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Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion
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Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Microbe Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 63230

Special Issue Editor

Dr. José David Flores-Félix

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Lab 237, Edif Departamental de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
Interests: microbiology; rhizobium; PGPB
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, knowledge about plant bacterial communities has shown how this environment presents an important bacterial diversity, where plants are able to model these populations. Development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and transcriptomics techniques has allowed us to delve into bacterial diversity, contributing to give a completeness view of culturable and nonculturable plant-associated bacteria. It should also be noted that, in recent years, the study of bacterial populations associated with plants has allowed the identification of a high number of new species, and genome sequencing has revealed a more complete view of the metabolism and relationship of bacteria that inhabit these environments. These bacteria will have a key role in the development of efficient agricultural strategies to achieve higher crop production and better crop adaptation to future climatic conditions. In this way, some bacteria present a high biotechnological profile due to their ability to produce a plant growth promotion mechanism, which has a positive effect on the development and health of plants. For this reason, the integration between metagenomic and culturomic techniques is essential to achieve a global vision that allows knowing the population dynamics and their biotechnological application in modern agriculture.

This Special Issue will focus on providing a current view of the diversity and importance of bacterial populations associated with plants through a culturomic, metagenomic, and molecular approach, the relationship between community members, their relationship with the host, and their importance in plant nutrition.

Dr. José David Flores-Félix
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • rhizobacteria
  • endophytes
  • epiphytes
  • rhizosphere
  • phyllosphere
  • plant growth promotion bacteria
  • plant microbiome
  • plant–microbe transcriptomic
  • plant–microbe interactions
  • culturomic microbiote
  • quorum sensing

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 5233 KiB  
Article
Phylosymbiosis in the Rhizosphere Microbiome Extends to Nitrogen Cycle Functional Potential
by Mikayla Van Bel, Amanda E. Fisher, Laymon Ball, J. Travis Columbus and Renaud Berlemont
Microorganisms 2021, 9(12), 2476; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122476 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2386
Abstract
Most plants rely on specialized root-associated microbes to obtain essential nitrogen (N), yet not much is known about the evolutionary history of the rhizosphere–plant interaction. We conducted a common garden experiment to investigate the plant root–rhizosphere microbiome association using chloridoid grasses sampled from [...] Read more.
Most plants rely on specialized root-associated microbes to obtain essential nitrogen (N), yet not much is known about the evolutionary history of the rhizosphere–plant interaction. We conducted a common garden experiment to investigate the plant root–rhizosphere microbiome association using chloridoid grasses sampled from around the world and grown from seed in a greenhouse. We sought to test whether plants that are more closely related phylogenetically have more similar root bacterial microbiomes than plants that are more distantly related. Using metagenome sequencing, we found that there is a conserved core and a variable rhizosphere bacterial microbiome across the chloridoid grasses. Additionally, phylogenetic distance among the host plant species was correlated with bacterial community composition, suggesting the plant hosts prefer specific bacterial lineages. The functional potential for N utilization across microbiomes fluctuated extensively and mirrored variation in the microbial community composition across host plants. Variation in the bacterial potential for N fixation was strongly affected by the host plants’ phylogeny, whereas variation in N recycling, nitrification, and denitrification was unaffected. This study highlights the evolutionary linkage between the N fixation traits of the microbial community and the plant host and suggests that not all functional traits are equally important for plant–microbe associations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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14 pages, 2481 KiB  
Article
Chromium Stress Tolerance of a C4 (Zea mays L.) and C3 (Vigna radiata L.) Plants Primed with UV and Gamma-Treated Bacillus subtilis
by Qasim Shahzad, Saqib Mahmood, Sadia Javed and Tariq Mushtaq
Microorganisms 2021, 9(11), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9112313 - 08 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1601
Abstract
Chromium stress is one of the deleterious abiotic factors that reduce crop production. Two anatomically different crops (C3 and C4) were compared for their chromium (0 and 50 ppm) tolerance and responses towards Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). Strains of B. subtilis [...] Read more.
Chromium stress is one of the deleterious abiotic factors that reduce crop production. Two anatomically different crops (C3 and C4) were compared for their chromium (0 and 50 ppm) tolerance and responses towards Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). Strains of B. subtilis were exposed to UV (30–210 min) and gamma irradiation (1–4 KGy), and the best mutants were selected on petri plates containing selective markers. Maize and mungbean were supplied with selected strains or the parent strain in rooting medium, along with a nutrient broth. A completely randomized design (five replicates) was adopted using nutrient broth as a control. Stress negatively affected plants grown without strains. Mungbean was more sensitive towards stress and treatments, maize had better root and shoot fresh weights, root and shoot lengths, proline levels, and MDA and GR activity. All strains of B. subtilis (parent, γ-irradiated and UV-irradiated) enhanced proline, total soluble protein, chlorophyll a, a + b and a/b levels, with negligible effects upon antioxidant enzymes. Irradiated strains proved their superiority to the parent strain, with reductions in H2O2 and MDA content. With comparable benefits, γ and UV irradiation may be adopted in future based upon technical availability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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11 pages, 1747 KiB  
Article
Impact of Nutrients on Protozoa Community Diversity and Structure in Litter of Two Natural Grass Species in a Copper Tailings Dam, China
by Tong Jia, Xiaoxia Liang, Tingyan Guo and Baofeng Chai
Microorganisms 2021, 9(11), 2250; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9112250 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1707
Abstract
In nature, protists directly participate in litter decomposition and indirectly affect litter decomposition processes by means of their influence on litter microbial communities. To date, relevant studies on litter microbial communities have primarily focused on bacteria and fungi, while relatively little attention has [...] Read more.
In nature, protists directly participate in litter decomposition and indirectly affect litter decomposition processes by means of their influence on litter microbial communities. To date, relevant studies on litter microbial communities have primarily focused on bacteria and fungi, while relatively little attention has been paid to the characteristics of protozoan communities within damaged ecosystems. Two dominant grass species (Bothriochloa ischaemum and Imperata cylindrica) were selected from China’s “Eighteenth” River tailings dam to explore protozoan community composition and diversity in a degraded mining area and to clarify the influence among key ecological factors and protozoan community characteristics in litter. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze protozoan community composition and diversity, while correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships between protozoan communities and litter nutrient characteristics, including associative enzyme degradation. Although protozoan communities in litter shared a dominant group at an order level (Colpodida), they differed at a genus level (i.e., Hausmanniella and Tychosporium). Moreover, although the order Cryomonadida positively correlated to total nitrogen (TN) and sucrose, it exhibited an extreme negative correlation to total carbon (TC) and cellulase. Colpodida and Oomycota_X significantly and negatively correlated to litter urease activity. Nutrient characteristics of grass litter in copper tailing dams are important ecological factors that affect protozoan community characteristics. Notable differences were observed among protozoan communities of these two grass species, while litter enzyme activities were closely correlated to protozoan community diversity. The results suggested that Colpodida may play important roles in litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in mining areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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11 pages, 1734 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacterial Endophytes and Plant Growth Promotion In Vitro and in Greenhouse
by Chuansheng Mei, Robert L. Chretien, B. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Yimeng He, Amy Turner and Scott Lowman
Microorganisms 2021, 9(9), 1935; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9091935 - 11 Sep 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4316
Abstract
Phosphate is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth and development, and only 0.1% of the phosphate in soils is available to plants. Currently, the use of excess phosphate fertilizer has caused surface and ground water pollution and water eutrophication, resulting [...] Read more.
Phosphate is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth and development, and only 0.1% of the phosphate in soils is available to plants. Currently, the use of excess phosphate fertilizer has caused surface and ground water pollution and water eutrophication, resulting in algal blooms in lakes and oceans. Therefore, it is imperative to explore alternative ways to solve these problems for sustainable agricultural production and improvement of soil fertility, while protecting the environment. Microorganisms from the rhizosphere and within plants are able to solubilize insoluble soil phosphate, making it available to plants. Five high phosphate solubilizing bacteria from our bacterial endophyte library were chosen for this study and identified as Pantoea vagans IALR611, Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632, Bacillus subtilis IALR1033, Bacillus safensis IALR1035 and Pantoea agglomerans IALR1325. All five bacteria significantly promoted tall fescue growth in vitro. Greenhouse experiments showed that IALR1325 significantly promoted pepper and tomato growth, and IALR632 was the best in promoting tomato growth. In addition, all these bacteria had extracellular acid phosphatase and phytase activities. One of the mechanisms for phosphate solubilization by bacteria is pH reduction caused by gluconic acid production. Our results indicate that P. agglomerans IALR1325 is a promising bacterium for future applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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22 pages, 4500 KiB  
Article
Stimulation of Nicotiana tabacum L. In Vitro Shoot Growth by Endophytic Bacillus cereus Group Bacteria
by Elena Andriūnaitė, Inga Tamošiūnė, Monika Aleksandravičiūtė, Dalia Gelvonauskienė, Jurgita Vinskienė, Rytis Rugienius and Danas Baniulis
Microorganisms 2021, 9(9), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9091893 - 06 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2799
Abstract
In vitro plant tissue cultures face various unfavorable conditions, such as mechanical damage, osmotic shock, and phytohormone imbalance, which can be detrimental to culture viability, growth efficiency, and genetic stability. Recent studies have revealed a presence of diverse endophytic bacteria, suggesting that engineering [...] Read more.
In vitro plant tissue cultures face various unfavorable conditions, such as mechanical damage, osmotic shock, and phytohormone imbalance, which can be detrimental to culture viability, growth efficiency, and genetic stability. Recent studies have revealed a presence of diverse endophytic bacteria, suggesting that engineering of the endophytic microbiome of in vitro plant tissues has the potential to improve their acclimatization and growth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) endophytic bacteria isolates that are capable of promoting the biomass accumulation of in vitro tobacco shoots. Forty-five endophytic bacteria isolates were obtained from greenhouse-grown tobacco plant leaves and were assigned to seven Bacillus spp. and one Pseudomonas sp. based on 16S rRNA or genome sequence data. To evaluate the bacterial effect on in vitro plant growth, tobacco shoots were inoculated with 22 isolates selected from distinct taxonomic groups. Four isolates of Bacillus cereus group species B. toyonensis, B. wiedmannii and B. mycoides promoted shoot growth by 11–21%. Furthermore, a contrasting effect on shoot growth was found among several isolates of the same species, suggesting the presence of strain-specific interaction with the plant host. Comparative analysis of genome assemblies was performed on the two closely related B. toyonensis isolates with contrasting plant growth-modulating properties. This revealed distinct structures of the genomic regions, including a putative enzyme cluster involved in the biosynthesis of linear azol(in)e-containing peptides and polysaccharides. However, the function of these clusters and their significance in plant-promoting activity remains elusive, and the observed contrasting effects on shoot growth are more likely to result from genomic sequence variations leading to differences in metabolic or gene expression activity. The Bacillus spp. isolates with shoot-growth-promoting properties have a potential application in improving the growth of plant tissue cultures in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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16 pages, 4995 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Biocompatibility and Antagonistic Properties of Microorganisms Isolated from Natural Sources for Obtaining Biofertilizers Using Microalgae Hydrolysate
by Olga Babich, Stanislav Sukhikh, Lyubov Dyshlyuk, Olga Shishko, Irina Milentyeva, Alexander Prosekov, Valery Pavsky, Svetlana Ivanova and Vyacheslav Dolganyuk
Microorganisms 2021, 9(8), 1667; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9081667 - 04 Aug 2021
Viewed by 1884
Abstract
Determination of the biocompatibility of microorganisms isolated from natural sources (Kemerovo Oblast—Kuzbass) resulted in the creation of three microbial consortia based on the isolated strains: consortium I (Bacillus pumilus, Pediococcus damnosus, and Pediococcus pentosaceus), consortium II (Acetobacter aceti [...] Read more.
Determination of the biocompatibility of microorganisms isolated from natural sources (Kemerovo Oblast—Kuzbass) resulted in the creation of three microbial consortia based on the isolated strains: consortium I (Bacillus pumilus, Pediococcus damnosus, and Pediococcus pentosaceus), consortium II (Acetobacter aceti, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, and Streptomyces parvus), and consortium III (Amycolatopsis sacchari, Bacillus stearothermophilus; Streptomyces thermocarboxydus; and Streptomyces thermospinisporus). The nutrient media composition for the cultivation of each of the three studied microbial consortia, providing the maximum increase in biomass, was selected: consortium I, nutrient medium 11; consortium II, nutrient medium 13; for consortium III, nutrient medium 16. Consortia I and II microorganisms were cultured at 5–25 °C, and consortium III at 50–70 °C. Six types of psychrophilic microorganisms (P. pentosaceus, P. chlororaphis, P. damnosus, B. pumilus, A. aceti, and S. parvus) and four types of thermophilic microorganisms (B. stearothermophilus, S. thermocarboxydus, S. thermospinisporus, and A. sacchari) were found to have high antagonistic activity against the tested pathogenic strains (A. faecalis, B. cinerea, E. carotovora, P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescens, R. stolonifera, X. vesicatoria. pv. Vesicatoria, and E. aphidicola). The introduction of microalgae hydrolyzate increased the concentration of microorganisms by 5.23 times in consortium I, by 4.66 times in consortium II, by 6.6 times in consortium III. These data confirmed the efficiency (feasibility) of introducing microalgae hydrolyzate into the biofertilizer composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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22 pages, 4021 KiB  
Article
It Takes Two to Tango: A Bacterial Biofilm Provides Protection against a Fungus-Feeding Bacterial Predator
by Shubhangi Sharma, Stéphane Compant, Philipp Franken, Silke Ruppel and Max-Bernhard Ballhausen
Microorganisms 2021, 9(8), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9081566 - 23 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4676
Abstract
Fungus-bacterium interactions are widespread, encompass multiple interaction types from mutualism to parasitism, and have been frequent targets for microbial inoculant development. In this study, using in vitro systems combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy and real-time quantitative PCR, we test whether the nitrogen-fixing [...] Read more.
Fungus-bacterium interactions are widespread, encompass multiple interaction types from mutualism to parasitism, and have been frequent targets for microbial inoculant development. In this study, using in vitro systems combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy and real-time quantitative PCR, we test whether the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Kosakonia radicincitans can provide protection to the plant-beneficial fungus Serendipita indica, which inhabits the rhizosphere and colonizes plants as an endophyte, from the fungus-feeding bacterium Collimonas fungivorans. We show that K. radicincitans can protect fungal hyphae from bacterial feeding on solid agar medium, with probable mechanisms being quick hyphal colonization and biofilm formation. We furthermore find evidence for different feeding modes of K. radicincitans and C. fungivorans, namely “metabolite” and “hyphal feeding”, respectively. Overall, we demonstrate, to our knowledge, the first evidence for a bacterial, biofilm-based protection of fungal hyphae against attack by a fungus-feeding, bacterial predator on solid agar medium. Besides highlighting the importance of tripartite microbial interactions, we discuss implications of our results for the development and application of microbial consortium-based bioprotectants and biostimulants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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25 pages, 3655 KiB  
Article
Root-Associated Bacterial Community Shifts in Hydroponic Lettuce Cultured with Urine-Derived Fertilizer
by Thijs Van Gerrewey, Christophe El-Nakhel, Stefania De Pascale, Jolien De Paepe, Peter Clauwaert, Frederiek-Maarten Kerckhof, Nico Boon and Danny Geelen
Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061326 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4541
Abstract
Recovery of nutrients from source-separated urine can truncate our dependency on synthetic fertilizers, contributing to more sustainable food production. Urine-derived fertilizers have been successfully applied in soilless cultures. However, little is known about the adaptation of the plant to the nutrient environment. This [...] Read more.
Recovery of nutrients from source-separated urine can truncate our dependency on synthetic fertilizers, contributing to more sustainable food production. Urine-derived fertilizers have been successfully applied in soilless cultures. However, little is known about the adaptation of the plant to the nutrient environment. This study investigated the impact of urine-derived fertilizers on plant performance and the root-associated bacterial community of hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Shoot biomass, chlorophyll, phenolic, antioxidant, and mineral content were associated with shifts in the root-associated bacterial community structures. K-struvite, a high-performing urine-derived fertilizer, supported root-associated bacterial communities that overlapped most strongly with control NPK fertilizer. Contrarily, lettuce performed poorly with electrodialysis (ED) concentrate and hydrolyzed urine and hosted distinct root-associated bacterial communities. Comparing the identified operational taxonomic units (OTU) across the fertilizer conditions revealed strong correlations between specific bacterial genera and the plant physiological characteristics, salinity, and NO3−/NH4+ ratio. The root-associated bacterial community networks of K-struvite and NPK control fertilized plants displayed fewer nodes and node edges, suggesting that good plant growth performance does not require highly complex ecological interactions in hydroponic growth conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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19 pages, 31284 KiB  
Article
Isolation, Characterization, and Efficacy of Actinobacteria Associated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Spores in Promoting Plant Growth of Chili (Capsicum flutescens L.)
by Leardwiriyakool Chaiya, Jaturong Kumla, Nakarin Suwannarach, Tanongkiat Kiatsiriroat and Saisamorn Lumyong
Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061274 - 11 Jun 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6000
Abstract
Nowadays, microorganisms that display plant growth promoting properties are significantly interesting for their potential role in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. This research study proposed the isolation of the actinobacteria associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spores and the investigation of their [...] Read more.
Nowadays, microorganisms that display plant growth promoting properties are significantly interesting for their potential role in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. This research study proposed the isolation of the actinobacteria associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spores and the investigation of their plant growth promoting properties in the in vitro assay. Three actinobacterial strains were obtained and identified to the genus Streptomyces (GETU-1 and GIG-1) and Amycolatopsis (GLM-2). The results indicated that all actinobacterial strains produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and were positive in terms of siderophore, endoglucanase, and ammonia productions. In the in vitro assay, all strains were grown in the presence of water activity within a range of 0.897 to 0.998, pH values within a range of 5–11, and in the presence of 2.5% NaCl for the investigation of drought, pH, and salt tolerances, respectively. Additionally, all strains were able to tolerate commercial insecticides (propargite and methomyl) and fungicides (captan) at the recommended dosages for field applications. Only, Amycolatopsis sp. GLM-2 showed tolerance to benomyl at the recommended dose. All the obtained actinobacteria were characterized as plant growth promoting strains by improving the growth of chili plants (Capsicum flutescens L.). Moreover, the co-inoculation treatment of the obtained actinobacteria and AMF (Claroideoglomus etunicatum) spores could significantly increase plant growth, contribute to the chlorophyll index, and enhance fruit production in chili plants. Additionally, the highest value of AMF spore production and the greatest percentage of root colonization were observed in the treatment that had been co-inoculated with Streptomyces sp. GETU-1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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14 pages, 2891 KiB  
Article
Bacillus velezensis CE 100 Inhibits Root Rot Diseases (Phytophthora spp.) and Promotes Growth of Japanese Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endlicher) Seedlings
by Jae-Hyun Moon, Sang-Jae Won, Chaw Ei Htwe Maung, Jae-Hyeok Choi, Su-In Choi, Henry B. Ajuna and Young Sang Ahn
Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040821 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3415
Abstract
Root rot diseases, caused by phytopathogenic oomycetes, Phytophthora spp. cause devastating losses involving forest seedlings, such as Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endlicher) in Korea. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a promising strategy to control root rot diseases and promote growth in seedlings. [...] Read more.
Root rot diseases, caused by phytopathogenic oomycetes, Phytophthora spp. cause devastating losses involving forest seedlings, such as Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endlicher) in Korea. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a promising strategy to control root rot diseases and promote growth in seedlings. In this study, the potential of Bacillus velezensis CE 100 in controlling Phytophthora root rot diseases and promoting the growth of C. obtusa seedlings was investigated. B. velezensis CE 100 produced β-1,3-glucanase and protease enzymes, which degrade the β-glucan and protein components of phytopathogenic oomycetes cell-wall, causing mycelial growth inhibition of P. boehmeriae, P. cinnamomi, P. drechsleri and P. erythoroseptica by 54.6%, 62.6%, 74.3%, and 73.7%, respectively. The inhibited phytopathogens showed abnormal growth characterized by swelling and deformation of hyphae. B. velezensis CE 100 increased the survival rate of C. obtusa seedlings 2.0-fold and 1.7-fold compared to control, and fertilizer treatment, respectively. Moreover, B. velezensis CE 100 produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) up to 183.7 mg/L, resulting in a significant increase in the growth of C. obtusa seedlings compared to control, or chemical fertilizer treatment, respectively. Therefore, this study demonstrates that B. velezensis CE 100 could simultaneously control Phytophthora root rot diseases and enhance growth of C. obtusa seedlings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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28 pages, 6493 KiB  
Article
Microbial Diversity of Psychrotolerant Bacteria Isolated from Wild Flora of Andes Mountains and Patagonia of Chile towards the Selection of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterial Consortia to Alleviate Cold Stress in Plants
by Paulina Vega-Celedón, Guillermo Bravo, Alexis Velásquez, Fernanda P. Cid, Miryam Valenzuela, Ingrid Ramírez, Ingrid-Nicole Vasconez, Inaudis Álvarez, Milko A. Jorquera and Michael Seeger
Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030538 - 05 Mar 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5149
Abstract
Cold stress decreases the growth and productivity of agricultural crops. Psychrotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) may protect and promote plant growth at low temperatures. The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize psychrotolerant PGPB from wild flora of Andes Mountains and [...] Read more.
Cold stress decreases the growth and productivity of agricultural crops. Psychrotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) may protect and promote plant growth at low temperatures. The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize psychrotolerant PGPB from wild flora of Andes Mountains and Patagonia of Chile and to formulate PGPB consortia. Psychrotolerant strains were isolated from 11 wild plants (rhizosphere and phyllosphere) during winter of 2015. For the first time, bacteria associated with Calycera, Orites, and Chusquea plant genera were reported. More than 50% of the 130 isolates showed ≥33% bacterial cell survival at temperatures below zero. Seventy strains of Pseudomonas, Curtobacterium, Janthinobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, Serratia, Brevundimonas, Xanthomonas, Frondihabitans, Arthrobacter, Pseudarthrobacter, Paenarthrobacter, Brachybacterium, Clavibacter, Sporosarcina, Bacillus, Solibacillus, Flavobacterium, and Pedobacter genera were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. Ten strains were selected based on psychrotolerance, auxin production, phosphate solubilization, presence of nifH (nitrogenase reductase) and acdS (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase) genes, and anti-phytopathogenic activities. Two of the three bacterial consortia formulated promoted tomato plant growth under normal and cold stress conditions. The bacterial consortium composed of Pseudomonas sp. TmR5a & Curtobacterium sp. BmP22c that possesses ACC deaminase and ice recrystallization inhibition activities is a promising candidate for future cold stress studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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18 pages, 2010 KiB  
Article
The Halotolerant Rhizobacterium—Pseudomonas koreensis MU2 Enhances Inorganic Silicon and Phosphorus Use Efficiency and Augments Salt Stress Tolerance in Soybean (Glycine max L.)
by Arjun Adhikari, Muhammad Aaqil Khan, Ko-Eun Lee, Sang-Mo Kang, Sanjeev Kumar Dhungana, Narayan Bhusal and In-Jung Lee
Microorganisms 2020, 8(9), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8091256 - 19 Aug 2020
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 4454
Abstract
Optimizing nutrient usage in plants is vital for a sustainable yield under biotic and abiotic stresses. Since silicon and phosphorus are considered key elements for plant growth, this study assessed the efficient supplementation strategy of silicon and phosphorus in soybean plants under salt [...] Read more.
Optimizing nutrient usage in plants is vital for a sustainable yield under biotic and abiotic stresses. Since silicon and phosphorus are considered key elements for plant growth, this study assessed the efficient supplementation strategy of silicon and phosphorus in soybean plants under salt stress through inoculation using the rhizospheric strain—Pseudomonas koreensis MU2. The screening analysis of MU2 showed its high salt-tolerant potential, which solubilizes both silicate and phosphate. The isolate, MU2 produced gibberellic acid (GA1, GA3) and organic acids (malic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, and tartaric acid) in pure culture under both normal and salt-stressed conditions. The combined application of MU2, silicon, and phosphorus significantly improved silicon and phosphorus uptake, reduced Na+ ion influx by 70%, and enhanced K+ uptake by 46% in the shoots of soybean plants grown under salt-stress conditions. MU2 inoculation upregulated the salt-resistant genes GmST1, GmSALT3, and GmAKT2, which significantly reduced the endogenous hormones abscisic acid and jasmonic acid while, it enhanced the salicylic acid content of soybean. In addition, MU2 inoculation strengthened the host’s antioxidant system through the reduction of lipid peroxidation and proline while, it enhanced the reduced glutathione content. Moreover, MU2 inoculation promoted root and shoot length, plant biomass, and the chlorophyll content of soybean plants. These findings suggest that MU2 could be a potential biofertilizer catalyst for the amplification of the use efficiency of silicon and phosphorus fertilizers to mitigate salt stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 564 KiB  
Review
Setting a Plausible Route for Saline Soil-Based Crop Cultivations by Application of Beneficial Halophyte-Associated Bacteria: A Review
by Han Meng Teo, Aziz A., Wahizatul A. A., Kesaven Bhubalan, Siti Nordahliawate M. S., Muhamad Syazlie C. I. and Lee Chuen Ng
Microorganisms 2022, 10(3), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10030657 - 19 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3095
Abstract
The global scale of land salinization has always been a considerable concern for human livelihoods, mainly regarding the food-producing agricultural industries. The latest update suggested that the perpetual salinity problem claimed up to 900 million hectares of agricultural land worldwide, inducing salinity stress [...] Read more.
The global scale of land salinization has always been a considerable concern for human livelihoods, mainly regarding the food-producing agricultural industries. The latest update suggested that the perpetual salinity problem claimed up to 900 million hectares of agricultural land worldwide, inducing salinity stress among salt-sensitive crops and ultimately reducing productivity and yield. Moreover, with the constant growth of the human population, sustainable solutions are vital to ensure food security and social welfare. Despite that, the current method of crop augmentations via selective breeding and genetic engineering only resulted in mild success. Therefore, using the biological approach of halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (HT-PGPB) as bio-inoculants provides a promising crop enhancement strategy. HT-PGPB has been proven capable of forming a symbiotic relationship with the host plant by instilling induced salinity tolerance (IST) and multiple plant growth-promoting traits (PGP). Nevertheless, the mechanisms and prospects of HT-PGPB application of glycophytic rice crops remains incomprehensively reported. Thus, this review describes a plausible strategy of halophyte-associated HT-PGPB as the future catalyst for rice crop production in salt-dominated land and aims to meet the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of zero hunger. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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20 pages, 1106 KiB  
Review
Teamwork to Survive in Hostile Soils: Use of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria to Ameliorate Soil Salinity Stress in Crops
by Rafael Jiménez-Mejía, Ricardo I. Medina-Estrada, Santos Carballar-Hernández, Ma. del Carmen Orozco-Mosqueda, Gustavo Santoyo and Pedro D. Loeza-Lara
Microorganisms 2022, 10(1), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10010150 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5073
Abstract
Plants and their microbiomes, including plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), can work as a team to reduce the adverse effects of different types of stress, including drought, heat, cold, and heavy metals stresses, as well as salinity in soils. These abiotic stresses are reviewed [...] Read more.
Plants and their microbiomes, including plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), can work as a team to reduce the adverse effects of different types of stress, including drought, heat, cold, and heavy metals stresses, as well as salinity in soils. These abiotic stresses are reviewed here, with an emphasis on salinity and its negative consequences on crops, due to their wide presence in cultivable soils around the world. Likewise, the factors that stimulate the salinity of soils and their impact on microbial diversity and plant physiology were also analyzed. In addition, the saline soils that exist in Mexico were analyzed as a case study. We also made some proposals for a more extensive use of bacterial bioinoculants in agriculture, particularly in developing countries. Finally, PGPB are highly relevant and extremely helpful in counteracting the toxic effects of soil salinity and improving crop growth and production; therefore, their use should be intensively promoted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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23 pages, 721 KiB  
Review
Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria as an Emerging Tool to Manage Bacterial Rice Pathogens
by Mohamad Syazwan Ngalimat, Erneeza Mohd Hata, Dzarifah Zulperi, Siti Izera Ismail, Mohd Razi Ismail, Nur Ain Izzati Mohd Zainudin, Noor Baity Saidi and Mohd Termizi Yusof
Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040682 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 9499
Abstract
As a major food crop, rice (Oryza sativa) is produced and consumed by nearly 90% of the population in Asia with less than 9% produced outside Asia. Hence, reports on large scale grain losses were alarming and resulted in a heightened [...] Read more.
As a major food crop, rice (Oryza sativa) is produced and consumed by nearly 90% of the population in Asia with less than 9% produced outside Asia. Hence, reports on large scale grain losses were alarming and resulted in a heightened awareness on the importance of rice plants’ health and increased interest against phytopathogens in rice. To serve this interest, this review will provide a summary on bacterial rice pathogens, which can potentially be controlled by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Additionally, this review highlights PGPB-mediated functional traits, including biocontrol of bacterial rice pathogens and enhancement of rice plant’s growth. Currently, a plethora of recent studies address the use of PGPB to combat bacterial rice pathogens in an attempt to replace existing methods of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that often lead to environmental pollutions. As a tool to combat bacterial rice pathogens, PGPB presented itself as a promising alternative in improving rice plants’ health and simultaneously controlling bacterial rice pathogens in vitro and in the field/greenhouse studies. PGPB, such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Streptomyces, are now very well-known. Applications of PGPB as bioformulations are found to be effective in improving rice productivity and provide an eco-friendly alternative to agroecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Plant Communities: Diversity, Molecular Interactions, and Plant Growth Promotion)
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