Isolation of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria from rhizospheric soil of halophytes and their impact on maize (Zea mays L.) under induced soil salinity

Mining Halophytes for Plant Growth-Promoting Halotolerant Bacteria to Enhance the Salinity Tolerance of Non-halophytic Crops

Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. Interest is increasing in the application of PGPRs (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) to ameliorate stresses such as salinity stress in crop production. The identification of salt-tolerant, or halophilic, PGPRs has the potential to promote saline soil-based agriculture. Halophytes are a useful reservoir of halotolerant bacteria with plant growth-promoting capabilities. Here, we review recent studies on the use of halophilic PGPRs to stimulate plant growth and increase the tolerance of non-halophytic crops to salinity. These studies illustrate that halophilic PGPRs from the rhizosphere of halophytic species can be effective bio-inoculants for promoting the production of non-halophytic species in saline soils. These studies support the viability of bioinoculation with halophilic PGPRs as a strategy for the sustainable enhancement of non-halophytic crop growth. The potential of this strategy is discussed within the context of ensuring sustainable food production for a world with an increasing population and continuing climate change. We also explore future research needs for using halotolerant PGPRs under salinity stress.

Dipicolinic Acid Release and the Germination of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris Spores under Nutrient Germinants

The presence of Alicyclobacillus, a thermoacidophilic and spore-forming bacterium, in acidic fruit juices poses a serious problem for the processing industry. A typical sign of spoilage in contaminated juices is a characteristic phenolic off-flavour associated with the production of guaiacol. Spores are formed in response to starvation and in a natural environment re-access the nutrients, e.g.: L-alanine and AGFK - a mixture of asparagine, glucose, fructose and potassium, triggers germination. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of L-alanine and AGFK on the germination of the spores of two Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris strains and to evaluate the relationship of the germination rate with dipicolinic acid (DPA) release. The spores were suspended in apple juice or in buffers at pH 4 and pH 7, followed by the addition of L-alanine and AGFK. Suspensions were or were not subjected, to a temperature of 80°C/10 min and incubated for various periods of time at 45°C. Optical density (OD660) was used to estimate the number of germinated spores. The amount of DPA released was determined using HPLC. The results indicate that the degree of germination of A. acidoterrestris spores depended on the strain and time of incubation and the nutritious compounds used. The data obtained show that the amount of DPA released correlated to the number of A. acidoterrestris spores germinated.

Evaluation of Brevibacillus brevis as a potential plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) crop

The present investigation was undertaken to isolate, screen and evaluate a selected promising PGPR Brevibacillus brevis on cotton crop. Out of 156 bacterial isolates one of the most promising isolate was analyzed for the various PGP traits. A seed germination analysis was conducted with cotton seeds to evaluate the potential of the isolate to promote plant growth. The bacterial isolate was checked for its growth and survival at high temperatures. The isolate was also analyzed for the PGP traits exhibited after the heat treatment. To identify the isolate morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization was performed. The isolate was found positive for many of the PGP attributes like IAA, ARA, anti-fungal activity and ammonia production. Effect of seed bacterization on various plant growth parameters was used as an indicator. The isolate showed significant growth and exhibited various PGP traits at high temperature making it suitable as an inoculant for cotton crop. Isolate was identified as Brevibacillus brevis [SVC(II)14] based on phenotypic as well as genotypic attributes and after conducting this research we propose that the B. brevis which is reported for the first time for its PGP potential in cotton, exerts its beneficial effects on cotton crop through combined modes of actions.

Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter koreensis 5J12A, a Plant Growth-Promoting and Desiccation-Tolerant Strain

Arthrobacter koreensis 5J12A is a desiccation-tolerant organism isolated from the Nerium oleander rhizosphere. Here, we report its genome sequence, which may shed light on its role in plant growth promotion. This is believed to be the first published genome of a desiccation-tolerant plant growth promoter from the genus Arthrobacter.