Functional Characterization of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in Tomato

Sadhana Giri¹, Rishita Srivastava¹, Shivangi Agrawal¹ and Verinder Virk^1*

Department of Botany and Microbiology, Kanya Gurukula Campus, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University) Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

Corresponding Author Email: virender.wahla@gkv.ac.in

Abstract:

Phosphorus is essential for plant instigation, even so, its vacuity in the soil is often discrete due to its presence in insoluble forms. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSBs) are vital in converting these insoluble phosphorus compounds into forms that plants can readily absorb. Additionally, siderophores are compounds produced by certain bacteria that chelate iron, making it more available to plants, which is crucial for their growth and metabolism. In a study conducted in the Uttarakhand region, researchers aimed to identify and assess bacteria from the rhizosphere of Solanum lycopersicum L. that possess phosphate solubilizing and siderophore-producing abilities. Total 50 unique bacterial strains were collected and evaluated for capacity to make insoluble to soluble phosphate and originate siderophores. Among these, isolate RBS-11 exhibited the highest phosphate solubilization, followed closely by RBS-7. The most proficient isolate, RBS-11, not only released significant amounts of phosphorus but also showed robust siderophore production. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that isolate RBS-11 is Burkholderia dolosa. This bacterium's dual function in phosphorus solubilization and siderophore production highlights its potential as an effective biofertilizer, enhancing nutrient accessibility in soil.

Keywords:

Crops; IAA; Phosphate solubilization; PGPR; Siderophore; 16S rRNA gene

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