Functional Characterization of Rhizobia for Multiple Plant Growth Promoting Activities
Sonali Soni
Department of Biotechnology, MLSU, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Manoj Kumar Meena *
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Kishan Kumar
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, RCA, MPUAT, India.
Nishtha Shrimali
Department of Biotechnology, MLSU, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Arun Pratap Singh
Department of Agronomy, RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur, India.
Mahesh Mavanjee Mahale
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ratnagiri (Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli) Maharashtra, India.
Aayush Singla
Department of Horticulture, CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Ankit Gavri
Department of Horticulture, CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Gopal Khatik
Department of Soil Science, COA, AU, Kota, India.
Vikas Kumar
Department of Agriculture, Chandigarh School of Business, Mohali, India.
Anurag Malik
Division of Research and innovation (DRI), Uttranchal University, Prem Nagar Dehradun, Uttrakhand, 248007, India.
Deepak Singh
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Salman Khan
Department of Horticulture, RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur, India.
Tushar Kumar
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, RCA, MPUAT, India.
Raj Laxmi
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, RCA, MPUAT, India.
Sunil Yadav
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research focuses on the functional characterization of 19 rhizobia strains isolated from Southern Rajasthan's Udaipur and Dungarpur districts, with an emphasis on their multiple Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) activities. Through a series of tests encompassing Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) production, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, this study elucidates the diverse PGP potential of these rhizobia strains. The results showcase variations in IAA production, highlighting their ability to enhance root development and overall plant growth, while also revealing strains capable of siderophore production, indicating potential iron uptake facilitation. Furthermore, some strains exhibit phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, and HCN production capabilities, signifying their potential to improve nutrient availability and protect plants from pathogens. These findings underscore the promise of harnessing the PGP activities of these rhizobia strains for sustainable agricultural practices in Southern Rajasthan and similar agroecological regions, with implications for enhanced crop yields and soil health.
Keywords: Rhizobia, functional characterization, agricultural sustainability, microbial diversity, plant growth promoting activities.