PGPR Mediated Fe-Biofortification of T. aestivum L

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the high prevalence of Fe deficiency in human populations, especially in developing nations, increasing Fe concentration in cereal crops is a major global challenge. Biofortification of cereals such as wheat with Fe is an attractive approach that can significantly compensate for Fe malnutritionand human health issues. Under nutrient imbalance circumstances, bio-fertilizers have been reported to play a vital role in plant development. Aims/Objectives: The current study was designed to evaluate the potential of PGPR to be used as bio-fertilizers and appraised their capability to enhance plant growth, quality and nutrient content, in combination with Fe treatment to combat malnutrition. Methodology: PGPR were screened for auxin producing ability and biochemically characterized for various growth promoting attributes. Fe in various combinations with PGPR was applied in soil and as foliar spray to the plants. Various growth and biochemical parameters were recorded. Wheat leaves were subjected to atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) analysis. Results: Five bacteria with maximum auxin production potential were selected as bio-fertilizers. 36% improvement in fresh weight was recorded in Pseudomonas sp.(FS2) inoculations in the presence of 100µg/ml Fe under laboratory conditions, whereas, in wire house setup, plants supplemented with Jeotgalicoccus aerolatus (Tr3)exhibitedremarkable elevation in sugar content 298% with 100µg/ml foliar application of Fe. Data obtained from AAS showed that plants treated with Burkholderia cepacia (FS1) and Proteus mirabilis (Pc3) exhibited 2.17 and 2.28 ppm Fe content as a result of soil and foliar spray of 200µg/ml Fe respectively. Conclusion: Foliar application of Fe along with bio-fertilizers has proven to be a practical approach to improve grain quality and Fe content. Hence, biofortification of cereal crops with micronutrients and bio-fertilizers can assure a sustainable, eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to cure malnutrition and food security in developing countries.