The Impact of Growth-Promoting Streptomycetes Isolated from Rhizosphere and Bulk Soil on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Growth Parameters

Abstract

Inoculation of Streptomyces to improve oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) yields and minimise the use of chemical fertilisers is a promising sustainable strategy. In this study, we isolated 72 actinobacterial strains from rhizosphere of oilseed rape and maize and from bulk soil for screening and characterising their antimicrobial activity. Nine promising strains, identified as Streptomyces sp. by morphology, physiological characteristics, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were selected for their plant growth-promoting traits and in planta experiments. The actinobacterial strains were positive for IAA production, siderophore production, and HCN production. In planta experiments were conducted by soaking the oilseed rape seeds in the actinobacterial suspension, followed by plant growth under controlled conditions in a cultivate chamber (22–28 °C, 8 h dark/16 h light, constant humidity 80%). We recorded root and shoot length (cm) and seedling fresh weight (g). For most of the abovementioned parameters, a significant enhancement was observed with strain KmiRC20A118 treatment. The length of the root increased by 53.14%, the shoot length increased by 65.6%, and the weight of the fresh plant by 60% compared to the control. The integrated application of PGPS (Plant Growth Promoting Streptomyces) from the rhizosphere of oilseed rape is a promising strategy to improve the growth of oilseed rape.