ABSTRACT Tomato is an important economic crop due to its consumption and production worldwide. However, like other crops, it is susceptible to pathogens, being necessary agrochemicals to prevent diseases and improve the production of fruits. Among the sustainable alternatives to crop production, microbial inoculants are used as biofungicide and biostimulants for plant development. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of seven Trichoderma spp. isolates (T1, T2, T3, T4, T15, T17, and T19) against tomato pathogens in vitro experiments, and their potential to improve tomato growth. The Trichoderma spp. antagonism was investigated against Alternaria sp. 003/09, Botrytis sp. 006/13, Fusarium sp. 007/09, and Stemphylium sp. A73. Dual culture, volatile, and diffusible compounds activity tests showed that all new Trichoderma spp. tested could reduce the mycelial growth of all tested pathogens, highlighting T15 and T17 isolates. Seed and soil inoculation revealed very contrasting results: Trichoderma sp. T17 showed a beneficial effect when inoculated in soil, reducing the percentage of yellowish leaves, and increasing dry weight and stem diameter. Inoculation of Trichoderma sp. T17 in the seed increases hypocotyl and radicle lengths, and the seed vigor index. Finally, the strains studied present the potential to be used to develop biocontrol products.

Abstract The aim of this study was to use bibliometric techniques to provide a longitudinal view of the evolution over more than 50 years of the literature on esophageal cancer without focusing on a specific area. The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for published articles on esophageal neoplasm. Different aspects of the articles were analyzed - country, journal, authors, keywords, and topics. The search returned 24,215 articles - the journal Diseases of the Esophagus present the most number of manuscripts (n = 858), followed by Annals of Surgical Oncology (n = 475).The most cited article was one by van Hagen et al. (2012) (2,807 citations). The most prevalent topic was oncology (n = 10,448), followed by surgery (n = 4,944). Most articles were original research (n = 22,697), mainly with the basic science study design and published by institutions in China. The analysis of the variables chosen, identified China as the country with the highest number of articles and showed that authors and institutions in Asia stand out when it comes to production of scientific information on esophageal cancer.

Abstract Researchers have associated the therapeutic potential of probiotics with its ability to modulate gut microbiota, which is considered an “invisible organ” of the human body. The present study investigates the effects of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota composition of adults. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature published in six different databases. The search followed PRISMA guidelines and aimed to identify randomized clinical trials on probiotic supplementation. All relevant publications indexed up to May 28, 2021, were retrieved. Then, the authors defined the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. A total of 2,404 publications were retrieved, and eight studies met the eligibility criteria. The included randomized clinical trials were published between 2015 to 2020. The worldwide studies included adults aged from 18 to 79 years, most of whom were women (66.5%). Only one of the included studies observed significant effects on fecal microbiota composition in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla in comparison with the placebo treatment. Overall, this systematic review could not draw consistent conclusions on the effects of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota composition of adults.

ABSTRACT The nature of the soil is shaped by the presence of roots and the soil microbiota. Bacteria, archaea and fungi profoundly alter plant growth and, in turn, depend on root exudation of carbon-rich and energy-yielding compounds. The microbial communities act as facilitators of plant processes by secreting plant growth regulators, solubilizing minerals, providing N for plant growth, altering plant immune responses and competing with plant pathogens. Characterizing and engineering the processes driven by the multiple microbial taxa that make up a “plant growth-promoting soil” represents an ecologically friendly solution that may lead to unprecedented increases in agronomic efficiency. This review outlines the characteristics of soil-plant-microbiota interactions that would lead to enhanced plant growth and the importance of characterizing the soil microbial communities with metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomics allied to machine learning analytics. Although much is still needed to be understood about soil microbial ecology, it is possible to choose the best soil management practices to take advantage of beneficial microbial activity with our current knowledge.

Abstract Lupinus albescens is a resistant cover plant that establishes symbiotic relationships with bacteria belonging to the Bradyrhizobium genus. This symbiosis helps the development of these plants in adverse environmental conditions, such as the ones found in arenized areas of Southern Brazil. This work studied three Bradyrhizobium sp. (AS23, NAS80 and NAS96) isolated from L. albescens plants that grow in extremely poor soils (arenized areas and adjacent grasslands). The genomes of these three strains were sequenced in the Ion Torrent platform using the IonXpress library preparation kit, and presented a total number of bases of 1,230,460,823 for AS23, 1,320,104,022 for NAS80, and 1,236,105,093 for NAS96. The genome comparison with closest strains Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA6 and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA110 showed important variable regions (with less than 80% of similarity). Genes encoding for factors for resistance/tolerance to heavy metal, flagellar motility, response to osmotic and oxidative stresses, heat shock proteins (present only in the three sequenced genomes) could be responsible for the ability of these microorganisms to survive in inhospitable environments. Knowledge about these genomes will provide a foundation for future development of an inoculant bioproduct that should optimize the recovery of degraded soils using cover crops.

Resumo A contaminação de hortaliças por micro-organismos patogênicos está diretamente relacionada com a qualidade das águas de irrigação utilizadas na agricultura e com o solo onde se encontram. Com o objetivo de se verificar as condições empregadas na produção de alface (Lactuca sativa L.) em três pequenas propriedades do interior do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil), foram avaliadas a condição físico-química das águas de irrigação, e a condição microbiológica das águas, solo e folhas de alface. As análises bacteriológicas das águas de irrigação, hortaliças e do solo foram realizadas usando a técnica dos tubos múltiplos ou por contagem em placa, e levou em conta os coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes, e presença ou ausência de Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. e Listeria sp.. As análises físico-químicas realizadas nas águas de irrigação foram pH, turbidez, oxigênio dissolvido, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio, carbono orgânico total e nitrogênio total. As análises bacteriológicas nas águas de irrigação indicaram a ausência de Salmonella sp. e Listeria sp.. Entretanto, foi detectada a presença de E. coli e valores acima do permitido pela legislação para coliformes termotolerantes. Desta forma, estas águas se encontram fora dos padrões estabelecidos pela Resolução CONAMA n° 357. A pesquisa também mostrou a presença de E. coli, Salmonella sp. e Listeria sp. nas hortaliças irrigadas, sugerindo que a fonte de contaminação por Salmonella sp. e Listeria sp. deve ser a partir do solo, e não a partir da água de irrigação. Os dados físico-químicos mostraram que apenas uma das propriedades analisadas apresentou todos os parâmetros adequados, segundo a legislação vigente para águas doces de classe 1. Portanto, apenas uma das propriedades apresentou condições físico-químicas para ser utilizada na irrigação de alface, embora nenhuma tenha apresentado condições higiênico-sanitárias para tal uso.

Abstract The contamination of greenery by pathogenic microorganisms is directly related to the quality of irrigation water used in agriculture and to the soil where the greenery is located. In order to verify the conditions surrounding lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production at three small properties of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, we evaluated the physico-chemical conditions of irrigation water as well as the microbiological condition of water, soil and lettuce leaves. Bacteriological analyses of the irrigation water, greenery and soil were performed using the multiple tubes or plate-counting techniques, and the total coliforms, thermo-tolerant coliforms, and presence or absence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Listeria sp. was evaluated. The irrigation water was analyzed to determine pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon and total nitrogen. Bacteriological analysis on the irrigation water indicated the absence of Salmonella sp. and Listeria sp.. However, we detected the presence of E. coli and higher thermo-tolerant coliform levels than that established by current legislation. Thus, these water samples do not conform to the standards established by the CONAMA n° 357 Resolution. Our analyses also showed the presence of E. coli, Salmonella sp. e Listeria sp. on the irrigated greenery, suggesting that the source of the Salmonella sp. and Listeria sp. contamination must be the soil, rather than the irrigation water. Physico-chemical analyses showed that only one of the analyzed properties conforms to the standards established by current legislation for Class 1 fresh water. Therefore, only one of the properties presented the physico-chemical conditions appropriate for lettuce irrigation, although no property presented hygienic sanitary conditions for such use.

Resumo O Vale do Taquari apresenta uma grande quantidade de indústrias alimentícias e curtumes, que lançam seus efluentes no Rio Taquari, além de um cemitério em Área de Preservação Permanente, localizado no município de Muçum. Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas da água do Rio Taquari e comparar pontos à montante e à jusante de três locais considerados potencialmente poluidores. Os locais escolhidos foram um cemitério e um curtume no município de Muçum, e um curtume seguido de um frigorífico de frangos no município de Roca Sales. Foram realizadas análises de pH, turbidez, oxigênio dissolvido (O2), nitrogênio total (N) e coliformes termotolerantes. Realizou-se também o isolamento de Escherichia coli seguido de testes de resistência aos antibióticos neomicina, rifampicina, clindamicina e penicilina. As análises físico-químicas realizadas neste estudo mostraram que somente a turbidez, em quatro dos seis pontos analisados, apresentou valores acima do permitido pela legislação para águas de classe I, sendo que estes valores elevados provavelmente têm origem inorgânica. As bactérias isoladas no ponto à jusante do cemitério e à montante e à jusante das indústrias de Roca Sales foram sensíveis à neomicina, rifampicina e clindamicina, e resistentes à penicilina. Pode-se concluir, portanto, que mesmo com a liberação dos poluentes, não existe uma interferência significativa na qualidade da água nos três locais analisados do Rio Taquari.

Abstract The Taquari Valley has several food industries and tanneries which release their effluents into the Taquari River, as well as a cemetery in a Permanent Preservation Area in Muçum town. This study performed physicochemical and microbiological analyses of water from before and after three Taquari River sites considered potentially polluting and compared the results of those samples. The chosen sites were a cemetery and a tannery in Muçum and a tannery next to a poultry processing plant located in Roca Sales. We analyzed pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (O2), total nitrogen (N) and thermotolerant coliforms. We also isolated Escherichia coli and performed resistance tests to neomycin, rifampicin, clindamycin and penicillin antibiotics. The physicochemical analyses showed that only turbidity, in four out of the six analyzed spots, had values above the established threshold of class I water. These elevated values are probably of inorganic origin. Bacteria isolated from the samples collected after the cemetery and both before and after the Roca Sales industries were sensitive to neomycin, rifampicin and clindamycin, and resistant to penicillin. It can be concluded, therefore, that even the release of the pollutant effluents does not substantially interfere with the water quality of the three analyzed sites.

A ocorrência de associações entre bactérias e raízes de plantas pode ser benéfica, neutra ou prejudicial. Bactérias promotoras de crescimento vegetal (BPCV) formam um grupo heterogêneo de micro-organismos benéficos que pode ser encontrado na rizosfera, superfícies de raízes ou em associação com plantas hospedeiras. O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar e caracterizar bactérias promotoras do crescimento vegetal (PCV) associadas a plantas de cevada (Hordeum vulgare L.), visando uma futura aplicação como inoculante agrícola. Cento e sessenta linhagens bacterianas foram isoladas a partir de raízes ou solo rizosférico de cevada com base na sua multiplicação em meios seletivos sem nitrogênio. Todos os isolados foram avaliados quanto è sua capacidade de produzir compostos indólicos (CIs), sideróforos e solubilizar fosfato tricálcio, em ensaios in vitro. A maioria dos isolados (74%) foi capaz de sintetizar CIs na presença do precursor L-triptofano, enquanto que 57% produziram sideróforos em meio líquido com deficiência de Fe e 17% foram capazes de solubilizar fosfato tricálcio. Trinta e dois isolados que apresentaram diferentes características PCV foram identificados pelo sequenciamento parcial do gene 16S rRNA. Linhagens pertencentes aos gêneros Cedecea eMicrobacterium promoveram o crescimento de plantas de cevada em condições de fosfato insolúvel, indicando que estas bactérias podem ser utilizadas como inoculantes, contribuindo para a redução da quantidade de fertilizantes aplicados no cultivo da cevada.

The occurrence of associations between bacteria and plant roots may be beneficial, neutral or detrimental. Plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria form a heterogeneous group of beneficial microorganisms that can be found in the rhizosphere, the root surfaces or in association with host plant. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize PGP bacteria associated to barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L.) aiming a future application as agricultural inoculant. One hundred and sixty bacterial strains were isolated from roots or rhizospheric soil of barley based on their growth in nitrogen-free selective media. They were evaluated for their ability to produce indolic compounds (ICs) and siderophores, and to solubilize tricalcium phosphate inin vitro assays. Most of them (74%) were able to synthesize ICs in the presence of the precursor L-tryptophan, while 57% of the isolates produced siderophores in Fe-limited liquid medium, and 17% were able to solubilize tricalcium phosphate. Thirty-two isolates possessing different PGP characteristics were identified by partial sequencing of their 16S rRNA gene. Strains belonging to Cedecea andMicrobacterium genera promoted the growth of barley plants in insoluble phosphate conditions, indicating that these bacteria could be used as bioinoculants contributing to decrease the amount of fertilizers applied in barley crops.

This work aimed to evaluate the symbiotic compatibility and nodulation efficiency of rhizobia isolated from Desmodium incanum, Lotus corniculatus, L. subbiflorus, L. uliginosus and L. glaber plants by cross-inoculation. Twelve reference strains and 21 native isolates of rhizobia were genetically analyzed by the BOX-PCR technique, which showed a high genetic diversity among the rhizobia studied. The isolates were also characterized based on their production of indolic compounds and siderophores, as well as on their tolerance to salinity. Fifteen of the 33 rhizobia analyzed were able to produce indolic compounds, whereas 13 produced siderophores. All the tested rhizobia were sensitive to high salinity, although some were able to grow in solutions of up to 2% NaCl. Most of the native rhizobia isolated from L. uliginosus were able to induce nodulation in all plant species studied. In a greenhouse experiment using both D. incanum and L. corniculatus plants, the rhizobia isolate UFRGS Lu2 promoted the greatest plant growth. The results demonstrate that there are native rhizobia in the soils of southern Brazil that have low host specificity and are able to induce nodulation and form active nodules in several plant species.

Nas últimas décadas, o uso de rizobactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas tem se mostrado uma alternativa para aumentar a produção vegetal. Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii está entre as mais promissoras rizobactérias e tem sido usada também em não leguminosas. O presente trabalho analisou in vitro a ocorrência de características de promoção de crescimento vegetal em isolados de R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii nativos de solos do Rio Grande do Sul. Os isolados foram obtidos de 11 localidades e avaliados quanto à produção de ácido indolacético, produção de sideróforos e solubilização de fosfato. Dez isolados foram também caracterizados molecularmente e testados com relação a antagonismo a um fungo fitopatogênico e promoção de crescimento em plântulas de arroz. De um total de 252 isolados, 59 produziram ácido indolacético, 20 produziram sideróforos e 107 solubilizaram fosfato. Todos os isolados apresentaram algum grau de antagonismo a Verticillium sp., reduzindo o crescimento micelial em meio líquido. O isolado AGR-3 destacou-se por aumentar o crescimento radicular das plântulas de arroz, enquanto o isolado ELD-18, além de aumentar o comprimento das raízes em comparação com o controle não inoculado, também aumentou o índice de velocidade de germinação, o comprimento da parte aérea e a massa das plântulas secas. Esses resultados confirmam o potencial de R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii como rizobactéria promotora de crescimento de plantas.

In the last decades, the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has become an alternative to improve crop production. Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii is one of the most promising rhizobacteria and is even used with non-legume plants. This study investigated in vitro the occurrence of plant growth-promoting characteristics in several indigenous R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii isolated from soils in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Isolates were obtained at 11 locations and evaluated for indoleacetic acid and siderophore production and inorganic phosphate solubilization. Ten isolates were also molecularly characterized and tested for antagonism against a phytopathogenic fungus and for plant growth promotion of rice seedlings. Of a total of 252 isolates, 59 produced indoleacetic acid, 20 produced siderophores and 107 solubilized phosphate. Some degree of antagonism against Verticillium sp. was observed in all tested isolates, reducing mycelial growth in culture broth. Isolate AGR-3 stood out for increasing root length of rice seedlings, while isolate ELD-18, besides increasing root length in comparison to the uninoculated control, also increased the germination speed index, shoot length, and seedling dry weight. These results confirm the potential of some strains of R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.

Os rizóbios, conhecidos por sua capacidade de fixar N2 em associação com leguminosas, também se mostram capazes de promover o crescimento de não-leguminosas, especialmente pela produção de ácido indol-acético (AIA). Neste trabalho, objetivou-se selecionar rizóbios produtores de AIA e avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentrações deste fitormônio sobre a germinação e o desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de alface. Foram selecionados quatro isolados de Bradyrhizobium sp. e um isolado de Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii, os quais foram crescidos por quatro dias em meio levedura-manitol enriquecido com triptofano. Após esse período, avaliou-se a produção de AIA e procedeu-se à inoculação de sementes de alface com os isolados. O isolado TV-13, de R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii produziu 171,1µg mL-1 de AIA, causando prejuízos para o desenvolvimento das plântulas de alface. Por outro lado, os isolados de Bradyrhizobium sp. produziram entre 1,2 e 3,3µg mL-1 de AIA e aumentaram o vigor das plântulas em relação ao tratamento sem inoculação com rizóbios. Para verificar se essas diferenças foram decorrentes das concentrações de AIA, foram realizados mais dois experimentos, nos quais as sementes foram embebidas em culturas de TV-13 com ou sem a presença de triptofano ou em doses crescentes de AIA sintético. O isolado TV-13 crescido na presença de triptofano causou danos progressivos sobre o desenvolvimento das plântulas de alface, o que não ocorreu na ausência de triptofano. Também foi verificado um retardo na germinação das sementes quando submetidas a altas concentrações de AIA sintético. Os resultados indicam a influência do AIA sobre os parâmetros de germinação, de modo que a inoculação de sementes de alface com rizóbios que produzem baixas quantidades de AIA é uma prática recomendável.

Rhizobia are known by their ability to fix nitrogen in symbiosis with legumes, but they are also capable of promote the growth of non-legume, mainly due to indoleacetic acid production (IAA). In this research, it was aimed to select rhizobia producers of IAA and evaluate the effect of different levels of this hormone over the germination and initial development of lettuce seedlings. Four isolates of Bradyrhizobiumsp. and one isolate of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii were grown during four days in yeast manitol medium enriched with tryptophan. After that period, the production of IAA was evaluated and the isolates were inoculated in lettuce seeds. The isolate TV-13, of R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii, produced 171.1µg mL-1 of IAA, causing damages to lettuce seedlings. On other hand, Bradyrhizobium sp. isolates produced between 1.2 and 3.3µg mL-1 of IAA and improved seedlings vigor. In order to verify if these results were due to IAA concentrations, other two assays were carried out, in which lettuce seeds were imbibed in TV-13 cultures with or without tryptophan or in increasing dosages of synthetic IAA. The isolate TV-13 grown in the presence of tryptophan caused progressive damages to lettuce seedlings development, fact that did not occur in the absence of tryptophan. It was also verified a delay in germination of seeds exposed to high levels of synthetic IAA. The results show the influence of IAA on germination parameters, so that the inoculation of lettuce seeds with rhizobia that produce low amounts of IAA is a recommended practice.

A acácia-negra é a terceira espécie florestal mais cultivada no Brasil. Além de sua importância econômica, é utilizada na recuperação de áreas degradadas, nas quais o solo geralmente apresenta pH baixo e altos teores de Al. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a diversidade genética de rizóbios naturais de solos do Rio Grande do Sul e selecionar isolados eficientes na fixação de N2 em condições de pH baixo. Um total de 50 isolados de Bradyrhizobium sp. foi obtido, os quais, juntamente com as estirpes recomendadas BR 3067 e BR 3068, foram caracterizados com o marcador BOX A 1-R. O padrão de bandas dos isolados foi utilizado na construção de um dendrograma, a partir do qual se calculou o índice de diversidade de Shannon. Dez isolados foram testados quanto à tolerância a pH baixo e à presença de Al, selecionando-se oito para o teste de eficiência simbiótica em casa de vegetação. Observou-se diversidade genética elevada entre os isolados, com a formação de 10 grupos, a partir do ponto de corte de 70 % de similaridade e com o índice de diversidade de 4,30. A presença de Al não afetou os isolados avaliados, que tiveram seu crescimento reduzido em pH 4,5. Quanto à eficiência simbiótica, os isolados T6-16 e V-7 foram os mais eficientes, assemelhando-se à estirpe recomendada BR 3068.

Black wattle is the third most cultivated forest species in Brazil. Besides its economic importance, black wattle is also used to restore degraded areas, where soils are generally acid and Al levels high. This study intended to investigate the genetic diversity of indigenous rhizobia in soils in Rio Grande do Sul and to select isolates that fix N2 efficiently at low pH. Fifty Bradyrhizobium sp. isolates were obtained, which, along with the recommended strains BR 3067 and BR 3068, were molecularly characterized by PCR with primer BOX A 1-R. DNA band patterns of the isolates were used to construct a dendrogram by which the Shannon diversity index was calculated. Ten isolates were further tested for low pH tolerance and Al presence. Eight isolates were selected for a nitrogen-fixing greenhouse trial. High genetic diversity was observed among the isolates. Ten clusters were formed based on a 70 % similarity cut-off level and a diversity index of 4.3. The presence of Al did not affect the tested isolates, while growth decreased at pH 4.5. With respect to the symbiotic efficiency, T6-16 and V-7 were the most effective isolates, similar to the recommended strain BR 3068.