PJB-2024-433
Identification and characterization of plant-growth-promoting bacterial endophytes from different parts of Phoenix dactylifera
Uzma Jamal, Iqbal Munir, Aqib Iqbal, Mohammad Sayyar Khan and Muhammad Arif
Abstract
The rapid population growth and climate change underscore the need for a sustainable food supply. Plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria present an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution by enhancing plant growth, improving stress resilience, and reducing reliance on chemical inputs. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacterial endophytes from Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) and evaluate their potential as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents. A total of 56 bacterial strains were isolated from Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) to evaluate their plant growth-promoting properties. Growth conditions were optimized, revealing that most isolates thrived at pH 7, with reduced growth at temperatures above 30°C. Salt stress also affected growth, with densities dropping by 31% at 3% salt and 53% at 5% salt compared to 1% salt levels. All bacterial isolates demonstrated strong plant growth-promoting traits: IAA from 0.60 to 10.13 µg/ml, 93% generated ammonia, 82% fixed nitrogen, and 41% solubilized phosphate. Citrate production was observed in 54% of isolates, while 87% and 20% solubilized zinc and potassium, respectively. Amylase and protease activities were found in 70% and 79% of isolates, and 96% exhibited catalase activity. Out of 56 bacterial isolates, 15 top-performing strains were further analyzed. Those isolates exhibited cellulase, asparaginase activity, and hydrogen cyanide production. Additionally, 93% produced lipase, 60% had pectinase activity, and 13% produced esterase. The selected 15 strains exhibited resistance to zinc, nickel, and lead. Additionally, 87% were resistant to copper, and 13% to cadmium. Those strains were resistant to streptomycin, and 20% were resistant to kanamycin. Those isolates also displayed antifungal activity against Alternaria brassicicola, and 27% were effective against Aspergillus niger. Molecular identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the isolates as Bacillus safensis, B. paranthracis, B. paramycoides, B. tropicus, B. aerius, B. anthracis, Peribacillus acanthi and Haemophilus parainfluenzae. The findings highlight the potential of Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) derived bacterial endophytes as multifunctional biofertilizers and biocontrol agents. Their robust PGP traits and resistance to environmental stresses suggest promising applications in sustainable agriculture, contributing to improved crop productivity and resilience in the face of global challenges
To Cite this article:
Jamal, U., I. Munir, A. Iqbal, M.S. Khan and M. Arif. 2025. Identification and characterization of plant-growth-promoting bacterial endophytes from different parts of Phoenix dactylifera. Pak. J. Bot., 57(5): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-5(11)
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