The experiment was conducted in an Agroforestry plot under the maintenance of AICRP on Agroforestry located in GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. This study measures the soil moisture dynamics in different agroforestry systems under semiarid conditions, focusing on the influence of tree canopy cover on surface soil moisture. Seven agroforestry systems were analyzed, featuring tree species such as Tectona grandis, Melia dubia, Pongamia pinnata, Swietenia mahagoni, Anacardium occidentale, Mangifera indica and Syzygium cumini paired with intercrops. Soil moisture was measured monthly using the gravimetric method, with samples collected inside and outside the tree canopy. The results indicate that soil moisture levels are generally higher inside the canopy due to reduced evaporation, improved microclimate, and enhanced soil structure from leaf litter accumulation. Species with dense canopies, like S. cumini and M. indica, demonstrated higher soil moisture retention, while deep-rooted species like S. mahagoni and A. occidentale maintained moisture during dry periods by accessing deeper soil layers. It highlights the significant role of canopy cover in soil moisture conservation within agroforestry systems. It underscores the importance of selecting appropriate tree species and managing canopy density to optimize soil moisture levels, particularly in semiarid regions.

This research evaluated the biocontrol potential of the bacterial flora from cured sugarcane bagasse (SCB) against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), the causal agent of tomato Fusarium wilt. Screenings of twenty SCB-derived isolates revealed consistent antagonistic activity, inhibiting mycelial growth from 32.08% to 55.00%. The most effective isolate, 100MTN1, was identified via 16S rRNA sequencing (GenBank: PX506225) as Bacillus atrophaeus. Interaction between B. atrophaeus 100MTN1 and Fol FOLViF has revealed a distinct profile of bioactive metabolites produced specifically during co-cultivation. Transcriptomic profiling of Fol FOLViF exposure to 100MTN1 identified 189 differentially expressed genes, with downregulation of genes involved in DNA replication, translation, and membrane transport, and upregulation of those linked to secondary metabolism and oxidative stress. KEGG pathway mapping further supported the possible causes of disruptions within the pathogen. Molecular docking suggested that the B. atrophaeus 100MTN1 derived metabolite, 6-Hydroxy-3′-methoxyflavone and exhibits binding affinity for key Fol proteins that compares favorably with the commercial fungicides. Greenhouse trials using tomato cv. Kalyan confirmed that treatment with strain 100MTN1 was associated with reduced disease severity and enhanced plant growth. These findings suggest that B. atrophaeus 100MTN1 suppresses Fol FOLViF through a combination of metabolite-driven inhibition and transcriptional interference, signifying its potential as a biological control agent for managing Fusarium wilt.