1(symbiotic N₂-fixer) was done from the root nodules of non-leguminous Seabuckthorn (Hippophae spp.) shrubs wildly grown in Leh valley. This strain of Frankia was showing plant growth promoting properties and synergistic relationship with above plant probiotic strains. During the interaction study, Frankia isolate (FL-1) and B. subtilis (BHUPSB-13) were showing inhibitory effect on both Ralstonia solanacearum ( causing root wilt) and Fusarium oxysporum lycopersici (causing stem wilt) in tomato under in-vitro condition.  Therefore, based on Theory of Koch Pastulate, a pot experiment was conducted on tomato Var. Kashiamrit with 12 treatments in triplicate under CRBD at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during kharif 2014-15 to see the effect of P. fluorescens, B. subtilis and Frankia, separately and in combination, to control the infestation of wilt causing pathogen and promotion of growth and yield. Observation after 10 days of infestation showed that the plants without pretreated with PGPR were showing much more infestation and few of plants died completely in separate or combined treatments of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Though, B. subtilis, P. fluorescens and Frankia (FL-1) were effective, separately or in combination, to control the infestation of both pathogens but B. subtilis was more effective to control bacterial pathogen while, Frankia isolate (FL-1) was effective not only to controlling both pathogens but also for higher plant growth and early flowering in the tomato plant.  However, combined effect of B. subtilis and Frankia had given significantly better performance of disease control, growth and fruit yield of tomato in comparison of individual inoculants.

            These strains of plant probiotics are now being used by different agricultural laboratories and other stakeholders involved in cultivation of tomato and other vegetables in Leh valley. Though, there is need of further study but results of improvement in rhizosphere microflora, soil microbial biomass carbon, hydrogenase and phosphtase enzymic activities high yield of tomato under inoculated conditions conferred that the plant probiotic consortium of  Pseudomonas trivialis (JY-01, JY-05), Pseudomonas sp. (JY-02, 03, 04, 07, and JY -11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BHUPSB-02), P.fluorescens (BHUPSB-06) and Bacillus subtilis (BHUPSB-13) would be useful to revive the soils of Leh valley for cultivation of tomato as well as other vegetables.

Biography:

Professor Amadou Hamadoun Babana, with an MSc and PhD in agricultural microbiology from Laval University, has his expertise in soil-plant-microorganisms interactions in improving plant production and protection. His research activities are based on the optimization of microbial communities of soils and plants to formulate biofertiliser and biopesticides to support global food production. He has built this technology after years of experience in research on the exploitation soil and plant microbial genetic diversity to improve plant mineral use efficiencies and plant protection against pathogens and diseases. His research is based on the methodology to access microbiomes and make diverse microbial communities support resilience productivity. This approach shoved a great potential for crop improvement and enhanced yield.

Abstract:

Cereals, mainly produced by small farmers, are important basic food of West African people. Unfortunately, these farmers lose more than 60% of their production mainly because of plant diseases and soil mineral deficiencies. In Africa, agricultural lands are suffering from multiple nutrient deficiencies. The continuous nutrient depletion and imbalance can become staggering when we consider a future need of food production for more than 9 billion of people by 2050. Use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers plays a vital role. But, repeated use of chemical destroys soil microbiota. This is more important in view of the fact that soil having low microbial content and diversity is generally poor in fertility. There is a large consensus that food security in future, will be very much linked with efficient management of soil and plant microbiomes. The purpose of this study is to support food production in an efficient, economical and sustainable manner by optimizing the use of microbial communities of soils and plants. Methodology: To improve plant nutrition and minimize diseases impact, soil and plant microbiome were studied and microorganisms with high plant growth promotion activities were selected and used to formulate biofertiliser and biopesticides, which were tested in greenhouse and field for their efficacy. Findings: Malian soils contain an abundant and divers microorganisms, but a small number solubilize natural rock phosphate. Actinomycetes isolated from natural suppressive soils were highly efficient in controlling pathogens and insect pests. A biofertiliser and a biopesticide were formulated and successfully used by farmers. Conclusion & Significance: Soil genetic biodiversity can be exploited to minimize the use of chemicals in food production and to improve crop growth and production. Recommendations are made to study the mechanisms that underlie associations between particular environments/crops and their respective microbiota under environmental and agronomical conditions.

Biography:

Dr. Jay Prakash Verma has done his M.Sc. (2006) and Ph.D. (2010) on plantmicrobes’ interaction and PGPR from Department of Botany, BHU. Presently, he is working as a Senior Assistant Professor in IESD, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India since 26 Feb, 2011. He is presently a Visiting fellow at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia and his research work on the core microbiome of cotton plants at Western Sydney University since 1 Dec, 2017 to 31 July, 2018.He has more than 11-year research expertise on rhizosphere microbes and development of effective plant growth promoting microbial consortium as biofertilizer, bio stimulators for multiple crop production. His research expertise encompasses Biofertilizer, Phytomicobiome, Bio-pesticide, PGPR, PGPF, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant-Soil-Microbe Interaction, Soil Fertility and Soil Health Management, Pesticide Degrading Microbes for bioremediation, soil molecular biology and climate resilient agricultural production, Bioethanol Production.  He has more than 75 articles that have been cited more than 1866 times (Google citations) and has a cumulative impact factor of more than 124. He has more than 8 research project related to plant-microbe interactions. He has visited Spain, Paris and Shanghai, China countries. He is serving as Technical Editor for several international and national Journals

Abstract:

The phytomicrobiome covers diversified genotype of microorganism including virus, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes, reside in various plants depends upon their plant host. These microorganisms can live in either in an individual plant or to specific plant organs (eg. Roots, shoots, leaves, seeds, nodules, sprouts of legumes, flowers, and fruits), other than that, the microorganism resides in plant rhizosphere. Nevertheless,  there is no clear picture of the complete role of phytomicrobiome, there is considerable evidence that these microbial communities are involved in enhancing nutrient acquisition, plant growth, agriculture production, stress tolerance reduce chemical input, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Phytomicrobiome has a significantly stronger composition compared to complex and dynamic microbial environments, from which they form, which suggests a closely watched discrimination by the host of plants. The goal of phytomicrobiome is to manipulate the microbial community as beneficial consortia that will considerably enhance nutrient acquisition, reduce disease susceptibility, increase agriculture food and stress tolerance. Several approaches can be used to engineer the phytomicrobiome, but one especially promising approach is to take the advantage of naturally developed phytomicrobiome communication channels. In this review, we summarized features of microbial communities of a plant that composes the phytomicrobiome and series of microbial studies representing the substantial factor that influence the phylogenetic and functional plant-associated communities. We support the idea that is able to understand the mechanism, by which plants select and interact with associated microbial communities that can directly help the plant development and health and that can help in more sustainable agriculture.

Biography:

El Hafid NABTI was born on 06.25.1977 in Barbacha-Bejaia (Algeria). He received a Graduate Studies Diploma in Microbiology in September 2000 at the University of Bejaia. He obtained his Master Degree in Microbiology followed by a Doctorate of Sciences in Microbiology respectively in May 2003 and June 2008. He stayed at the same university where he launched his career as a lecturer and researcher. His work focuses on rhizospheric microbiology, restoration of plant growth under abiotic stress, the use of bacteria and algae in stimulating cereals growth. Biocontrol, bioremediation; Microbial ecology and agricultural microbiology are also his areas of interest.

Abstract:

Problematic: the work focused on the determination of functional diversity of soil bacteria; study their effects on seed germination and biological control of common bean (Phaseollus vulgaris L).

The identification of the isolates based on physiological and biochemical characters and BOX-PCR followed by qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of their secondary metabolites. 50 soil bacteria isolates were affected to the two groups of fluorescent Pseudomonads (76 %) and non-fluorescent Pseudomonads (24 %). The UPGMA method showed five phenons of carabon sources assimilation; at the time that BOX-PCR profiling resulted in 5 clusters characterized by 29 different applotypes. (66 %) isolates induced phosphate solubilization; (24 %) were HCN producers, (21 %) showed IAA production and all isolates had produced siderophores. In vitro antibacterial activity against Xapf results in screening of two isolates P25 P. aeruginosa characterized by an inhibition zone of (26.67±2.31 mm) and P7 P. cepatia (24±0 mm). In vivo biological control of Xapf revealed that the two isolates reduced significantly bean common blight intensity. Isolate P7 was the highest effective. Coinoculation of the two isolates was not very effective on controlling Xapf. Study of the effects of the two isolates on bean seed germination,   revealed that isolate P7 was the highest effective on seed germination and root growth properties, then isolate P25 or the coinoculation of the two bacteria. Conclusion: Bacterial isolates could play a crucial role in the biocontrol of beans and the enhancement of seed germination, thus increase crop yield.

Biography:

Pierre EKE is a scientist derived from an earlier outstanding student of university of Yaoundé I. He has dedicated his early career in identifying factors (biotic and abiotic) that threaten food crop in field in Cameroon through farms and farmers surveys. Identified constraints are thereafter subjected to tentative control using biological procedures (beneficial fungi and bacteria). Years and year’s experience and devotion has propelled myself as coordinator of the Biocontrol Agents Unit of the department of Biochemistry and justified several trainings and conferences abroad. Actually our research aims at formulating the selected biocontrol candidates and searches of potent partners worldwide. Globally, the wellbeing of African’s and world’s population through provision of enough food in face of changing climate and destructive phytopathogens is our live motif

Abstract:

Among beneficial microbial inoculants, consortia have been advocated for application in modern agriculture as they may easily overcome the rhyzospheric constraints, in addition to enhancing biocontrol efficacy through partners’ reinforcement in an additive or synergistic manner. Unfortunately, the historical antagonistic potential of Trichoderma spp. has compromised its co-operation with Arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), misleading several attempts in building up artificial consortium between these undefeated biocontrol agents (BCA’s). The present study unveils a strategy of exploiting the beneficial traits of a Common bean endophytic Trichoderma ( Trichoderma harzianum T8) and a recently described AMF formulation (AMF2) with individual biocontrol traits for better nutrients uptake and resistance induction against Fusarium root rot (FRR) in common bean. Standard plate-based approaches, as well as sequential inoculation of BCA’s followed by colorimetric, Flame Photometry (FP) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) analyses revealed that co-inoculation of the BCA’s mobilised more zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) from the soil substrate to the plant than the BCA’s tested alone. Moreover, enhanced shoot growth (123% increase) and chlorophyll pigment synthesis (137% increase) were recorded compared to Trichoderma-treated plants. Most importantly, a substantial suppression of both disease incidence (92% protection) and severity (42.2% protection) was achieved upon combining the BCA’s, leading to 140% protective effect relative to Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb) fungicide. The Pearson correlation test depicted a negative correlation between protection rate and total phenols, total soluble flavonoids, total tannins and Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase activity (r > -0.5; P = 0.05). Meanwhile, a positive correlation was recorded with Polyphenol Oxydase activity (r > 0.5; P = 0.05). The results achieved unveil a substantial enhancement in bean plant growth and resistance against FRR mediated by a consortium of AMF2 and T. harzianum T-8. This consortium might represent a cheaper and environmental friendly alternative to agrochemicals if further developed.

Biography:

Yogesh Kumar Negi has his expertise in ‘Plant-Microbe’ interaction with a particular interest in the development of bioinoculants for small farm agriculture in Uttarakhand Himalaya in India. In a decade of his research, over 500 farmers are benefitted with site specific bioinoculants. Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescence are his choice of organisms for the development of effective formulations. With a vast work on plant growth promotion and disease management, his current focus in on enhancing the nutritive quality of the crops using the microbial friends.

Abstract:

The challenges to meet out the food requirement of the burgeoning population and plateauing productivity of agricultural lands can only be met by increasing crop productivity. Use of inorganic chemicals and fertilizers enhances the crop productivity. However, the continuous and rather irrelevant use of these chemicals is reducing the amounts of essential nutrients (Carbohydrates, amino-acids, vitamins, etc.) in the important crops. Such produce may satisfy the over all agricultural production. But, with less nutrients, such products can not be recommended to fight against malnutrition that affects around 13% of the world population. Additionally, such chemicals in long run may result in poor soil fertility, disturbed soil ecosystem and may increase environmental and groundwater pollution. Traces of such chemicals have already been reported to be deposited in agricultural produce, therefore, consumption of such products may cause serious health problems in human beings. The harmful effects of agrochemicals raised a concern among the scientific community and provoked to search other avenues to earn better productivity. One of the approaches is the use of a beneficial group of bacteria such as plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) as a bio-agents to enhance the soil fertility and crop productivity as well. PGPBs ameliorate plant health and productivity by enhancing the nutrient status of soil and host plants subsequently. The bioavailability of nutrients, their increased uptake may significantly enhance the nutrient use efficiency of plants that further contributes to increase crop yield. A significant increase in crop yield has been achieved with PGPBs application on the crop.  Studies suggest that such bacteria help the host plant to uptake the soil nutrients and upregulate the plant efficiency to accumulate and convert these nutrients into yield. Use of such effective PGPBs can also enhance the nutritive value of the crops. Higher amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids etc. have been reported in different crops in different studies. Therefore, it can be suggested that regular use of such effective PGPBs by farmers may increase the soil fertility, crop yield and its nutritive value. Ultimately, this will lead towards food and nutrition security under the organic farming framework in general, and sustainable crop production in particular.