Bacillus aryabhattai enhanced proline content, stabilized membrane and improved growth of cowpea under NaCl-induced salinity stress

J Appl Microbiol. 2022 Sep;133(3):1520-1533. doi: 10.1111/jam.15658. Epub 2022 Jun 22.

Abstract

Aims: Salinity stress affects the growth of cowpea particularly at the stages of seed germination and early vegetative growth. This study examined the potential of particular stress-tolerant rhizospheric bacteria to improve the growth of cowpea under conditions of salinity stress.

Methods and results: Two rhizobacillus genotypes, Bacillus filamentosus-C8 and Bacillus aryabhattai-C29 were evaluated for their potentials to protect cowpea under NaCl-induced salinity stress. At 200 mM of NaCl concentration, control (non-inoculated) cowpea was affected, C8 was not able to significantly (p ≤ 0.05) alleviate the effects of salinity stress on cowpea growth while C29 significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced leaf wilting, increased chlorophyll content and improved the growth of cowpea plant under stressed condition. Interestingly, C29 significantly (p ≤ 0.05) induced high proline content and stabilized membrane by loss of electrolytes.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that stabilized membrane and enhanced proline content by Bacillus aryabhattai-C29 supported the growth of cowpea under salinity stress condition.

Significance and impact of the study: This study revealed that rhizospheric bacteria screened for salinity stress tolerant have potential to be used as an effective bioprotectant for sustainable growth of cowpea under salinity stress condition.

Keywords: cowpea; crop; germination; plant growth; rhizobacteria; salinity; stress.

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus
  • Bacteria
  • Proline
  • Salinity
  • Salt Stress
  • Sodium Chloride* / pharmacology
  • Vigna*

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride
  • Proline

Supplementary concepts

  • Bacillus aryabhattai