Isolation and Characterization of Bacillus Spp. for Plant Growth Promoting Properties

Abstract

A group of free-living bacteria known as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inhabit the rhizosphere and aid root development. These rhizobacteria bacteria are vital to the growth of plants and can serve as bio-fertilizer and can enhance food security through green agricultural practices. They exhibit special features which make them potential candidates as bio-fertilizer. Isolation and characterization of rhizobacteria is the first step toward their utilization as bio-fertilizers. Ten rhizobacteria from two different rice farms were isolated and characterized for plant growth promoting properties. The isolated rhizobacteria were identified morphologically, microscopically, biochemically, and molecularly. Plant’s growth promoting properties of these rhizobacteria was also analyzed which includes; Indole 3-acetic acid production (IAA), phosphate solubilisation, hydrogen cyanide production (HCN), ammonia production (NH3), and zinc solubilisation. Out of the ten isolates, three were found to have the best plant growth enhancing properties and were therefore the best candidates as bio-fertilizers. 16SrRNA study and phylogenetic analysis was performed in order to unravel the specie of these three isolates and they were identified as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus niacini, and Bacillus cereus with accession numbers OM184294, OM1842295 and OM184296 respectively. These isolates have the potential to be used as bio-fertilizer, which would significantly contribute to food security.

Effect of Different Bacillus Species on Morphological Parameters, Chlorophyll Content and Relative Water Content of Rice under Water Stress Condition

“…Various efforts towards mitigating drought stress in rice are being utilized, including the use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Out of the 12 bacterial strains isolated in the previous study, three were found to possess most of the properties needed to influence the growth of plants under certain stresses such as drought (Abdullahi et al, 2022). PGPR influences the growth of plants by making nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous available to the plants by solubilization, an effect termed direct mechanism (Shultana et al, 2020).…”

“…We recently isolated and characterized plant growth promoting Bacillus species from soil in Kura Local Government, Kano State, Nigeria labeled SA1, SA3 and SB1 (Abdullahi et al, 2022). These isolates were fully characterized for growth promoting properties such as; Phosphate solubilization, Zinc solubilization, ammonia production, hydrogen cyanide production, Indole acetic acid production which made them ideal candidates as plants growth promoting rhizobacteria.…”

“…They were further analyzed at molecular level for specie identification using 16SrRNA. Phylogenetic analysis was performed in order to unravel the specie of these three isolates and they were identified as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus niacini, and Bacillus cereus with accession numbers OM184294, OM1842295 and OM184296 respectively (Abdullahi et al, 2022). In this research, we investigated the effect of these Bacillus species on chlorophyll and other morphological growth parameters of rice under water stress condition.…”

Effect of Different Strains of Bacillus Species on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes in Rice Exposed to Drought Stress

“…The ISR induced by PGPR has showcased its effectiveness in suppressing plant diseases caused by diverse pathogens, both in controlled environments such as greenhouses and in field conditions [8]. PGPRs play a crucial role in alleviating plant stress through varied mechanisms, encompassing the augmentation of micronutrient uptake and the activation of stress-related genes in plants [4,9]. Among the distinguished PGPRs, Bacillus subtilis has garnered specific attention owing to its versatile catabolism, adeptness in root colonization, and its ability to generate a plethora of enzymes and metabolites supporting plant growth under both biotic and abiotic conditions [10].…”

“…This forces a great challenge to the rice farming and result in greater losses by the farmers. We recently isolated and characterized three different Bacillus species namely; Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus niacini and Bacillus cereus from two different rice farms in northern Nigeria with accession numbers: OM184294, OM1842295 and OM184296 respectively [9,10]. These Bacillus species were found to possess plant growth-promoting properties, including but not limited to ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, hydrogen cyanide production, and various others.…”