Physiological Basis of Plant Growth Promotion in Rice by Rhizosphere and Endosphere Associated Streptomyces Isolates from India

Abstract

This study demonstrated the plant growth-promoting capabilities of native actinobacterial strains obtained from different regions of the rice plant, including the rhizosphere (FT1, FTSA2, FB2, and FH7) and endosphere (EB6). We delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of these plant-microbe interactions by conducting a transcriptional analysis of a select group of key genes involved in phytohormone pathways. Through in vitro screening for various plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, all tested isolates exhibited positive traits for indole-3-acetic acid synthesis and siderophore production, with FT1 being the sole producer of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). All isolates were identified as members of the Streptomyces genus through 16S rRNA amplification. In pot culture experiments, rice seeds inoculated with strains FB2 and FTSA2 exhibited significant increases in shoot dry mass by 7% and 34%, respectively, and total biomass by 8% and 30%, respectively. All strains led to increased leaf nitrogen levels, with FTSA2 demonstrating the highest increase (4.3%). On the contrary, strains FB2 and FT1 increased root length, root weight ratio, root volume, and root surface area, leading to higher root nitrogen content. All isolates, except for FB2, enhanced total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis supported these findings, revealing differential gene expression in auxin (OsAUX1, OsIAA1, OsYUCCA1, OsYUCCA3), gibberellin (OsGID1, OsGA20ox-1), and cytokinin (OsIPT3, OsIPT5) pathways in response to specific actinobacterial treatments. These actinobacterial strains, which enhance both aboveground and belowground crop characteristics, warrant further evaluation in field trials, either as individual strains or in consortia. This could lead to the development of commercial bioinoculants for use in integrated nutrient management practices.