Response Surface Methodology-Based Optimization of the Chitinolytic Activity of Strain 614 Exerting Biological Control against Phytopathogenic Fungi.

As part of the development of alternative and environmentally friendly control against phytopathogenic fungi, could be a useful species notably via the generation of hydrolytic enzymes like chitinases, which can act as a biological control agent. Here, a S614 strain exhibiting chitinase activity was isolated from a soil in southern Tunisia. Then, response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) was used to assess the impact of five factors (colloidal chitin, magnesium sulfate, dipotassium phosphate, yeast extract, and ammonium sulfate) on chitinase activity.

Discovering new genes for alfalfa () growth and biomass resilience in combined salinity and infection through GWAS.

Salinity and infection represent significant challenges for alfalfa cultivation in South Africa, Europe, Australia, and, particularly, Tunisia. These constraints have a severe impact on both yield and quality. The primary aim of this study was to establish the genetic basis of traits associated with biomass and growth of 129 genotypes through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) under combined salt and infection stresses.

Variability in Responses to Phoma medicaginis Infection in a Tunisian Collection of Three Annual Medicago Species.

Spring black stem and leaf spot, caused by Phoma medicaginis, is an issue in annual Medicago species. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the response to P. medicaginis infection in a collection of 46 lines of three annual Medicago species (M.

Exploring the potential of endophytes and their metabolites for bio-control activity.

In the current scenario, extensive use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture is creating notable problems such as disease and pest resistance, residues, yield loss, and soil unproductiveness. These harmful chemicals are eventually reaching our food plate through bioaccumulation and biomagnification in a crop. As a result, beneficial microorganisms are regularly being explored as a safer option in the agriculture sector for their ability to produce valuable bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly for crop protection.