Soil–plant–microbiome interactions in drylands: soil bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of a xerophytic plant gather multiple plant growth promoting properties
摘要
Under hot arid conditions of Algeria, at Bir El-Ater region, thirty-seven bacterial isolates were obtained from distinct rhizospheric soil samples beneath Citrullus colocynthis. This study aimed to isolate and characterize plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains, specifically evaluating their proficiency in phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis, phosphate solubilization (SP), and potassium solubilization (SK). The investigation established associations between environmental conditions, bacterial properties, and the rhizosphere dynamics at the plant-host interface. Isolates were subjected to tests assessing IAA production, SP, and SK capabilities. The study incorporated redundancy analysis to understand the correlative relationships between soil characteristics at the plant host rhizosphere and traits of the isolated soil bacteria. The influence of bacterial mineral solubilization, electrical conductivity, and specific ions (Na+, K+) on IAA production was examined. The findings revealed a rich diversity of bacteria, emphasizing the prevalence of IAA production as a common trait among the PGPR strains E1B2 isolate scored a highest IAA production (0.188 ± 0.003 ppm). Twelve strains exhibited ability in SP the maximum solubilization is (2.1 ± 0.1) of E3B2 bacterial isolate, eighteen in SK the maximum is (2.28 ± 0.18) of E1A3, and five strains demonstrated noteworthy PGP traits, offering potential applications in agricultural yield enhancement. These isolates exhibit promise as bio-control agents and bio-inoculants for promoting plant growth, highlighting their potential in sustainable agricultural practices. However, the variability in soil conditions—a common issue of hot drylands—and difficulties in isolating bacteria may influence the results. The outcomes of this study hold broad implications for sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the potential of PGPR in biofertilization practices.