The Microbe最新文献

{"title":"Start codon targeted and internal transcribed spacer markers: Effective tools for assessment of genetic diversity, population study and DNA barcoding of wild and edible mushroom collections","authors":"David Okeh Igwe,&nbsp;Onyinye Constance Ihearahu,&nbsp;Jordan Graves,&nbsp;Ruth Sam,&nbsp;Fernando Quinteros,&nbsp;Chimdimnma Chinasa Esimai,&nbsp;George Nkem Ude","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2025.100642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2025.100642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mushrooms are valuable fungi with significant economic opportunities. In Maryland, various mushrooms with different morphological features are sold at local and international stores. Within the surrounding bushes, mushrooms are seasonally seen growing and consumers find them indistinguishable from the edible ones due to existing phenotypic similarities among them. Due to increasing demand for mushrooms, identification of elite cultivars has become imperative. Deployment of informative multilocus marker systems for unravelling reliable genetic diversity information, population indices, and species verification within edible and wild mushrooms has not been reported. This study utilized gel-based start codon targeted (SCoT) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing markers to assess genetic diversity, population, and species identification of 68 edible and 57 wild mushroom collections. SCoT analysis revealed 440 alleles, gene diversity of 0.9469 and 0.9453 as polymorphic information content. Effective number of alleles, Nei's gene diversity, and Shannon’s information index varied with increased diversities in <em>Agaricus bisporus</em>. Overall, 125 loci were polymorphic (99.21 %), with intraspecific diversity of 0.4728. Coefficient of differentiation (0.1300) showed 13 % interspecific versus 87 % intraspecific divergence, while gene flow was 3.3430. SCoT analysis distinguished edible from wild mushrooms, with some clustering in similar clades, or coordinates, indicating high genetic informativeness. ITS sequencing identified 13 species from groceries and 30 from wild collections, in which 16 were identified as edible ones. Identities varied (74.09–100 %), with <em>Agaricus bisporus</em> as the most abundant. Lichen-related and potentially harmful fungi were detected from wild collections. Intraspecific variation in <em>A. bisporus</em> ranged from 0.000 to 1.368, and 0.074–5.626 as interspecific variation, with highest (8.724) identified between <em>Pleurotus ostreatus</em> and <em>Flammulina filiformis</em>. <em>F. filiformis</em> showed highest variability. SCoT markers revealed <em>A. bisporus</em> as the most genetically diverse, while ITS identified it as the most common species across Maryland groceries. SCoT and ITS markers proved effective in this study, demonstrating potential integration in selection of mushrooms with unique genetic endowment and accurate species identification for introgression in breeding and germplasm conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100642"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental and public health risks of antibiotic resistance gene pollution in poultry systems: Sustainability impact, transmission pathways, and mitigation strategies","authors":"M.H. Aminudin ,&nbsp;Farah Amalina ,&nbsp;M.R. Ab Hamid ,&nbsp;S. Sulaiman ,&nbsp;Nor Azfa ,&nbsp;Abdul Syukor Abd Razak","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming for disease prevention, growth promotion, and therapeutic purposes has resulted in widespread contamination of poultry systems with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This review identifies critical sources of ARGs, including poultry manure, wastewater runoff, soil contamination, airborne dissemination, and genetic transfer mechanisms. ARGs persist across agricultural systems, fueling the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and posing significant risks to ecosystems, animal health, and human populations. Our analysis highlights the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies, such as composting, anaerobic digestion, and advanced wastewater treatment, in reducing ARG loads. However, we find that current waste management approaches are insufficient to fully prevent the spread of resistance. We emphasize the importance of reducing antibiotic usage through stewardship programs, alternative treatments, and robust legal frameworks. Additionally, the review underscores the need for integrated policy actions, rigorous monitoring, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to curb ARG pollution. Looking forward, we call for research advancements in probiotics, vaccines, and innovative treatment technologies to enhance the reduction of ARG contamination. Ultimately, controlling ARG pollution requires a multifaceted approach that combines scientific innovation, effective policy enforcement, and increased public awareness to address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100658"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First molecular detection of chicken anemia virus in Sudanese broiler and backyard poultry: Diagnostic insights and isolation attempts","authors":"Asma Elsir Abbas ,&nbsp;Sana Awad Abdelaziz ,&nbsp;Omer Algezoli ,&nbsp;Adam Bashir Tawor ,&nbsp;Jeddah Ibrahim Elhaj","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chicken infectious anemia (CIA), caused by chicken anemia virus (CAV), is a significant immunosuppressive disease affecting global poultry production. This study provides the first molecular detection of CAV in Sudanese poultry using real-time PCR. Tissue samples (bursa of Fabricius, liver, spleen, and kidney) from three cases (two broilers, one backyard hen) were analyzed. All samples tested positive for CAV by real-time PCR (Ct = 30–32). Following yolk sac inoculation in embryonated eggs, weak positivity was observed after one passage (Ct = 34–35). Virus isolation in Vero cells failed for field samples but succeeded with vaccine control. This study establishes molecular evidence of CAV circulation in Sudan, bridging the gap between previous seroprevalence data and direct viral detection and highlights current limitations in virus propagation. More sequencing-based work is needed to characterize local strains.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100682"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147421003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanistic insights into fungal decolourization of synthetic dye pollutants: Recent trends and advances on mycoremediation strategies","authors":"Debamalla Pathak ,&nbsp;Monoranjan Chowdhury ,&nbsp;Piyush Mathur","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Synthetic dyes are being extensively used in daily life in various forms, and our dependency on these dyes is increasing day by day. These hazardous chemicals can be seen affecting all forms of life in an ecosystem, such as terrestrial as well as aquatic plants and animals. Among the different biological methods, bioremediation using fungi, i.e. mycoremediation, has garnered the attention of scientists all over the World. Different classes of fungi employ distinct mechanisms of degradation, and depending upon the nature of the contaminant, fungi utilize different pathways. Biosorption, biodegradation, and enzymatic degradation are the three primary pathways through which fungi execute the decolourisation process. Mycoremediation encompasses the utilisation of fungi in various forms, including the application of immobilised fungi, enzymes derived from fungi, and the incorporation of fungal extracts into the bioremediation process. The present article delves into the mechanisms of mycoremediation for the decolourization of synthetic dyes. It comprehensively examines the aforementioned three methods and provides detailed explanations of each process that has not been previously documented. The article comprehensively discusses the advantages and limitations of mycoremediation. It also provides an insightful analysis of how these limitations can be effectively overcome through advanced methodologies such as strain enhancement and genetic engineering. This review serves as the inaugural comprehensive exploration of these innovative approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100677"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative genomic and phenotypic decoding of probiotic mechanisms in Weissella paramesenteroides strain MW-142","authors":"Juan Huang ,&nbsp;Yan-yan Huang ,&nbsp;Qing-bo Yao ,&nbsp;Jun Tang ,&nbsp;Su-ping Zeng ,&nbsp;Liu-jun Liu ,&nbsp;Dong-mei Liu ,&nbsp;Xiao-xia Peng ,&nbsp;Li-ke Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Weissella paramesenteroides</em> is a promising candidate for probiotic and fermentative applications, yet a comprehensive understanding of its genotype-to-phenotype relationship remains limited. This study employed an integrated approach combining whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and phenotypic assays to decipher the genetic determinants underlying its probiotic functionalities. The complete genome of strain MW-142 (2.01 Mb, G+C 38.11 %) was sequenced, revealing genes associated with the biosynthesis of lactic acid, exopolysaccharides, and antimicrobial peptides. Phenotypically, MW-142 demonstrated high tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal stress (e.g., 94 % survival in gastric fluid after 3 h), potent auto-aggregation (31 %), and selective antagonistic activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus (14.6 mm inhibition zone). Genomically, comparative analysis uncovered 213 unique genes and a specialized carbohydrate-active enzyme repertoire, including 122 sugar transporters and 50 glycoside hydrolases, which correlate with its robust metabolic adaptability. Furthermore, functional annotation highlighted a suite of stress-response genes, providing a molecular basis for its resilience. Collectively, this study elucidates the specific genetic architecture that underpins the probiotic and metabolic prowess of <em>W. paramesenteroides</em> MW-142. These findings not only advance the fundamental understanding of this species but also provide a validated genetic blueprint for its targeted development as a functional probiotic culture or fermentation starter in food and pharmaceutical industries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100671"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biosynthesis and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Bacillus subtilis consortium","authors":"Richa Prasad Mahato ,&nbsp;Padma Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2025.100646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2025.100646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) proved to be a viable alternative for petroleum-derived polymers, due to their close mechanical and physical traits. However, PHA production is associated with many challenges <em>like</em> microbial and substrate type that directly affect the amount and overall quality of the polymer. Thus, the use of efficient microbial consortia can fill the research gap of low metabolic potential for complex substrate conversion by a single strain. Furthermore, plant oils (a) have larger carbon content per unit mass than sugars, (b) enter catabolism more rapidly through lipid β-oxidation, and (c) include saturated and unsaturated fatty acids that microbes can easily convert into PHA that may allow for improved PHA yield. In the current work, a bacterial consortium was constructed from <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> EO1 and <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> LO1. The consortium was cultivated in two-step batch fermentation to study the impact of different cultural conditions on the yield and quality of PHA. By optimizing the significant variables through one variable at a time, a 7.2 gL⁻¹ of high PHA yield was obtained. Further, FTIR and GC-MS of produced polymers revealed the occurrence of prominent functional groups and the existence of blends or PHA copolymers respectively. Beyond that, PHA thermoplastic starch biocomposite film demonstrated excellent thermal and mechanical stability through TGA. To conclude, microbial consortia <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> EO1 and <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> LO1 was first reported bacterial consortium for PHA production and have been utilized to meet the urgent demands for future applications of sustainable polymers with desired characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100646"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of ESKAPEE pathogens at ALERT Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A one-year retrospective study","authors":"Rahel Gebeyehu ,&nbsp;Getachew Tesfaye Beyene ,&nbsp;Miraf Mekonnen ,&nbsp;Tsehaynesh Lema ,&nbsp;Yemisrach Getu ,&nbsp;Jagmar Worku ,&nbsp;Abay Atnafu ,&nbsp;Adane Mihret ,&nbsp;Abel Abera Negash","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among ESKAPEE pathogens, <em>Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp</em>., and <em>Escherichia coli</em>, poses a serious global health challenge, particularly in low-resource healthcare settings. These organisms are frequently involved in healthcare-associated infections and have demonstrated the ability to evade treatment through multiple resistance mechanisms. While several studies in Ethiopia have reported high resistance levels in individual ESKAPEE organisms, comprehensive data capturing their overall burden and resistance patterns are still lacking. This study assessed the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of ESKAPEE pathogens at ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using microbiology laboratory records from November 2021 to October 2022. Data included patient demographics, specimen types, bacterial isolates, and results from antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method in accordance by CLSI guidelines. Of 293 samples reviewed, 216 bacterial isolates were identified, with 70.4 % (174/216) classified as ESKAPEE pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus (53.4 %) was the most frequently isolated organism, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.4 %), predominantly from pus and blood samples. <em>K. pneumoniae</em> demonstrated 100 % resistance to both ampicillin and cefepime, while E. coli showed 86 % resistance to ceftazidime and 100 % to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The findings reveal a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) ESKAPEE pathogens, emphasizing the urgent need to revise empirical treatment guidelines, enhance antimicrobial stewardship, and promote routine AST services. Ongoing surveillance of both phenotypic and molecular resistance mechanisms in these pathogens are essential to inform effective infection control and treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100665"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antibiofilm and antimicrobial potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Ferula asafoetida essential oils against oral pathogens: Synergistic effects and in silico insights","authors":"Meenakshi Srinivasa Iyer ,&nbsp;Sreeshyla Huchanahalli Sheshanna ,&nbsp;Raghunath Nagasundara Rao ,&nbsp;Deepthi Puttegowda ,&nbsp;Ramith Ramu","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Trigonella foenum-graecum</em> and <em>Ferula asafoetida</em> are traditionally used herbal remedies in India, and plant-based extracts with natural synergistic properties are increasingly explored for managing oral infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of essential oil extracts from these two plants against the common oral pathogens <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> and <em>Candida albicans</em>. Essential oils were extracted using steam distillation and assessed for antibacterial and antifungal activity. <em>F. asafoetida</em> exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity than <em>T. foenum-graecum</em>, while a combined formulation (1:1) showed enhanced synergistic effects against both pathogens. For molecular docking analysis, phytocompounds were retrieved from the IMPPAT database and published literature, screened using ADMET parameters, and docked against target proteins. Among the screened compounds, Guai-1(5)-en-11-ol (9a) from <em>F. asafoetida</em> and Murolan-3,9(11)-diene-10-peroxy (3b) from <em>T. foenum-graecum</em> demonstrated the strongest binding affinities and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Overall, the findings indicate that these essential oils individually and in combination possess significant antimicrobial potential, and the identified phytocompounds offer promising leads for developing plant-based therapeutic agents for oral infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100667"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms: Pathogenicity, clinical challenges and emerging therapeutic strategies","authors":"Priyambada Singh ,&nbsp;Laiba Arsi","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2025.100645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2025.100645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gram-negative bacterium <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> causes most opportunistic infections and chronic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, urinary tract infections, and burns. During invasion, <em>P. aeruginosa</em> releases exopolysaccharides, matrix proteins, and DNA, causing persistent infections. These substances encircle bacterial cells to produce biofilms. <em>P. aeruginosa</em> biofilms produce multiple drug resistance, making single antibiotic therapies difficult. The development of anti-biofilm pharmaceuticals is imperative. Quorum-sensing inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides, photodynamic therapy, and bacteriophage therapy provide novel therapeutics for <em>P. aeruginosa</em> biofilms. This paper succinctly outlines the genesis of <em>P. aeruginosa</em> biofilms and evaluates anti-biofilm treatment technology to suggest novel approaches for treating biofilm infections. Non-antibiotic methods like as quorum sensing inhibition, nanoparticles, and phage therapy show promise. Clinical application encounters challenges related to cost, adverse effects, and safety concerns. Research, clinical development, and investigations into host-pathogen interactions are essential to combat <em>P. aeruginosa</em>. Antibiotic overutilization and slow antibacterial advancement are concerns. Innovative platforms are required to evaluate and cultivate new therapies for refractory diseases, particularly multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Progress in research methodology and technology has uncovered molecular, mechanistic, dynamic, and comprehensive insights into diseases. <em>P. aeruginosa</em> biophysical characteristics, virulence factors, behaviours, host defence mechanisms, and invasive regulators is presented. This review article discusses the novel research and development of innovative therapeutics for clinically relevant pathogen.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100645"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145799771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Additive and synergistic effects of mycorrhizal inoculants and fertilizer in enhancing chard (Beta vulgaris) growth under glasshouse cultivation","authors":"Liz Koziol ,&nbsp;Thomas P. McKenna ,&nbsp;James D. Bever","doi":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microb.2026.100691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mycorrhizal fungi and fertilizers are widely used to enhance crop productivity, yet their relative contributions and the interactions of biostimulants and fertilizers remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the impact of five individual arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal strains, a fungal mixture, and fertilizer on chard (<em>Beta vulgaris</em>) growth using a fully factorial greenhouse experiment. Results showed that while fertilizer alone increased biomass by 32%, mycorrhizal inoculation alone resulted in −35% to + 43% more chard biomass, depending on the fungal species. The combination of fertilizer and inoculant increased biomass by 33–81% compared to non-fertilized controls, and by 0–36% relative to fertilized controls. Fungal responses varied: <em>Gigaspora gigantea</em> suppressed growth in the absence of fertilizer but showed synergistic benefits when paired with it. In contrast, <em>Rhizophagus irregularis</em> and the five-species fungal mixture consistently enhanced growth across nutrient conditions. Overall, the combined effects of fertilization and inoculation were largely additive. These results highlight the context-dependent nature of AM fungal benefits and suggest that certain strains can complement or be a substitute for synthetic fertilizers in sustainable cultivation systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101246,"journal":{"name":"The Microbe","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100691"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}