Elucidating the Growth-Promoting Mechanism of Bacillus safensis in Nipponbare Rice Through Integrated Phenotypic and...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Microbiology
• Plant Science

Background:

• Global rice demand requires enhanced grain productivity for sustainable agriculture.
• Bacillus safensis, a halophilic soil bacterium, is known to promote crop growth, but its impact on rice (Oryza sativa L.) is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Bacillus safensis on rice yield and key agronomic traits.
• To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, including gene expression and alternative splicing, influenced by B. safensis.

Main Methods:

• Application of B. safensis to rice roots and panicles.
• Measurement of agronomic traits: plant height, tiller number, panicle length, panicle weight, grain number per panicle, 1000-grain weight, grain setting rate, and theoretical yield.
• RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and KEGG pathway analysis to assess gene expression changes.

Main Results:

• Root and root-panicle co-treatments with B. safensis increased theoretical rice yield by 4.33% and 2.78%, respectively.
• Significant improvements observed in plant height, tiller number, panicle length, and grain number per panicle.
• Field experiments confirmed increased tiller number, grain number, 1000-grain weight, and grain setting rate, resulting in an 8.98% yield increase.

Conclusions:

• Bacillus safensis acts as a potent biostimulant, significantly enhancing rice productivity and agronomic performance.
• The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of B. safensis action in rice.
• B. safensis presents a viable biological solution for improving sustainable rice cultivation practices.