Beneficial effects of selected rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria, inoculated individually or in combination, on non-native host plant development

Abstract

Plant beneficial bacteria have been traditionally inoculated as unique strains, although combining bacteria with complementary traits could maximize their positive effect on plant growth and development. Our objective was to elaborate consortia from selected rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria with antifungal and plant growth promoting properties, and evaluate their beneficial effects on the growth of Physalis ixocarpa, an annual native Mexican species of horticultural importance. Bacterial strains were selected based on their antifungal activity against Fusarium spp. through in vitro antagonism assays. Characterization of the profile of volatile organic compounds (VOC) of newly-identified endophytic strains able to significantly inhibit Fusarium spp. evidenced the presence of sulfur compounds and ketones, reported for their antifungal activity. Seven bacterial strains were able to solubilize phosphate on NBRIP medium. Their capacity to promote the growth of A. thaliana in vitro was further tested. All stains stimulated the formation of lateral roots and root hairs, and enhanced A. thaliana biomass, most likely through auxin production. Twelve consortia were elaborated from rhizospheric and root endophytic bacteria, and the effects of consortia and individual strain inoculation on the growth and development of P. ixocarpa were evaluated in a greenhouse trial. Rhizobacterial strains A8a and 5911, and consortia formed by A8a + B3R7 and SO + B3R7 (all belonging to the Bacillus genus) showed the best results in terms of growth promotion and floral onset, with increases in plant height by up to 45% and flowering beginning 30 days before than in the Control. Our results confirm the potential of combining rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria with multiple beneficial traits for enhancing plant development and suggest that the most promising bacterial treatments could be applied to avocado trees, their natural host, to foster their productivity.