Characterization of a Salt-Tolerant Plant Growth-Promoting Streptomyces levis Strain H from the Rhizosphere Soil of Oryza sativa

Enhancement of growth and salt tolerance in Clematis chinensis by the plant growth- promoting fungus Trichoderma compactum SZ01

The potential of SZ01 as a microbial inoculant to promote plant growth and productivity in saline–alkaline environments, with implications for both medicinal and agricultural crop production, is highlighted.

Integrative functional profiling of rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria reveals Lelliottia aquatilis as a multifunctional PGPR in Himalayan ecosystems

This study introduces L. aquatilis strain MC3 as an emerging candidate for bioinoculant development and one of the first reports for identification of L. aquatilis as multifunctional PGPR from Himalayan ecosystems.

Plant growth promotion of rice (Oryza sativa L.) with root endophytic bacteria, isolated from wild Solanaceous medicinal plants Solanum nigrum L., Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam., and Solanum virginianum L.

Whole-genome sequencing and characterization of Pseudomonas stutzeri P1 endophyte isolated from potato unveils plant growth-promoting and other traits

The potential of P1 as a promising bioinoculant candidate for sustainable agriculture in the potato sector is demonstrated and the genome lacked major virulence factors and antimicrobial traits, supporting the non-pathogenic nature of the P1 strain.

Bacillus velezensis and Sinorhizobium meliloti Form a Functional Complementary Alliance to Alleviate the Impact of Salt Stress on Alfalfa Growth

Salt stress is a prevalent abiotic stress worldwide, which markedly inhibits crop growth and triggers yield losses. In this study, salt-tolerant plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria of Cerasus humilis—Bacillus pumilus and B. velezensis, which possess nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase-producing traits—were co-inoculated with Sinorhizobium meliloti. The effects of these bacterial combinations on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were systematically evaluated during seed germination and plant growth under salt stress simulated using NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, and Na2CO3 at varying intensities. The results showed that under salt stress, inoculation significantly increased the seed germination rate by 11.33–41.33%. Pot experiments further revealed that inoculation significantly enhanced symbiotic nitrogen fixation efficiency in alfalfa and effectively maintained K+/Na+ homeostasis (K+ concentration increased by 4.23–125.34%, while Na+ concentration decreased by 7.15–102.09%). Concurrently, inoculation upregulated antioxidant enzyme activities and promoted the accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants, thereby significantly reducing reactive oxygen species levels. Moreover, inoculation substantially increased the content of osmoregulatory substances such as proline and soluble protein; proline accumulation surged more than fivefold (39.97–551.05%) compared with the non-inoculated control, effectively alleviating cellular dehydration. Through these multi-pathway regulations mediated by Bacillus sp. and S. meliloti, the inhibitory effect of salt stress on alfalfa growth was significantly mitigated, with dry weight increasing by 45.9–92.4%. Principal component analysis indicated that inoculation with the B. velezensis–S. meliloti microbial combination was the most promising strategy for promoting alfalfa growth and alleviating salt stress. The results provide a theoretical basis for developing microbial fertilizers and establishing alfalfa pastures in saline lands, thereby promoting their sustainable utilization.

Microbial Interventions for Sustainable Agriculture: Plant GrowthPromoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Activity of Isolates of Saline Soils from Karad Taluka, Maharashtra, India

Soil salinity remains a major abiotic factor limiting agricultural productivity worldwide, with the situation worsening in parts of Maharashtra, particularly Karad Taluka. This study examined saline soils from various locations within Karad, assessing their physicochemical properties and isolating indigenous halotolerant bacterial strains that exhibit plant growthpromoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) traits. The soil analysis revealed highly alkaline pH levels (8.8-9.4), elevated sodium concentrations, and deficiencies in organic carbon, nitrogen, and micronutrients. Five halotolerant bacterial isolates (Ko1, Va1, Be1, Vm1, and At1) were obtained and evaluated for PGPR activities such as phosphate and potassium solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and siderophore synthesis. All isolates demonstrated positive results in phosphate and potassium solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and IAA production, with four also producing siderophores. Notably, isolates Be1, Vm1, and At1 showed strong performance across multiple traits, highlighting their potential as bioinoculant candidates. These findings suggest that native halotolerant PGPR strains from Karad Taluka could enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient uptake, and support plant growth in saline conditions. Future research including field trials and molecular characterization could facilitate the development of environmentally sustainable microbial formulations for saline agriculture.