Phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria and their effects on the growth and phosphorus uptake by wheat plants

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Noura Bechtaoui - , Mohamed I University, Cadi Ayyad University (Author)
  • Anas Raklami - , Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Abdel ilah Tahiri - , Cadi Ayyad University (Author)
  • Loubna Benidire - , Ibn Zohr University (Author)
  • Michael Göttfert - , Chair of Molecular Genetics, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Khalid Oufdou - , Cadi Ayyad University, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Author)

Abstract

Wheat represents a fundamental component of the diet that contributes to ensuring global food security. However, its cultivation faces various abiotic and biotic constraints that result in fluctuating yields. The use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with the ability to solubilize phosphate presents itself as an environmentally friendly solution aimed to at enhancing sustainable agriculture practices. The objective of the present study is to assess the potential of PGPR in augmenting both yield and phosphorus (P) levels in wheat plants (Triticum durum L). under semi-controlled environmental conditions. Initially, the strains under investigation were screened for their capacity to dissolve different forms of mineral complex P, along with other plant growth promoting attributes such as iron chelation, Indole acetic acid (IAA) production, nitrogen fixation, and production of exopolysaccharides. Plant response to inoculation with PGPR was studied through an experiment conducted in a greenhouse involving four distinct treatments: (1) Control plants without any inoculation, (2) Inoculation with the PGP27 strain (Rahnella aquatilis), (3) Inoculation with the PGP25 strain (Erwinia persicina), and (4) Inoculation with the PGP374 strain (Raoultella terrigena). Results demonstrated that the studied strains exhibited significant promoting activities, including the solubilization of complex phosphate, the production of exopolysaccharides, IAA, siderophores, and atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Furthermore, the inoculation of plants with PGPR led to an increase in both biomass and plant phosphate concentrations, surpassing those observed in the control group. In conclusion, the findings propose that species like Raoultella and Erwinia have the potential to offer agronomic advantages as rhizobacteria that promote plant growth.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2811-2823
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Plant Nutrition
Volume47
Issue number17
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Inoculation, phosphate solubilization, phosphorus nutrition, promoting activities, Triticum durum L