Growth-promoting Effect of Enterobacter aerogenes M167 isolated from the Rhizosphere of Wikstroemia ganpi on Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa )
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance nutrient uptake, regulate phytohormone levels, and improve crop productivity.Thus, they can serve as eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers.In the present study, we investigated the plant growth-promoting potential of Enterobacter aerogenes M167, a bacterial strain isolated from the rhizosphere of Wikstroemia ganpi, which is a threatened plant in South Korea.Physiological assays revealed multiple growth-promoting traits, including phosphate and zinc solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production (37.35±0.57ppm), and siderophore production (17.1±0.4 mm).To assess its functional effects, the M167 strain was inoculated into Lactuca sativa, which was used as the model crop.Compared with the control group, M167 treatment resulted in a 78% increase in shoot fresh weight (0.89±0.58 g vs 0.50±0.24g; Welch's t-test, p <0.01), while shoot length did not significantly differ between groups (control: 5.13±0.91cm; M167: 5.13±1.02cm).These findings suggested that M167 promoted biomass accumulation rather than elongation.Collectively, these results demonstrate that M167 is a multifunctional PGPR that significantly enhances lettuce growth, underscoring the potential of rhizosphere microorganisms found in native forest plants as promising bioresources for sustainable agriculture and industrial applications.
Authors: Jeong Hoon Huh, Yong Hwan Son, Heeryoung An, Min-Sung Lee, Mi-Jeong Lim, Chae Sun Na
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7116890975