CONTEXT: Globally, rainfed regions encounter several constraints that limit crop production. Poor and degraded soils resulting from soil erosion are one among them. We hypothesized that a diversified cropping system in rainfed drylands can reduce soil erosion and improve soil health and crop productivity and meet the food security needs of rainfed farmers. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess potential diversified cropping systems in terms of reducing soil erosion and water and nutrient losses, and increasing crop and systems productivity and profitability. METHODS: The study was carried out at the Gungal Research Farm of ICAR Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (17 o 05 ' N, 78 o 39 ' E) from 2015 to 16 to 2020 - 21. The study investigated seven diversified cropping systems (treatments): sorghum + pigeon pea- hedge lucerne, sorghum + pigeonpea- guinea grass, castor- hedge lucerne, castor- guinea grass, sorghum- fodder clusterbean- fodder cowpea- fodder horsegram, sole sorghum, and sole pigeonpea. Multi -criteria assessments were conducted to understand trade-offs related to soil nutrients and their losses, and productivity and profitability of various annual and perennial based systems. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Among the various systems evaluated, sole sorghum was the most sensitive to soil erosion, leading to highest amount of nutrient loss in all years (87.5, 47.3, and 9.8 kg N, P and K ha - 1 in 2019-20, 102.4, 58.2, 14.2 kg N, P and K ha -1 in 2020-21, and 78.6, 39.2, 6.16 kg N, P and K ha -1 in 2021-22). The perennial based cropping systems with more diverse crops and greater land cover that included sorghum + pigeonpea - guinea grass and sorghum + pigeon pea - hedge lucerne had the lowest amount of nutrient loss. The least cumulative monetary value of nutrient loss was in sorghum + pigeon pea - hedge lucerne (137.11 US$) followed by sorghum + pigeonpea - guinea grass (145.33 US$). The systems with diverse crops reduced runoff and soil erosion, improved soil health, and increased crop and systems productivity and profitability. The tradeoffs analysis using the radar graphs also showed lower soil loss and improved soil heath in diversified perennial based cropping systems, resulting in increase in net income to US$1981 for sorghum + pigeonpea - hedge lucerne compared to US$909 for sole sorghum. SIGNIFICANCE: Perennial based cropping systems with diverse crops can be an effective strategy to reduce soil erosion and improve soil health, and increase crop and systems productivity in rainfed areas of south India. These results have implications to other countries globally with rainfed climate and dryland farming.

Climate change poses significant challenges for rainfed agriculture in India, impacting plant growth and nutrient absorption by influencing various stresses. Furthermore, the imbalanced and inappropriate utilization of agrochemicals exacerbates soil degradation. In order to tackle these apprehensions and foster the development of sustainable agriculture, the focus has shifted toward plant-associated microorganisms. Among the microorganisms, Bacillus spp., a Gram-positive bacterium with rod-shaped morphology, aerobic nature, and ability to form endospores, have emerged as a promising bioagent to enhance soil health and crop productivity. Bacillus spp. play a crucial role in improving nutrient absorption, suppressing pathogens, inducing systemic resistance, producing phytohormones, and enhancing plant tolerance to stress. They also regulate the synthesis of vital phytohormones such as abscisic acid, ethylene, and ACC deaminase. Numerous Bacillus spp. have demonstrated their effectiveness in boosting plant growth and increasing yields across crops. By harnessing Bacillus spp. as biofertilizers, the cultivation costs can be reduced while ensuring sustainable yields. Integrating these beneficial microorganisms into agricultural practices holds the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and excessive agrochemical usage, thus fostering resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. This chapter highlights the significance of Bacillus spp. in sustainable agriculture through enhanced soil health and crop growth.

In the present study, biocontrol potential of Bacillus subtilis CRB7 was evaluated to counter root-knot nematode infestation in tomato grown under protected cultivation. Under pot conditions, gall formation on roots was reduced when B. subtilis CRB7 applied at 1.25, 2.5 and 5 g plant(-1). Nursery drench with B. subtilis CRB7 at 5, 10 and 15 g m(-2) significantly reduced gall formation on roots (37.0 to 85.8%). Further, application of B. subtilis CRB7 as nursery drench at 15 g m(-2), soil drench at 0.5% at 30 day's interval and soil application of enriched vermicompost (5 kg 2 tonnes(-1) of vermicompost ha(-1)) significantly reduced gall formation on roots (58.3% and 54.2%) and enhanced yield (29.8% and 15.4%) in two consecutive protected field experiments, respectively. Given its potent efficacy, B. subtilis CRB7 emerges as a promising component for the management of root-knot nematode in tomato grown under protected cultivation. [GRAPHICS] .

CONTEXT: Farmers in rainfed areas of South Asia depend on livestock to augment income, and provide manure for soil and crops. However, the full potential of the livestock is not realized due to the non-availability of quality fodder. The deficit may be attributed to limitation in expansion of cultivable land as well as non-availability of fodder from the protected forest areas. It is possible to enhance the productivity of the livestock by crop-livestock systems. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the crop and fodder production potential, nutritive value of the fodder, and reductions in soil nutrients loss and pests of the seven fodder-based inter-cropping systems in a rainfed region in South India.METHODS: A medium-term field experiment was conducted from 2015 to 2021 at the Gungal Research Farm of ICAR's Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (17o05' N, 78o39'E) with seven fodder-based cropping systems involving conventional crops either alone or in combinations with annual or perennial fodder species. The seven systems (treatments) were: sorghum + pigeon pea -hedge lucerne, sorghum + pigeonpea -guinea grass, castor -hedge lucerne, castor -guinea grass, sorghum -fodder -clusterbean -fodder-cowpea -fodder-horsegram, sole sorghum, and sole pigeonpea. Impacts of these systems on crop and livestock productivity, reductions in surface soil erosion and nutrient loss, and soil health and pest dynamics were studied. Livestock based studies were also conducted with the harvested fodders.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found that sorghum + pigeonpea-hedge lucerne on average can produce 3865 kg ha-1 of sorghum grain equivalent yield and 37,820 kg ha-1 of sorghum fodder equivalent yield. The sorghum + pigeon pea-guinea grass would benefit the farmers with no animals, by selling the high biomass grass fodder and minimizing the risk of crop failure. These two systems are also better in providing green fodder for at least 8-9 months without any supplementary irrigation. We also observed increase in soil N, OC and soil mi-crobes. There was reduction in runoff (by 51-52%) and sediment loss (by 52%), and reduced pest and disease incidence in these systems.SIGNIFICANCE: Our study demonstrated that perennial fodder-based cropping systems are an excellent option to enhance the sustainability and livelihood security of rainfed farmers by reducing the risk of crop failure and supporting the livestock. These systems also open up the scope of integrating tree fodders especially in the bunds and farm borders.

Plant beneficial microorganisms are being used to improve soil health and crop yield in different cropping systems. Maize is an important crop grown around the world for food, feed and raw material for various industries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate two microbial consortia viz., microbial consortia 1 (Pseudomonas putida P7 + Paenibacillus favisporus B30) and microbial consortia 2 (Pseudomonas putida P45 + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B17) under field conditions for their suitability in improving maize yield under rainfed situations at Ballowal Saunkhri (Punjab) having sub-humid (Hot Dry) climatic conditions. Pooled analysis of three years field experiments data showed that, seed + soil application of microbial consortia 1 and 2 led to enhancement in grain yield of kharif maize by 27.78 and 23.21% respectively over uninoculated control. Likewise, significant increase in Benefit:Cost ratio as well as straw yield was also observed. The present investigation suggests that, microbial consortia would help in significantly improving the yield and economics of maize grown on inceptisols under rainfed conditions.

Mineral and vitamin deficiencies together affect a greater number of human populations in the world than does protein malnutrition. Organic farming is reported to improve nutritional quality of food grains while also improving soil health. However, sufficient scientific information on several aspects of organic farming based on long-term studies is lacking particularly under rainfed conditions of India. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term impact of organic and integrated production systems on crops yield and quality, economic returns and soil properties. The study was conducted with three crops, sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.), pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan L.), and greengram [ Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] under three different production systems, control (use of chemical inputs alone), organic and integrated. The results of the 10-year study revealed that, the average production of integrated system was on par with organic management and recorded significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent yield (PEY) (827 kg ha −1 ) compared to control (chemical inputs) (748 kg ha −1 ). In general, the yield gap between organic and integrated production systems declined from fourth year for greengram and eighth year for sunflower, during the 10-year experimental period whereas the pigeonpea yield was similar under both production systems from first year. Plots under organic management had significantly lower bulk density (1.18 mg m −3 ), higher water holding capacity (38.72%) and porosity (53.79%) compared to integrated production system and control (chemical inputs). The soil organic C (SOC) content in the plots under organic production system was 32.6% more than the initial organic carbon of the soil (0.43%), with higher soil N (205.2 kg ha −1 ). Plots under integrated production system, however, had higher soil P (26.5 kg ha −1 ) compared with other treatments. The dehydrogenase activity (5.86 μg TPF g −1 soil h −1 ) and microbial biomass carbon (317.3 μg g −1 soil) content was higher in the plots under organic production system than under other systems. Organically produced pigeonpea and greengram seeds had similar protein content with that of integrated system, and higher K and micronutrient (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) contents than other treatments. The results show the potential of organic production system in improving crop yields, soil properties and produce quality in semiarid rainfed areas.

Soil microbial communities are important drivers of biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, organic matter decomposition, soil organic carbon, and Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs: CO2, N2O, and CH4) and are influenced by crop and soil management practices. The knowledge on the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil bacterial diversity, nutrient availability, and GHG emissions in semi-arid regions under rainfed conditions is vital to develop sustainable agricultural practices, but such information has not been systemically documented. Hence, studies were conducted for 10 years in rainfed pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)-castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) cropping system under semi-arid conditions to assess the effects of tillage and crop residue levels on the soil bacterial diversity, enzyme activity (Dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase), GHG emissions, and soil available nutrients (Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Sequencing of soil DNA through Illumina HiSeq-based 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing technology has revealed that bacterial community responded to both tillage and residue levels. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria in terms of Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTUs) at phyla, class as well as genera level was higher in CA (NTR1: No Tillage + 10 cm anchored residue and NTR2 NT + 30 cm anchored residue) over CT (conventional tillage without crop residues). CA resulted in higher enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase) and reduction in GHG emissions over CT. CA recorded 34% higher and 3% lower OC, as compared to CT, and CTR1, respectively. CA recorded 10, 34, and 26% higher available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium over CT and CTR1, respectively. NTR1 recorded 25 and 38% lower N2O emissions as compared to CTR1 and CTR2, respectively. Whereas only NT recorded 12% higher N2O emissions as compared to CT. Overall, the results of the study indicate that CA improves the relative abundance of soil bacterial communities, nutrient availability, and enzyme activities, and may help to contribute to the mitigation of climate change, and sustainability in rainfed areas.

Brinjal little leaf (BLL) is one of the most important and widespread disease of eggplant associated with a phytoplasma in India. It severely infects eggplant cultivation in India and causes serious economic losses. Severe incidence (8 to 30%) of the disease was recorded in three districts of Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi, Mirzapur and Jaunpur) state of India during 2015 and 2016. A total of 58 symptomatic BLL leaf samples were collected from the surveyed fields and processed for nested PCR assays using phytoplasma-specific primer pairs (P1/P7, R16F2n/R16R2). Pair wise sequence identity and phylogeny analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences of BLL isolates in the study confirmed association of Ca. P. trifoli (16SrVI group) with the BLL symptomatic samples. Association of similar strain of phytoplasma was identified in Hishimonus phycitis collected in brinjal fields at all the locations, utilizing a similar set of primers pairs as described above. The population of H. phycitis was positively correlated with the incidence of BLL disease in the fields. The phytoplasma indexing of 55 eggplants varieties and 17 wild Solanum species through PCR assays revealed that one eggplant cultivated variety (Uttara) and 17 wild Solanum species were found immune, one resistant (Pusa Ankur) and 12 eggplant varieties/lines were found moderately resistant to BLL. However, all the 17 wild Solanum species were recorded free from phytoplasmas in PCR assays. Further, biochemical analysis of the resistant eggplant varieties showed higher peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymatic activities along with the increased total phenols content. These resistant varieties identified in the present study can be utilized as pre-breeding materials to breed and develop eggplant resistance to BLL phytoplasma disease.

In the present study, native strains of Bacillus species were isolated, characterized and evaluated for their biocontrol efficacy in laboratory, pot and field conditions to combat Meloidogyne incognita incidence in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). Based on the laboratory results, two Bacillus spp., Bacillus marisflavi CRB2 and Bacillus subtilis CRB7 were found most effective against M. incognita. We also profiled antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes associated with this two Bacillus spp. Bacillus marisflavi CRB2 was found to harbour 10 AMP genes whereas, B. subtilis CRB7 had 8 AMP genes with the expression of 3 and 4 genes, respectively at the RNA level. Talc based formulation of B. marisflavi CRB2 and B. subtilis CRB7 were evaluated under pot and field conditions for the management of M. incognita in okra. Bacillus marisflavi CRB2 and B. subtilis CRB7 at dose of 5 g plant- 1 were found most effective against M. incognita by reducing the nematode incidence in okra under pot conditions. Further, field application of either Bacillus marisflavi CRB2 and B. subtilis CRB7 as a combination of seed treatment 20 g kg- 1 seed + soil application (5 kg ha- 1) of enriched vermicompost (2 t ha- 1) + soil drenching @ 1% at 30 days interval showed a significant reduction of M. incognita incidence in okra and also increased yield as compared to untreated control. Their bioefficacy was comparable with carbofuran 3G (1 kg a.i. ha- 1) treatments. Thus, the native strains B. marisflavi CRB2 and B. subtilis CRB7 having diverse antimicrobial peptide genes can be used as one of the components in the integrated nematode management strategy to combat M. incognita incidence in okra.

Plants respond to abiotic stresses through a series of molecular, cellular and physiological changes. These responses are further influenced by the interactions between host plant and the associated rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms. The endophytic microorganisms, due to their intimate proximity with the host plant, are considered to have major influence on plant’s physiological responses. In the present study, three drought tolerant and plant growth promoting maize seed endophytic bacteria, Bacillus sp. MSEB 17, Bacillus sp. MSEB 72 and Bacillus sp. MSEB 78 were used as seed inoculants in maize (var Bioseed 9681) under drought stress conditions in a growth chamber pot study and their influence on four drought responsive genes (Zmdhn1, GRMZM2G055844, GRMZM2G467339 and GRMZM2G109448) in maize leaves was studied by real time PCR using specific primers. The influence of inoculation on host plant’s response to drought was evident from altered expression of target genes when compared with uninoculated plants. Notably, inoculation with MSEB 17 increased the expression of three target genes, Zmdhn1 (dehydrin) gene, GRMZM2G467339 gene and GRMZM2G109448 gene by several folds. This study revealed the role of endophytic in alleviating the effect of drought stress in maize plants through regulating plant growth and physiological response.

Water is the major limiting factor for crop production in arid and semi arid regions of the world (Daryanto et al., 2016; Maheswari et al., 2017). More than 50 % of arable lands are going to be affected by severe drought by 2050, threatening crop production and food security due to the increased frequency of droughts over the years. The climate change will further aggravate the problem in the near future making farming very difficult (Lobell et al., 2011; Mancosu et al., 2015; Sallam et al., 2019). Continuous drought over the years can cause severe water crisis, this would seriously affect agriculture dependent livelihoods and may even lead to food insecurity, famine and death (Karim et al., 2014; Reid 2011). It is predicted that, drought would severely affect the maize, soybean and cotton growing regions across the globe (Ngumbi and Kloepper, 2016). About 40% deficit in water is causing 20-40 % reduction in yield of important crops such as wheat and maize (Daryanto et al., 2016). In the United States, drought stress has resulted in around International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 11 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com

Vegetable-borne disease outbreak that occurred in Japan during the year 1996 is the biggest ever reported disaster in the history of food-borne illness. Salmonella spp., are gram negative, rod-shaped and non-spore-forming bacteria, most commonly found pathogens in the fresh produce. Several vegetables such as lettuce, melons, tomatoes, cauliflower, sprouts and spinach are prone to its contamination. Escherichia coli are gram negative, rod-shaped and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Majority of E. coli strains are non-pathogenic and are normally found in the intestines of all animals, including humans. Listeria spp. are psychrotolerant that is they grow at refrigeration temperatures are ubiquitous organisms and are found in the faeces of livestock, soil, water and vegetation. Cyclospora is a protozoan pathogen transmitted by faeces-contaminated fresh produce and water. Norovirus contaminate water and salads. These viruses cause gastroenteritis in humans. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is widely used method for the detection of food-borne pathogens.

Sulfur (S) is one of the most important elements, of which the organosulfur compounds and/or metal sulfides are considered essential for life. Microbial sulfur oxidation and reduction are the most active and ancient metabolic processes in S cycle that operate in diverse ecosystems. This process is carried out by sulfur-oxidizing (SOB) and sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB) in all ecosystems and considered as key phenomenon in sulfur biogeochemical cycling. Usually, on the basis of nutrition, SOB and SRB are categorized as lithoautotrophs. SOB oxidize the reduced sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), elemental sulfur (S-0), sulfite (SO3-2), thiosulfate (S2O32-), and various polythionates (SnO62- or -SnO6-) into sulfate (SO4-2). On the contrary, SO4-2 can serve as an electron acceptor of SRB under anaerobic condition, and they reduce the SO4-2 and other oxidized sulfur compounds (S2O32-, SO3-2, S-0) into H2S. In natural system, SRB reduce the SO4-2 in two different reduction processes, viz, dissimilatory and assimilatory reactions. In dissimilatory reaction, SRB utilize three kinds of enzymes (ATP sulfurylase, APS reductase, and sulfite reductase) to reduce the S substrate, whereas the sulfate is assimilated or incorporated into organic compounds under assimilatory process through S substrate reduction. In recent years, molecular methods have emerged as essential tools for a better understanding of the microbial role in S transformation under various habitats. Keeping the importance of microbial-mediated S oxidation and reduction in biogeochemical cycle of S, the present chapter describes the role of key functional microbial genes in S transformation such as genes involved in S oxidation (sox, aps, asf, and sor) and reduction (dsr) and also discusses in detail about the abundance, diversity, and impact of these in diverse ecosystems.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of different organic and inorganic fertilizers on the functional diversity of soil microbial community under a vegetable production system. The Biolog (R) Eco-plate technique and indices, such as average well-colour development (AWCD), McIntosh and Shannon diversity were employed to study the diversity of soil microorganisms. The AWCD, i.e. overall utilization of carbon sources, suggested that different organic treatments had a significant impact on the metabolic activity of soil microorganisms. After 120 h, the highest AWCD values were observed in poultry manure (2.5 t.ha(-1)) + vermicompost (3.5 t.ha(-1)) (0.63) and farm yard manure (FYM) (10 t.ha(-1)) + vermicompost (3.5 t.ha(-1)) (0.61). After 72 h, the highest value of the McIntosh diversity index was recorded in poultry manure (2.5 t.ha(-1)) + vermicompost (3.5 t.ha(-1)) (3.87), followed by poultry manure (2.5 t.ha(-1)) + vermicompost (3.5 t.ha(-1)) + biofertilizers (Azotobacter 500 g.ha(-1) applied as seed treatment) (3.12). In the case of the Shannon diversity index, the highest values were noticed in organic treatments; however, there was no significant differences between organic and inorganic treatments. Biplot analysis showed a clear differentiation of organic treatments from the inorganic control. The amino acids, phenolics and polymer utilizing microorganisms were dominant in organic treatments. Inorganic control recorded the lowest values of the microbial diversity indices. Through this study, we have identified the best combination of organic nutrients, i.e. poultry manure (2.5 t.ha(-1)) + vermicompost (3.5 t.ha(-1)) for the stimulation of metabolically active soil microbial communities. (C) 2018 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of chemical fertilizer, organic manure and two cropping systems viz., pearlmillet - clusterbean - castor rotation and upland rice - lentil sequence on microbial quotient (MQ), metabolic quotient, specific enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, arylsulfatase and urease) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in long-term (1821 years) field experiments in Entisols of semi-arid region of Gujarat and Inceptisols of sub-humid region of Varanasi. Higher MQ values were recorded in Entisols than Inceptisols. MQ ranged from 4.00-5.08 and 1.00-1.85 % across soil layers in Entisols and Inceptisols, respectively. Metabolic quotient values ranged from 0.11-0.23 and 0.04-0.07 across soil layers in Entisols and Inceptisols respectively. The specific enzyme activity of dehydrogenase was maximum in Entisols, whereas, arylsulfatase and urease activity was recorded more in Inceptisols. Higher specific enzyme activity reflects greater microbial activity and microbial biomass turnover. Agro-ecosystem in sub-humid region resulted in 1.5 fold higher geometric mean of enzymes (GMea) than in semi-arid region. The application of 50% RDNF (recommended dose of N-fertilizer) + 50% RDN FYM (farm yard manure) in Entisols and 50% N (FYM) + 50% RDF in Inceptisols improved microbiological activities (GMea) at both the sites. The concentration of soil organic carbon (SOC) and MBC were significantly correlated with GMea in both agro-ecosystems. In conclusion, integrated sources of nutrients with inclusion of FYM and 50 % reduction of fertilizers improved the microbiological activities in both Inceptisols and Entisols.

Aim: It is essential to develop an efficient ecofriendly disease management programme which helps in gradual reduction in use of harmful chemicals. The objective of the study was to isolate, purify and identify Trichoderma isolate from diseased plant tissues and to identify its compatibility with commonly used fungicides for the eco-friendly management of vegetable diseases.Methodology: Trichoderma asperellum was isolated from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infected stem tissues of pea on potato dextrose agar. The morphological, cultural characteristics and molecular identification of Trichoderma asperellum was carried out using ITS primers. In vitro antagonistic efficiency of Trichoderma asperellum was studied against phytopathogenic fungi viz., Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium debaryanum, Sclerotium rolfsii Sr1, Sclerotium rolfsii Sr3, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici and Alternariasolani.Results: The nucleotide sequence of amplified ITS region was deposited at Genbank (NCBI) with accession no. KT824429. The highest mycelial inhibition values of 43.57, 38.16, 42.56 and 54.87% were obtained for Pythium aphanidermatum, P. debaryanum, Sclerotium rolfsiiSrl and Sclerotium rolfsii Sr3, respectively after 6 days of T. asperellum inoculation. 7! asperellum exhibited 100% compatibility witir Mancozeb, Azoxystrobin, Cymoxinil+Mancozeb, Metalxyl+Mancozeb at 100, 200 and 300 ppm. The per cent compatibility of 98.15, 74.82 and 50.38 with Carbendazim at 101, 200 and 300 ppm was also recorded.Interpretation : These studies established the aggressive nature of the isolate and its suitability in integrated disease management practices.

Globally, area under organic farming is increasing substantially over the years. There are certain apprehensions regarding microbial load of organically produced and conventionally produced leafy vegetables. The aim of this study was to analyze fresh amaranthus samples for the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and coliforms. The aerobic mesophilic counts ranged between 7.15 - 8.54 log(10) CFU/g and 7.83 log(10) CFU/g from organic and conventional amaranthus, respectively. The total coliform counts varied from 0 to 7.5 log(10) CFU/g and nil in organic and conventional amaranthus, respectively. This study determined no significant differences in aerobic mesophilic bacteria and total coliforms in organic and conventional systems of amaranthus production. Improvement in soil organic carbon (%) was recorded in organic treatments in comparison to inorganic treatment. (c) All Rights Reserved

Beneficial aspects of endophytic microorganisms have motivated researchers to explore plant endophytic world. The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize the seed-borne endophytic bacteria from diverse maize genotypes. Eighty maize seed endophytic bacteria (MSEB), isolated from 30 maize genotypes, were characterized using polyphasic approach. The dendrograms and phylogenetic tree generated on the basis of ARDRA analysis and metabolic profiling of endophytic bacteria revealed genotypic and biochemical diversity among MSEB. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed Bacillus as the most dominant encountered genus affiliated with Phylum Firmicutes. Few isolates belonged to genus Staphylococcus, whereas one isolate was identified as Corynebacterium sp. under Phylum Actinobacteria. Majority of the MSEB isolates exhibited antagonism against phytopathogenic fungi, production of ammonia, and secretion of lytic enzymes; some isolates also exhibited indole acetic acid production, the traits of which can be helpful in endophytic establishment and advantageous to the host plant. Besides, many MSEB exhibited tolerance to salinity (10%), osmotic stress (40% PEG6000), and temperature (60 °C), indicating their possible application under stress conditions. Endophytic nature of the selected MSEB isolates was confirmed by tracking their presence in shoots, leaves, and roots of the host seedlings with the help of biochemical marker (rifampicin resistance). Thus, the MSEB identified in the present study can be explored as potential bioinputs for improving plant growth and productivity under stressed conditions, besides helping in understanding the plant–endophyte interactions.