Rhizobacterial Strains Research Articles

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial secondary metabolites in augmenting heavy metal(loid) phytoremediation: An integrated green in situ ecorestorative technology.

In recent times, increased geogenic and human-centric activities have caused significant heavy metal(loid) (HM) contamination of soil, adversely impacting environmental, plant, and human health. Phytoremediation is an evolving, cost-effective, environment-friendly, in situ technology that employs indigenous/exotic plant species as natural purifiers to remove toxic HM(s) from deteriorated ambient soil. Interestingly, the plant's rhizomicrobiome is pivotal in promoting overall plant nutrition, health, and phytoremediation. Certain secondary metabolites produced by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) directly participate in HM bioremediation through chelation/mobilization/sequestration/bioadsorption/bioaccumulation, thus altering metal(loid) bioavailability for their uptake, accumulation, and translocation by plants. Moreover, the metallotolerance of the PGPR and the host plant is another critical factor for the successful phytoremediation of metal(loid)-polluted soil. Among the phytotechniques available for HM remediation, phytoextraction/phytoaccumulation (HM mobilization, uptake, and accumulation within the different plant tissues) and phytosequestration/phytostabilization (HM immobilization within the soil) have gained momentum in recent years. Natural metal(loid)-hyperaccumulating plants have the potential to assimilate increased levels of metal(loid)s, and several such species have already been identified as potential candidates for HM phytoremediation. Furthermore, the development of transgenic rhizobacterial and/or plant strains with enhanced environmental adaptability and metal(loid) uptake ability using genetic engineering might open new avenues in PGPR-assisted phytoremediation technologies. With the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) for identifying metal(loid)-impacted lands and an appropriate combination of normal/transgenic (hyper)accumulator plant(s) and rhizobacterial inoculant(s), it is possible to develop efficient integrated phytobial remediation strategies in boosting the clean-up process over vast regions of HM-contaminated sites and eventually restore ecosystem health.

The rhizobacterial Priestia megaterium strain SH-19 mitigates the hazardous effects of heat stress via an endogenous secondary metabolite elucidation network and molecular regulation signalling

Global warming is a leading environmental stress that reduces plant productivity worldwide. Several beneficial microorganisms reduce stress; however, the mechanism by which plant–microbe interactions occur and reduce stress remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mutualistic interaction between the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strain SH-19 and soybeans of the Pungsannamul variety. The results showed that SH-19 possessed several plant growth-promoting traits, such as the production of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore, and exopolysaccharide, and had the capacity for phosphate solubilisation. The heat tolerance assay showed that SH-19 could withstand temperatures up to 45 °C. The strain SH-19 was identified as P. megaterium using the 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequence technique. Inoculation of soybeans with SH-19 improved seedling characteristics under high-temperature stress. This may be due to an increase in the endogenous salicylic acid level and a decrease in the abscisic acid level compared with the negative control group. The strain of SH-19 increased the activity of the endogenous antioxidant defense system, resulting in the upregulation of GSH (44.8%), SOD (23.1%), APX (11%), and CAT (52.6%). Furthermore, this study involved the transcription factors GmHSP, GmbZIP1, and GmNCED3. The findings showed upregulation of the two transcription factors GmbZIP1 (17%), GmNCED3 (15%) involved in ABA biosynthesis and induced stomatal regulation, similarly, a downregulation of the expression pattern of GmHSP by 25% was observed. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the strain SH-19 promotes plant growth, reduces high-temperature stress, and improves physiological parameters by regulating endogenous phytohormones, the antioxidant defense system, and genetic expression. The isolated strain (SH-19) could be commercialized as a biofertilizer.

Enhancing Zea mays L. seedling growth with He[sbnd]Ne laser-irradiated Alcaligenes sp. E1 to mitigate salinity stress

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a beneficial strategy to improve agriculture and mitigate abiotic stress. To increase the efficacy of this approach, the utilization of HeNe laser radiation (L) and methylene blue (MB) as photosensitizer is commonly suggested. This study evaluated the role of the IAA-producing rhizobacterial strain Alcaligenes sp. E1 on maize growth under salt stress (150 mM NaCl) with the application of laser and methylene blue. The results showed that treatment of Alcaligenes sp. E1 with red laser and methylene blue exhibited a maximum increase in shoot length (44 %), root length (49 %), fresh weight (34 %), dry weight (45.6 %), chlorophyll a (51 %), and carotenoids (71 %) over the stressed control. In addition, it demonstrated more activity to antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, GSH, and TAC) and limited oxidative damage resulting from ROS formation. In conclusion, Alcaligenes sp. has a good ability to stimulate maize growth when applied with laser radiation and photosensitizer under normal and saline conditions. Thus, we propose that red laser and photosensitizer will have promising applications in crop biostimulation and sustainable agriculture.

Evaluation and Characterization of Rhizobacteria and Endophytes for Antagonistic and Growth Promotional Traits Against Collar Rot (Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.) of Soybean

Background: Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is one of the destructive soil-borne plant pathogens due to its significant loss in terms of yield and quality in several crop plants including soybean. Use of biocontrol agents in the management of disease is an ecofriendly strategy. Therefore, the study aimed to assess in vitro antagonisticactivity of rhizobacteria and endophytes against Sclerotium rolfsii following dual culture technique. Methods: A total of 75 rhizobacterial isolates, 3 endophytes along with reference cultures were evaluated for the antagonistic activity against Sclerotium rolfsii following dual culture technique. The effective rhizobacterial isolates were tested for the various plat growth promoting rhizobacteria traits viz., indole acetic acid production, siderophore production, Phosphate solubilization, production of ammonia, hydrogen cyanide production and chitinase test following the standard procedure. Result: The two promising rhizobacterial strains i.e., AUUB 209 (Streptomyces enissocaesilis) and Streptomyces racemochromogenes (AUDT 626) were found effective with 76.79 and 64.75 percent mycelial inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii under in vitro. The antagonistic activity of these two rhizobacteria is mainly attributed to the positive confirmation of various PGPR activities viz., production of Indole acetic acid, siderophore, phosphate solubilization and chitinase production.

Isolation and characterization of chromium-resistant bacteria and their effects on germination, growth, and Cr accumulation in Capsicum annum (L.) under Cr stress

Chromium (Cr) is a well-known environmental pollutant while less information is available on the role of Cr-resistant bacteria in the alleviation of Cr-stress in chili (Capsicum annum L.) plants. Effect of Cr-resistant bacterial strains on growth and Cr uptake by chili plants was investigated. The results revealed that Cr-stress showed a negative effect on germination, photosynthesis, and relative water content but the inoculation ameliorated the plant stress. Chromium-resistant bacterial strains enhanced the shoot and root growth (33% SL, 19.7% RL), shoot and root dry weight (35%, 32.9%), relative water content (32.25%), membrane stability index (46.52%) SPAD value (50.76%), Cr concentration in shoots and roots (19.87 and 18.52 mg kg−1), bioaccumulation and translocation factor (0.396 mgkg−1), and seedling vigor index (40.8%) of plants. Chromium-resistant bacterial strains enhanced the NPK uptake while reduced Cr uptake by plants. The morphological and biochemical examination of rhizobacterial strains (and NM28) resistant to Cr-stress revealed smooth, off-white colonies of bacteria composed of rod-shaped cells which are Gram positive in reaction while negative in catalase activity. High quantities of malic acid were produced by bacterial strains under study i.e. NM8 (926.12 μgmL−2) and NM28 (992.25 μgmL−2). These strains were identified as Bacillus cereus strain NM8 and Bacillus subtilis strain NM28 through 16S rRNA sequencing. Results showed that B. cereus strain NM28 is more effective than B. cereus strain NM8 in promoting the growth of Cr-stressed Chili that might be suitable to develop biofertilizer for sustainable production of vegetables under metal stress.

Evidence of Cooperative Interactions between Rhizobacteria and Wood-Decaying Fungi and Their Effects on Maize Germination and Growth

Advances in soil microbial communities are driving agricultural practices towards ecological sustainability and productivity, with engineering microbial communities significantly contributing to sustainable agriculture. This study explored the combined effects of two white-rot fungi (Trametes sp. and Pleurotus sp.) and six rhizobacterial strains belonging to four genera (Acinetobacter sp., Enterobacter sp., Flavobacterium sp., and Pseudomonas sp.) on maize growth and soil enzymatic activity over a 14-day period. At the plant level, germination, fresh and dry mass of the aerial and root parts, length, and stage of development of the stem, as well as the chlorophyll content, were evaluated. Furthermore, soil dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatases, pH, and electrical conductivity were evaluated. Rot fungi induced distinct effects on maize germination, with Pleurotus sp. strongly suppressing maize germination by 40% relative to that of the control. The isolated bacterial strains, except Enterobacter sp. O8, and 8 of the 12 fungus + bacterial strain combinations induced germination rates higher than those of the control (≥40%). Combinations of Flavobacterium sp. I57 and Pseudomonas sp. O81 with the rot fungus Pleurotus sp. significantly improved plant shoot length (from 28.0 to 37.0 cm) and developmental stage (fourth leaf length increase from 10.0 to 16.8 cm), respectively, compared with the same bacteria alone or in combination with the rot fungus Trametes sp. In the soil, the presence of both fungi appeared to stabilize phosphatase activity compared to their activity when only bacteria were present, while also promoting overall dehydrogenase enzymatic activity in the soil. Integrating all parameters, Trametes sp. rot fungus + Enterobacter sp. O8 may be a potential combination to be explored in the context of agricultural production, and future studies should focus on the consistency of this combination’s performance over time and its effectiveness in the field.

PLANT-GROWTH-PROMOTING AND ANTIFUNGAL ASSET OF INDIGENOUS DROUGHT-TOLERANT RHIZOBACTERIA ISOLATED FROM OLIVE (Olea europaea L.) RHIZOSPHERE

Faced with global environmental challenges, the quest for sustainable food production has gathered momentum. While abiotic stresses adversely affect plant health and productivity, Verticillium wilt causes considerable yield losses worldwide, particularly in crops such as olive. Recently, drought-tolerant bacteria have been used to alleviate both abiotic stress and pathogen pressure in crops. In this context, our work focuses on the isolation of tolerant indigenous rhizobacteria to mitigate these challenges by investigating their role in biocontrol and abiotic stress tolerance. Thus, a total of 94 rhizobacterial strains were isolated from the rhizospheres of olive trees in southeastern Morocco and characterized to identify tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria that inhibit Verticillium dahliae. 24 strains demonstrated in vitro suppression of Verticillium dahliae Klebahn, and exhibited tolerance to different abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, and high temperature). In addition, they proved xerotolerant (Aw ≤ 0.91), halotolerant (≥10% NaCl), and thermotolerant (≥ 55°C) capabilities. Beyond, these isolates showcased multifaceted plant growth-promoting traits, such as phosphate solubilization and significant synthesis of essential bioactive compounds like siderophores, indole-3-acetic acid and hydrolytic enzymes. Evaluating outcomes, three standout rhizobacterial isolates emerged due to their exceptional stress tolerance, unique plant growth-promoting qualities, and potent antagonistic potential. Molecular analysis identified them as Bacillus paranthracis (OZ-60) and Bacillus licheniformis (OZ-48 and OZ-77) through 16S rRNA sequencing. Besides enhancing plant abiotic stress resistance, these isolates hold promise in bolstering the sustainability of olive cultivation and fortifying plant defenses against pathogens.

Employing Genomic Tools to Explore the Molecular Mechanisms behind the Enhancement of Plant Growth and Stress Resilience Facilitated by a Burkholderia Rhizobacterial Strain.

The rhizobacterial strain BJ3 showed 16S rDNA sequence similarity to species within the Burkholderia genus. Its complete genome sequence revealed a 97% match with Burkholderia contaminans and uncovered gene clusters essential for plant-growth-promoting traits (PGPTs). These clusters include genes responsible for producing indole acetic acid (IAA), osmolytes, non-ribosomal peptides (NRPS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), siderophores, lipopolysaccharides, hydrolytic enzymes, and spermidine. Additionally, the genome contains genes for nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization, as well as a gene encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. The treatment with BJ3 enhanced root architecture, boosted vegetative growth, and accelerated early flowering in Arabidopsis. Treated seedlings also showed increased lignin production and antioxidant capabilities, as well as notably increased tolerance to water deficit and high salinity. An RNA-seq transcriptome analysis indicated that BJ3 treatment significantly activated genes related to immunity induction, hormone signaling, and vegetative growth. It specifically activated genes involved in the production of auxin, ethylene, and salicylic acid (SA), as well as genes involved in the synthesis of defense compounds like glucosinolates, camalexin, and terpenoids. The expression of AP2/ERF transcription factors was markedly increased. These findings highlight BJ3's potential to produce various bioactive metabolites and its ability to activate auxin, ethylene, and SA signaling in Arabidopsis, positioning it as a new Burkholderia strain that could significantly improve plant growth, stress resilience, and immune function.

A comprehensive approach to evaluate microplastic biodegradation potential of mangrove rhizobacteria

Aim: The study investigates the microplastic degradation potential of mangrove rhizobacteria and their efficiency as a consortium. Methodology: Rhizosphere sediments were collected from three common mangrove species, Avicennia sp., Acanthus sp. and Bruguiera sp. in Kerala, India. Rhizobacteria were isolated, characterized and a consortium was formulated, which were analyzed for the production of plastic-degrading enzymes. Structural changes in PVC microplastic films treated with individual cultures and consortium were determined by FTIR spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Results: The most abundant bacteria from each of the three mangrove species were identified as Priestia megaterium (SXC01) from Avicennia sp., Bacillus cereus (1MM03) from Acanthus sp. and Priestia megaterium (1MB38) from Bruguiera sp. Semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis showed that Priestia megaterium (SXC01) was efficient in the production of PEG dehydrogenase, Bacillus cereus (1MM03) in lipase production and Priestia megaterium (1MB38) in esterase and cutinase synthesis. Interestingly, the bacterial consortium showed higher production of enzymes and also exhibited greater stability in their attachment to the PVC surface compared to individual bacterial isolates. Further, FTIR spectral studies revealed pronounced vibrations in the hydroxyl (OH) regions, C-H regions and C-Cl stretching regions, providing evidence of bacterial PVC degradation. Interpretation: This study highlights the potential of consortium in the effective degradation of microplastics, surpassing individual isolates in enzymatic activity. To mitigate microplastic contamination, mangrove rhizobacteria are important players with potential uses in the restoration and maintenance of mangrove ecosystems. Key words: Bacterial consortium, Mangrove ecosystems, Microplastic degradation, Rhizobacterial strains

PGPg_finder: A comprehensive and user-friendly pipeline for identifying plant growth-promoting genes in genomic and metagenomic data

Identifying and comparing plant growth-promoting traits (PGPT) within whole-genome and metagenomic sequencing data can significantly advance agricultural research and promote sustainable crop production. This study introduces PGPg_finder, a comprehensive pipeline designed to annotate and compare PGPT from both whole-genome and metagenome sequencing datasets. This pipeline utilizes direct sequence annotation alongside de novo assembly methods to accurately detect PGPT. By cross-referencing sequences from the PLaBAse database, it identifies and quantifies the presence of these genes within the original datasets, facilitating an intuitive comparison of the abundance and distribution of PGPT across various samples. We evaluated the performance of PGPg_finder by analyzing genomes from five rhizobacterial strains: Paenibacillus vini, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Fictibacillus sp., Brevibacillus agri, and Bacillus cereus, and also metagenomic samples from bulk soils subjected to forest-to-pasture conversion in the Amazon rainforest. The genomic workflow revealed several genes associated with substrate utilization, abiotic stress neutralization, phosphate solubilization, and iron acquisition. It also identified genes unique to specific lineages, including those associated with colonization and plant-derived substrate usage in P. polymyxa, quorum sensing response and biofilm formation in P. vini, heavy metal detoxification and nitrogen acquisition in B. agri, and spore production and neutralizing biotic stress in B. cereus. The strain Fictibacillus sp. presented several unique genes related to surface attachment, stress response, xenobiotic degradation, phosphate solubilization, and phytohormone production. The use of PGPg_finder highlights its potential to uncover novel inoculants and strains. The metagenomic workflow distinguished plant-growth promotion gene profiles between soils from the Amazon rainforest and pasture, with the latter showing a profile more aligned with simple carbohydrate consumption, abiotic stress tolerance, motility and chemotaxis, and phosphorus mineralization. Native forests exhibited a profile associated with the degradation of complex organic matter, oxidative stress tolerance, xenobiotic degradation, bactericidal activity, iron acquisition, and volatile pathways. These findings underscore the effectiveness and sensitivity of PGPg_finder in accurately identifying and comparing PGPT genes, highlighting both commonalities and variations across samples. The application of this pipeline has the potential to significantly facilitate the identification of plant growth-promoting microbes.

Characterization and Field Evaluation of Potential Fluorescent Pseudomonas Isolates on Growth and Yield Attributing Characters in Chickpea

The present investigation was conducted at the research and instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India during rabi (October–December 2019) to evaluate the influence of fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates on chickpeas through characterization and field evaluation. Eighty-eight rhizosphere soil samples were derived from different locations in Bastar and Bilaspur districts of Chhattisgarh, India. Potential isolates were required for fundamental research and practical application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strains on different crops. Among eighty-eight isolates, ten fluorescent Pseudomonas (visible under UV light at 360 nm) emitting strong fluorescence were selected for the course of the investigation and characterized for the production of siderophores, phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, and analysis of antagonistic potential. Of the 10 Pseudomonas isolates, 9704 was identified as the highest phosphate solubilizer, BSP-23 was identified as the highest indole acetic acid producer, and BSP-19 was the highest siderophore producer. Fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates BS-1, BS-4, 9809, BSP-14, and BSP-19 were identified to possess 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase-producing ability following qualitative analysis. Our present investigation indicates that beneficial effects of fluorescent Pseudomonas could be achieved through simple and cost-effective seed treatment. Three fluorescent Pseudomonas strains, 9704, BS-14, and 9829, consistently increased seed germination and improved plant growth and yield (BS-37.9% and 9704-35.7%) attributes in chickpeas. Besides, confrontation assays performed against R. bataticola expressed varying levels of inhibition. The phylogenetic affinities of 16S rRNA gene sequencing resolved the species identities of selected isolates.

Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of Pseudomonas wuhanensis sp. nov., a Novel Species with Promising Features as a Potential Plant Growth-Promoting and Biocontrol Agent.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strain FP607T was isolated from the rhizosphere of beets in Wuhan, China. Strain FP607T exhibited significant antagonism toward several phytopathogenic bacteria, indicating that FP607T may produce antimicrobial metabolites and has a stronger biocontrol efficacy against plant pathogens. Growth-promoting tests showed that FP607T produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), NH3, and ferritin. The genome sequence of strain FP607T was 6,590,972 bp long with 59.0% G + C content. The optimum temperature range was 25-30 °C, and the optimum pH was 7. The cells of strain FP607T were Gram-negative, short, and rod-shaped, with polar flagella. The colonies on the King's B (KB) agar plates were light yellow, smooth, and circular, with regular edges. A phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence and a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) showed that strain FP607T was most closely related to the type of strain Pseudomonas farris SWRI79T. Based on a polyphasic taxonomic approach, strain FP607T was identified as a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas wuhanensis sp. nov. was proposed. The type of strain used was FP607T (JCM 35688, CGMCC 27743, and ACCC 62446).

Functional Genome Analysis of a Conditionally Pathogenic Rhizobacterial Strain, Pseudomonas putida AKMP7.

This manuscript reports the whole genome sequence of a conditionally pathogenic rhizobacterial strain, Pseudomonas putida AKMP7, which has been previously reported by us to be beneficial to Arabidopsis thaliana under well-watered conditions and pathogenic to the plant under water stress. As part of a study to understand this unique behavior, the whole genome sequence of this strain was analyzed. Based on the results, it was identified that the total length of the AKMP7 genome is 5,764,016 base pairs, and the total GC content of the genome is 62.93% (typical of P. putida). Using RAST annotation pipeline, it was identified that the genome has 5605 coding sequences, 80 repeat regions, 71 tRNA genes, and 22 rRNA genes. A total of 4487 functional proteins and 1118 hypothetical proteins were identified. Phylogenetic analysis has classified it as P. putida species, with a P value of 0.03. In order to identify close relatives of this strain, comparative genomics was performed with 30 other P. putida strains, taken from publicly available genome databases, using Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis. Whole genome comparison with these strains reveals that AKMP7 possesses Type-IV Secretion System (T4SS) with conjugative transfer functionality. Interestingly, the T4SS feature is absent in all the beneficial/harmless strains of P. putida that we analyzed. All the plant pathogenic bacteria that were analyzed had the T4SS feature in their genome, indicating its role in pathogenesis. This study aims to address important gaps in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the conditional/opportunistic pathogenesis of plant-associated, beneficial soil bacteria, using genomics approaches.

Genomic and phenotypic analyses reveal Paenibacillus polymyxa PJH16 is a potential biocontrol agent against cucumber fusarium wilt.

In recent years, bacterial-based biocontrol agents (BCA) have become a new trend for the control of fungal diseases such as fusarium wilt that seriously threaten the yield and quality of cucumber, which are transmitted through infested soil and water. This study was set out with the aim of figuring the mechanism of the isolated rhizobacterial strain Paenibacillus polymyxa PJH16 in preventing Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc). Biocontrol and growth-promoting experiments revealed that bacterial strain causes effective inhibition of the fungal disease through a significant growth-promoting ability of plants, and had activities of β-1,3-glucanase, cellulase, amylase and protease. It could produce siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid, too. Using the high-throughput sequencing tool PacBio Sequel II system and the database annotation, the bacterial strain was identified as P. polymyxa PJH16 and contained genes encoding for presence of biofilm formation, antimicrobial peptides, siderophores and hydrolyases. From comparing data between the whole genome of P. polymyxa PJH16 with four closely related P. polymyxa strains, findings revealed markedly the subtle differences in their genome sequences and proposed new antifungal substances present in P. polymyxa PJH16. Therefore, P. polymyxa PJH16 could be utilized in bioengineering a microbial formulation for application as biocontrol agent and bio-stimulant, in the future.

Seed bio-priming with ACC deaminase-producing bacterial strains alleviates impact of drought stress in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

This study investigated the efficacy of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase-producing rhizobacterial strains isolated from soybean rhizosphere to alleviate the negative impact of drought stress in soybean. Twenty rhizobacterial strains were isolated from disease-resistant soybeans, and only four isolates displayed ACC deaminase activity (more than 500 nmol of ketobutyrate mg protein−1 h−1). These strains also exhibited a variety of plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, such as ammonia production, indole acetic acid concentration (>35 g mL−1), hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, and solubilization of inorganic calcium orthophosphate (>70 μg mL−1). Based on 16S rDNA gene sequencing, the bacterial isolates (AKAD 1-2, AKAD 1-3, AKAD 3-1, and AKAD 3-7) were identified as Pantoea agglomerans (MH304295), Bacillus subtilis (MH304311), Bacillus cereus (MH333217), and Bacillus licheniformis (MH304284), respectively. .Seed bio-priming with these rhizobacteria improvedin vivodrought tolerance, mitigated drought stress and increased shoot length (16–68.6%), root length (40–108%), proline content (14.87–42.69%), sugar content (11.36–67.3%), and protein content (11.77–45%). The potential enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) also increased by 35.87%, 26.63%, and 15.15%, respectively, in drought-stressed plants. The results support the efficacy of these isolates as effective bio-stimulants for improving crop performance in drought-affected agricultural fields. Thus, the present work opens new avenues for harnessing the potential of rhizobacterial bio-stimulants to address the challenges posed by drought stress in soybean cultivation, thereby advancing sustainable agricultural strategies for future food security.

Biological control of selected weeds of direct-seeded rice through application of allelopathic Pseudomonas strains

ABSTRACT Weeds are a major obstacle in the widespread implementation of direct seeding of rice (DSR). Traditional weed control methods have raised serious environmental and health concerns. In this study rhizobacterial strains were assessed for the growth inhibition of Leptochloa chinensis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and promotion of rice. For initial screening, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) was employed. After screening, plant growth-promoting traits were assessed, and two in vitro growth reduction and growth promotion trials were conducted on weeds and rice. Based on 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing, all selected rhizobacteria belonged to Pseudomonas spp. The results of the laboratory experiment showed that strains R4-1 (Pseudomonas plecoglossicida) and R16-10 (Pseudomonas fluorescens) exhibited significant ability to inhibit the growth of selected weeds, while potential to enhance the growth of rice. Further evaluation in pot trial under ambient light and temperature conditions showed that the selected strains significantly reduced weed growth and yield parameters of both weeds compared to the control. Strains R16-10 and R4-1 decreased the biomass of Leptochloa chinensis and Dactyloctenium aegyptium by 20% and 15%, respectively. The trial confirmed that strain R16-10 significantly increased DSR growth traits infested with Leptochloa chinensis and Dactyloctenium aegyptium, including grain yield (10% and 12%) and photosynthetic rate (9% and 7%). Furthermore, strain R4-1 was also effective in promoting the growth, yield, and physiological attributes of DSR. These results suggest that the strain R16-10 and R4-1 can reduce Leptochloa chinensis and Dactyloctenium aegyptium growth while promoting DSR growth.

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (NR_114226) as a novel biocontrol agent against Fusarium crown rot of wheat

AbstractFusarium crown rot (FCR) poses a significant threat to wheat crops, causing substantial grain loss and mycotoxin contamination. While chemical fungicides have been effective in controlling this disease, the need for environmentally friendly alternatives is paramount due to concerns about human health and fungicide resistance. This study delves into the efficacy of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (NR_114226) as a plant growth‐promoting and biocontrol agent against Fusarium graminearum (ON685926) and Fusarium pseudograminearum (ON687723). Greenhouse experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in disease severity by 66.06% through seed treatment with this rhizobacterial strain in soil already infested with fungal pathogens. Moreover, significant growth enhancement occurred in F. pseudograminearum‐infected seedlings treated with P. plecoglossicida (F4 + P57), increasing plant height from 13.8 to 33.1 cm and root length from 9.56 to 19.62 cm, with notable improvements in fresh and dry weights. The study further validated these findings through enzymatic assays and analysis of synthesized secondary metabolites, including chitinase, protease, hydrocyanic acid, indole acetic acid, phosphate solubilization and siderophore production. These results strongly suggest that P. plecoglossicida has the potential to serve as an effective biocontrol agent against soilborne cereal pathogens.

Importance of Lactic Acid Bacteria as an Emerging Group of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in Sustainable Agroecosystems

Increasing awareness of the problems caused by synthetic agrochemicals, such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, makes it crucial to discover substitute approaches that can guarantee competitive plant production and protect the environment while maintaining the natural balance in agroecosystems. One of the leading alternatives is utilizing rhizobacterial strains named plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The utilization of PGPR-based biofertilizers for advancement in the sustainability of farming productions has received considerable critical attention all over the world because of their contribution to not only improving plant growth but also inducing biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. This review updates the aforementioned eco-friendly strategy in sustainable agroecosystems and provides new insights into the phytostimulation and bioprotection ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), an emerging taxon of PGPR. In this regard, the ability of LAB to synthesize metabolites, including organic acids, phenolic acids and their flavonoid derivatives, phytohormones, and antimicrobial substrates, is presented. The use of LAB provides a bridge between PGPR and environmentally friendly crop productivity, which can lead to sustainable production systems by reducing the use of agrochemicals, improving soil quality, and minimizing environmental pollution. All the beneficial aspects of LAB need to be addressed by future research to plan systematic methodologies for their use and/or to combine the use of PGPR along with other organic or inorganic inputs in sustainable production systems.

RHIZOBACTERIA AS ANTAGONIST AGAINST Fusarium oxysporum CAUSING TOMATO WILT

Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) are the most extensively grown vegetable in the world. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is commonly planted for its tasty fruits. Pests, weeds, diseases, and parasites are just a few of the numerous variables that significantly affect tomato growth and yield. The most common disease affecting tomatoes is fusarium wilt. Fifteen rhizobacterial strains were identified by morphological and biochemical analyses in this work, and they were employed as an antagonist against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. Fifteen isolates were investigated for their antagonistic properties against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici using an invitro dual culture approach. The growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici was suppressed by each isolate. Out of the 15 rhizobacteria isolates, isolate RBS-5 exhibited the highest level of growth inhibition and strongly suppressed the development of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, resulting in a 57.28 percent reduction in pathogen growth as compared to the control. The development of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici was suppressed by isolates RBS-12, RBS-6, and RBS-15, in decreasing order of merit, compared to the control by 53.7, 51.91, and 51.73 percent. Isolate RBS-13 showed the least amount of pathogen growth inhibition 20.83 percent. The data was statistically analyzed.

Bacillus cereus: an effective bio-inoculant for promoting salt stress tolerance of rice seedlings under saline soil conditions

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a powerful tool to maintain sustainable agriculture and promote plant resistance to biotic and abiotic types of stress. Salinity, a major abiotic stress hampers plant growth, development, and yield. Salt-tolerant PGPR are effective agents for ameliorating salinity effects on rice plants. The present study endeavored to isolate, determine halotolerant ability, characterize Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) traits, and finally observe the effect of PGPR strain on plant growth promotion of rice plants under saline and non-saline conditions. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique, the rhizobacterial strain DB2 was identified as Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579(T) from NCMR, NCCS Pune. To check the growth-promoting ability, the strain was inoculated with two rice genotypes named Chinsurah Nona I (salt tolerant-non aromatic) and Badshabhog (aromatic) under polyhouse conditions. Results showed a significant increment in relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll content (TCC), root length (RL), and shoot length (SL) in both rice genotypes inoculated with DB2 under both saline and non-saline conditions. Under non-saline conditions enhancement of RWC, TCC, RL, and SL was better in DB2 inoculated Chinsurah Nona I than in Badshabhog inoculated with DB2. Whereas, DB2-inoculated Badshabhog showed more recovery of RWC, TCC, RL, and SL than DB2-inoculated Chinsurah Nona I under saline conditions. Under salt stress conditions, inoculation with the rhizobacterial strain showed a significant reduction in electrolytic leakage (EL) in rhizobacteria inoculated with both rice genotypes. Moreover, DB2 inoculation showed a significant reduction in Na+ content in the roots of Chinsurah Nona I (44.6%) and Badshabhog (24.5%) rice genotypes. The present study has indicated that the application of salt-tolerant PGPR may be an effective and sustainable solution for rice cultivation under salt-stress conditions.