Evaluation of Drought-Tolerant Epiphytic Bacteria for Plant Growth Promotion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32350/bsr.83.01Keywords:
Drought Tolerance, Epiphytic Bacteria, Growth Promotion, Sustainable Agriculture, Zea maysAbstract
Background
Drought is the leading environmental factor affecting the yield of crops such as Zea mays. This study explores the potential of epiphytic bacteria isolated from the Cholistan desert to enhance Zea mays' growth and drought tolerance.
Methods
For this, 27 epiphytic bacterial strains were isolated from Aerva javanica; screened for drought tolerance potential using different concentrations of PEG-6000; and tested for PGP characteristics. Based on the screening, six best epiphytic bacterial strains were selected and a Plant-Microbe-Interaction study was conducted in four treatment groups. Zea mays seeds were treated with Water, PEG, selected bacterial strains and a combination of selected bacterial strains along with 15% PEG. After 30 days of germination, the biochemical characteristics (chlorophyll content, relative water content, soluble protein content, and auxin content) were checked for each group.
Results
The results showed an increase in chlorophyll content, Relative Water Content, soluble proteins, and auxin content in plants treated with drought-tolerant epiphytic bacterial strains in combination with 15% PEG. Among the tested strains, the 2 most efficient bacterial strains were identified as Bacillus rugosus under the accession number PP556211.1 and Enterobacter cloacae under the accession number MT186255.1. It was observed that under PEG-6000, Enterobacter cloacae produced the highest amount of Exopolysaccharides, followed by Bacillus rugosus.
Conclusion
Therefore, these epiphytic strains, identified as Enterobacter cloacae and Bacillus rugosus with drought tolerance potential and plant growth promotion characteristics, can be used as an effective, sustainable agricultural approach to enhance crop resilience and productivity in water-deficient conditions.
Highlights
- Epiphytic bacteria isolated from drought-inflicted regions, such as the Cholistan Desert, have drought-tolerance potential.
- Drought-tolerant epiphytic bacteria with plant growth-promoting characteristics can increase plant yield in drought conditions.
- Bacillus rugosus and Enterobacter cloacae increased maize production in water-deficient conditions.
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References
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