Isolation And Molecular Characterization Of Pesticide-Tolerant Bacteria And Its Plant Growth-Promoting Properties (PGPR)

The study aimed to isolate beneficial pesticide-degrading bacteria from vegetable fields in Mahabubabad, Telangana, India. Among the ten bacterial strains identified, Isolate 5 demonstrated exceptional efficiency in breaking down hazardous pesticides, including Atrazine, Mancozeb, and Monocrotophos. Atrazine, notorious for its persistence and water contamination potential, was effectively degraded by Isolate 5, indicating its potential for mitigating environmental pollution. Isolate 5 also efficiently degraded Mancozeb, a common fungicide, and Monocrotophos, a highly toxic insecticide, showcasing its broad-spectrum bioremediation capabilities. In addition to its pesticide-degrading properties, Isolate 5 exhibited several key plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) characteristics. It formed strong biofilms, enhancing root colonization and interaction with plants. The production of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) by Isolate 5 stimulated root development and overall plant vigor. Its ability to solubilize phosphate made essential nutrients more available to plants, promoting healthier growth. Furthermore, Isolate 5 produced ammonia, contributing to soil nitrogen content, crucial for plant nutrition. It also produced hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which can suppress plant pathogens and protect plants from diseases. Overall, these attributes make Isolate 5 a promising candidate for sustainable agriculture, potentially improving crop yields while reducing the environmental impact of pesticide use. Identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus velezensis SKRB5, this isolate holds significant potential as a bioinoculant to enhance plant growth and degrade harmful pesticides.