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Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola (Pr.Sci.Nat, MASSAF), an NRF rated scientist, is a graduate of the North-West University (NWU) Business School, South Africa. She obtained a Ph.D. in Microbiology with the Visiting Research Fellowship of IITA and the Postgraduate Training Fellowships of the OWSD. Olubukola had two postdoctoral experiences from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, and at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa. Olubukola has over 20 years of research experience in soil-plant microbes interactions focusing on rhizosphere metagenomics. She has always advocated the use of biofertilizer over and above chemical fertilizers. Olubukola is the Vice President of OWSD (Africa region), a Research Director and Principal Investigator at NWU, a member of the editorial board for BMC Microbiology (Elsevier) and Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports (Elsevier). Her team has received many awards, including being the finalist, GenderInSite 2020. Olubukola joined NWU in 2009; at NWU, Olubukola is passionate about capacity building and has graduated 21 doctoral fellows, 20 masters, and numerous Honors students. She is a prolific author with over 200 publications. In 2018, she delivered her professorial inaugural lecture. She has over 56 professional certificates. Her wealth of international experience spans the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Insights into plant endophytic microbes and their exploration in agriculture have provided opportunities for sustainable plant health and food safety. Notable endophytic Bacillus species with plant growth-promoting traits have been documented; nevertheless, information on genome analysis of B. cereus associated with the sunflower in South Africa has not been studied. Therefore, we present whole-genome sequence of agriculturally important B. cereus strain T4S isolated from sunflower plants. The NextSeq Illumina sequencing yielded 7,255,762 bp sequence reads, 151 bp average read length, 5,945,881 bp genome size, 56 tRNA, 63 rRNA, and G + C content of 34.8%. The phylogeny analysis of strain T4S was similar to B. cereus NJ-W. Secondary metabolites, such as petrobactin, bacillibactin, bacitracin, molybdenum factor, zwittermicin, and fengycin underlining bacterial biocontrol efficacy against phytopathogens were found in the T4S genome. The predicted novel genes in the bacterial genome mediating the complex metabolic pathways can provide a genetic basis in understanding endosphere biology and their multiple functions thereof in crop improvement. Interestingly, seed and root inoculation with strain T4S contributed to sunflower yield under greenhouse experiments. Hence, the detection of notable genes specific for plant growth promotion as validated under in vitro screening, promisingly, suggests the relevance of strain T4S in agricultural biotechnology.
Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Genomic Analysis of Endophytic Bacillus cereus T4S and Its Plant Growth-Promoting Traits. Plants 2021, 10, 1776 .
AMA StyleBartholomew Saanu Adeleke, Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Genomic Analysis of Endophytic Bacillus cereus T4S and Its Plant Growth-Promoting Traits. Plants. 2021; 10 (9):1776.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Genomic Analysis of Endophytic Bacillus cereus T4S and Its Plant Growth-Promoting Traits." Plants 10, no. 9: 1776.
The region around the plant root referred to as the rhizosphere, is the zone where various microbial activity occurs. It performs crucial functions such as increasing the uptake of nutrients for plant development and preventing plant against plant pathogens. Keeping in mind the beneficial role performed by rhizospheric microorganisms, rhizobacterial species were isolated from the maize and soybean plant's rhizosphere. The isolated microorganisms were evaluated for their biochemical characteristics, plant growth-promoting potentials, tolerance to different environmental conditions, and their antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum, a fungal pathogen that infects maize. The rhizobacterial isolates with multiple plant growth-promoting potentials were identified as Bacillus spp (80.77%), Rhodocyclaceae bacterium (3.85%), Enterococcus spp (3.85%). Massilia spp (3.85%. and Pseudomonas (7.69%) species based on their 16S rRNA molecular characterization. The bacterial isolates possessed antifungal activities against Fusarium graminearum, promote maize and soybeans seed under laboratory conditions, and exhibited different levels of tolerance to pH, temperature, salt, and heavy metal. Based on this, the whole genome sequencing of Bacillus sp. OA1, Pseudomonas rhizosphaerea OA2, and Pseudomonas sp. OA3 was performed using Miseq Illumina system to determine the functional genes and secondary metabolites responsible for their plant growth-promoting potential Thus, the result of this research revealed that the selected bacterial isolates possess plant growth-promoting potentials that can make them a potential candidate to be employed as microbial inoculants for protecting plants against phytopathogens, environmental stress and increasing plant growth and productivity.
Oluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi; Adenike Eunice Amoo; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Characterization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial isolates associated with food plants in South Africa. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2021, 1 -26.
AMA StyleOluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi, Adenike Eunice Amoo, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Characterization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial isolates associated with food plants in South Africa. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. 2021; ():1-26.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi; Adenike Eunice Amoo; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Characterization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial isolates associated with food plants in South Africa." Antonie van Leeuwenhoek , no. : 1-26.
Agriculture is faced with many challenges including loss of biodiversity, chemical contamination of soils, and plant pests and diseases, all of which can directly compromise plant productivity and health. In addition, inadequate agricultural practices which characterize conventional farming play a contributory role in the disruption of the plant-microbe and soil-plant interactions. This review discusses the role of organic amendments in the restoration of soil health and plant disease management. While the use of organic amendments in agriculture is not new, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its safe and proper deployment. Hence, a biorational approach of organic amendment use to achieve sustainable agricultural practices entails the deployment of botanicals, microbial pesticides, and organic minerals as organic amendments for attaining plant fitness and disease suppression. Here, the focus is on the rhizosphere microbial communities. The role of organic amendments in stimulating beneficial microbe quorum formation related to the host-plant-pathogen interactions, and its role in facilitating induced systemic resistance and systemic-acquired resistance against diseases was evaluated. Organic amendments serve as soil conditioners, and their mechanism of action needs to be further elaborated to ensure food safety.
Akinlolu Olalekan Akanmu; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola; Vittorio Venturi; Modupe Stella Ayilara; Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Adenike Eunice Amoo; Ayodele Adegboyega Sobowale; Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji; Bernard R. Glick. Plant Disease Management: Leveraging on the Plant-Microbe-Soil Interface in the Biorational Use of Organic Amendments. Frontiers in Plant Science 2021, 12, 1 .
AMA StyleAkinlolu Olalekan Akanmu, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, Vittorio Venturi, Modupe Stella Ayilara, Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke, Adenike Eunice Amoo, Ayodele Adegboyega Sobowale, Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji, Bernard R. Glick. Plant Disease Management: Leveraging on the Plant-Microbe-Soil Interface in the Biorational Use of Organic Amendments. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2021; 12 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAkinlolu Olalekan Akanmu; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola; Vittorio Venturi; Modupe Stella Ayilara; Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Adenike Eunice Amoo; Ayodele Adegboyega Sobowale; Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji; Bernard R. Glick. 2021. "Plant Disease Management: Leveraging on the Plant-Microbe-Soil Interface in the Biorational Use of Organic Amendments." Frontiers in Plant Science 12, no. : 1.
The community of microbes in the rhizosphere region is diverse and contributes significantly to plant growth and crop production. Being an important staple and economic crop, the maize rhizosphere microbiota has been studied in the past using culture-dependent techniques. However, these limited culturing methods often do not help in understanding the complex community of microbes in the rhizosphere. Moreover, the vital biogeochemical processes carried out by these organisms are yet to be fully characterized. Herein, shotgun metagenomics, which enables the holistic study of several microbial environments, was employed to examine the community structure and functional potentials of microbes in the maize rhizosphere and to assess the influence of environmental variables on these. The dominant microbial phyla found in the soil environments include Actinobacteria, Microsporidia, Bacteroidetes, Thaumarchaeota, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism and stress metabolism constitute the major functional categories in the environments. The beta diversity analysis indicated significant differences (p = 0.01) in the community structure and functional categories across the samples. A correlation was seen between the physical and chemical properties of the soil, and the structural and functional diversities. The canonical correspondence analysis carried out showed that phosphorus, N-NO3, potassium and organic matter were the soil properties that best influenced the structural and functional diversities of the soil microbes. It can be inferred from this study that the maize rhizosphere is a hotspot for microorganisms of agricultural and biotechnological importance which can be used as bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture.
Oluwadara Omotayo; Ozede Igiehon; Olubukola Babalola. Metagenomic Study of the Community Structure and Functional Potentials in Maize Rhizosphere Microbiome: Elucidation of Mechanisms behind the Improvement in Plants under Normal and Stress Conditions. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8079 .
AMA StyleOluwadara Omotayo, Ozede Igiehon, Olubukola Babalola. Metagenomic Study of the Community Structure and Functional Potentials in Maize Rhizosphere Microbiome: Elucidation of Mechanisms behind the Improvement in Plants under Normal and Stress Conditions. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (14):8079.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOluwadara Omotayo; Ozede Igiehon; Olubukola Babalola. 2021. "Metagenomic Study of the Community Structure and Functional Potentials in Maize Rhizosphere Microbiome: Elucidation of Mechanisms behind the Improvement in Plants under Normal and Stress Conditions." Sustainability 13, no. 14: 8079.
Here, plant growth-promoting Stenotrophomonas strains isolated from the sunflower root endosphere were studied, yielding molecular insights. Bacterial DNA was sequenced on Illumina’s NextSeq platform. The gene prediction reveals diverse functional genes involved in plant growth promotion from each bacterial genome. The exploration of bacterial resources as bioinoculants is promising for agricultural biotechnology.
Olubukola Oluranti Babalola; Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro. Draft Genome Sequencing of Stenotrophomonas indicatrix BOVIS40 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JVB5, Two Strains with Identifiable Genes Involved in Plant Growth Promotion. Microbiology Resource Announcements 2021, 10, 1 .
AMA StyleOlubukola Oluranti Babalola, Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke, Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro. Draft Genome Sequencing of Stenotrophomonas indicatrix BOVIS40 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JVB5, Two Strains with Identifiable Genes Involved in Plant Growth Promotion. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 2021; 10 (28):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOlubukola Oluranti Babalola; Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro. 2021. "Draft Genome Sequencing of Stenotrophomonas indicatrix BOVIS40 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JVB5, Two Strains with Identifiable Genes Involved in Plant Growth Promotion." Microbiology Resource Announcements 10, no. 28: 1.
Diverse agriculturally important microbes have been studied with known potential in plant growth promotion. Providing several opportunities, Stenotrophomonas species are characterized as promising plant enhancers, inducers, and protectors against environmental stressors. The S. indicatrix BOVIS40 isolated from the sunflower root endosphere possessed unique features, as genome insights into the Stenotrophomonas species isolated from oilseed crops in Southern Africa have not been reported. Plant growth-promotion screening and genome analysis of S. indicatrix BOVIS40 were presented in this study. The genomic information reveals various genes underlining plant growth promotion and resistance to environmental stressors. The genome of S. indicatrix BOVIS40 harbors genes involved in the degradation and biotransformation of organic molecules. Also, other genes involved in biofilm production, chemotaxis, and flagellation that facilitate bacterial colonization in the root endosphere and phytohormone genes that modulate root development and stress response in plants were detected in strain BOVIS40. IAA activity of the bacterial strain may be a factor responsible for root formation. A measurable approach to the S. indicatrix BOVIS40 lifestyle can strategically provide several opportunities in their use as bioinoculants in developing environmentally friendly agriculture sustainably. The findings presented here provide insights into the genomic functions of S. indicatrix BOVIS40, which has set a foundation for future comparative studies for a better understanding of the synergism among microbes inhabiting plant endosphere. Hence, highlighting the potential of S. indicatrix BOVIS40 upon inoculation under greenhouse experiment, thus suggesting its application in enhancing plant and soil health sustainably.
Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Genomic assessment of Stenotrophomonas indicatrix for improved sunflower plant. Current Genetics 2021, 1 -17.
AMA StyleBartholomew Saanu Adeleke, Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Genomic assessment of Stenotrophomonas indicatrix for improved sunflower plant. Current Genetics. 2021; ():1-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Genomic assessment of Stenotrophomonas indicatrix for improved sunflower plant." Current Genetics , no. : 1-17.
The rhizosphere microbiota contributes immensely to nutrient sequestration, productivity and plant growth. Several studies have suggested that environmental factors and high nutrient composition of plant’s rhizosphere influence the structural diversity of proximal microorganisms. To verify this assertion, we compare the functional diversity of bacteria in maize rhizosphere and bulk soils using shotgun metagenomics and assess the influence of measured environmental variables on bacterial diversity. Our study showed that the bacterial community associated with each sampling site was distinct, with high community members shared among the samples. The bacterial community was dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia. In comparison, genera such as Gemmatimonas, Streptomyces, Conexibacter, Burkholderia, Bacillus, Gemmata, Mesorhizobium, Pseudomonas and Micromonospora were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) high in the rhizosphere soils compared to bulk soils. Diversity indices showed that the bacterial composition was significantly different across the sites. The forward selection of environmental factors predicted N-NO3 (p = 0.019) as the most influential factor controlling the variation in the bacterial community structure, while other factors such as pH (p = 1.00) and sulfate (p = 0.50) contributed insignificantly to the community structure of bacteria. Functional assessment of the sampling sites, considering important pathways viz. nitrogen metabolism, phosphorus metabolism, stress responses, and iron acquisition and metabolism could be represented as Ls > Rs > Rc > Lc. This revealed that functional hits are higher in the rhizosphere soil than their controls. Taken together, inference from this study shows that the sampling sites are hotspots for biotechnologically important microorganisms.
Saheed Akinola; Ayansina Ayangbenro; Olubukola Babalola. Metagenomic Insight into the Community Structure of Maize-Rhizosphere Bacteria as Predicted by Different Environmental Factors and Their Functioning within Plant Proximity. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 1419 .
AMA StyleSaheed Akinola, Ayansina Ayangbenro, Olubukola Babalola. Metagenomic Insight into the Community Structure of Maize-Rhizosphere Bacteria as Predicted by Different Environmental Factors and Their Functioning within Plant Proximity. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (7):1419.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSaheed Akinola; Ayansina Ayangbenro; Olubukola Babalola. 2021. "Metagenomic Insight into the Community Structure of Maize-Rhizosphere Bacteria as Predicted by Different Environmental Factors and Their Functioning within Plant Proximity." Microorganisms 9, no. 7: 1419.
Biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus in the agro-ecosystem is mediated by soil microbes. These microbes regulate the availability of phosphorus in the soil. Little is known about the response of functional traits of phosphorus cycling microbes in soil fertilized with compost manure (derived from domestic waste and plant materials) or inorganic nitrogen fertilizers at high and low doses. We used a metagenomics investigation study to understand the changes in the abundance and distribution of microbial phosphorus cycling genes in agricultural farmlands receiving inorganic fertilizers (120 kg N/ha, 60 kg N/ha) or compost manure (8 tons/ha, 4 tons/ha), and in comparison with the control. Soil fertilization with high level of compost (Cp8) or low level of inorganic nitrogen (N1) fertilizer have nearly similar effects on the rhizosphere of maize plants in promoting the abundance of genes involved in phosphorus cycle. Genes such as ppk involved in polyphosphate formation and pstSABC (for phosphate transportation) are highly enriched in these treatments. These genes facilitate phosphorus immobilization. At a high dose of inorganic fertilizer application or low compost manure treatment, the phosphorus cycling genes were repressed and the abundance decreased. The bacterial families Bacillaceae and Carnobacteriaceae were very abundant in the high inorganic fertilizer (N2) treated soil, while Pseudonocardiaceae, Clostridiaceae, Cytophagaceae, Micromonosporaceae, Thermomonosporaceae, Nocardiopsaceae, Sphaerobacteraceae, Thermoactinomycetaceae, Planococcaceae, Intrasporangiaceae, Opitutaceae, Acidimicrobiaceae, Frankiaceae were most abundant in Cp8. Pyrenophora, Talaromyces, and Trichophyton fungi were observed to be dominant in Cp8 and Methanosarcina, Methanobrevibacter, Methanoculleus, and Methanosphaera archaea have the highest percentage occurrence in Cp8. Moreover, N2 treatment, Cenarchaeum, Candidatus Nitrososphaera, and Nitrosopumilus were most abundant among fertilized soils. Our findings have brought to light the basis for the manipulation of rhizosphere microbial communities and their genes to improve availability of phosphorus as well as phosphorus cycle regulation in agro-ecosystems.
Matthew Enebe; Olubukola Babalola. The Influence of Soil Fertilization on the Distribution and Diversity of Phosphorus Cycling Genes and Microbes Community of Maize Rhizosphere Using Shotgun Metagenomics. Genes 2021, 12, 1022 .
AMA StyleMatthew Enebe, Olubukola Babalola. The Influence of Soil Fertilization on the Distribution and Diversity of Phosphorus Cycling Genes and Microbes Community of Maize Rhizosphere Using Shotgun Metagenomics. Genes. 2021; 12 (7):1022.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatthew Enebe; Olubukola Babalola. 2021. "The Influence of Soil Fertilization on the Distribution and Diversity of Phosphorus Cycling Genes and Microbes Community of Maize Rhizosphere Using Shotgun Metagenomics." Genes 12, no. 7: 1022.
Amaranthus spp occupies a strategic position in combating food and nutrition insecurity, as it is widely consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. It is drought tolerant and can grow on marginal soils, however, with adequate management; it can produce about 40 tons/ha of fresh leaves. The leaves are rich in nutrients that can combat malnutrition and support healthy eating. Despite the huge benefits offered by amaranth, it has been underutilized in South Africa. Its consumption is concentrated in rural areas, where it is harvested from the wild during the rains. There are no large-scale productions of amaranth, hence the lack of data on its production. Inadequate knowledge of its uses, agronomic requirement, low research efforts and the absence of an organized market are part of the reasons why amaranth is still underutilized in South Africa. This paper argues that with increased awareness of the benefits of amaranth and research geared towards agronomic improvement, social and economic acceptance, amaranth will be utilized nationwide with time. It recommends that conscious effort should be aimed at introducing amaranth into mainstream agricultural value chains through increased research attention and awareness of its nutritional benefits. This will ensure sustainable production to match the anticipated increase in consumption.
Obianuju Chiamaka Emmanuel; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Amaranth production and consumption in South Africa: the challenges of sustainability for food and nutrition security. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 2021, 1 -12.
AMA StyleObianuju Chiamaka Emmanuel, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Amaranth production and consumption in South Africa: the challenges of sustainability for food and nutrition security. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 2021; ():1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleObianuju Chiamaka Emmanuel; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Amaranth production and consumption in South Africa: the challenges of sustainability for food and nutrition security." International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability , no. : 1-12.
Despite the importance of diverse plant growth-promoting endophytes in agricultural production, their biotechnological and agricultural applications are not well-documented. The diversity of microbial communities interacting with the endosphere contributes to plant functions and immunity, leading to higher productivity. Plant-microbe interactions range from beneficial in terms of influencing plant growth to harmful, as they also cause plant diseases. Microbial survival in the internal tissues of plants depends on their colonization tendencies and their ability to compete with the indigenous plant microflora. The infiltration of microbes through the external soil-root environment into the plant endosphere significantly enhances growth-promoting attributes of plants such as antibiosis, siderophore production, induced systemic resistance, bioremediation and growth hormones synthesis. However, the growth and diversity of endophytic microbes are influenced by the availability of soil nutrients, presence of pathogens, plant growth stages, plant genome, and other abiotic factors. Knowledge and understanding of the possible use and biotechnological relevance of endosphere communities in sustainable agriculture cannot be overemphasized. Hence, this review discusses the importance of endophytic microbes in agriculture for enhancing crop productivity.
Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Roles of Plant Endosphere Microbes in Agriculture-A Review. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation 2021, 1 -18.
AMA StyleBartholomew Saanu Adeleke, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Roles of Plant Endosphere Microbes in Agriculture-A Review. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. 2021; ():1-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Roles of Plant Endosphere Microbes in Agriculture-A Review." Journal of Plant Growth Regulation , no. : 1-18.
Maize is an essential cereal crop and the third most essential food crop globally. The extensive dependence on pesticides and chemical fertilizers to control pests and increase crop yield, respectively, has generated an injurious impact on soil and animal health. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which depict a broad array of bacteria inhabiting the root vicinity and root surface, have proven to be a better alternative. These organisms expressly or by implication foster the growth and development of plants by producing and secreting numerous regulatory compounds in the rhizosphere. Some rhizobacteria found to be in association with Zea mays rhizosphere include Bacillus sp., Azotobacter chroococcum, Burkholderia spp., Streptomyces spp., Pseudomonas spp., Paenibacillus spp., and Sphingobium spp. For this review, the mechanism of action of these rhizospheric bacteria was grouped into three, which are bioremediation, biofertilization, and biocontrol. • Plant–microbe interaction is vital for ecosystem functioning. • PGPR can produce volatile cues to deter ravaging insects from plants.
Emmanuel Edoghogho Imade; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Biotechnological utilization: the role of Zea mays rhizospheric bacteria in ecosystem sustainability. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 2021, 105, 4487 -4500.
AMA StyleEmmanuel Edoghogho Imade, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Biotechnological utilization: the role of Zea mays rhizospheric bacteria in ecosystem sustainability. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2021; 105 (11):4487-4500.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmmanuel Edoghogho Imade; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Biotechnological utilization: the role of Zea mays rhizospheric bacteria in ecosystem sustainability." Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 105, no. 11: 4487-4500.
Most biodiversity measures indicate an ongoing deterioration due to intensifying anthropogenic pressures even though efforts are being intensified worldwide to conserve biodiversity. Knowledge of the implication of land-use change on soil bacterial communities is essential for ecosystem restoration.
Adenike Eunice Amoo; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Microbial Diversity of Temperate Pine and Native Forest Soils Profiled by 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing. Microbiology Resource Announcements 2021, 10, 1 .
AMA StyleAdenike Eunice Amoo, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Microbial Diversity of Temperate Pine and Native Forest Soils Profiled by 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 2021; 10 (20):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdenike Eunice Amoo; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Microbial Diversity of Temperate Pine and Native Forest Soils Profiled by 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing." Microbiology Resource Announcements 10, no. 20: 1.
The ever-growing human population globally has resulted in the quest for solutions to the problem of hunger by providing food security. The importance of plant-root-associated microorganisms cannot be overlooked, plants rely on them. These root colonizers dominate the rhizosphere due to the abundance of available nutrients, relying on their host plant for nutrients and other essential requirements. The relationships between microbial communities and plants are controlled by the type of plant and microorganism involved. Advances in modern molecular techniques have led to the evolution of omic technology using nucleic acid molecules to study plant-microorganism associations capable of stimulating plant growth, improve yield, and induce disease suppression. This review elucidates the activities of microbial communities, especially nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria associated with plant roots, nitrogen fixation as a mechanism of promoting plant growth, their importance, and the challenges employing bioinoculants. Prospecting plant growth promoters using omic technology will advance sustainable agriculture globally.
Blessing Chidinma Nwachukwu; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Perspectives for sustainable agriculture from the microbiome in plant rhizosphere. Plant Biotechnology Reports 2021, 15, 259 -278.
AMA StyleBlessing Chidinma Nwachukwu, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Perspectives for sustainable agriculture from the microbiome in plant rhizosphere. Plant Biotechnology Reports. 2021; 15 (3):259-278.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBlessing Chidinma Nwachukwu; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Perspectives for sustainable agriculture from the microbiome in plant rhizosphere." Plant Biotechnology Reports 15, no. 3: 259-278.
To explain the differences in microbial diversity between soil from termite mounds and their nearby soils, we evaluated the impact of termite biopedturbation on the respiration profiles of microorganisms from termite mound soils. The MicroRespTM technique was employed to assess the whole-soils’ community-level-physiological-profiles (CLPP) assays using 21 carbon substrates chosen on the ground of significance to biotas dwellings in the soil. Principal component analyses showed that carbon substrate groups in the soils from termite mound were separated from those of the nearby soils. The results supported our first premise that the CLPP of soils from termite mounds could be distinguishable from the CLPP of the nearby soil and the degree of the differences was based on which substrates were added in the analysis. The assumption that any variance established in the CLPP could be attributed to a higher use of structurally complex carbon substrates in soils from termite mounds compared to the nearby soil samples was also supported. The higher soil respiration and the capacity to degrade carbon sources in soils from termite mounds than the nearby soil samples connote a rise in microbial functional diversity due to the differences in the diversity of microorganisms between both habitats.
Ben Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma; Adenike Eunice Amoo; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Biopedturbation by Termites Affects Respiration Profiles of Microbial Communities from Termite Mound Soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 2021, 1 -9.
AMA StyleBen Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma, Adenike Eunice Amoo, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Biopedturbation by Termites Affects Respiration Profiles of Microbial Communities from Termite Mound Soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 2021; ():1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBen Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma; Adenike Eunice Amoo; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Biopedturbation by Termites Affects Respiration Profiles of Microbial Communities from Termite Mound Soils." Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition , no. : 1-9.
Plant growth-promotion screening and genome analysis of Stenotrophomonas indicatrix BOVIS40 were presented in this study. The genomic information reveals various genes underlining plant growth promotion and resistance to environmental stressors. The genome of S. indicatrix BOVIS40 harbors genes involved in the degradation and biotransformation of organic molecules. Also, other genes involved in biofilm production, chemotaxis, and flagellation that facilitate bacterial colonization in the root endosphere and phytohormone genes that modulate root development and stress response in plants were detected in strain BOVIS40. IAA activity of the bacterial strain may be a factor responsible for root formation. Nevertheless, the results highlighted here provide insights into the genomic functions of S. indicatrix and which can be explored in agricultural management. Hence, a measurable approach to the S. indicatrix lifestyle can strategically provide several opportunities in their use as bioinoculants in developing environmentally friendly agriculture sustainably.
Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Genomic Assessment of Stenotrophomonas Indicatrix for Improved Sunflower Plant. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleBartholomew Saanu Adeleke, Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Genomic Assessment of Stenotrophomonas Indicatrix for Improved Sunflower Plant. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBartholomew Saanu Adeleke; Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Genomic Assessment of Stenotrophomonas Indicatrix for Improved Sunflower Plant." , no. : 1.
Understanding the functions carried out by rhizosphere microbiomes will further explore their importance in biotechnological improvement and agricultural sustainability. This study presents one of the foremost attempts to understand the functional diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome in mono-cropping and crop rotation farming sites using shotgun metagenomic techniques. We hypothesized that the functional diversity would vary in the cropping sites and more abundant in the rotational cropping site. Hence, we carried out complete DNA extraction from the bulk and rhizospheric soils associated with maize plant cultivated on the mono-cropping farm (LT and LTc) and the crop rotation farm (VD and VDc), respectively, and sequenced employing shotgun approach. Using the SEED subsystem, our result revealed that a total of 24 functional categories dominated the rotational cropping site, while four functional categories dominated the mono-cropping sites. Alpha diversity assessment showed that no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed across the cropping sites, while beta diversity assessment revealed a significant difference. Going by the high abundance of functional groups observed in the samples from the crop rotational site, it is evident that cropping systems influenced the functions of soil microbiomes. Worthy of note is the high abundance of unknown functions associated with these maize rhizosphere microbiomes. This is an indication that there are still some under-investigated functional genes associated with the maize rhizosphere microbiome. It is, therefore, imperative that further studies explore these functional genes for their agricultural and biotechnological potentials.
Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji; Jerry Onyemaechi Kanu; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Impact of cropping systems on the functional diversity of rhizosphere microbial communities associated with maize plant: a shotgun approach. Archives of Microbiology 2021, 1 -9.
AMA StyleAyomide Emmanuel Fadiji, Jerry Onyemaechi Kanu, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Impact of cropping systems on the functional diversity of rhizosphere microbial communities associated with maize plant: a shotgun approach. Archives of Microbiology. 2021; ():1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAyomide Emmanuel Fadiji; Jerry Onyemaechi Kanu; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Impact of cropping systems on the functional diversity of rhizosphere microbial communities associated with maize plant: a shotgun approach." Archives of Microbiology , no. : 1-9.
Maize plays a vital role in Benin's agricultural production systems. However, at the producer-level, yields are still low, although the production of this cereal is necessary for food security. The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of solid biostimulants formulated from the rhizobacteria Pseudomonas putida and different binders on maize cultivation in the farming environment in three (03) study areas in South Benin. For this purpose, three (03) biostimulants were formulated based on Pseudomonas putida and the clay, peat and clay-peat combinations binders. The experimental design was a randomized block of four (04) treatments with 11 replicates per study area. Each replicate represented one producer. The trials were set up at 33 producers in the study areas of Adakplamè, Hayakpa and Zouzouvou in Southern Benin. The results obtained show that the best height, stem diameter, leaf area as obtained by applying biostimulants based on P. putida and half dose of NPK and Urea with respective increases of 15.75, 15.93, and 15.57% as compared to the full dose of NPK and Urea. Regarding maize yield, there was no significant difference between treatments and the different study areas. Taken together, the different biostimulants formulations were observed to be better than the farmers' practice in all the zones and for all the parameters evaluated, with the formulation involving Pseudomonas putida on the clay binder, and the half-dose of NPK and Urea showing the best result. The biostimulant formulated based on clay + Pseudomonas putida could be used in agriculture for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly maize production in Benin.
Nadège Adoukè Agbodjato; Marcel Yévèdo Adoko; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola; Olaréwadjou Amogou; Farid T. Badé; Pacôme A. Noumavo; Adolphe Adjanohoun; Lamine Baba-Moussa. Efficacy of Biostimulants Formulated With Pseudomonas putida and Clay, Peat, Clay-Peat Binders on Maize Productivity in a Farming Environment in Southern Benin. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 2021, 5, 1 .
AMA StyleNadège Adoukè Agbodjato, Marcel Yévèdo Adoko, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, Olaréwadjou Amogou, Farid T. Badé, Pacôme A. Noumavo, Adolphe Adjanohoun, Lamine Baba-Moussa. Efficacy of Biostimulants Formulated With Pseudomonas putida and Clay, Peat, Clay-Peat Binders on Maize Productivity in a Farming Environment in Southern Benin. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 2021; 5 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNadège Adoukè Agbodjato; Marcel Yévèdo Adoko; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola; Olaréwadjou Amogou; Farid T. Badé; Pacôme A. Noumavo; Adolphe Adjanohoun; Lamine Baba-Moussa. 2021. "Efficacy of Biostimulants Formulated With Pseudomonas putida and Clay, Peat, Clay-Peat Binders on Maize Productivity in a Farming Environment in Southern Benin." Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 5, no. : 1.
Soil fertility is a function of the level of organic and inorganic substances present in the soil, and it influences the activities of soil-borne microbes, plant growth performance and a host of other beneficial ecological functions. In this metagenomics study, we evaluated the response of maize microbial functional gene diversity involved in chemotaxis, antibiotics, siderophores, and antifungals producing genes within the rhizosphere of maize plants under compost, inorganic fertilizer, and unfertilized conditions. The results show that fertilization treatments at higher compost manure and lower inorganic fertilizer doses as well as maize plants itself in the unfertilized soil through rhizosphere effects share similar influences on the abundance of chemotaxis, siderophores, antifungal, and antibiotics synthesizing genes present in the samples, while higher doses of inorganic fertilizer and lower compost manure treatments significantly repress these genes. The implication is for a disease suppressive soil to be achieved, soil fertilization with high doses of compost manure fertilizer treatments as well as lower inorganic fertilizer should be used to enrich soil fertility and boost the abundance of chemotaxis and disease suppressive genes. Maize crops also should be planted sole or intercropped with other crops to enhance the rhizosphere effect of these plants in promoting the expression and abundance of these beneficial genes in the soil.
Matthew Enebe; Olubukola Babalola. Metagenomics Assessment of Soil Fertilization on the Chemotaxis and Disease Suppressive Genes Abundance in the Maize Rhizosphere. Genes 2021, 12, 535 .
AMA StyleMatthew Enebe, Olubukola Babalola. Metagenomics Assessment of Soil Fertilization on the Chemotaxis and Disease Suppressive Genes Abundance in the Maize Rhizosphere. Genes. 2021; 12 (4):535.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatthew Enebe; Olubukola Babalola. 2021. "Metagenomics Assessment of Soil Fertilization on the Chemotaxis and Disease Suppressive Genes Abundance in the Maize Rhizosphere." Genes 12, no. 4: 535.
Background The harmful effect of chemical fertilizer application on human health and the environment as a modern method of meeting the food demand of the increasing world population demands an urgent alternative that is environmentally friendly, which will pose no harm to human health and the environment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial soil microorganisms that provide various ecological functions in increasing soil fertility and enhancing plant growth. This present study aimed to propagate, characterize, and examine the effect of viable arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores on maize (Zea mays L) hosts using molecular methods. The propagation of the AMF in the host plant using sterile soil and vermiculite was conducted in the greenhouse. Result The effect of the AMF inoculation revealed a significant difference (P> 0.05) in maize growth, root colonization, and AMF spore count when compared with the control. In all the parameters measured in this study, all the AMF spores propagated in this study had a positive effect on the maize plant over the control with the highest value mostly recorded in Rhizophagus irregularis AOB1. The molecular characterization of the spore using a specific universal primer for Glomeromycota established the success of the propagation process, which enhance the classification of the AMF species into Rhizophagus irregularis OAB1, Glomus mosseae OAB2, Paraglomus occultum OAB3 Conclusion In conclusion, this finding will be a starting point in producing arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum as a biofertilizer to enhance plant growth promotion.
Oluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi; Adenike Eunice Amoo; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Propagation and characterization of viable arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores within maize plant ( Zea mays L.). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleOluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi, Adenike Eunice Amoo, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. Propagation and characterization of viable arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores within maize plant ( Zea mays L.). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi; Adenike Eunice Amoo; Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. 2021. "Propagation and characterization of viable arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores within maize plant ( Zea mays L.)." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture , no. : 1.
Compared to their men counterparts, women do not rapidly climb up the leadership ladder due to a glass ceiling obstacle. This study aims to explore the inhibiting factors demotivating Africa women’s leadership pursuit in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). A qualitative approach was adopted using online open-ended questions to seek narratives from African women leaders on their roles and experiences of a STEM career. Data were collected using a non-probability, purposive sample of African women leaders in STEM in African research institutes and universities. Forty-two women in leadership positions in 12 African countries participated in the study, which was content analyzed, seeking patterns and themes to explore the narratives. A common thread exists in the tone and life experiences of the African women leaders in STEM. Scholarship, supportive organizational structure, commitment, hard work, and tenacity were all experienced as enablers of the career path process and their attained positions. The education level contributed to a strong leadership position. Women experience less acceptance than males in STEM leadership as the organizational culture still devalues women in leadership positions in several African countries. The study’s contribution, limitations, recommendations, and managerial implications are discussed, with suggestions for further research are made.
Olubukola Babalola; Yvonne du Plessis; Sunday Babalola. Insight into the Organizational Culture and Challenges Faced by Women STEM Leaders in Africa. Social Sciences 2021, 10, 105 .
AMA StyleOlubukola Babalola, Yvonne du Plessis, Sunday Babalola. Insight into the Organizational Culture and Challenges Faced by Women STEM Leaders in Africa. Social Sciences. 2021; 10 (3):105.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOlubukola Babalola; Yvonne du Plessis; Sunday Babalola. 2021. "Insight into the Organizational Culture and Challenges Faced by Women STEM Leaders in Africa." Social Sciences 10, no. 3: 105.