Effect of Exopolysaccharide-Producing Bacteria and Melatonin on Faba Bean Production in Saline and Non-Saline Soil

Mona F. Abd El-Ghany,Magdy Attia

doi:10.3390/agronomy10030316

Mona F. Abd El-Ghany, Magdy Attia

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030316

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Abstract

Soil salinity is a major threat to modern agriculture, as it affects crop growth and development. The present study focuses on the integration of eco-friendly biostimulants in salinity stress as a strategy to achieve the alleviation of abiotic stress. Field experiments were conducted at two locations, consisting of saline and non-saline soil, to investigate the utilization of exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing bacteria (Azotobacter chroococcum) and melatonin at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 µM) for alleviating the adverse effects of salinity on the growth and production of faba bean plants. Salinity stress caused a reduction in all measured parameters of the faba bean plants grown in the saline soil relative to the plants grown in the non-saline soil. The addition of bacteria and/or melatonin significantly increased the growth parameters and yield components under both soils compared to the respective control plants. Both bacteria inoculation and melatonin application enhanced N, P, and K concentrations; the proline content; RWC%; and the K+/Na+ ratio; however, Na+ and Cl− concentrations were decreased significantly in salt-stressed faba beans. The combined use of bacteria and melatonin exhibited the highest stimulating effects. The present study recommends the combined use of EPS-producing bacteria and melatonin for the salinity stress management strategy of faba bean.

Highlights

Salinity stress is one of the most prevalent abiotic stresses and results in significant losses in agricultural crop production, in arid and semi-arid areas [1]
Seeds of faba bean inoculated with EPS bacteria and primed with melatonin alone or in combination were evaluated for their effects on the growth, physiological attributes, nutrient status, and yield of faba bean grown in two locations differing in terms of salinity: saline soil (location (1), ECe = 6.5 dSm−1) and non-saline soil compared to non-saline soil (Table 3; Table 5)
The results revealed that the best response occurs in seeds of faba bean inoculated with EPS-producing bacteria and primed with melatonin in combination

Summary

Introduction

Salinity stress is one of the most prevalent abiotic stresses and results in significant losses in agricultural crop production, in arid and semi-arid areas [1]. It is estimated that every year, 1.5 million hectares of irrigated land is falling outside of agricultural production and more than 50% of all arable land will suffer from salinization until the year 2050 [2]. Salinity causes osmotic stress and ionic toxicity that lead to oxidative stress in plants [3] and adversely affects the physiology, growth, and yield of crops [4]. Salinity decreases the growth and yield of faba bean [7]. In Egypt, there has been a tendency to extend the cultivated area of several crops, including Vicia faba, in newly reclaimed soils, which are often salt-affected soils

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