• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.7 s.87
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• pp.983-989
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• 2007

Bacillus lichemiformis Kll, a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium was reported as a producer of auxin, siderophore, as well as antifungal cellulase under some culture conditions. In vitro test, B. licheniformis Kll represented excellent antagonistic ability against Fusarium oxyspoum (KACC 40037), and showed broad spectrum against other phytopathogenic fungi. B. licheniformis Kll had cellulolytic activity toward not only carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) but also insoluble cellulose, such as fungal cell wall cellulose, filter paper (Whatman No. 1), and Avicel. In addition, we confirmed antifungal substance production by butanol-extract methods. The strain produced optimally the antifungal substance when it was cultivated at pH 9.0, 30${\circ}$C for 4 days on nutrient medium. The biological control mechanisms of B. lichemiformis Kll were caused by antifungal substance, cellulase and siderophore against phytopathogenic fungi.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.494-501
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• 2013

Two phosphate solubilizing Pantoea strains (P. agglomerans and P. rodasii) were employed in elucidating their phosphate solubilizing potential under different carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, temperature and salt conditions. Plant growth promoting characteristics such as ACC deaminase activity, indole acetic acid (IAA), HCN, ammonia, and siderophore production of the two strains were assessed in vitro. Potential applicability of the strains as bio-inoculants was also evaluated in pot experiments conducted under green house conditions. Phosphate solubilization measured as the amount of phosphorous released into the medium was recorded as 810 and $788{\mu}g\;ml^{-1}$ respectively by P. agglomerans and P. rodasii. Glucose at the rate of 2% was found be the best carbon source, while $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ was the best nitrogen source for both strains. Despite a slight decrease in phosphate solubilization observed at higher temperature, pH and salt concentrations, both strains could withstand against a range of temperature ($30-35^{\circ}C$), pH (7-9) and the presence of NaCl (up to 5%) without much compromising the phosphate solubilization. Different plant growth promoting traits (ACC deaminase activity, IAA, HCN, ammonia, and siderophore production) of the strains and their ability to promote the growth of green gram seedlings indicate that both strains possess high potential to be used as bio-inoculants.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.208-217
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• 2018

In this study, samples were collected from the leaves and stems of healthy wild Pistachio trees (Pistacia atlantica L.) from various locations of Baneh and Marivan regions, Iran. In total, 61 endophytic bacteria were isolated and grouped according to phenotypic properties. Ten selected isolates from each group were further identified by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Based on the results, isolates were identified as bacteria belonging to Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Pantoea and Serratia genus. The ability of these isolates was evaluated to phytohormone production such as auxin and gibberellin, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, atmospheric nitrogen fixation, protease and hydrogen cyanide production. All strains were able to produce the plant growth hormone auxin and gibberellin in different amounts. The majority of strains were able to solubilize phosphate. The results of atmospheric nitrogen fixation ability, protease and siderophore production were varied among strains. Only Ba66 could produce a low amount of hydrogen cyanide. The results of biocontrol assay showed that Pb78 and Sp15 strains had the highest and lowest inhibition effects on bacterial plant pathogens, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae Pss20 and Pseudomonas tolaasii Pt18 under in vitro condition. Pb3, Pb24 and Pb71 strains significantly promote root formation on carrot slices. To our knowledge this is the first report of the isolation of endophytic bacterial strains belonging to Pantoea, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia and Stenotrophomonas genus from wild pistachio trees with plant growth promoting potential and biocontrol activity.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.453-461
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• 2016

Background: This study aims to describe the characterization of Paenibacillus polymyxa GBR-1 (GBR-1) with respect to its positive and negative effects on plants. Methods: The morphological characteristics of GBR-1 were identified with microscopy, and subjected to Biolog analysis for identification. Bacterial population and media optimization were determined by a growth curve. The potential for GBR-1 as a growth promoting agent, to have antagonistic activity, and to have hydrolytic activity at different temperatures was assessed. The coinoculation of GBR-1 with other microorganisms and its pathogenicity on various stored plants, including ginseng, were assessed. Results: Colony morphology, endospore-bearing cells, and cell division of GBR-1 were identified by microscopy; identification was performed by utilizing the Biolog system, gas chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters (GC-FAME). GBR-1 showed the strongest antagonistic activity against fungal and bacterial pathogens. GBR-1 cell numbers were relatively higher when the cells were cultured in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium when compared with other media. Furthermore, the starch-hydrolytic activity was influenced by GBR-1 at higher temperature compared to low temperatures. GBR-1 was pathogenic to some of the storage plants. Coinoculation of GBR-1 with other pathogens causes differences in rotting on ginseng roots. A significant growth promotion was observed in tobacco seedlings treated with GBR-1 suspensions under in vitro conditions, suggesting that its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) might play a role in growth promotion. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that GBR-1 has both positive and negative effects on ginseng root and other stored plants as a potential biocontrol agent and eliciting in vitro growth promotion.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.95-101
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• 2013

In this study, plant samples of five species were collected from the Dokdo islands in South Korea. Plant samples such as Asparagus schoberioides, Corydalis platycarpa, Festuca rubra, Sedum oryzifolium, and Setaria viridis were collected from the Dongdo and Seodo. Endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the roots of five plants from the Dokdo islands. Thirty-three fungal strains were isolated from these native plants. All the endophytic fungi were analyzed by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing (ITS containing ITS1, 5.8s, and the ITS2 region). Waito-c rice seedlings were treated with fungal culture filtrates to test their plant growth-promoting activity. A bioassay of the D-So-1-1 fungal strain isolated from S. oryzifolium confirmed that it has the highest plant growth-promoting activity. All the endophytic fungi belong to four orders: Eurotiales (86%), Capnodiales (3%), Hypocreales (4%), and Incertae sedis (7%). The endophytic fungi were classified as Ascomycota, which contained Aspergillus (12%), Cladosporium (3%), Eurotium (3%), Fusarium (18%), Microsphaeropsis (6%), and Penicillium (58%) at the genus level.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.32-39
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• 2016

Coastal plant species Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze native to the Dokdo islands was sampled and then 17 endophytic fungi were purely isolated based on morphological differences. The fungal isolates were characterized by their growth properties under NaCl concentration or pH gradient. Culture filtrates of the 17 fungal isolates were treated to Waito-c rice (WR) seedlings for verifying plant growth-promoting activity. As the results, YH103 strain showed the highest plant growth-promoting activity among them. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates was done by the maximum likelihood method based on partial internal transcribed spacer region (ITS region: contaning ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2), beta-tubulin (BenA), and calmodulin (CaM) gene sequences. Chromatographic analysis of the strain YH103 culture filtrate showed the existence of gibberellins ($GA_4$, $GA_7$, $GA_8$, and $GA_{19}$). Finally, the strain YH103 was identified as Aspergillus tubingensis by microscopic observation and molecular analysis and, to our knowledge, this is the first report of GAs producing A. tubingensis.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.261-267
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• 2012

Coastal sand dunes are important for ecosystems due to the variety of rare species that can be found in this kind of habitat, and the beautiful landscapes they create. For environmental remediation, a potential strategy is phytoremediation using the symbiotic relationship of plants and microbes in the rhizosphere, which has proven ecologically sound, safe, and cost effective. Ninety-five colonies were isolated from the rhizosphere soil (RS) or rhizoplane (RP) of Rorippa islandica, Rumex crispus, Artemisia princeps var. orientalis, Lilium sp Stellaria media, and Gramineae. These colonies were then tested for plant growth promoting activities (PGPAs) such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity, and siderphores synthesis ability. In addition, salt tolerance was evaluated at 4% and 8% salt concentrations. It was observed that amongst the test subjects about 50% of the strains had a high resistance to salinity. Many of them could produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) IAA (in RS 13.9% and in RP 7.6%), exhibited ACC deaminase activity (55.8% in RS and 36.6% in RP), and could synthesize siderphores (62.7% in RS and 50% in RP). Correlation coefficient analyses were carried out for the three kinds of plant growth promoting abilities (PGPA) and salt tolerance. A positive correlation was found between an ability to synthesize siderphores and ACC deaminase activity (r=0.605, p<0.037). Similarly, positive correlations were noted between salt tolerance and ACC deaminase activity (r=0.762, p<0.004, r=0.771), and salt tolerance and an ability to synthesize siderphores (r=0.771, p<0.003).

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2016

Hair is a dermal adjunctive organ that protects the body from external physical and chemical stimuli; hair undergoes anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, with hair-loss occurring during the telogen phase. Alopecia is a condition wherein a person undergoes hair-loss far exceeding the normal amount, owing to diverse external factors. Wild beans are rich in isoflavone and amino acids known to prevent hair-loss; compared to cultivated beans, many wild bean species have higher protein content. This study aimed to develop a hair growth promoting solution, with superior hair growth promoting effects and fewer side effects, using naturally obtained Glycine soja Siebold et Zucc (GSSZ) extracts. Seven-week-old C57BL/6N male mice were classified into different experimental groups. Hair growth was observed in GSSZ-treated mice, and compared against that seen in 3 % minoxidil (MXD, positive control)-treated mice. Visual observations revealed a greater reduction in hair-loss in MXD and GSSZ application groups, compared to that in TXN group (hair loss induction using 1 % testosterone). Evaluation using an image analysis software revealed that compared to the positive control, TXN + GSSZ group showed the highest hair growth. TXN + MXD and control groups exhibited similar follicular cell growth, while the hair growth promotion patterns were similar in the negative control (normal), TXN + GSSZ, and TXN groups, as observed via histological analysis. GSSZ did not induce cytotoxicity (even at 2 mg/mL) in keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells; alternately, dermal papilla cell proliferation was activated in a (GSSZ) concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, the GSSZ extract promoted hair growth and increased hair growth-related cell activity, and could therefore be utilized in alopecia treatment.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.78-82
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• 2006

Since there could be more and rather various diazotrophs in rhizosphere of wild crops than those in rhizosphere of cultivars, some wild gramineous crops grown in Korea were collected for isolating nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Six diazotrophs were purified from their roots using nitrogen-free media. The isolated bacteria were partially identified as 4 genera by 16S rDNA sequence analysis: Stenotrophomonas sp., Bosea sp., Klebsiella sp., and Azorhizobium sp. By PCR amplification and sequence analysis, DNA fragments extracted from all isolates turned out to have an individual nifH homologous gene. Five isolates (KNUC163, KNUC165, KNUC169, KNUC170, and KNUC171) showed auxin activity and four isolates (KNUC163, KNUC166, KNUC170, and KNUC171) produced siderophores. Especially,3 strains of S. maltophilia showed both auxin and siderophore activities. In conclusion, the isolated nitrogen-fixing bacteria might have capabilities for plant growth promotion.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.251-258
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• 2016

A rhizobacterium LPN-2, which showed strong antifungal activity and auxin producing ability, was isolated from a farmland in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Based on analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence, strain LPN-2 was identified as a novel strain of Burkholderia and was designated as Burkholderia sp. LPN-2. In vitro experiments showed that the isolated stain LPN-2 significantly produced auxin within 48 hr incubation. In order to check for PGPR function we performed in vivo growth promoting test in different crops, including mung bean, pea and cabbage. Application of Burkholderia sp. LPN-2 showed dramatic growth promoting effect on all the tested plants. We also confirmed siderophore and cellulase productions by Burkholderia sp. LPN-2 using CAS blue agar and CMC plate test. Further treatment with LPN-2 and the crude culture broth was effective in suppressing anthracnose in vitro test and also reduced incidence and severity of anthracnose in apple and pepper. Taken together, we conclude that Burkholderia sp. LPN-2 might be used as organic fertilizer for effective crop production in organic farming.