Novel microbial technologies for optimizing maize plant-soil systems: the multifunctional strain Enterobacter sp. ES1

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Maize yield and soil health are threatened by pesticide contamination and diseases.
• Microbial technologies offer a promising solution for optimizing agricultural practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a multifunctional microbial strain, Enterobacter sp. ES1, in degrading pesticides and improving maize cultivation.
• To evaluate the plant growth-promoting and disease-resistance capabilities of strain ES1.

Main Methods:

• Enterobacter sp. ES1 was tested for its ability to degrade nicosulfuron under various conditions (temperature, pH, inoculum, concentration).
• The strain's plant growth-promoting properties (nitrogen fixation, nutrient solubilization, hormone production) were assessed.
• Strain ES1's effect on maize seed germination, disease resistance, and gene expression was analyzed.
• A modified strain (ES1R-gfp) was developed as a bacterial fertilizer and tested for degradation efficiency.

Main Results:

• Enterobacter sp. ES1 degraded 93.09% of nicosulfuron within 4 days, with optimal degradation at 35°C and pH 6.0.
• The strain exhibited nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization, and produced plant growth hormones (chrome azurol S, indole-3-acetic acid).
• Strain ES1 promoted maize seed germination, induced resistance to northern maize leaf blight, and modulated key plant defense genes. The bacterial fertilizer formulation achieved 99.65% degradation.

Conclusions:

• The multifunctional strain ES1 represents a novel microbial technology for optimizing maize field productivity and soil health.
• The study provides a foundation for using strain ES1 in maize field restoration, addressing pesticide contamination and enhancing crop resilience.