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Molecular characterization of halotolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), their effect as biofertilizers and phytotherapeutic agents
Abstract
Soil salinity significantly limits agricultural productivity, necessitating innovative microbial solutions to enhance plant resilience while minimizing chemical inputs. This study highlights the phytotherapeutic potential of native halotolerant Bacillus spp. isolated from extreme saline environments as a biofertilizer and sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides. Selected Bacillus strains demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and maintenance of redox homeostasis under saline stress. Their biocontrol capabilities were evidenced by inhibition of pathogenic fungi through mechanisms such as siderophore-mediated iron chelation and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production. Five strains notably enhanced plant stress tolerance, underscoring their dual role in improving crop productivity in salt-affected soils and managing phytopathogenic fungi, including Fusarium acuminatum, F. equiseti, Aspergillus mega, Alternaria sp. and Botrytis cinerea. These findings offer a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture by integrating extremophile Bacillus spp. as an effective phytotherapeutic agent to mitigate salinity stress and plant diseases.
