ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF RHIZOBACTERIA FROM HEALTHY PLANT ROOTS
Abstract
ABSTRACT Rhizobacteria, beneficial root-associated bacteria, play a crucial role in plant growth promotion and soil health. However, their diversity, functions, and potential applications in sustainable agriculture remain underexplored. This study aimed to isolate and characterize rhizobacteria from plant roots to assess their plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits. The problem addressed was the need for eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers to enhance crop productivity. Rhizobacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of different plant species using serial dilution and plating techniques on nutrient agar and standard plate count media. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization (16S rRNA sequencing) were performed to identify bacterial species. Results showed that several isolates exhibited strong PGP traits. Notably, Pseudomonas and Lysinibacillus species were isolated from the plant roots. The study confirmed that rhizobacteria possess beneficial traits that can enhance plant growth and soil fertility. It is recommended that promising isolates be further tested in greenhouse and field conditions to develop biofertilizers and biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Future research should explore their interactions with different crops and environmental conditions to optimize their agricultural applications.
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