Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Biochemical and molecular characterization of wheat-associated bacteria: implications for plant growth and disease resistance
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Ummat-ul-Habib, Bano Asghari, Billah Motsim, Khan Irum, Khan Naeem
Research Articles | Published: 23 April, 2025
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Views: 1001
Keywords: Antifungal activity, Silver nanoparticles, Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Wheat, Abscisic acid, Phosphate solubilization
Abstract
The study of plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere is crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in managing plant diseases and enhancing plant resilience. The rhizosphere of infected plants harbors a diverse microbiota with unique characteristics that can influence plant health and physiology. This study presents a comparative evaluation of three Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolates, salicylic acid (SA), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) concerning their effects on wheat physiology. PGPR strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of wheat infected with rust (Bacillus cereus JN624926.1), powdery mildew (Bacillus spp. HM063033.1), and from the uninfected wheat rhizosphere (Burkholderia spp. NC 0159471). These isolates were characterized for their ability to utilize carbon and nitrogen sources, solubilize phosphate, produce bacteriocins, and synthesize abscisic acid (ABA) in culture. The effects of these isolates, applied as bioinoculants, were compared with SA and AgNP treatments, administered through seed soaking and foliar spraying. Leaves were harvested at the booting stage to assess physiological parameters. Among the isolates, IRS (Bacillus cereus) exhibited the highest antifungal activity against Helminthosporium sativum. Notably, isolates derived from infected wheat rhizospheres demonstrated enhanced P solubilization, bacteriocin production, and ABA synthesis. These isolates stimulated chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis, induced proline accumulation, and enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activities, specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). The interactions of AgNPs with IRS (Bacillus cereus) exhibited either synergistic or antagonistic effects depending on the physiological parameter analyzed and the wheat variety under study. This research underscores the significance of PGPR in plant disease management and their potential as eco-friendly bioinoculants. This study highlights the importance of PGPR in plant disease management and underscores their potential as sustainable, bio-based solutions for improving crop productivity.
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Author Information
Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan