Affiliation:
1. Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi , New Delhi 110016 , India
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) possess numerous properties beneficial for the growth of microbes and plants under hostile conditions. The study aimed to develop a bioformulation with bacterial EPS to enhance the bioinoculant’s shelf life and functional efficacy under salinity stress.
Methods and results
High EPS-producing and salt-tolerant bacterial strain (Bacillus haynessi SD2) exhibiting auxin-production, phosphate-solubilization, and biofilm-forming ability, was selected. EPS-based bioformulation of SD2 improved the growth of three legumes under salt stress, from which pigeonpea was selected for further experiments. SD2 improved the growth and lowered the accumulation of stress markers in plants under salt stress. Bioformulations with varying EPS concentrations (1% and 2%) were stored for 6 months at 4°C, 30°C, and 37°C to assess their shelf life and functional efficacy. The shelf life and efficacy of EPS-based bioformulation were sustained even after 6 months of storage at high temperature, enhancing pigeonpea growth under stress in both control and natural conditions. However, the efficacy of non EPS-based bioformulation declined following four months of storage. The bioformulation (with 1% EPS) modulated bacterial abundance in the plant’s rhizosphere under stress conditions.
Conclusion
The study brings forth a new strategy for developing next-generation bioformulations with higher shelf life and efficacy for salinity stress management in pigeonpea.
Funder
Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)