Explore the vast range of titles available.

Lysinibacillus sphaericus, an endophytic diazotroph from rice (Oryza sativa), was investigated for colonization and growth-promoting effects. Seed bacterization introduced the endophyte, confirmed through re-isolation of antibiotic media, microscopy, and molecular identification. L. sphaericus showed efficient colonization in rice tissues, maintaining stable populations across plant parts. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed intracellular colonization in roots of inoculated plants. The endophyte enhanced plant growth, nutrient uptake, and nitrogen fixation compared with uninoculated controls and Pseudomonas fluorescens-treated plants. Increased production of phytohormones, including indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellic acid, and cytokinins, was observed in L. sphaericus-inoculated plants, correlating with improved root and shoot development. The endophyte demonstrated biocontrol activity against rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, with plants showing reduced disease severity. L. sphaericus populations remained stable in host tissues following pathogen challenge. These findings highlight L. sphaericus's potential as an endophytic diazotroph for sustainable rice cultivation, growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and disease suppression.

Rice leaf sheaths inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani (pathogen) and Pestalotia palmarum (non-pathogen) were analyzed for the induction of lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity. In incompatible interaction, the level of lipid peroxidation significantly increased 1 day after inoculation and reached the maximum 3 days after inoculation. A twofold increase in lipid peroxidation was observed 3 days after inoculation with P. palmarum. In contrast, in the compatible interaction significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation was not observed until 3 days after inoculation. LOX activity also rapidly increased in rice leaf sheaths after inoculation with the non-pathogen. Inoculation of P. palmarum increased the LOX activity by 18 % above control levels by 3 day, while R. solani caused only 8 % increase. The present study provides evidence for the important role of lipid peroxidation in the non-host resistance of rice.