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Variability in Maize Seed Bacterization and Survival Correlating with Root Colonization by Pseudomonas Isolates with
Melani G Lorch1,2, Claudio Valverde1,2, Betina C Agaras1,2
1Laboratory of Physiology and Genetics of Plant Probiotic Bacteria (LFGBBP), Centre of Biochemistry and Microbiology of Soils, National University of Quilmes, Bernal B1876BXD, Argentina.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 10, 2024
Summary
Seed treatment with plant growth-promoting bacteria shows strain-specific performance in maize. Understanding this variability is key for effective agricultural application of these beneficial microbes.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Plant-Bacterial Interactions
- Crop Science
Background:
- Seed treatment with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is crucial for integrating beneficial microbes into agriculture, especially for crops like maize.
- Autochthonous *Pseudomonas* isolates with in vitro probiotic traits were selected for evaluating their efficacy in maize.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess seed bacterization levels, root colonization, and root competitiveness of *Pseudomonas* isolates in maize.
- To understand strain-specific variability in bacterial survival and performance on seeds and roots.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of seed bacterization levels with and without protectants and pre-hydration.
- Analysis of bacterization kinetics and bacterial persistence on seeds up to 4 days post-inoculation (dpi).
- Confocal microscopy for root colonization density and selective plate counts for root competitiveness.
Main Results:
- Seed bacterization and persistence varied significantly among *Pseudomonas* strains.
- *P. protegens* RBAN4 and *P. chlororaphis* subsp. *aurantiaca* SMMP3 effectively colonized the maize rhizosphere and enhanced biomass.
- *P. donghuensis* SVBP6 showed low rhizosphere levels but still promoted early plant growth.
Conclusions:
- Significant strain-specific variability exists in *Pseudomonas* seed bacterization, survival, and root competitiveness in maize.
- Tailoring seed bacterization treatments and protective substances for each inoculant is critical for optimizing agricultural applications.
- Bacterial performance is not uniform; understanding strain-specific traits is essential for successful PGPB adoption.
