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Co-inoculation with Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9 and rhizobia improves the soybean development and modulates soil
Leandro Fonseca de Souza1,2, Helena Gutierrez Oliveira1, Thierry Alexandre Pellegrinetti3
1Genetics Department, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|January 23, 2025
Summary
Co-inoculating soybean with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and rhizobia enhances plant growth without disrupting soil microbial communities. This synergistic approach offers a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture and improved crop yields.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Soil Science
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer agricultural benefits.
- Assessing the impact of introducing non-native microbes on soil ecosystems is crucial.
- Understanding microbial community dynamics is key to sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of co-inoculating soybean with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) RZ2MS9 and commercial rhizobia.
- To determine the impact on soil microbial community structure and functional potential.
- To assess the influence on soybean development and productivity.
Main Methods:
- Soybean was co-inoculated with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) RZ2MS9 and commercial rhizobia.
- Soil prokaryotic diversity and community structure were analyzed.
- Functional gene potential, including phosphorus cycling and nitrogen fixation genes, was assessed.
Main Results:
- Co-inoculation positively influenced soybean growth, increasing plant height and pod number without reducing yield.
- Soil prokaryotic diversity and community structure remained largely unchanged 147 days post-sowing.
- Bt RZ2MS9 alone altered functional diversity, potentially via quorum sensing disruption.
- Co-inoculation enriched genes related to soil phosphorus cycling (gcd).
- Rhizobia alone increased nifA genes, suggesting potential interaction with Bt RZ2MS9.
Conclusions:
- Synergistic activity between rhizobia and Bt RZ2MS9 promotes soybean development.
- This co-inoculation strategy does not significantly disrupt native soil microbial communities.
- The findings present a promising avenue for sustainable crop management and enhanced agricultural productivity.
