SUMMARY: The main objective of this study is to isolate, select, and determine the vegetal growth-promoting capacity of rhizobacteria of Algarrobo trees and stumps at the seed and laboratory levels, with the purpose of selecting strains that could be used for reforestation of dry forest in Piura. Two composite samples of rhizosphere soil were obtained: one from stumps (felled trees) and the other from algarrobo trees, of which 16 and 18 bacterial strains were isolated, respectively. Measurements at a laboratory level included free nitrogen fixation, indolacetic acid, cellulolytic, and phosphate solubilizing production capacity. For each soil sample, five strains were selected with complementary (not antagonistic) properties to make an inoculating liquid and evaluate its effect on seed growth: 53 % for stumps, 37 % for trees, and 34 % for control (water). Inoculant strains were molecularly identified as Actinomycetes and other strains as Bacillus sp., B. paramycoides, B. wiedmannii, B. thuringiensis, and B. subtilis. Therefore, it was demonstrated that the rhizosphere of a dry forest carob, whether as a tree or stump, is an important source of rhizobacteria with plant-promoting capacity, which can be used to reforest the dry forest.

RESUMEN: El objetivo principal de este estudio es aislar, seleccionar y determinar la capacidad promotora del crecimiento vegetal de rizobacterias en el tocón y el árbol de algarrobo a nivel de laboratorio y de semillas, con el fin de poder tener un banco de cepas que pueda usarse para la reforestación del bosque seco en Piura. Se obtuvieron dos muestras compuestas de suelo rizosférico: una de tocones (árboles talados) y otra de árboles de algarrobo, de las cuales se aislaron 16 y 18 cepas bacterianas, respectivamente. A nivel de laboratorio, se evaluó la capacidad de fijar nitrógeno libre y producir ácido indolacético, actividad celulolítica y solubilizadora de fosfatos. Por cada muestra de suelo se escogieron cinco cepas con propiedades no antagonistas sino más bien complementarias entre sí, para hacer un inoculante líquido y evaluar su efecto en la germinación de semillas. Se encontró porcentajes de germinación de 53 % para tocones, 37 % para árboles y 34 % para el control (agua). Las cepas de los inoculantes fueron identificadas molecularmente como un Actinomicetos y otras cepas de Bacillus sp., B. paramycoides, B. wiedmannii, B. thuringiensis y B. subtilis. Por lo tanto, se demostró que la rizosfera de algarrobo de bosque seco, ya sea como árbol o tocón, es una fuente importante de rizobacterias con capacidad promotora vegetal, que puede ser usada para reforestar el bosque seco.

Abstract This study analyzed the impact of leachate from a temporary landfill on soil microbial diversity in Tingo María, Huánuco region, Peru. Three treatments were used: untreated soil (S), addition of stream water (T0), leachate (T1), and leachate treated by coagulation and flocculation (T2), with 828.5 ml/week added in three weekly doses. Soil samples were collected from the Reserved Forest of the Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva. Twenty-one randomly distributed soil samples were taken and homogenized for analysis. Soil quality parameters measured included sand, clay, silt, texture, pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. As for microorganisms, viable aerobes, lactobacilli, actinomycetes, fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and Escherichia coli were quantified using specific culture and counting methods for each of them. To evaluate the impact of the leachate on microbial diversity, equity indices (Shannon and inverse Simpson), dominance indices (complementary Simpson and Berger Parker) and the percentage composition of each microorganism per treatment were used. An ANOVA was performed to estimate differences in microbial diversity, with a Tukey test at a significance level of α = 0.05. The study showed that leachates affect soil microbial diversity, reducing equity and increasing the dominance of certain species such as E. coli. They also alter physicochemical parameters, decreasing organic matter and nitrogen but increasing other elements such as phosphorus and potassium. This could have implications for soil health and functionality.

Although South Africa is known as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, based on its unique plants and animals, microorganisms have received much less attention. Microorganisms in general and actinobacteria in particular are an underexplored source of new medicines. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of diverse cultivable actinobacteria from various biomes. However, investigations of the natural product diversity associated with these microorganisms are lacking. We hereby present a review of natural products isolated from South African actinobacteria together with their biological activities. Many of these natural products are structurally novel and include compounds belonging to the following classes: anthraquinones, isoflavonoids, ketolides, macrolides, macrolactams, tripeptides and depsipeptides. They show a wide range of biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic and antitumour activities. SIGNIFICANCE: • This review highlights the importance of actinobacteria in the discovery of new medicines and summarises the state-of-the-art on their research in South Africa. • We reveal a gap in the exploitation of this resource and emphasise the opportunities for multidisciplinary research.

ABSTRACT: This study addresses the need to understand the presence of functional microorganisms in tropical soils, providing valuable information for conservation and sustainable management. The main objective is to analyze the variability of functional microorganisms at different soil depths and their correlations with physicochemical parameters. To this end, soil samples were collected from 15 random points in a reserved forest and analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological properties at two depths (10 and 20 cm). The following functional microorganisms were quantified: viable aerobes, lactobacilli, actinomycetes, fungi, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria using specific protocols. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used to determine differences between depths, and the Pearson correlation coefficient (|ρ| ≥ 0.8) was used to analyze correlations between physicochemical parameters and microorganisms. The results suggest that the abundance of viable aerobic microorganisms, Lactobacillus, Actinomycetes, and Fungi decreases with soil depth, while nitrogen-fixing bacteria show no significant differences. The decrease in abundance is related to factors such as nutrient and oxygen availability and microenvironmental conditions. There is a strong positive correlation between the amount of viable aerobic microorganisms and Lactobacillus with phosphorus content, and a negative correlation between Actinomycetes and clay content. Actinomycetes prefer sandy soils, while Fungi thrive in soils rich in organic matter. The negative correlation between Fungi and Actinomycetes suggests competition for limited resources and possible chemical interactions, such as the production of antibiotic compounds by Actinomycetes. This study demonstrates that a detailed understanding of soil microbiota can offer new opportunities to improve agricultural practices, especially in terms of soil fertility management and environmental sustainability.

RESUMEN: Este estudio aborda la necesidad de entender la presencia microorganismos funcionales en suelos tropicales, proporcionando información valiosa para la conservación y manejo sostenible. Tiene como principal objetivo analizar la variabilidad de microorganismos funcionales en diferentes profundidades del suelo y las correlaciones con los parámetros fisicoquímicos. Para ello se recolectaron muestras de suelo de 15 puntos aleatorios en un bosque reservado y se analizaron propiedades fisicoquímicas y microbiológicas a dos profundidades (10 y 20 cm). Se cuantificaron los siguientes microorganismos funcionales: aerobios viables, lactobacilos, actinomicetos, hongos y bacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno utilizando protocolos específicos. Se empleó la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon para determinar diferencias entre profundidades y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (|ρ| ≥ 0,8) para analizar correlaciones entre parámetros fisicoquímicos y microorganismos. Los resultados sugieren que la abundancia de microorganismos aerobios viables, Lactobacillus, Actinomicetos y Fungi disminuye con la profundidad del suelo, mientras que las bacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno no muestran diferencias significativas. La disminución de la abundancia se relaciona con factores como la disponibilidad de nutrientes y oxígeno y las condiciones microambientales. Existe una correlación positiva fuerte entre la cantidad de microorganismos aerobios viables y Lactobacillus con el contenido de fósforo, y una correlación negativa entre Actinomicetos y el contenido de Arcilla. Los Actinomicetos prefieren suelos arenosos, mientras que los Fungi prosperan en suelos ricos en materia orgánica. La correlación negativa entre Fungi y Actinomicetos sugiere competencia por recursos limitados y posibles interacciones químicas, como la producción de compuestos antibióticos por parte de los Actinomicetos. Este estudio demuestra que la comprensión detallada de la microbiota del suelo puede ofrecer nuevas oportunidades para mejorar las prácticas agrícolas, especialmente en términos de gestión de la fertilidad del suelo y sostenibilidad ambiental.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of actinomycetes isolated from soils in the Brazilian Amazon. Soil samples were collected for the isolation of actinomycetes. The actinomycetes were grown in submerged culture and the metabolites extracted in ethyl acetate. The well diffusion method was used to verify the antimicrobial activity of isolated actinomycetes against test microorganisms. The microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts against the test microorganisms. Bioautography was used to verify the bioactive compound of the extracts. The biomass and active metabolites were determined. 219 actinomycetes were isolated from Amazonian soils, organized into 153 morphospecies. The most frequent genus were Streptomyces (48.85%) and Nocardia (20.09%). Of the 153 extracts analyzed, 12 (7.84%) had antimicrobial activity, 9 against Gram positive bacteria and 5 against Candida albicans. The MICs of the extracts with activity ranged from 15 to 250 ug/mL. The bioautography method showed that the extracts from Streptomyces 3323 HEX, Streptomyces 3098 DCM, Streptomyces 3333 DCM and Streptomyces 3333 EtOAc generally had an active substance, and that they are different from commercial antimicrobials produced by actinomycetes. Therefore, the actinomycetes from these areas can contribute to the discovery of new antibiotics and the fight against resistant pathogens. Amazon acetate microorganisms MIC (MIC determined 21 morphospecies 48.85% 4885 48 85 (48.85% 20.09%. 2009 20.09% . 20 09 (20.09%) analyzed 1 7.84% 784 7 84 (7.84% albicans 25 ugmL ug mL ug/mL 332 HEX 309 333 substance Therefore pathogens 2 48.85 488 4 8 (48.85 200 20.09 0 (20.09% 7.84 78 (7.84 33 30 48.8 (48.8 20.0 (20.09 7.8 (7.8 3 48. (48. 20. (20.0 7. (7. (48 (20. (7 (4 (20 ( (2

Increasingly high levels of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens have necessitated the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. For this reason, two actinomycetes strains, Streptomyces griseorubens and Streptomyces rochei, were isolated for the first time from the black sand shores of Kafr El Sheikh in Egypt, which is home to several large fish farms. Isolates were identified via phenotypic, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequence protocols. Both strains exhibited powerful antimicrobial activity against three serious MDR pathogens: Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bioactive compounds of isolates' filtrates were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). For S. griseorubens, the detectable antibacterial compounds were hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, 2-ethylhexyl ester, n-Decane, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, benzene acetic acid, ricinolic acid, and ethylparaben, while S. rochei secretes heptadecane, 2,6-dimethyl-, benzene acetic acid, dibutyl phthalate, octacosane, hexacosane, and vitamin A aldehyde. These results strongly encourage the use of these eco-friendly isolates as a biocontrol against MDR pathogens that attack fish farms. SIGNIFICANCE: Streptomyces spp. act as strong weapons for fighting multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacteria - one of the most important current threats to public health. They are additionally regarded as eco-friendly organisms that can be used as a biocontrol agent against infections that endanger fish farms

Abstract Osteomyelitis is defined as the inflammation of the either medullary, cortical, or cancellous bone, including nerves and blood vessels, causing necrosis and bone sequestrum formation; this condition has become a rare pathology, and odontogenic infections are considered the most frequent causal factor. This case shows a patient with bi-maxillary osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces spp, which was worsened for severe COVID-19 infection. Patient was submitted at surgery as, amplified total bilateral maxillectomy through the surgical technique Weber-Fergusson, and prolonged use of combination of antibiotics, achieved a good recovery. Two years later follow- up, the patient no show imaging or clinical evidence of the infection of osteomyelitis. The present case shows an interesting relationship between a rare infection and its association with COVID-19.

Resumen La osteomielitis se define como la inflamación del hueso medular, cortical o esponjoso, incluyendo nervios y vasos sanguíneos, causando necrosis y formación de secuestro óseo; esta condición es una patología rara, y las infecciones odontogénicas son consideradas como el factor causal más frecuente. En este caso, se muestra un paciente con osteomielitis bi-maxilar causada por Actinomyces spp, la cual empeoró por la infección de COVID-19 severo. El paciente fue sometido a una cirugía, maxilectomía bilateral total amplificada, a través de la técnica quirúrgica de Weber- Fergusson, y el uso prolongado de una combinación de antibióticos, logrando una buena recuperación. A los 2 años de seguimiento, el paciente no mostró evidencia clínica o imagenológica de la infección de osteomielitis. El presente caso muestra una interesante relación entre una infección rara y su asociación con COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Growers have adopted monoculture to maintain the high melon (Cucumis melo L.) production demand in the Northeastern region of Brazil. This cultivating practice culminates in up to three crop cycles per year being used in the same growing area. The main objective of this study was to evaluate if the incorporation of plant material used with polyethylene mulch and or in association with commercial soil amendment products can help to condition an environment that is beneficial to soil microbial communities. Two identical greenhouse experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design with seven treatments and seven replications. The treatments were: (C) – Control, (M) - polyethylene mulch, (C+M) - incorporation of Crotalaria juncea L. + polyethylene mulch, (P+M) - incorporation of Pennisetum glaucum L. + polyethylene mulch, (M+CS) - polyethylene mulch + (Compost-Aid® + Soil-Set®, trade names of products produced by Alltech Crop Science), (C+M+CS) - incorporation of C. juncea L. + polyethylene mulch + (Compost-Aid® + Soil-Set®), and (P+M+CS) - incorporation of P. glaucum L. + polyethylene mulch + (Compost-Aid® + Soil-Set®). To quantify the target soil microbiota (fungi, bacteria, sporulating bacteria, and actinomycetes), isolations were attempted on selective culture media specific for each group of microorganisms. The incorporation of P. glaucum together with the use of polyethylene mulch and commercial products (Compost-Aid® and Soil-Set®), (P+M+CS), increased the total fungal population by 183%, total bacteria by 55%, sporulating bacteria by 21%, and actinomycetes by 146% in relation to the control treatment. Cucumis L Brazil area communities replications C (C Control M (M C+M CM (C+M P+M PM P (P+M M+CS MCS CS (M+CS CompostAid® CompostAid Compost Aid® Aid (Compost-Aid SoilSet®, SoilSet Soil Set®, Set Soil-Set® Science, Science , Science) C+M+CS CMCS (C+M+CS Set® Soil-Set®) P+M+CS PMCS (P+M+CS SoilSet®. . fungi, fungi (fungi actinomycetes, actinomycetes) microorganisms P+M+CS, 183 183% 55 55% 21 21% 146 treatment SoilSet® Soil-Set 18 5 2 14 1

RESUMO Os produtores há anos adotam a monocultura para manter a demanda de produção de melão alto (Cucumis melo L.) na região Nordeste do Brasil. Esta estratégia de cultivo é usada em até três ciclos por ano. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar se a incorporação de material vegetal utilizado com mulch de polietileno e/ou em associação com produtos corretivos de solo pode condicionar um ambiente benéfico para as comunidades microbianas do solo. Dois experimentos idênticos em casa de vegetação foram conduzidos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com sete tratamentos e sete repetições. Os tratamentos foram: (C) – Controle, (M) - cobertura de polietileno, (C+M) - incorporação de Crotalaria juncea L. + cobertura de polietileno, (P+M) - incorporação de Pennisetum glaucum L. + cobertura de polietileno, (M+CS) - cobertura de polietileno + (Compost-Aid® + Soil-Set®, nomes comerciais dos produtos produzidos pela Alltech Crop Science), (C+M+CS) - incorporação de C. juncea L. + cobertura de polietileno + (Compost-Aid® + Soil-Set®) e (P+M+CS) - incorporação de P. glaucum L. + cobertura de polietileno + (Compost-Aid® + Soil-Set®). Para quantificar a microbiota do solo (fungos, bactérias, bactérias esporulantes e actinomicetos), foram realizados isolamentos em meios de cultura seletivos para cada grupo de microrganismos. Conclui-se que, coletivamente, a incorporação de P. glaucum juntamente com o uso de mulch de polietileno e os produtos comerciais (Compost-Aid® e Soil-Set®), aumentou a população total de fungos em 183%, bactérias totais em 55%, bactérias esporulantes em 21% e actinomicetos em 146% em relação ao tratamento controle. Cucumis L Brasil ano eou ou repetições C (C Controle M (M C+M CM (C+M P+M PM P (P+M M+CS MCS CS (M+CS CompostAid® CompostAid Compost Aid® Aid (Compost-Aid SoilSet®, SoilSet Soil Set®, Set Soil-Set® Science, Science , Science) C+M+CS CMCS (C+M+CS SoilSet® Set® P+M+CS PMCS (P+M+CS SoilSet®. . fungos, (fungos actinomicetos, actinomicetos) microrganismos Concluise Conclui que coletivamente 183 183% 55 55% 21 146 controle Soil-Set 18 5 2 14 1

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate two Streptomyces spp. probiotic strains (RL8 and N7) and four highly-diluted bioactive compounds (HDBC) in the growth, survival, and modulation of the microbial content in culture water and hepatopancreas of juvenile white shrimp Penaeus vannamei. An experimental design was applied with five treatments in triplicate, including T1: (RL8+N7); T2: [(ViP-7C+ViA-7C) + (PhA-7C+SiT-7C)]; T3: [(ViP-7C+ViA-7C) + (PhA-7C+SiT-7C) + (N7)]; T4: [(ViP-7C+ViA-7C) + (PhA-7C+SiT-7C) + (RL8)] and T5 as the control without actinobacteria or HDBC. T2 showed significant differences (P < 0.5) in height increase compared to the other treated and control groups. The organisms in T2, T3, and T4 recorded higher weight gain compared to T1 and T5. A survival rate from 94.13 ± 2.12 to 99.01 ± 2.45% was obtained with a significant difference (P < 0.05) between T1, T2, and T3, concerning the untreated control (T5). A significant decrease in Vibrio spp. the content was observed in water and shrimp in T1 and T2 concerning the control. The heterotrophic bacterial count in hepatopancreas increased with all treatments compared to T5. Our results suggest a positive synergy between the HDBC mixture [(ViP-7C+ViA-7C) + (PhA-7C+SiT-7C)] and N7 Streptomyces sp. strain, whose probiotic action has been previously demonstrated by improving culture conditions for P. vannamei juveniles in terms of growth, survival, and reduction of potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract Pantoea ananatis is the causal agent of maize white spot, a foliar disease responsible for significant maize yield reduction worldwide, especially in Brazil. In general, the maize foliar diseases control involves the adoption of resistant genotypes and pesticides application. However, the use of agrochemicals can significantly cause increase production costs, damage to human health and negative environmental impacts. In this sense, the use of biological control agents has been considered among the most promising eco-friendly technologies for sustainable agriculture. Actinobacteria, particularly of Streptomyces genus, has been widely recognized as agroindustrially important microorganism due to its potential in producing diverse range of secondary metabolites, including antibiotics and enzymes. Thus, the aim of this work is to characterize and to evaluate the potential of soil actinobacteria for P. ananatis control. We observed that 59 actinobacteria strains (85%) exhibited proteolytic or chitinolytic activity. Only the strains Streptomyces pseudovenezuelae ACSL 470, that also exhibited high proteolytic activity, S. novaecaesareae ACSL 432 and S. laculatispora ACP 35 demonstrated high or moderate antagonist activity in vitro against P. ananatis. Temporal analysis of metabolites produced by these strains growth in different liquid media indicated greater antibacterial activity at 72 h. In this condition, chromatographic and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that S. pseudovenezuelae ACSL 470 strain produced neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic that displayed high bactericidal activity in vitro against P. ananatis. This is the first report of actinobacteria acting as potential microbial antagonists for P. ananatis control. Further studies are needed to determine the control efficacy of maize white spot disease by Streptomyces strains or their metabolites in greenhouse and field conditions. worldwide Brazil general application However costs impacts sense ecofriendly eco friendly agriculture Actinobacteria genus enzymes Thus P 5 85% 85 (85% S 43 3 7 h condition 47 neomycin conditions 8 (85 4 (8 (

Resumo Pantoea ananatis é o agente causal da mancha branca do milho, doença foliar responsável pela redução significativa da produtividade do milho em todo o mundo, especialmente no Brasil. Em geral, o controle de doenças foliares do milho envolve a adoção de genótipos resistentes e a aplicação de agrotóxicos. No entanto, o uso de agroquímicos pode causar aumento significativo dos custos de produção, danos à saúde humana e impactos ambientais negativos. Nesse sentido, o uso de agentes de controle biológico tem sido considerado uma das tecnologias ecologicamente corretas mais promissoras para a agricultura sustentável. Actinobactérias, particularmente do gênero Streptomyces, têm sido amplamente reconhecidas como microrganismos de importância agroindustrial devido ao seu potencial de produção de diversos metabólitos secundários, incluindo antibióticos e enzimas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar e avaliar o potencial de actinobactérias do solo para o controle de P. ananatis. Observamos que 59 cepas de actinobactérias (85%) apresentaram atividade proteolítica ou quitinolítica. Apenas as cepas Streptomyces pseudovenezuelae ACSL 470, que também exibiu alta atividade proteolítica, S. novaecaesareae ACSL 432 e S. laculatispora ACP 35 demonstraram alta ou moderada atividade antagonista in vitro contra P. ananatis. A análise temporal do crescimento dos metabólitos produzidos por essas cepas em diferentes meios líquidos indicou maior atividade antibacteriana em 72 h. Nesta condição, análises cromatográficas e de espectrometria de massa revelaram que a cepa S. pseudovenezuelae ACSL 470 produziu neomicina, um antibiótico aminoglicosídeo que apresentou alta atividade bactericida in vitro contra P. ananatis. Este é o primeiro relato de actinobactérias atuando como potenciais antagonistas microbianos para o controle de P. ananatis. Mais estudos são necessários para determinar a eficácia do controle da doença da mancha branca do milho por cepas de Streptomyces ou seus metabólitos em condições de casa de vegetação e campo. mundo Brasil geral agrotóxicos entanto negativos sentido sustentável Actinobactérias secundários enzimas Assim P 5 85% 85 (85% quitinolítica S 43 3 7 h condição 47 neomicina campo 8 (85 4 (8 (

ABSTRACT Clay soil results in higher crop yield and quality than sandy soil. However, irrigation causes clay soil to slump easily, increasing compactness and decreasing soil oxygen content. This study investigated the effects of dry seeding and wet emergence on the soil microenvironment and cotton growth promotion in Xinjiang silt loam fields. The experimental design included three aerated and three non-aerated treatments. The results showed that aerated irrigation decreased dry density of the 0–20 cm soil layer to different degrees, the field capacity increased to different degrees, and the dry density and field capacity of the 20-30 cm soil layer did not change among the different treatments. The dry density and field capacity of WP2 treatment changed the most, the dry density of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil layer were respectively 1.28 g cm-3 and 1.27 g cm-3, and the field capacity were respectively 35.23% and 35.7%. Under the same irrigation quota, the soil water content of the aerated treatments was lower than that of the non-aerated treatments. Aerated irrigation inhibited the horizontal diffusion of water and facilitated downward water transport. The WP2 treatment had the highest peak soil temperature at depths of 10 and 20 cm, and the WP2 treatment had the highest numbers of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, urease, and catalase activities, seedling emergence, primary root length, plant height, and stem thickness. However easily fields nonaerated non 020 0 0–2 degrees 2030 30 20-3 WP most 010 0-1 1020 10-2 128 1 28 1.2 cm3 3 cm- 127 27 cm3, 3, 3523 35 23 35.23 357 7 35.7% quota transport 2 bacteria fungi actinomycetes urease activities length height thickness 02 0– 203 20- 01 0- 102 10- 12 1. 352 35.2 35.7 35.

Abstract Diverse habitats have been screened for novel antimicrobial actinomycetes, while others remain unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the bioactivities of actinomycetes cul-tured from rhizosphere soils of the desert plant Artemisia tridentata and the nearby bulk soils. Actinomycetes were screened for antifungal and antibacterial activities toward a panel of plant pathogens; all comparisons were between activities of rhizosphere soil isolates toward those of its counterpart bulk soil. A selected group of the strongest antifungal isolates were also tested against two antifungal-drug resistant strains of Candida albicans. 16S rDNA partial sequences and phylogenetic analysis of isolates that showed broad-spectrum antifungal activities were performed. Forty-two out of 200 and two soil isolated actinomycetes were selected for their strong antifungal activities. The highest proportion of isolates (p <0.05) from rhizosphere soil of an old plant showed antagonism against gram-positive bacteria (0.483 and 0.224 propor-tions against Bacillus subtilis and Rathayibacter tritici, respectively), and phytopathogenic fungi (0.259, 0.431, and 0.345 proportions against Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum, respectively), while the highest antagonism against the gram-negative bacteria predominated in isolates from the bulk soils. Isolates from a rhizosphere soil of a young plant were characterized for strong antagonist activities against Fusarium oxysporum (0.333 proportion, p<0.05). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences showed that isolates that exhibited strong antifungal activity were genetically similar. We conclude that the rhizosphere soil of A. tridentata is an excellent source for discovery of actinomycetes with potentially novel antifungal compounds.

Resumen En la búsqueda de actinomicetos antimicrobianos se han estudiado diversos hábitats, pero muchos permanecen aún sin explorar. En este estudio analizamos las actividades biológicas de cultivos de actinomicetos provenientes de suelos rizosféricos de la planta desértica Artemisia tridentata y de suelos no asociados a sus raíces. Los actinomicetos fueron seleccionados por sus actividades antifúngicas y antibacterianas contra un panel de patógenos de plantas. Todas las comparaciones fueron entre las actividades de los aislados rizosféricos y aquellas de los aislados no asociados a las raíces. Un grupo selecto de los aislados con las mayores actividades antifúngicas fueron también evaluados contra 2 cepas de Candida albicans resistentes a antifúngicos. Se realizó la secuenciación parcial del ARNr 16S y el análisis filogenético de los aislados que mostraron actividades antifúngicas de amplio espectro. Se seleccionaron 42 de 202 actinomicetos aislados por sus fuertes actividades antifúngicas. La mayor proporción de aislados de suelo rizosférico de plantas viejas mostraron antagonismo contra bacterias gram positivas y hongos fitopatógenos (proporciones de 0,259; 0,431 y 0,345 contra Fusarium oxyspo-rum, Rhizoctonia solani y Pythium ultimum, respectivamente), mientras que la mayor actividad antagónica contra las bacterias gram negativas predominaron en aislados de suelo no asociado a raíces. Los aislados de suelo rizosférico de plantas jóvenes se caracterizaron por una fuerte actividad antagónica contra F. oxysporum (proporción de 0,333, p < 0,05). El análisis filogenético de secuencias del ADNr 16S mostró que los aislados que presentaron fuerte actividad antifúng-ica fueron genéticamente similares. Concluimos que el suelo rizosférico de A. tridentata es una fuente excelente para el descubrimiento de actinomicetos productores de compuestos antifúngicos potencialmente novedosos.

Resumen: La cepa Streptomyces sp. RL8 fue caracterizada en base a su actividad antagónica frente a hongos fitopatógenos, solubilización de fosfatos, producción de sideróforos, y su efecto en la germinación y crecimiento inicial in vitro de frijol Tépari (Phaseolus acutifolius Gray), bajo condiciones controladas. Se aplicó un diseño experimental completamente al azar con un tratamiento bacteriano basado en RL8 (T) y agua destilada como tratamiento Control (C), con cuatro réplicas por tratamiento y 10 semillas por réplica. Las variables de respuesta estudiadas fueron el porcentaje y tasa de germinación (PG y TG), longitud de tallo y de raíz (LT y LR), biomasa fresca y seca de parte aérea (BFPA y BSPA) y biomasa fresca y seca de raíz (BFR y BSR). RL8 mostró actividad antagónica frente a cuatro fitopatógenos de los cinco evaluados, promovió la producción de sideróforos y la solubilización de fosfatos. A escala experimental se observaron diferencias significativas con respecto al grupo control en PG (65.83 vs 30%), TG (4.16 vs 2.25), LT (3.81 vs 1.65 cm) y LR (5.61 vs 2.13 cm), BFPA (2736.75 vs 18.46.75 mg), BSPA (608.75 vs 361.5 mg), BFR (347.0 vs 115.75 mg) y BSR (101.25 vs 58.25 mg). Estos resultados confirman un efecto positivo de RL8 en la germinación y crecimiento inicial de Phaseolus acutifolius Gray, revelando su potencialidad para ser utilizada en su cultivo orgánico o tradicional. Se sugiere su aplicación a escala piloto y su evaluación como alternativa de producción agroecológica en invernadero y en campo.

Summary: The Streptomyces sp. RL8 strain was characterized based on its antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi, solubilization of phosphates, production of siderophores, and its effect on the germination and initial in vitro growth of Tépari beans (Phaseolus acutifolius Gray), under controlled conditions. A completely randomized experimental design was applied with a bacterial treatment based on RL8 (T) and distilled water as Control treatment (C), with four replicates per treatment and 10 seeds per replicate. The response variables studied were the percentage and germination rate (GP and GR), stem and root length (ST and RL), fresh and dry biomass of aerial part (FBAP and DBAP) and fresh and dry biomass of root (FRB and DRB). RL8 showed antagonistic activity against four phytopathogens of the five evaluated, promoted the production of siderophores and the solubilization of phosphates. On an experimental scale, significant differences were observed with respect to the control group in GP (65.83 vs 30%), GR (4.16 vs 2.25), SL (3.81 vs 1.65 cm) and RL (5.61 vs 2.13 cm), FBAP (2736.75 vs 18.46. 75 mg), DBAP (608.75 vs 361.5 mg), FRB (347.0 vs 115.75 mg) and DRB (101.25 vs 58.25 mg). These results confirm a positive effect of RL8 on the germination and initial growth of Phaseolus acutifolius Gray, revealing its potential to be used in its organic or traditional cultivation. Its application on a pilot scale and its evaluation as an alternative for agroecological production in greenhouse and in the field is suggested.

Resumen Introducción: La resistencia a los antimicrobianos (RAM) es un problema de salud pública que manifiesta la disminuida eficacia de estos agentes en la prevención y tratamiento de una proporción cada vez más amplia de patologías. Los actinomicetos son un grupo bacteriano importante de productores de metabolitos activos contra patógenos. Objetivo: Aislar actinomicetos del bosque tropical de Nariño, con potencial producción de metabolitos inhibitorios contra bacterias multidrogo-resistentes. Materiales y métodos: Se tomaron muestras de suelo de Bosque Tropical Húmedo de la Reserva Natural del Río Ñambí, se analizaron microbiológica y molecularmente. Se estimuló la producción in vitro de metabolitos secundarios y evaluó el efecto inhibitorio de estos extractos contra las bacterias multidrogo-resistentes Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 11 aislados presuntivos, se confirmó que cuatro de ellos correspondieron al género Streptomyces sp. Las pruebas de inhibición contra bacterias multidrogo-resistentes E. coli y S. aureus, permitieron verificar que el aislado P3772 fue el más eficiente en la inhibición de los patógenos. Conclusiones: Todos los actinomicetos evaluados presentan actividad antibacteriana contra al menos una de las bacterias patógenas estudiadas; destacando el aislado P3772, que inhibe a E. coli y S. aureus. Se espera caracterizar los compuestos vinculados a la actividad antibacteriana.

Abstract Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a public health problem that reveals the diminished efficacy of these agents in the prevention and treatment of an increasingly larger number of pathologies. Actinomycetes are an important bacterial producer group of metabolites that are active against pathogens. Objective: To isolate actinomycetes from the tropical forest of Nariño (Colombia), which have the potential to produce inhibitory metabolites against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Materials and methods: Soil samples were taken from the Humid Tropical Forest of the Río Ńambí Natural Reserve and analyzed through microbiological and molecular assays. In vitro production of secondary metabolites was first stimulated, followed by the assessment of the inhibitory effect of these extracts against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results: 11 presumptive isolates were obtained, confirming that four of them corresponded to the Streptomyces sp. genus. The bacterial isolate P3772 was identified as the one with the highest inhibitory effect against multi-drug resistant E. coli and S. aureus. Conclusions: All the actinomycetes evaluated presented antibacterial activity. The isolate P3772 stands out, which inhibited both E. coli and S. aureus. The compounds associated with this antibacterial activity will be characterized in future studies.

Summary: Actinobacteria from the rhizosphere of agricultural crops are a potential source of antagonists against phytopathogenic microorganisms. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the antagonistic activity in vitro of actinobacteria from the rhizosphere of avocado trees (Persea americana) against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Xanthomonas sp. Actinobacteria were isolated from rhizosphere soil samples of avocado trees var. Hass collected from an orchard from Ziracuaretiro, Michoacán. The isolated strains were assessed against C. gloeosporioides and Xanthomonas sp. by means of in vitro confrontation tests. The antagonistic activity was determined by measuring the radius and diameter of the growth inhibition zone of C. gloeosporioides and Xanthomonas sp., respectively. A total of 41 actinobacterial strains were isolated, of which 44% inhibited growth of at least one of the two plant pathogens. Specifically, 15% of the isolates inhibited growth of C. gloeosporioides, 22% of Xanthomonas sp. and 7% of both phytopathogens. The mycelial growth inhibition radius of C. gloeosporioides fluctuated from 6.6 to 15.5 mm, while in Xanthomonas sp., the inhibition zone was from 15.5 to 62.7 mm. These results indicated the importance of rhizosphere actinobacteria as antagonists of phytopathogenic microorganisms, some of which could be used as potential biological control agents against anthracnose and bacterial leaf spot.

Resumen: Las actinobacterias de la rizosfera de cultivos agrícolas son una fuente potencial de antagonistas contra microorganismos fitopatógenos. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la actividad antagónica in vitro de actinobacterias de la rizosfera de árboles de aguacate (Persea americana) contra Colletotrichum gloeosporioides y Xanthomonas sp. Las actinobacterias fueron aisladas de muestras de suelo rizosférico de árboles de aguacate var. Hass colectadas de una huerta en el municipio de Ziracuaretiro, Michoacán. Las cepas aisladas fueron evaluadas contra C. gloeosporioides y Xanthomonas sp. mediante ensayos de confrontación in vitro. La actividad antagónica se determinó midiendo el radio y diámetro de la zona de inhibición del crecimiento de C. gloeosporioides y Xanthomonas sp., respectivamente. Se aislaron un total de 41 cepas de actinobacterias, de las cuales el 44% inhibió el crecimiento de al menos uno de los dos fitopatógenos. En específico, el 15% de los aislados inhibió el crecimiento de C. gloeosporioides, el 22% a Xanthomonas sp. y el 7% a ambos fitopatógenos. El radio de inhibición del crecimiento miceliar de C. gloeosporioides fluctuó de entre 6.6 a 15.5 mm, mientras que en Xanthomonas sp. la zona de inhibición fue de entre 15.5 a 62.7 mm. Estos resultados indican la importancia de las actinobacterias de la rizosfera como antagonistas de microorganismos fitopatógenos, algunas de las cuales podrían ser utilizadas como potenciales agentes de control biológico contra la antracnosis y la mancha bacteriana.