SCREENING PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING ATTRIBUTES OF RHIZOSPHERIC PSEUDOMONAS SPECIES FOR ABIOTIC STRESS TOLERANCE ON SORGHUM

Abstract

Sorghum is an economically important crop that is used for food, feed, and biomass production worldwide. Despite its economic importance, sorghum productivity is affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. By encouraging plant water-use efficiency, osmotic stress tolerance, and root development, PGPR (Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria) application assists in preventing drought and improves plant resilience and survival in environments where water is scarce. Therefore, the application of (PGPR) in sorghum demonstrates promising potential for sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. The present study aimed to screen the growth-promoting attributes of Rhizospheric Pseudomonas spp. for abiotic stress tolerance in sorghum using a combination of techniques and approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the Pseudomonas rhizospheric bacteria and the sorghum. Based on this there is a need to improve agricultural sustainability and chemical effects on the environment using PGPR. The sample was isolated from different areas of Ethiopia, and 210 isolated bacteria were screened using the serial dilution method. The response of PGPR was tested under temperature, pH, salt, and drought stress. The genes implicated in PGPR were amplified using PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and the bacteria were identified using 16S RNA. Based on biochemical tests 68 showed nitrogen fixation and 50 showed phosphate solubilization. Based on molecular examination, of the 68 isolates, 16 were positive amplifications for the nifH target amplicon and 10 for the acdS target amplicon, and of the 50 isolates, 21 were positive amplifications for the pqq target amplicon. Using the R software analysis, the Pseudomonas MS-22 isolate demonstrates its potential as a growth promoting rhizobacteria; further research is required to identify optimal strains and application methods for sustained benefits. The implications of these findings extend to the realm of sustainable agriculture, where harnessing the potential of Pseudomonas MS-22 could pave the way for eco-friendly and efficient agricultural practices