<div>Background: Bio-fertilizers are the substances which contain living microorganisms, when applied to soil, seeds and plant root these fertilizers increases soil fertility and promote growth of the plant. Biofertilizers help plants to utilize important mineral resources, phosphorous and nitrogen. Microorganisms like Rhizobacteria, fungi and algae which provide nutrient to the soil and which are produced commercially are known as biofertilizers. The microorganisms which present in biofertilizers are Rhizobium species, Pseudomonas species and Azospirillum species etc. These biofertilizers have potential to replace conventional chemical fertilizers. The quality of biofertilizers is utmost important as they have to be used by farmers and should work well when applied to the soil. It should not form clumps after preparation. In this study, anticaking property provided by tricalcium phosphate (TCP) to individual biofertilizer containing Pseudomonas, Rhizobium and Azospirillum respectively (each separately) was studied.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In our study, we have used serial dilution and direct count method (CFU) for checking viability of live microorganism for 15, 30 and 90 days duration in respective biofertilizers in our laboratory. Different percentage viz 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) was used in addition to aluminium silicate as an inert carrier. 
 
Conclusion: Our study has validated that all percentage (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is reducing clump formation as compared to control with no TCP added. On the basis of plate count method (CFU result) 10% TCP is found to be optimum to be used as an anticaking agent for biofertilizer containing Pseudomonas, Rhizobium and Azospirillum respectively.</div>

<div>Assessment of Shelf Life and Quality of Biofertilizers using Tricalcium Phosphate as an Anticaking Agent and Aluminium Silicate as the Inert Carrier</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Microorganisms are responsible for characteristic changes in the fermented foods. They result in the sequential changes during fermentation of food, resulting in souring, leavening and changes in flavour, body and texture. The present study was aimed to enumerate the natural microflora present in raw ingredients used as well in fresh and fermented idli batter. &nbsp; Methods: Study was conducted during the period 2019-2020 to develop solid state fermented cultures for whey based idli batter at Department of Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Science College, Bangalore. The raw ingredients used for idli preparation were sourced from local market of Bangalore. Lactic counts such as leuconostoc, enterococci, pediococci and lactobacilli, as well as yeast counts were enumerated using different selective media by pour plate method.&nbsp; Result: The leuconostoc count of rice rava, black gram dhal and fresh idli batter on sucrose agar ranged from 2.0 to 3.78 log10 cfu/g; Lactobacilli count on MRS agar varied from 2.0 to 4.11 log10 cfu/g. Yeast count on potato dextrose agar ranged from 1.6 to 2.3 log10 cfu/g. Lactic counts (includes leuconostoc, lactobacillus, pediococci, enterococci) in fresh idli batter ranged from 3.63 log10 cfu/g to 4.77 log10 cfu/g, whereas in fermented idli batter varied from 2.56 log10 cfu/g to 8.74 log10 cfu/g. The yeast counts in fermented batter ranged from 9.23 to 9.56 log10 cfu/g.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Enumeration of Microflora from Ingredients and Idli Batter</div>

Background: In the face of quickly shifting weather patterns, sustainable agricultural production is essential. The Green Revolution in India led to intensive farming which led to loss of soil biota and degradation of organic matter content resulted in lower soil quality. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A four-year study (2016 to 2019) was taken up at Regional Agricultural Research station, Tirupati andhra Pradesh, India by growing 6 leguminous crops such as Pillipesara, Rice bean, Sunhemp, Green gram, Horse gram and Cowpea during summer under rainfed condition as a preceding crop and incorporated before sowing of Kharif groundnut. FYM was also tested as one of the treatments for comparison. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Results revealed that the choice of green manure crop significantly influenced groundnut yields. Growing and incorporating cowpea before Kharif groundnut resulted higher yields (1744 kg/ha) followed by green gram (1699 kg/ha) compared to fallow (1478 kg/ha). Microbial analysis at the end of the experiment revealed that highest fungal population (28.3 x 104 cfu/g) and actinomycet population (24 x 104 cfu/g) was observed in sunhemp followed by cowpea (27 x 104 cfu/g of soil) and (19.7 x 104 cfu/g) compared to fallow (7 x104 cfu/g) and (4.7 x 104 cfu/g). The highest bacterial population (33.3 x 106 cfu/g) was observed with green gram followed by horse gram (26.7 x 106 cfu/g) and cowpea (26.3 x 106 cfu/g). The highest organic carbon content (0.5 per cent) was observed with sunhemp followed by horse gram and cowpea (0.49 per cent) compared to fallow (0.45 per cent). Leguminous crops act as cover crops during summer in maintaining the soil temperature and protecting the soil biota and as green manure crops in enriching the soil during kharif.

Role of Summer Legumes in Sustaining the Rainfed Groundnut Productivity

<div style="text-align: justify;">Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause Listeriosis in humans. The aim of this study is to isolate and enumerate L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species from raw milk and sausage samples collected in East Algeria. A total of 87 food samples were analyzed according to ISO 11290-1 and ISO 11290-2 methods. Of the samples examined, 10.34% were found to be positive for Listeria spp. Three species of Listeria were detected, in which L. innocua was the most commonly recovered species (66.67%) followed by L. seeligeri (22.22%) and L. monocytogenes (11.11%).The count for L. innocua ranged from 1.95 to 3.13 log10 (CFU g-1 or CFU ml-1), against 1.65 to 2.48 log10 (CFU g-1 or CFU ml-1) for L. seeligeri. L. monocytogenes contaminated sausage sample had enumeration results of 1.65 log10 (CFU g-1). The presence of Listeria in milk and sausage samples reflects the no control of hygienic practices.</div>

Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species in raw milk and sausage in East Algeria&nbsp;

Mulches modify hydrothermal regime, recycles plant nutrients, promote crop development and increase yields. The impact of straw mulch and different doses of recommended nitrogen was studied on soil microbial flora, soil physico-chemical properties and plant growth parameters of potato at different time intervals under field conditions. Maximum bacterial population (75&times; 107 cfu g-1 soil), plant growth promoting rhizobacteria count (63&times; 105 cfu g-1 soil) and fungal population (69&times; 103 cfu g-1 soil) were observed with the treatment having rice straw mulch @ 6 tonnes/ha and 100% N-level while diazotrophic count (42&times; 105 cfu g-1 soil) was found with treatment having mulch (6t) but no nitrogen fertilizer at 30 DAS. Mulched soil samples gave statistically higher microbial population. The soil pH and the electrical conductivity of soil were not significantly affected by the different applications. A slight improvement in soil organic content was observed in mulched (0.32%) over unmulched (0.24%) soil samples at 90 DAS. The mineral nitrogen content of soil i.e. ammonical (235.2 kg/ha) and nitrate (156.8 k/ha) nitrogen were greatly affected at 90 DAS by mulching and higher doses of nitrogen fertilization. The altered microbial population helps in improving the various growth parameters of potato plants. Maximum chlorophyll content (1.84 mg/g), maximum dry root-shoot biomass (0.7 g/pl and 5.8 g/pl) and maximum yield (366.8 q/ha) were observed with the treatment having mulch and 100% N-level. It is also concluded that mulch increased the minimum soil temperature by 2-30C and lower down the maximum by 2 to 80C.

Effect of mulching on soil environment, microbial flora&nbsp;and growth of potato under field conditions

<div>Background: Listeria monocytogenes is the only pathogenic bacterium of Listeria that causes disease to humans. The Dairy products, meat and other foods have been proved to be the transmission carriers of Listeria monocytogenes, endangering human health. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a fast, sensitive and specific fluorescent quantitative PCR method for detecting Listeria monocytogenes in milk based on internal reference. 
 
Methods: According to the genome sequence of Listeria monocytogenes published in Genbank, we screened specific target gene Hly gene, designed specific primers and probes, optimized the reaction system and added internal reference (IAC) to the system. This IAC was detected by TaqMan probes labeled with different fluorophore. 25-100 CFU/25 g artificially contaminated sample was added to evaluate the performance of reaction system. 
 
Result: The assay was could be used reliably for detection of Listeria monocytogeneswith a sensitivity of 10-3ng/uL. For the 10-fold dilutions bacteria DNA extracted by cooking water,the lowest detection limit was 4 x 102cfu/mL. But for the plasmid with hly, the lowest detection limit can reach 104 cfu/mL. The standard curve of hly and hly-IAC was established and the quantification was linear between Ct and template copy number (r2=0.999). While the initial sample amount of artificially contaminatedbacteria was 25 CFU/25 g (Fresh milk, milk powder, fermented milk), Listeria monocytogenes could be detected in 14 h. The Hly IAC fluorescent quantitative PCR detection method established in this study,and added internalreference tothe system, can accurately detect Listeria monocytogenesin fresh milk.At the same time, real-time monitoring of the PCR reaction process ensures the reliability of the results, which is suitable for rapid detection of large batches of samples.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</div>

Establishment of a Fluorescence Quantitative PCR Assay in Detection of Listeria monocytogenes based on Internal Reference

<div>Background: The discovery of antibiotics was a great success in control of the pathogenic infections in living beings. In addition, it also played a significant role in upliftment of the meat industry with their use as the growth promoters in the food animals including poultry. However, massive and incorrect use of antibiotics has resulted in the adverse outcome of antibiotic resistance over the years. In order to limit the antibiotic resistance at industry level itself, exploration of the possible alternatives such as probiotics is the need of the hour to replace the antibiotics in poultry industry without compromising the productivity. Hence, the present study was conducted to explore the effects of a novel probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus fermentum NKN51 on the production performance of the broilers with an aim to replace the antibiotics in poultry production.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In the present study, a total of 128 broiler birds were grouped randomly into four treatment groups which were fed basal diet (BD) along with the different levels of L. fermentum NKN51,viz.,T1 (BD+107cfu/gm), T2(BD+106cfu/gm), T3 (BD+105cfu/gm) and T4 or control (BD only) for a period of 28 days so as to observe the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum NKN51 in the starter phase of the broiler birds in terms of growth, immunity, gut health and physiology. 
 
Result: The result revealed that the group of broiler birds supplemented with Lactobacillus fermentum NKN51 at the level of 107cfu/gm of basal feed had significantly better growth performance, cell mediated and humoral immunity, gut health and jejunal histology in terms of villus height, VH:CD ratio and intestinal absorption capacity. Thus, Lactobacillus fermentum NKN51 was found as an ideal probiotic supplement exhibiting better potential in enhancing the efficiency of broiler birds in terms of improved productivity.</div>

<div>Probiotic Attributes of Lactobacillus fermentum NKN51 Isolated from Yak Cottage Cheese and the Impact of Its Feeding on Growth, Immunity, Caecal Microbiology and Jejunal Histology in the Starter Phase of Broiler Birds</div>

<div>Background: Aeromonas hydrophila is considered as a major bacterial pathogen to fish. It&rsquo;s wide host susceptibility has caused huge economic losses in aquaculture. In the present study, the lethal dose (LD50 96 h) of Aeromonas hydrophila, RTMCX1 and its control through oxytetracycline hydrochloride was appraised in fry of golden mahseer, Tor putitora.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: LD50 96 h of A. hydrophila, RTMCX1 in fry of golden mahseer was calculated through Probit model analysis. The total microbial load in muscle tissue of infected fry was estimated using standard microbial technique. The effect of oxytetracycline hydrochloride treatment was assessed at varied concentrations; 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg L-1 in experimentally infected fry at 108 CFU mL-1 of A. hydrophila. 
 
Result: LD50 96 h of A. hydrophila, RTMCX1 in fry of golden mahseer was calculated as 108 CFU mL-1. The total microbial load in muscle tissue of infected fry was ranged from 103-107 CFU mL-1. The post infection by the test bacterium demonstrated 25% of cumulative mortality in golden mahseer fry. The abnormal behaviour of the experimental fry was become normal and feed intake increased (scale 3) within 96 h of successive oxytetracycline hydrochloride bath treatment 1 h every day at 20 to 80 mg L-1. Post 96 h oxytetracycline hydrochloride treatment at 40-80 mg L-1 also demonstrated&nbsp; significant survival percentage (75-80%) in fry as compared to the group treated with&nbsp; 20 mg L-1 and positive control (p&lt;0.05). The present study determined the LD50 of A. hydrophila at 108 CFU mL-1 in golden mahseer fry and its effective control through administration of oxytetracycline hydrochloride bath treatment 1 h at 40 mg L-1 for 4 consecutive days.</div>

Determination of Lethal Dose of Aeromonas hydrophila RTMCX1 and in vitro Efficacy of Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride in Golden Mahseer, Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822)

<div style="text-align: justify;">The main objective of this study is to assess nutritional and hygienic qualities of raw milk collected in situ in dairy cattle farms in the region of Guelma, Algeria. For this purpose, a total of 144 milk samples were collected and analyzed to determine their physicochemical characteristics and bacteriological quality. Results showed an acceptable nutritional quality, with a poor bacteriological quality. The average contamination was 11.69 x 105 CFU ml-1 for total flora, against 23.44 x 105 CFU ml-1 for total Coliforms and 7.34 x 104 CFU ml-1 for fecal Coliforms. In addition, 6% of total samples were positive for Clostridium. For the suspected pathogenic flora, Staphylococcus aureus has been detected in 9 samples; however, all milk samples were devoid of Salmonella. The poor quality of milk reflects the dismal conditions of production and the no-control of hygienic practices.</div>

Nutritional and hygienic quality of raw milk intended for consumption in the region of Guelma, Algeria&nbsp;

<div style="text-align: justify;">Blackgram seeds soaked in the liquid cultures viz., Rhizobium @ 1: 50 dilution for 3 h or phosphobacteria @ 1:50 dilution for 4 h or PPFM @ 1:100 dilution for 3 h have showed the increased germination and vigour. Among the cultures, PPFM performed better with the population of 3 x 104 cfu g-1 of seed during three months storage. Also, increased seed vigour was found in the seed infusion treatment with microbial consortia viz., Rhizobium @1:50 dilution + PPFM @1:100 dilution (1:1) for 3 h with the populations of 3 x 104 and 2 x 104 cfu g-1 of seed respectively. In addition, the seed infusion with PPFM liquid culture @ 1:100 dilution for 3 h followed by polymer coating @ 5 ml kg-1 or carbendazim treatment @ 2 g kg-1 or polymer coating @ 5 ml kg-1 + carbendazim treatment @ 2 g kg-1 of seed have recorded the increased germination and vigour. However, the reduction in bioinoculants population was noticed when the seeds treated with carbendazim fungicide. Nevertheless, the minimum population of 1 x 104 cfu g-1 of seed was recorded in the fungicide treated seeds.&nbsp;</div>

Assessment of Shelf Life and Quality of Biofertilizers using Tricalcium Phosphate as an Anticaking Agent and Aluminium Silicate as the Inert Carrier

Enumeration of Microflora from Ingredients and Idli Batter

Role of Summer Legumes in Sustaining the Rainfed Groundnut Productivity

Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species in raw milk and sausage in East Algeria

Effect of mulching on soil environment, microbial flora and growth of potato under field conditions

Establishment of a Fluorescence Quantitative PCR Assay in Detection of Listeria monocytogenes based on Internal Reference

Probiotic Attributes of Lactobacillus fermentum NKN51 Isolated from Yak Cottage Cheese and the Impact of Its Feeding on Growth, Immunity, Caecal Microbiology and Jejunal Histology in the Starter Phase of Broiler Birds

Determination of Lethal Dose of Aeromonas hydrophila RTMCX1 and in vitro Efficacy of Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride in Golden Mahseer, Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822)

Nutritional and hygienic quality of raw milk intended for consumption in the region of Guelma, Algeria

Seed infusion with liquid microbial consortia for improving germination and vigour in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]