Uncovering the endophytic bacterial diversity and crop improvement potential under salinity stress in the halophyte Halocnemum strobilaceum

 Highlights

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    76 endophytic bacteria were isolated from Halocnemum strobilaceum from Murcia (Spain).
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    Most isolates (96.05%) exhibited plant growth-promoting traits in vitro.
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    Selected strains in a consortium enhanced Medicago sativa growth under salinity stress.
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    Four novel species for agricultural biotechnological applications were described.

Abstract

Halophytes are considered promising sources of halophilic and halotolerant bacteria for biotechnological applications in agriculture, particularly as soil salinization threatens crop yield. Although interest in halophyte-associated endophytic bacteria has increased in recent years, their diversity remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we investigated the diversity of the bacterial endobiome of H. strobilaceum from three populations in Murcia, Spain. A total of 76 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Most isolates (96.05%) exhibited in vitro plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate and potassium solubilization, auxin and siderophores production, biofilm formation, and plant health-related enzymatic activities. To assess their biostimulant potential, selected strains (EE4, EE22T, TE3T, and EE7T) were tested individually and as a consortium using Medicago sativa grown under salinity stress. Bacterial inoculation significantly improved plant growth and physiological performance, with the consortium showing the strongest positive effects compared with the individual strains. Eight isolates were selected for whole-genome sequencing based on 16S rRNA gene analysis. Comparative genomic analyses, including average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization, revealed four novel species belonging to the genera Kushneria and Vreelandella (ANI<95–96%, dDDH<70%), and their physiological, genetic, and biochemical characteristics are described. Based on phylogenomic studies, we have proposed the name Kushneria halocnemicola sp. nov. TE3T, Vreelandella xerophytica sp. nov. EE22T, Vreelandella halophytica sp. nov. EE7T and Vreelandella mediterranea sp. nov. TE19T. Overall, this study provides new insights into the diversity of halophyte endophytic bacteria and reports novel species for biotechnological applications in agriculture under salinity stress.

Read full article for free (open access):
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666517426000659



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