In the heart of Gujarat, India, a groundbreaking discovery is unfolding that could revolutionize cotton farming and potentially impact the broader agricultural sector. Researchers at Navsari Agricultural University (NAU) have identified a bacterium with remarkable properties that could enhance plant growth and protect crops from devastating fungal diseases. This bacterium, coded as NAU-RPJ-54, was isolated from the cotton rhizosphere, the region of soil influenced by plant roots, and has shown promising antifungal and plant growth-promoting activities.
The lead author of the study, Sherasiya J. Mahebub from the Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at NAU, explained, “Our findings indicate that NAU-RPJ-54 produces siderophores, which are iron-chelating compounds that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi. This bacterium also exhibits plant growth-promoting traits, making it a potential candidate for sustainable agriculture.”
The bacterium demonstrated significant antifungal activity against two major plant pathogens, Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporium f.sp. Lycopersicon. In laboratory tests, NAU-RPJ-54 inhibited the mycelium growth of Sclerotium rolfsii by 84.04% within 72 hours and Fusarium oxysporium f.sp. Lycopersicon by 61.53% within seven days. These results suggest that the bacterium could be a powerful biological control agent, reducing the need for chemical fungicides and promoting more sustainable farming practices.
Beyond its antifungal properties, NAU-RPJ-54 also exhibited several plant growth-promoting activities. It produced indole acetic acid, a hormone that stimulates plant growth, and enzymes like cellulase and protease, which can enhance nutrient availability. Additionally, the bacterium solubilized essential nutrients such as zinc, potash, and phosphate, making them more accessible to plants. “These traits make NAU-RPJ-54 a multifaceted tool for improving crop health and productivity,” Mahebub noted.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this discovery is the bacterium’s resistance to high salt concentrations. The researchers found that NAU-RPJ-54 could tolerate salt levels up to 600 mM, suggesting it could thrive in saline soils where many other microorganisms would struggle. This resilience could be particularly beneficial in regions with poor soil quality, offering a potential solution for farmers facing challenging growing conditions.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. In the energy sector, where biofuels derived from crops like cotton are gaining traction, enhancing plant growth and protecting crops from diseases can significantly boost yield and efficiency. “The potential for this bacterium to improve crop resilience and productivity is immense,” Mahebub said. “It could lead to more sustainable and profitable agricultural practices, benefiting both farmers and the environment.”
While the findings are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for further comprehensive studies to explore the bacterium’s effectiveness in field conditions. “Our current work is just the beginning,” Mahebub added. “We need to conduct more extensive trials to fully understand the potential of NAU-RPJ-54 and develop it into a practical agricultural tool.”
Published in the ‘International Journal of Economic Plants’ (translated as ‘International Journal of Economic Plants’), this research marks a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, discoveries like this offer hope for a more resilient and productive future. The journey of NAU-RPJ-54 from the cotton fields of Gujarat to the forefront of agricultural innovation is a testament to the power of scientific exploration and its potential to transform industries.