The paradoxical effects of beneficial bacteria on Solanum lycopersicum under Cd stress

This study investigated the complex interactions between a novel consortium and tomato seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress. The consortium consists of two bacteria, Pseudomonas sp. HS4 and Paenarthrobacter sp. AS8, both with proven plant growth-promoting (PGP) properties, isolated from Cd hyperaccumulators. Our research highlights the paradoxical effects of these bacteria, revealing their dual role in reducing Cd uptake while simultaneously inducing oxidative stress in plants. Hydroponic experiments showed that the consortium reduced Cd accumulation in tomato shoots by 52% compared to uninoculated controls. However, this reduction was accompanied by decreased plant biomass and increased oxidative stress, with malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels up to 80% and 160% higher, respectively, in inoculated plants. Root H₂O₂ production increased by 38% under 50 μM Cd without a corresponding rise in catalase (CAT) activity. Despite Cd exposure, the consortium promoted chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis, restoring pigment levels to those of unstressed controls. Gene expression analysis revealed a complex impact on stress responses, with inoculation suppressing Sl1 gene expression in roots and upregulating the oxidative stress-related GR-1 gene in shoots. These findings highlight the complex and multifaceted relationship between beneficial bacteria and plant fitness under heavy metal stress, with significant implications for sustainable agriculture. The study raises new questions regarding the broader physiological and ecological impacts of applying hyperaccumulator-associated bacteria in crop management, emphasizing the necessity for deeper mechanistic insights into these interactions to fully harness their potential in improving crop resilience and productivity.