Modulation of drought adversities in Vicia faba by the application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and biochar

Abstract

Drought is the greatest threat to world food security, seen as the catalyst for the great famines of the past. Given that the world's water supply is limited, it is likely that future demand of food for increasing population will further exacerbate the drought effects. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the effect of biochar and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Sphingobacterium pakistanensis (NCCP246) and Cellulomonas pakistanensis (NCCP11) on agronomic and physiological attributes of Vicia faba two varieties Desi (V1) and Pulista (V2) under induced drought stress. The seeds were sown in earthen pots filled with 3 kg sand and soil (1:2), and biochar (0 and 5% w/w) in triplicate arranged in complete randomized design. Analysis of biochar possessed 0.49 g cm−3 bulk density, 9.6 pH; 5.4 cmol kg−1 cation exchange capacity, 3.64% organic carbon and EC 6.7 ds/m. Agronomic attributes including seed LAI, LAR, SVI, %PHSI and RWC were improved by 30.4–180.4%, 14.37–47.20%, 37.64–50.91%, 18.21–30.80, and 35.82–54.34% in both varieties by the co‐application of biochar and PGPR. Stomatal physiology and epidermal vigor was successfully improved by the application of PGPR and biochar as analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Photosynthetic pigments, flavonoids, phenols, proline and glycine betaine were amplified by 58.33–173.8%, 50.59–130.33%, 46.58–86.62%, 46.66–109.30%, 35.74–56.10%, and 21.96–77.22% in both varieties by the co‐application of biochar and PGPR. So, the present work concluded that, combined application of biochar and PGPR could be an effective strategy to alleviate the adversities of drought in V. faba growing in drastic ecosystems.

The alleviation of drought-induced damage to growth and physio-biochemical parameters of Brassica napus L. genotypes using an integrated approach of biochar amendment and PGPR application

“…Conversely, drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) increased phenolic and flavonoid contents at 15% and 5% PEG in RGS003 and Sarigo cultivars of canola (Rezayian et al, 2018). However, the treatment of both biochar and PGPR applications significantly improved phenolic and flavonoid contents in Vicia faba under drought stress, suggesting the important role of biochar and PGPR treatments to improve biochemical properties of plants under stress conditions (Nafees et al, 2022).…”

Unlocking the potential of co-applied biochar and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for sustainable agriculture under stress conditions

“…and Staphylococcus sp. Produced from Morus alba L. wood in oxygen-limited conditions Brassica napus L. Field experiment; drought stress applied for 15–30 days Co-application improved plant antioxidant enzyme activity including ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) Also enhanced the content of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll pigments, anthocyanin content and carotenoids content [ 62 ] Sphingobacterium pakistanensis , Cellulomonas pakistanensis Produced from Wood residues of mulberry plant ( Morus alba L.) combustion at 500–750 °C Application rate was 5% Vicia faba Pot experiment; drought induction was 13 days and 26 days In PGPR + biochar, relative water content improved by 35.82–54.34% Similarly, photosynthetic pigments and proline improved by 58.33–173.8% and 46.58–86.62%, respectively [ 63 ] Azotobacter chroococcum and Pseudomonas koreensis IAA producing and phosphate solubilizing Biochar was produced from rice husk and corn stalk at the ratio (1:1) Pyrolyzed at 350 °C for 3 h Application level of biochar was: 10 ton/ha Maize ( Zea mays L.) Field experiment; irrigation with saline water Plant growth duration was till its maturity PGPR + biochar treatment increased soil urease and dehydrogenase activity by 26.6% and 33.5%, respectively, than PGPR and biochar treatment. EC decreased by 9% than PGPR treatment and by 5.6% than biochar treatment Similarly, no.…”

Physiological and Germination Responses of Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) Seeds to Varying Osmotic Potentials and Cardinal Temperatures via a Hydrothermal Time Model

“…Biotic and abiotic stresses including drought, heavy metals, − heat or temperature, salinity, and nutrients , have a huge impact on seed germination and growth rate . The key drivers of germination are temperature and water potential. , Using seedling development models, it is possible to comprehend how and why germination is impacted by numerous environmental factors . Many researchers have used thermal, hydrothermal, and hydrotime models to analyze how T (temperature), ψ (water potential), and the interplay between ψ × T affect the germination of seeds .…”