Both hormonal balance and plant growth may be shaped by microorganisms synthesizing phytohormones, regulating its synthesis in the plant and inducing plant resistance by releasing elicitors from cell walls (CW) by degrading enzymes (CWDE). It was shown that the Trichoderma DEMTkZ3A0 strain, isolated from a healthy rye rhizosphere, colonized the rhizoplane of wheat seedlings and root border cells (RBC) and caused approximately 40% increase of stem weight. The strain inhibited (in over 90%) the growth of polyphagous Fusarium spp. (F. culmorum, F. oxysporum, F. graminearum) phytopathogens through a mechanism of mycoparasitism. Chitinolytic and glucanolytic activity, strongly stimulated by CW of F. culmorum in the DEMTkZ3A0 liquid culture, is most likely responsible for the lysis of hyphae and macroconidia of phytopathogenic Fusarium spp. as well as the release of plant resistance elicitors. In DEMTkZ3A0 inoculated plants, an increase in the activity of the six tested plant resistance markers and a decrease in the concentration of indoleacetic acid (IAA) auxin were noted. IAA and gibberellic acid (GA) but also the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase (ACCD) enzyme regulating ethylene production by plant were synthesized by DEMTkZ3A0 in the liquid culture. IAA synthesis was dependent on tryptophan and negatively correlated with temperature, whereas GA synthesis was positively correlated with the biomass and temperature.

Fungal polysaccharides (PSs) are the subject of research in many fields of science and industry. Many properties of PSs have already been confirmed and the list of postulated functions continues to grow. Fungal PSs are classified into different groups according to systematic affinity, structure (linear and branched), sugar composition (homo- and heteropolysaccharides), type of bonds between the monomers (β-(1 → 3), β-(1 → 6), and α-(1 → 3)) and their location in the cell (cell wall PSs, exoPSs, and endoPSs). Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are most frequently studied fungal PSs but their definition, classification, and origin are still not clear and should be explained. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota fungi producing EPS have different ecological positions (saprotrophic and endophytic, pathogenic or symbiotic-mycorrhizae fungi); therefore, EPSs play different biological functions, for example in the protection against environmental stress factors and in interactions with other organisms. EPSs obtained from Ascomycota and Basidiomycota fungal cultures are known for their antioxidant, immunostimulating, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties. The major objective of the presented review article was to provide a detailed description of the state-of-the-art knowledge of the effectiveness of EPS production by filamentous and yeast Ascomycota and Basidiomycota fungi and techniques of derivation of EPSs, their biochemical characteristics, and biological properties allowing comprehensive analysis as well as indication of similarities and differences between these fungal groups. Understanding the role of EPSs in a variety of processes and their application in food or pharmaceutical industries requires improvement of the techniques of their derivation, purification, and characterization. The detailed analyses of data concerning the derivation and application of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota EPSs can facilitate development and trace the direction of application of these EPSs in different branches of industry, agriculture, and medicine.

The aim of this study was to cross correlate data on physico-chemical parameters of soil with rhizosphere microorganisms and plant species in order to gain more knowledge about formation of soil and development of plants in the face of the changing climate on Spitsbergen and relations between them.

The objective of the study was to assess the physiological diversity and metabolic activity of the soil bacterial communities inhabiting Spitsbergen soils in search of bacterial abilities facilitating plant growth promotion. In the soil, the total number of culturable microorganisms, the number of their individual physiological groups (including Siderophore Synthesizing; SSB and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria; PSB), the dehydrogenase (DH) activity, and the ability to utilize sources of C, N, P (EcoPlate) were analysed. In bacterial isolates, siderophores production, ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate) deaminase (ACCD) activity, IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) synthesis were examined. The isolates were applied to the seeds of Phaseolus coccineus regarding their germination and root length. The results showed differences between copio- and oligotrophic bacteria. A usually high number of SSB was accompanied by the raised number of PSB. A bigger number of SSB was connected with low values of Fe in the soil. High DH activity was assisted by greater number of copio- and oligotrophic bacteria, raised average well color development value, and N and C contents in the soil. Germination index was more alike relative seed germination than relative root growth. IAA concentration and ACCD activity were conversely related. Synthesis of siderophores was matched with ACCD activity and its high level was combined with elevated germination index. In spite of different localization of soil samples, some isolates proved similar traits of activity. Distinct affiliation of isolates and their various localizations were displayed. Among all isolates tested, some possessed one main trait of activity, but most of them had two or more significant features for potential plant growth stimulation. These isolates could be an important source of useful bacteria.

Biochar is produced from a wide variety of feedstocks (algal biomass, forest, agricultural and food residues, organic fraction of municipal waste, sewage sludge, manure) by thermochemical conversion. In general, it is a dark, porous material with a large surface area, low density, high cation exchange capacity, and alkaline pH. By reducing the content of harmful substances in the soil, the application of biochar increases the activity, number, and diversity of microorganisms and improves plant growth in contaminated areas. The aim of the review was to explore the advantages and drawbacks of biochar use in soil bioremediation. General issues such as methods of biochar production, its physical and chemical properties, and various applications are presented. As biochar is an efficient adsorbent of heavy metals, the review focused on its benefits in (I) soil bioremediation, (II) improvement of soil parameters, (III) reduction of metal toxicity and bioaccumulation, (IV) positive interaction with soil microorganisms and soil enzymatic activity, and (V) promotion of plant growth. On the other hand, the potential risks of biochar formulation and utilization were also discussed, mainly related to the presence of heavy metals in biochar, dust hazard, and greenhouse gases emission.