Prospects of utilizing a multifarious yeast (MSD1), isolated from South Indian coast as an Agricultural input

Abstract

The role of microbial inoculants in enhancing plant growth and yield have become crucial components of sustainable agriculture, due to the global need for safer complements to chemical fertilizers. The use of microbial based products as Agriculture inputs has gained momentum since a few decades, after understanding the enormous damage caused by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Field application of inoculants comprising of multistrains with plant growth promoting rhizobacter (PGPR) activities has been well documented, but less commercialized till date. In the current study, a yeast isolate was investigated for its plant growth promotion activities ( In vitro) & its potential application as a biocontrol agent/biofertilizer . Here we report on a potential yeast MSD1, identified as Wickerhamomyces sp. , that showed multipotent activities such as fixing atmospheric nitrogen, ammonia production (641.6 μmol/mL) & solubilizing insoluble phosphate with substantial release of soluble nutrients in the growth medium. Zinc (Zn) solubilization potential of the isolate revealed a large zone of clearance (45 mm), with significant release of zinc (509.2 ppm) in the culture medium. In addition to the nutrient solubilization qualities, MSD1 also produced IAA (27.49 μg/mL), Siderophore (15–20 μg/mL); ACC Deaminase (4.19 μg/mL). Biosurfactant and emulsification activity of the isolate showed sizeable oil clearance zone (39 mm) & an excellent emulsification index (64.28%). To our knowledge, this is the first report on plant growth promoting activities exhibited by a yeast isolated from marine macroalgae collected from the coastal region of Ramanathapuram, Tamilnadu, Southern India. • First report on the use of non-saccharomyces marine yeast strain Wickerhamomyces anomalus as an agricultural input (biostimulant/biofertilizer). • First report on a polyfunctional plant growth promoting properties displayed by Wickerhamomyces anomalus strain isolated from marine seaweed. • First report on W . anomalus identified with properties of plant growth induction, defense pathways, antagonistic activity & stress management.