Mass Spectral Molecular Networking to Profile the Metabolome of Biostimulant Strains.

Beneficial soil microbes like plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) significantly contribute to plant growth and development through various mechanisms activated by plant-PGPR interactions. However, a complete understanding of the biochemistry of the PGPR and microbial intraspecific interactions within the consortia is still enigmatic. Such complexities constrain the design and use of PGPR formulations for sustainable agriculture.

Molecular mechanisms associated with microbial biostimulant-mediated growth enhancement, priming and drought stress tolerance in maize plants.

Microbial-based biostimulants are emerging as effective strategies to improve agricultural productivity; however, the modes of action of such formulations are still largely unknown. Thus, herein we report elucidated metabolic reconfigurations in maize (Zea mays) leaves associated with growth promotion and drought stress tolerance induced by a microbial-based biostimulant, a Bacillus consortium. Morphophysiological measurements revealed that the biostimulant induced a significant increase in biomass and enzymatic regulators of oxidative stress.

Solution crystallization and dissolution of polyolefins as monitored by a unique analytical tool: solution crystallization analysis by laser light scattering.

For the first time, the solution crystallization and dissolution behavior of polyolefins in a variety of solvents was investigated by using a recently developed crystallization based analysis technique, solution crystallization analysis by laser light scattering (SCALLS). SCALLS results provide clear evidence that crystallization and dissolution of linear polyethylene (PE) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) are greatly influenced by the type of solvent used. It was demonstrated for a blend of PE and iPP that cocrystallization effects are minimal in solvents such as TCB and o-DCB and are significantly more pronounced in xylene and decalin.