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Published on: November 9, 2016
Azospirillum brasilense AbV5/6 encapsulation in dual-crosslinked beads based on cationic starch
Michele K Lima-Tenório1, Fernanda Furmam-Cherobim1, Pedro R Karas2
1Microbial Molecular Biology Laboratory, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), CEP: 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Agronomy, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), CEP: 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil.
Encapsulating Azospirillum brasilense in cationic starch beads improves its soil survival and promotes maize growth. This biofertilizer enhances root length, shoot weight, and chlorophyll content, addressing agricultural sustainability challenges.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Feeding a growing global population sustainably is a major agricultural challenge.
- Azospirillum brasilense shows promise as a biofertilizer but suffers from limited soil efficacy due to stress.
- Developing methods to enhance biofertilizer survival and effectiveness is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel encapsulation method for Azospirillum brasilense strains AbV5 and AbV6.
- To improve the viability and efficacy of Azospirillum brasilense in soil conditions.
- To evaluate the impact of encapsulated biofertilizer on maize growth and physiology.
Main Methods:
- Modification of starch with ethylenediamine via alkylation.
- Preparation of dual-crosslinked hydrogel beads using cationic starch, chitosan, and sodium tripolyphosphate.
- Encapsulation of Azospirillum brasilense AbV5/6 strains using a swelling diffusion method followed by desiccation.
Main Results:
- Encapsulated Azospirillum brasilense AbV5/6 strains maintained viability for at least 60 days.
- Maize plants treated with encapsulated biofertilizer exhibited a 19% increase in root length.
- Significant improvements were observed in shoot fresh weight (17%) and chlorophyll b content (71%).
Conclusions:
- Dual-crosslinked cationic starch-chitosan beads are effective for encapsulating Azospirillum brasilense.
- Encapsulation significantly enhances biofertilizer viability and promotes key growth parameters in maize.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture by improving biofertilizer performance.
