In the heart of Iran’s Zagros Mountains, a team of researchers led by Mohammad Reza Alymanesh from the Department of Plant Protection at Ilam University, has uncovered a promising new ally for basil farmers: an endophytic bacterium called Pseudomonas grimontii EBA1. This discovery, published in *Scientific Reports*, could revolutionize the way we approach plant growth, disease resistance, and phytochemical enhancement in basil, a crop valued for its culinary and medicinal properties.
The study began with a quest to identify endophytic bacteria that could outperform conventional biofertilizers and biocontrol agents at lower concentrations. From 35 bacterial strains collected from the Lamiaceae family, 20 endophytic bacteria were isolated and screened for their effects on seedling emergence and microgreen growth. The most promising strains were then evaluated for seed germination, disease severity, biomass accumulation, and the content of defensive compounds.
Pseudomonas grimontii EBA1 emerged as the top performer, demonstrating significant improvements in seed germination and reductions in disease severity and incidence caused by Pythium ultimum. “The results were remarkable,” says Alymanesh. “We saw a 20.23% improvement in seed germination and an 88.36% reduction in disease incidence in just 14-day-old basil microgreens.”
The benefits didn’t stop at growth and disease resistance. The treatment also led to a 66.73% increase in total phenol content and boosted the activities of catalase and peroxidase by 88.5% and 58.45%, respectively. Moreover, essential oil content saw a staggering 230.04% increase, with 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-, (Z)- identified as a predominant constituent. While the levels of estragole were significantly reduced, this could be seen as an advantage, as estragole has been linked to potential health concerns.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. Basil is a high-value crop, and any improvement in yield, quality, and disease resistance can translate to significant economic gains for farmers. The use of Pseudomonas grimontii EBA1 could reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Looking ahead, this research opens up new avenues for exploring the potential of endophytic bacteria in agriculture. As Alymanesh notes, “This is just the beginning. There are countless endophytic bacteria out there, each with its unique properties. We’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible.”
The study published in *Scientific Reports* from the Department of Plant Protection at Ilam University, serves as a testament to the power of innovative research in shaping the future of agriculture. As we face increasing challenges in food security and environmental sustainability, discoveries like these offer hope and promise for a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.