Biocontrol potential of endophytic Pseudomonas strain IALR1619 against two Pythium species in cucumber and hydroponic lettuce.

The use of fungicides to manage disease has led to multiple environmental externalities, including resistance development, pollution, and non-target mortality. Growers have limited options as legacy chemistry is withdrawn from the market. Moreover, fungicides are generally labeled for traditional soil-based production, and not for liquid culture systems.

Phylogenetic and phenotypic characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum isolates from Florida-grown watermelon.

Fusarium wilt of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), has become an increasing concern of farmers in the southeastern USA, especially in Florida.

Salt-Tolerant Halophyte Rhizosphere Bacteria Stimulate Growth of Alfalfa in Salty Soil.

Halophytes are plants that are adapted to grow in saline soils, and have been widely studied for their physiological and molecular characteristics, but little is known about their associated microbiomes. Bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere and as root endophytes of and , three native Utah halophytes. A total of 41 independent isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis.

Lignin down-regulation of Zea mays via dsRNAi and klason lignin analysis.

To facilitate the use of lignocellulosic biomass as an alternative bioenergy resource, during biological conversion processes, a pretreatment step is needed to open up the structure of the plant cell wall, increasing the accessibility of the cell wall carbohydrates. Lignin, a polyphenolic material present in many cell wall types, is known to be a significant hindrance to enzyme access. Reduction in lignin content to a level that does not interfere with the structural integrity and defense system of the plant might be a valuable step to reduce the costs of bioethanol production.

Plant extracellular matrix metalloproteinases.

The plant extracellular matrix (ECM) includes a variety of proteins with critical roles in the regulation of plant growth, development, and responses to pests and pathogens. Several studies have shown that various ECM proteins undergo proteolytic modification. In mammals, the extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known modifiers of the ECM, implicated in tissue architecture changes and the release of biologically active and/or signalling molecules.