Bacillus amyloliquenaciense FZB42 ist ein bekanntes Pflanzenwachstum-stimulierendes Rhizobakterium. Es produziert neben einer Vielzahl an Sekundärmetaboliten mit antibakterieller und antifungaler Wirkung, auch das Pflanzenhormon IAA. Obwohl viele dieser Mechanismen diskutiert werden, ist wenig darüber bekannt, auf welche Weise die Bakterien das Pflanzenwachstum fördern. In dieser Arbeit wurde eine Transposonmutagenese mithilfe des ‘mariner-transposons’ durchgeführt, und so eine Transposonbibliothek erstellt. Diese wurde dann auf geeignete Phänotypen untersucht, um die Gene zu finden, welche bestimmte Phänotypen verursachen. So konnten drei Mutanten erzeugt werden, die auf Grund der gestörten Biofilmbildung und der Fähigkeit zu schwärmen die Pflanzenwurzeln nicht mehr kolonialisieren konnten. Eine solche degU-Mutante, welche in der Biofilmbildung und ‚Swarming’ defizitär war und zwei Mutanten (yusV und pabB), die eine Beeinträchtigung in der Biofilmbildung aufwiesen, konnten durch Komplementation und Retransformation bestätigt werden. Mithilfe des Lemna-Biosystems und anderer Analysen mit A. thaliana konnten drei Gene bei B. amyloliqufaciens FZB42 gefunden werden, die wichtig für die Förderung des Pflanzenwachstums sind. Koloniesierungsexperimente der Wurzeln von A. thaliana mit diesen Mutanten zeigten deutlich verändertes Wachstum, verglichen mit dem Wildtypstamm. Ein weiteres Ziel dieser Arbeit war es neue Antibiotika in Mutanten, die in ihren nicht-ribosomalen Synthesen blockiert sind, zu finden. So konnten durch die Untersuchungen der Transposonbibliothek der Mutanten zwei neue Antibiotika entdeckt werden. Genauere Analysen dieser Antibiotika bestätigten, dass es sich um ein neues Bacteriocin (Amylocyclicin A) und ein neues Thiazol/Oxazole-modifiziertes Microcin (Plantazolicin) handelt. Die abschließenden Arbeiten beschäftigten sich dann mit Untersuchungen von Genen, welche für die Produktion von Substanzen gegen Nematoden verantwortlich sind. Hierbei konnten vier Mutanten gefunden werden, die durch eine Transposoninsertion eine schlechtere. / Bacillus amyloliqufaciens FZB42 has been known as PGPR which has an impressive effect to improve plant growth. It produces not only vast array of secondary metabolites with antibacterial and antifungal activities, but also produces the plant hormone IAA. Although many mechanisms have been elucidated, our knowledge about basic molecular mechanisms responsible for its beneficial action is far from complete. In this study, transposon mutagenesis based on mariner tranposon was applied to generate tranposon library which then was screened to identify the genes involved in plant growth-promoting activity. Three mutants that were impaired in their ability to colonize plant surface due to defects in biofilm formation and swarming motility were found. One mutant (degU mutant) showed defect in biofilm formation and swarming motility, as well, two mutants (yusV mutant and pabB mutant) impaired in biofilm formation were confirmed by complementation and retransformation. Screening by the Lemna biosystem and further assays with A. thaliana revealed three genes responsible for reduction in plant growth promoting activity of B. amyloliqufaciens FZB42. Colonization studies of these mutants in A. thaliana roots revealed patterns different to the wild type. A further issue pursued in this study was to discover new antibiotics using a mutant which has been blocked in its nonribosomally pathway. Screening of tranposon librabries from this mutant led to the finding of two novel ribosomally synthesized antibiotics. Further characterization revealed that these new antibiotics belonged to a novel bacteriocin (Amylocyclicin A) and a novel thiazole/oxazole-modified microcin (Plantazolicin). Last work in this study was looking for genes responsible for nematocidal production. Four mutants which showed reduction in nematocidal activity due to transposon insertion were found.

As culturas da soja e milho são de grande importância econômica mundial e também para o Brasil, onde a área cultivada com essas duas culturas está estimada em 45.855.900 mil hectares, distribuídas em todos estados produtores conforme suas características. A estimativa da safra mundial de soja em 2015/16 apresentou uma redução na produção global da oleaginosa para 319,0 milhões de ton, volume 1,1 milhão de ton inferior ao levantamento de dezembro de 2015. Ainda assim, trata-se de um volume recorde. Para o milho, a produção global foi de 967,9 milhões de ton, com uma redução no volume de 5,9 milhões de ton em relação ao levantamento realizado em dezembro de 2015. Nessas duas culturas são comumente utilizadas bactérias fixadoras de nitrogênio (BFN), reduzindo ou até mesmo, eliminando a aplicação de adubos nitrogenados. Estudos apontam que a simbiose entre BFN e as culturas soja e milho pode ser otimizada mediante a coinoculação com rizobatérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (RPCP). Apesar de promissora, o estudo da utilização de BFN em associação com RPCPs é incipiente no Brasil. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo monitorar, a partir da marcação bacteriana, a interação entre a linhagem de Burkholderia ambifaria (RZ2MS16), uma rizobactéria proveniente do guaranazeiro e previamente descrita como promotora de crescimento em soja e milho e linhagens das espécies Bradyrhizobium japonicum (SEMIA5079), Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens (SEMIA5080) e Azospirillum brasilense (Ab-v5 e Ab-v6) que são comercialmente utilizadas como bioinoculantes nessas culturas respectivamente. Os efeitos sinergisticos da interação entre RZ2MS16 e bioinoculantes comercias foram avaliados em experimento de casa de vegetação. Também foi avaliado o efeito da coinoculação de bioinculantes com outra rizobactéria proveniente do guaranazeiro, Bacillus sp. (RZ2MS9). As linhagens foram inoculadas separadamente e coinoculadas, sendo melhores resultados observados com a coinoculação das linhagens. As linhagens marcadas com genes de fluorescência selecionadas para estudo de interação foram RZ2MS16, Ab-v5 e SEMIA5080, sendo essa interação observada por microscopia de fluorescência, com também pelo reisolamento das linhagens marcadas. As linhagens RZ2MS16:pNKGFP e Ab-v5: pWM1013 e SEMIA5080:pWM1013 colonizaram todos os nichos avaliados em milho e soja, respectivamente, sendo também caracterizadas como endofíticos. Assim se observa que estudos desta natureza são de grande importância para um melhor entendimento da interação entre bactéria planta e o efeito da coinoculação no melhor desenvolvimento de plantas comercialmente utilizadas. / The soybean and corn are of great global economic importance and also to Brazil, where the area cultivated with these two crops is estimated at 45.8559 billion hectares, distributed in all producing states according to their characteristics. The estimate of the global soybean crop in 2015/16 showed a reduction in global production of oilseeds to 319.0 million tons, volume 1.1 million tons lower than the survey of December 2015. Still, it is a record volume. For corn, the total production was 967.9 million tons, with a reduction in volume of 5.9 million tons compared to the survey conducted in December 2015. In these two crops are nitrogen fixing bacteria commonly used (BFN), reducing or even eliminating the application of nitrogenous fertilizers. Studies show that the symbiosis between BFN and cultures soy and corn can be optimized by coinoculation with rhizobacteria promoting plant growth (PGPR). Although promising, the study of the use of BFN in association with RPCPs is incipient in Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to monitor, from the bacterial marking the interaction between the strain of Burkholderia ambifaria (RZ2MS16) a rhizobacteria from the guarana and previously described as a growth promoter in soybean and corn and strains of the species Bradyrhizobium japonicum (SEMIA5079), Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens (SEMIA5080) and Azospirillum brasilense (Ab-v5 and v6-Ab) that are commercially used as inoculant these cultures respectively. The synergistic effects of the interaction between RZ2MS16 and commercial inoculant were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. It was also evaluated the effect of coinoculation of inoculant with other rhizobacteria from the guarana, Bacillus sp. (RZ2MS9). The strains were inoculated separately and coinoculated, with best results seen with coinoculation lineages. The lines marked with fluorescence genes selected for study interactions were RZ2MS16, Ab-v5 and SEMIA5080, this interaction being observed by fluorescence microscopy with also by reisolation of the marked strains. Strains RZ2MS16: pNKGFP and Ab-v5: pWM1013 and SEMIA5080: pWM1013 colonizing all niches evaluated in corn and soybeans, respectively, also being characterized as endophytes. Thus it is observed that such studies are of great importance for a better understanding of the interaction between plant and bacteria coinoculation the effect of the improved development of plants used commercially.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:36:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Andre_Gustavo_Battistus.pdf: 1616847 bytes, checksum: 70a506c626b68378edefb97e8b5fdfe4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The maize is a cereal with high economic importance due to its magnitude forms of use. Increasing productivity levels, promoting substances plant development are highlighted role in contemporary agriculture, arising from biological or chemical origin. However, the lack of results regarding the joint use of these promoters leads to the need for information on their simultaneous use. In this context, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of joint use of thiamethoxam combined with seed inoculation and foliar spray Azospirillum brasilense on physiological quality of corn seeds and its agronomic performance in two environments in the growing field. Initially, we tested bacterial growth in culture medium containing increasing concentrations of thiamethoxam. It was also evaluated the initial development and physiological quality of seedlings by morphometric measurements, emergency speed index and SPAD index through factorial 2 x 3 with seed inoculation with A. brasilense (100 mL per 25 kg seeds) thiamethoxam and three doses (0, 28 and 42 mg per 60,000 seeds). In the field, factorial 2 x 4 was composed by the presence and absence of chemical seed treatment with bioactivator of thiamethoxam plants (28 mg per 60,000 seeds), while the second factor comprised seeds without inoculation; seed inoculation with A. brasilense (100 mL per 60,000 seeds), foliar spray inoculant base A. brasilense (300 mL ha-1) and associated with the seed inoculated with A. brasilense foliar spray, tested in high ambient and applying average production technology. The treatments were evaluated by morphometric analysis, nutrient content in plant tissues, components production and crop yield. The bacterial population showed a linear decrease with increasing doses of thiamethoxam. The dose of 42 mg of thiamethoxam caused reduction in emergence speed, SPAD index, shoot length and root, root volume, root/shoot and dry matter of shoots, while inoculation showed activity positive physiological quality of seedlings. Thus, combined with inoculation dose of 28 mg thiamethoxam demonstrates synergistic effect in the early development of maize seedlings. In the field, thiamethoxam, as well as seed inoculation + foliar spray promote increase in plant length, stem diameter, leaf and mass accumulation area throughout the plant cycle in both environments. Reduction in moisture content, impurities and discounts of grain mass, as well as increases in leaf phosphorus levels are the result of inoculation, yet without deterioration in corn yields. Thiamethoxam also reduced the moisture of the grain mass. Productivity was increased by the presence of thiamethoxam on average productive technology environment / O milho é um cereal de elevada importância econômica devido à sua magnitude de formas de utilização. Incrementando os níveis de produtividade, substâncias promotoras de desenvolvimento vegetal ganham papel de destaque na agricultura contemporânea, advindas de origem biológica ou química. Contudo, a escassez de resultados a respeito da utilização conjunta desses promotores leva à necessidade de informações sobre sua utilização simultânea. Neste contexto, esta obra buscou avaliar os efeitos da utilização conjunta de tiametoxam aliado à inoculação via semente e pulverização foliar de Azospirillum brasilense na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho e seu desempenho agronômico em dois ambientes de investimento em cultivo a campo. Inicialmente, testou-se o crescimento bacteriano em meio de cultura contendo concentrações crescentes de tiametoxam. Avaliou-se também o desenvolvimento inicial e qualidade fisiológica de plântulas por medidas morfométricas, índice de velocidade de emergência e índice SPAD, por meio de arranjo fatorial 2 x 3, com inoculação de sementes com A. brasilense (100 mL por cada 25 kg de sementes) e três doses de tiametoxam (0, 28 e 42 mg por 60.000 sementes). À campo, esquema fatorial 2 x 4 foi composto pela presença e ausência de tratamento químico de sementes com o bioativador de plantas tiametoxam (28 mg por 60.000 sementes), enquanto o segundo fator englobou sementes sem inoculação; inoculação de sementes com A. brasilense (100 mL por 60.000 sementes), pulverização foliar de inoculante a base de A. brasilense (300 mL ha-1) e inoculação de sementes associado à pulverização foliar com A. brasilense, testados em ambientes de alta e média aplicação de tecnologia de produção. Os tratamentos foram avaliados por análises morfométricas, teor de nutrientes nos tecidos vegetais, componentes da produção e produtividade da cultura. A população bacteriana mostrou redução linear de acordo com o aumento das doses de tiametoxam. A dose de 42 mg de tiametoxam causou redução na velocidade de emergência, índice SPAD, comprimento de parte aérea e de raiz, volume de raiz, relação raiz/parte aérea e massa da matéria seca de parte aérea, enquanto que, a inoculação evidenciou atividade positiva na qualidade fisiológica das plântulas. Deste modo, a inoculação combinada com dose de 28 mg de tiametoxam demonstra efeito sinérgico no início do desenvolvimento de plântulas de milho. À campo, o tiametoxam, assim como a inoculação via semente + pulverização foliar, promoveram incrementos no comprimento das plantas, diâmetro de colmo, acúmulo de massa e área foliar ao longo do ciclo vegetal em ambos os ambientes. Redução no teor de umidade, impurezas e descontos da massa de grãos, assim como incrementos nos níveis foliares de fósforo são resultados da inoculação, contudo sem apresentar alterações na produtividade do milho. Tiametoxam também reduziu a umidade da massa de grãos. A produtividade foi incrementada pela presença do tiametoxam em ambiente de média tecnologia produtiva

As culturas da soja e milho são de grande importância econômica mundial e também para o Brasil, onde a área cultivada com essas duas culturas está estimada em 45.855.900 mil hectares, distribuídas em todos estados produtores conforme suas características. A estimativa da safra mundial de soja em 2015/16 apresentou uma redução na produção global da oleaginosa para 319,0 milhões de ton, volume 1,1 milhão de ton inferior ao levantamento de dezembro de 2015. Ainda assim, trata-se de um volume recorde. Para o milho, a produção global foi de 967,9 milhões de ton, com uma redução no volume de 5,9 milhões de ton em relação ao levantamento realizado em dezembro de 2015. Nessas duas culturas são comumente utilizadas bactérias fixadoras de nitrogênio (BFN), reduzindo ou até mesmo, eliminando a aplicação de adubos nitrogenados. Estudos apontam que a simbiose entre BFN e as culturas soja e milho pode ser otimizada mediante a coinoculação com rizobatérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (RPCP). Apesar de promissora, o estudo da utilização de BFN em associação com RPCPs é incipiente no Brasil. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo monitorar, a partir da marcação bacteriana, a interação entre a linhagem de Burkholderia ambifaria (RZ2MS16), uma rizobactéria proveniente do guaranazeiro e previamente descrita como promotora de crescimento em soja e milho e linhagens das espécies Bradyrhizobium japonicum (SEMIA5079), Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens (SEMIA5080) e Azospirillum brasilense (Ab-v5 e Ab-v6) que são comercialmente utilizadas como bioinoculantes nessas culturas respectivamente. Os efeitos sinergisticos da interação entre RZ2MS16 e bioinoculantes comercias foram avaliados em experimento de casa de vegetação. Também foi avaliado o efeito da coinoculação de bioinculantes com outra rizobactéria proveniente do guaranazeiro, Bacillus sp. (RZ2MS9). As linhagens foram inoculadas separadamente e coinoculadas, sendo melhores resultados observados com a coinoculação das linhagens. As linhagens marcadas com genes de fluorescência selecionadas para estudo de interação foram RZ2MS16, Ab-v5 e SEMIA5080, sendo essa interação observada por microscopia de fluorescência, com também pelo reisolamento das linhagens marcadas. As linhagens RZ2MS16:pNKGFP e Ab-v5: pWM1013 e SEMIA5080:pWM1013 colonizaram todos os nichos avaliados em milho e soja, respectivamente, sendo também caracterizadas como endofíticos. Assim se observa que estudos desta natureza são de grande importância para um melhor entendimento da interação entre bactéria planta e o efeito da coinoculação no melhor desenvolvimento de plantas comercialmente utilizadas. / The soybean and corn are of great global economic importance and also to Brazil, where the area cultivated with these two crops is estimated at 45.8559 billion hectares, distributed in all producing states according to their characteristics. The estimate of the global soybean crop in 2015/16 showed a reduction in global production of oilseeds to 319.0 million tons, volume 1.1 million tons lower than the survey of December 2015. Still, it is a record volume. For corn, the total production was 967.9 million tons, with a reduction in volume of 5.9 million tons compared to the survey conducted in December 2015. In these two crops are nitrogen fixing bacteria commonly used (BFN), reducing or even eliminating the application of nitrogenous fertilizers. Studies show that the symbiosis between BFN and cultures soy and corn can be optimized by coinoculation with rhizobacteria promoting plant growth (PGPR). Although promising, the study of the use of BFN in association with RPCPs is incipient in Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to monitor, from the bacterial marking the interaction between the strain of Burkholderia ambifaria (RZ2MS16) a rhizobacteria from the guarana and previously described as a growth promoter in soybean and corn and strains of the species Bradyrhizobium japonicum (SEMIA5079), Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens (SEMIA5080) and Azospirillum brasilense (Ab-v5 and v6-Ab) that are commercially used as inoculant these cultures respectively. The synergistic effects of the interaction between RZ2MS16 and commercial inoculant were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. It was also evaluated the effect of coinoculation of inoculant with other rhizobacteria from the guarana, Bacillus sp. (RZ2MS9). The strains were inoculated separately and coinoculated, with best results seen with coinoculation lineages. The lines marked with fluorescence genes selected for study interactions were RZ2MS16, Ab-v5 and SEMIA5080, this interaction being observed by fluorescence microscopy with also by reisolation of the marked strains. Strains RZ2MS16: pNKGFP and Ab-v5: pWM1013 and SEMIA5080: pWM1013 colonizing all niches evaluated in corn and soybeans, respectively, also being characterized as endophytes. Thus it is observed that such studies are of great importance for a better understanding of the interaction between plant and bacteria coinoculation the effect of the improved development of plants used commercially.

African leafy vegetables have been shown and suggested to have potential to contribute to human diets and alleviate malnutrition; however, their levels of utilisation are currently low especially in South Africa. This is because there is limited access to these crops due to low availability in the market. Limited access is attributed, in part, to the lack of commercialisation as a result of limited agronomic information describing optimum management options for these leafy vegetables. Availability of such information would contribute to successful commercialisation of these crops. The primary objective of this study was to establish optimum agronomic management factors for Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus olitorius, Vigna unguiculata and Brassica juncea for irrigated commercial production in South Africa. Seeds of Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus olitorius were obtained from the Agricultural Research Council seed bank; Vigna unguiculata were obtained from Hydrotech and Brassica juncea seeds were obtained from Stark Ayres. The project consisted of three field studies whose overall objective was to evaluate growth and yield responses of the selected African leafy vegetables to agronomic factors under irrigated commercial production. These field studies comprised of two single factors; summer trials (planting density and nitrogen on three selected crops) and a combined winter trial (nitrogen, irrigation, plant density and planting date on a winter crop). Chapter three (3) investigated the effect of plant density on growth, physiology and yield responses of Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus olitorius and Vigna unguiculata to three plant densities under drip irrigated commercial production. The plant density levels of 100 000, 66 666 and 50 000 plants/ha were used in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 summer seasons. Parameters measured included chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), stomatal conductance (SC), leaf number, leaf area index (LAI) and biomass. Amaranthus cruentus and Corchorus olitorius showed better leaf quality at lower plant density of 50 000 plants ha-1 than at 66 666 plants ha-1 and 100 000 plants ha-1. These results are based on bigger leaves expressed as leaf area index (LAI), better colour expressed as chlorophyll (CCI) and higher biomass per plant observed in these crops at 50 000 plants ha-1 in comparison to 66 666 plants ha-1 and 100 000 plants ha-1. In Vigna unguiculata there were no responses observed in LAI and CCI. In Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus olitorius and Vigna unguiculata fresh and dry mass yield of leaves were higher at 100 000 plants ha-1 compared to other treatments. In A. cruentus and C. olitorius, higher leaf quality parameters (CCI, plant height, leaf number, biomass per plant and LAI) indicated that these crops can perform better at lower densities of 50 000 than at 66 666 plants ha-1 and 100 000 plants ha-1 Therefore, using 50 000 plants ha- 1 is suitable for commercial production of A. cruentus and C. olitorius. In Vigna unguiculata, a plant density of 100 000 plants ha-1 produced the highest fresh and dry mass per unit area without compromising quality in terms of the leaf size (LAI) and colour (CCI). Therefore 100 000 plants ha-1 is a density recommended for commercial production in V. unguiculata.Chapter four (4) was conducted to investigate growth, physiology and yield responses of A. cruentus, C. olitorius and V unguiculata to nitrogen application under drip irrigated commercial production. Three nitrogen treatments levels were used viz. 0, 44 and 88 kg N ha- 1 in 2011/12 season and four nitrogen treatments levels viz. 0, 50, 100 and 125 kg N ha-1 were used in 2012/13 summer season. The nitrogen levels selected for each season were based on recommendations for Amaranthaceae species, Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.var cicla) derived from soil analysis of the trial (field) site. Parameters measured included chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), stomatal conductance (SC), leaf number, leaf area index (LAI) and biomass. Results showed that application of nitrogen at 44 kg N ha- 1 in 2011/12 summer season and 100 kg N ha-1 in 2012/13 summer season improved LAI, CCI, biomass per plants and yield in A. cruentus. A similar trend was observed in C. olitorius except that 44 kg N ha-1 improved stem fresh yield. Further increase in nitrogen fertiliser above 44 kg N ha-1 during the 2011/12 season and above 100 kg N ha-1 in 2012/13 summer season reduced leaf quality and yield in both crops. In V. unguiculata, nitrogen application showed a slight increase in yield values from 0 to 44 kg N ha-1 followed by decrease at 88 kg N ha-1 in 2011/12 summer season; however, this increase in yield was not significant. During the 2012/13 summer season, yield in terms of fresh weight was significantly (P<.001) reduced by applying nitrogen at various levels. However, leaf dry matter content increased significantly (P<.001) with increase in nitrogen from 0 kg up to 100 kg N ha-1, then remained unchanged at 125 kg N ha-1. Therefore, the current study recommends that C. olitorius and A. cruentus could be commercialised at 44 kg N ha-1 and 100 kg N ha-1 which were lower nitrogen application rates than those recommended for Amaranthaceae species. In V. unguiculata, 50 kg N ha-1 improved leaf number; however, this did not translate to any fresh yield advantage, implying that the optimum rate for nitrogen application might be lower than 50 kg N ha-1. Therefore, nitrogen rates less than the ones used in the current study are recommended for V. unguiculata. Chapter five (5) was conducted in winter and it was necessitated by observations made primarily in the previous studies which focused on the effects of single factors such as plant density, planting date and nitrogen deficits. Therefore, there was a need to address interactions between irrigation, nitrogen, spacing and planting date. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth, physiology and yield responses of Brassica juncea to different agronomic and management factors in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The treatments were as follows: two planting dates in main plot (1 June and 18 July, 2012); two irrigation frequency in sub main plot (once and three times a week); three nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 kg N ha-1) and three plant densities (133 333, 80 000, 50 000 plants ha-1) as subplots. Parameters measured included chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), stomatal conductance (SC), leaf number, leaf area index (LAI) and biomass. Results from this study showed a significant interaction effect on plant height, LAI, CCI and CF. Crops irrigated thrice or once a week with 50 kg N ha-1 combined with 50 000 plants ha-1 produced tall plants and bigger leaves (LAI) in the early planting date (1 June) compared to other combinations. Irrigating three times a week combined with nitrogen application at 100 or 50 kg N ha-1 improved CF for late planting date (18 July) in comparison to other combinations. Irrigating once a week combined with nitrogen application at 100 kg N ha-1 increased CCI. There was no significant interaction effect on yield. Application of nitrogen at 50 and 100 kg N ha-1 significantly (P>0.05) increased yield in early and late planting dates compared to the control (0 kg N ha-1), in 2012 and 2013 winter season. Irrigating three times a week led to a significant (P<0.05) increase in yield in the late planting date (18th July) and early planting date (1st June) in 2013 season. Higher plant density of 133 333 plants ha-1 resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher yield in terms of fresh mass and leaf number in the late planting date 18 July in 2012 and 2013 seasons. However, leaf quality parameters such as leaf size and colour was compromised at 133 333 plants ha-1 relative to 50 000 plants ha-1. Therefore, farmers are recommended to plant early, apply 50 kg N ha-1, irrigate thrice a week and utilise a spacing of 50 000 plants ha-1. The current study indicates that growth and yield of traditional leaf vegetables can be optimised through improved agronomic practise. / Agriculture and Life Sciences / D. Litt. et. Phil. (Agriculture)

African leafy vegetables have been shown and suggested to have potential to contribute to human diets and alleviate malnutrition; however, their levels of utilisation are currently low especially in South Africa. This is because there is limited access to these crops due to low availability in the market. Limited access is attributed, in part, to the lack of commercialisation as a result of limited agronomic information describing optimum management options for these leafy vegetables. Availability of such information would contribute to successful commercialisation of these crops. The primary objective of this study was to establish optimum agronomic management factors for Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus olitorius, Vigna unguiculata and Brassica juncea for irrigated commercial production in South Africa. Seeds of Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus olitorius were obtained from the Agricultural Research Council seed bank; Vigna unguiculata were obtained from Hydrotech and Brassica juncea seeds were obtained from Stark Ayres. The project consisted of three field studies whose overall objective was to evaluate growth and yield responses of the selected African leafy vegetables to agronomic factors under irrigated commercial production. These field studies comprised of two single factors; summer trials (planting density and nitrogen on three selected crops) and a combined winter trial (nitrogen, irrigation, plant density and planting date on a winter crop). Chapter three (3) investigated the effect of plant density on growth, physiology and yield responses of Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus olitorius and Vigna unguiculata to three plant densities under drip irrigated commercial production. The plant density levels of 100 000, 66 666 and 50 000 plants/ha were used in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 summer seasons. Parameters measured included chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), stomatal conductance (SC), leaf number, leaf area index (LAI) and biomass. Amaranthus cruentus and Corchorus olitorius showed better leaf quality at lower plant density of 50 000 plants ha-1 than at 66 666 plants ha-1 and 100 000 plants ha-1. These results are based on bigger leaves expressed as leaf area index (LAI), better colour expressed as chlorophyll (CCI) and higher biomass per plant observed in these crops at 50 000 plants ha-1 in comparison to 66 666 plants ha-1 and 100 000 plants ha-1. In Vigna unguiculata there were no responses observed in LAI and CCI. In Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus olitorius and Vigna unguiculata fresh and dry mass yield of leaves were higher at 100 000 plants ha-1 compared to other treatments. In A. cruentus and C. olitorius, higher leaf quality parameters (CCI, plant height, leaf number, biomass per plant and LAI) indicated that these crops can perform better at lower densities of 50 000 than at 66 666 plants ha-1 and 100 000 plants ha-1 Therefore, using 50 000 plants ha- 1 is suitable for commercial production of A. cruentus and C. olitorius. In Vigna unguiculata, a plant density of 100 000 plants ha-1 produced the highest fresh and dry mass per unit area without compromising quality in terms of the leaf size (LAI) and colour (CCI). Therefore 100 000 plants ha-1 is a density recommended for commercial production in V. unguiculata.Chapter four (4) was conducted to investigate growth, physiology and yield responses of A. cruentus, C. olitorius and V unguiculata to nitrogen application under drip irrigated commercial production. Three nitrogen treatments levels were used viz. 0, 44 and 88 kg N ha- 1 in 2011/12 season and four nitrogen treatments levels viz. 0, 50, 100 and 125 kg N ha-1 were used in 2012/13 summer season. The nitrogen levels selected for each season were based on recommendations for Amaranthaceae species, Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.var cicla) derived from soil analysis of the trial (field) site. Parameters measured included chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), stomatal conductance (SC), leaf number, leaf area index (LAI) and biomass. Results showed that application of nitrogen at 44 kg N ha- 1 in 2011/12 summer season and 100 kg N ha-1 in 2012/13 summer season improved LAI, CCI, biomass per plants and yield in A. cruentus. A similar trend was observed in C. olitorius except that 44 kg N ha-1 improved stem fresh yield. Further increase in nitrogen fertiliser above 44 kg N ha-1 during the 2011/12 season and above 100 kg N ha-1 in 2012/13 summer season reduced leaf quality and yield in both crops. In V. unguiculata, nitrogen application showed a slight increase in yield values from 0 to 44 kg N ha-1 followed by decrease at 88 kg N ha-1 in 2011/12 summer season; however, this increase in yield was not significant. During the 2012/13 summer season, yield in terms of fresh weight was significantly (P<.001) reduced by applying nitrogen at various levels. However, leaf dry matter content increased significantly (P<.001) with increase in nitrogen from 0 kg up to 100 kg N ha-1, then remained unchanged at 125 kg N ha-1. Therefore, the current study recommends that C. olitorius and A. cruentus could be commercialised at 44 kg N ha-1 and 100 kg N ha-1 which were lower nitrogen application rates than those recommended for Amaranthaceae species. In V. unguiculata, 50 kg N ha-1 improved leaf number; however, this did not translate to any fresh yield advantage, implying that the optimum rate for nitrogen application might be lower than 50 kg N ha-1. Therefore, nitrogen rates less than the ones used in the current study are recommended for V. unguiculata. Chapter five (5) was conducted in winter and it was necessitated by observations made primarily in the previous studies which focused on the effects of single factors such as plant density, planting date and nitrogen deficits. Therefore, there was a need to address interactions between irrigation, nitrogen, spacing and planting date. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth, physiology and yield responses of Brassica juncea to different agronomic and management factors in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The treatments were as follows: two planting dates in main plot (1 June and 18 July, 2012); two irrigation frequency in sub main plot (once and three times a week); three nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 kg N ha-1) and three plant densities (133 333, 80 000, 50 000 plants ha-1) as subplots. Parameters measured included chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), stomatal conductance (SC), leaf number, leaf area index (LAI) and biomass. Results from this study showed a significant interaction effect on plant height, LAI, CCI and CF. Crops irrigated thrice or once a week with 50 kg N ha-1 combined with 50 000 plants ha-1 produced tall plants and bigger leaves (LAI) in the early planting date (1 June) compared to other combinations. Irrigating three times a week combined with nitrogen application at 100 or 50 kg N ha-1 improved CF for late planting date (18 July) in comparison to other combinations. Irrigating once a week combined with nitrogen application at 100 kg N ha-1 increased CCI. There was no significant interaction effect on yield. Application of nitrogen at 50 and 100 kg N ha-1 significantly (P>0.05) increased yield in early and late planting dates compared to the control (0 kg N ha-1), in 2012 and 2013 winter season. Irrigating three times a week led to a significant (P<0.05) increase in yield in the late planting date (18th July) and early planting date (1st June) in 2013 season. Higher plant density of 133 333 plants ha-1 resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher yield in terms of fresh mass and leaf number in the late planting date 18 July in 2012 and 2013 seasons. However, leaf quality parameters such as leaf size and colour was compromised at 133 333 plants ha-1 relative to 50 000 plants ha-1. Therefore, farmers are recommended to plant early, apply 50 kg N ha-1, irrigate thrice a week and utilise a spacing of 50 000 plants ha-1. The current study indicates that growth and yield of traditional leaf vegetables can be optimised through improved agronomic practise. / Agriculture and Life Sciences / D. Litt. et. Phil. (Agriculture)

Virtuellement toutes les plantes hébergent des champignons et des bactéries endosymbiontes (endophytes). Ces microorganismes façonnent le développement de leur hôte et peuvent inhiber des phytopathogènes. Au niveau moléculaire, les interactions plante-endophyte sont médiées par des molécules secrétées y compris des protéines et métabolites secondaires. Au cours des dernières années, la recherche d’endophytes a augmenté chez nombreux plantes, cependant chez les Ericaceae les endophytes ne sont pas bien connus. Alors, on s’est mis à investiguer les endophytes racinaires de la canneberge, une plante membre d’Ericaceae native de l’Amérique du Nord. On a échantillonné quatre plants provenant d’une ferme commerciale organique. Au total, 30 souches fongiques et 25 bactériens ont été isolés. Les bactéries Pseudomonas sp. EB212, Bacillus sp. EB213 et EB214; et les champignons Hyaloscypha sp. EC200, Pezicula sp. EC205 et Phialocephala sp. EC208 ont supprimé la croissance de cinq pathogènes de la canneberge, incluant Godronia cassandrae, un champignon causant la pourriture des fruits de la canneberge au Québec. EB213 a été capable de promouvoir légèrement la croissance de plantules de la canneberge. En performant des techniques microscopiques, on a constaté l’habileté de EC200, EC205 et EC208 à coloniser internement les racines des plantules de la canneberge. De plus, les génomes de ces champignons ont été séquencés, assemblés et annotés. Les analyses génomiques se sont concentrées sur les protéines secrétées et les groupes des gènes impliqués dans la biosynthèse (GGB). On a trouvé un large répertoire de gènes codant pour des enzymes qui métabolisent les carbohydrates et d’autres codant pour des protéases. Les deux groupes d’enzymes seraient utiles à dégrader de la matière organique pour libérer des nutriments. Aussi bien, ces enzymes pourraient faciliter la colonisation des racines de la plante hôte. De plus, on a prédit des nombreuses protéines effectrices qui assisteraient les endophytes à éviter l’activation du système immunitaire des plants. A noter que parmi les GGB inférés dans les génomes de EC200, EC205 et EC208, environ 90% ne sont pas caractérisés. Finalement, on a performé des analyses transcriptomiques pour élucider la réponse de EC200, EC205 et EC208 envers la présence de leur hôte, simulée par l’addition d’un extrait de canneberge au milieu de culture. Les conclusions majeures sont que les racines des plantes de la canneberge qui ont été échantillonnées sont dominées par des microorganismes avec l’habileté d’inhiber des phytopathogènes ; et que les génomes de EC200, EC205 et EC208 codent pour un grand répertoire de protéines qui pourraient être liées aux interactions plante-endophyte. / Virtually all plants host fungal and bacterial endosymbionts (endophytes). These microbes shape plant development and may inhibit phytopathogens. At the molecular level, plant-endophyte interactions are mediated by secreted compounds, including proteins and secondary metabolites. While endophytes are increasingly studied in diverse plants, little is known about their presence in Ericaceae. Therefore, we set out to investigate the root endophytes of cranberry, an ericacean member native to North America. We sampled endophytes from four plants grown on an organic farm. In total, 30 fungal and 25 bacterial strains were isolated and identified. A subset of these, notably Pseudomonas sp. EB212, Bacillus sp. EB213 and EB214; and fungi Hyaloscypha sp. EC200, Pezicula sp. EC205, and Phialocephala sp. EC208, were tested for their ability to suppress phytopathogens. Altogether, they inhibited five cranberry pathogens, including Godronia cassandrae, an important cranberry fruit-rot agent in Quebec. EB213 was the only endophyte that increased the biomass of cranberry seedlings. Using microscopy techniques, we confirmed the ability of EC200, EC205, and EC208 to colonize cranberry roots internally. The genomes of these fungi were sequenced, assembled and annotated. Genomic analyses focused on secreted proteins and biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). We found an extensive repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes and proteases that could assist in recycling organic nutrients, rendering them accessible to plants; these enzymes may also facilitate root colonization. In addition, effector proteins were predicted; these molecules may assist endophytes to escape the plant immune system and favour colonization. We inferred 139 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) across the three examined fungi. Remarkably, the product of around 90% of BGCs are unknown. Finally, transcriptomic analyses were performed to determine how EC200, EC205 and EC208 respond to the presence of cranberry, simulated by the addition of cranberry extract in the culture medium. The two major conclusions of this work are that the roots of the sampled cranberry plants are dominated by endophytes with biocontrol abilities, and that EC200, EC205 and EC208 encode a broad repertoire of proteins that could be involved in plant-endophyte interactions.