You may have to register before you can download all our books and magazines, click the sign up button below to create a free account.
Many of the most prevalent and devastating human and animal pathogens have part of their lifecycle out-with the animal host. These pathogens have a remarkably wide capacity to adapt to a range of quite different environments: physical, chemical and biological, which is part of the key to their success. Many of the well-known pathogens that are able to jump between hosts in different biological kingdoms are transmitted through the faecal-oral and direct transmission pathways, and as such have become important food-borne pathogens. Some high-profile examples include fresh produce-associated outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica. Other pathogens may be transmitted via di...
This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.
The rhizosphere is an ecological hotspot. Plant roots, bacteria, archaea, fungi, nematodes, and other macroscopic organisms interact here with each other. Plants represent the main influencing force as they produce a mixture of chemical molecules and extrude them in the form of root exudates. Those exudates determine not only the nutrient availability of the plant but also influence the outcome of the interactions in the vicinity of the roots. In response to the plant-derived signals, a subset of the bulk soil microbes can proliferate in the proximity of the root and some of them can eventually overcome the plant defense system to colonize the plants. The root-associated microbiota is assume...
Strigolactones, Alkamides and Karrikins in Plants: Recent Updates and Future Prospects provides comprehensive knowledge on the various aspects of plant growth, physiology, and communication associated with the three potential biomolecules. Strigolactones have gained much importance in the last decade as potential plant growth regulators. Likewise, alkamides are also known for their plant growth regulatory and pharmacological properties. The evolutionary significance of karrikins as a potential signaling molecule in different plant groups has been fascinating to plant physiologists and ecologists. This book enables the reader to gain insights into the myriad role of these biomolecules in plan...
A plant growing under field conditions is not a simple individual; it is a community. We now know that there is a community of microbes associated with all parts of the plant, and that the root associated community is particularly large. This microbial community, the phytomicrobiome, is complex, regulated and the result of almost half a billion years of evolution. Circumstances that benefit the plant generally benefit the phytomicrobiome, and vice versa. Members of the holobiont modulate each other's activities, in part, through molecular signals, acting as the hormones of the holobiont. The plant plus the phytomicrobiome constitute the holobiont, the resulting entity that is that community....
This book describes the contributions of rhizotrophs – microbes associated with the parts of plants below ground – in sustainable agriculture. It covers a broad range of aspects, from plant growth promotion to bioremediation. It highlights the role of bacteria, actinomycetes, mycorrhizal fungi, and most interestingly protists, in the sustainability of agriculture. Further, it addresses in detail the involvement of quorum sensing signals, and the role of hydrolytic enzymes and bacteriocin in combating the phytopathogen. The book sheds light on the interaction of rhizotrophs in rhizosphere and how these microbes support plants growing under adverse stress conditions such as saline, drought or heavy-metals contamination. Challenges faced in the field application of these microbes, strategies for modifying the rhizosphere to improve crop yield, and the latest advances in rhizobial bioformulations are also discussed. Overall, the book provides comprehensive information on how various microbes can be used to improve the sustainability of agriculture without disturbing the environment.
This book explores recent advances on the use of microbes for agri-forestry biotechnological applications. It provides technical concepts and discussions on the use of microorganisms for processes such as bioprocessing, bioremediation, soil enhancement, aquaponics advances, and plant-host symbiosis. The book provides an overview of the microbial approach to the tools and processes used in agriculture and forestry that make or modify products, improve plants for specific uses, and make use of livestock in agricultural systems. The authors discuss the main process conditions that enhance agri-forestry applications with the use of microbes and introduce the use of genetically modified (GM) microbes in agrobiotechnology. Finally, the authors explore the main technological advances in the production of secondary metabolites with potential applications in agri-forestry. This book is intended for biotechnologists, biologists, bioengineers, biochemists, microbiologists, food technologists, enzymologists, and related researchers.
The genus Salmonella comprises an important number of bacterial species able to colonize and infect numerous animal species and humans. Although more than a hundred years passed since its discovery, Salmonella still represents a redoubtable and successful microorganism, difficult to deal with. Whether we discuss about typhoid fever or food poisoning, the public health and financial consequences are practically incalculable. The costs attributable to Salmonella contamination of meat, eggs, and vegetables are also very high worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates is an emerging threat not only in humans, and special measures should be addressed to this global problem. The bo...
Plants are sessile, highly sensitive organisms that actively compete for environmental resources both above and below the ground. They assess their surroundings, estimate how much energy they need for particular goals, and then realise the optimum variant. They take measures to control certain environmental resources. They perceive themselves and can distinguish between ‘self’ and ‘non-self’. They process and evaluate information and then modify their behaviour accordingly. These highly diverse competences are made possible by parallel sign(alling)-mediated communication processes within the plant body (intraorganismic), between the same, related and different species (interorganismi...
This comprehensive book offers a fascinating exploration of the dynamic relationships that exist between plants and fungi, shedding light on the latest advancements in research and opening a window into the remarkable potential of these partnerships. From mycorrhizal networks that enhance plant nutrient uptake to endophytic fungi that fortify plant defences and produce bioactive secondary metabolites of medicinal importance, this book unravels the multifaceted role that fungi play in shaping the health and resilience of plant ecosystems. Whether you're a seasoned mycologist, a curious botanist, or simply intrigued by the wonders of nature's collaborations, this book provides a captivating journey through the diverse realms of plant-fungi interactions, offering a glimpse into the promising prospects that these partnerships hold for the future exploration and application in areas ranging from sustainable agriculture to drug discovery, ecological restoration and beyond.