Synergy of New Zinc Solubilizing PGPR Strain Pseudomonas sp. CTF2 with Foliar Iodine Application Enhances Growth and Biofortification of Pea Seedlings

A metal tolerant strain CTF2 of zinc-solubilizing rhizobacteria, possessing high growth-promoting activity, was isolated from the rhizosphere of Tussilago farfara L. and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Pseudomonas sp. (PQ452298 in NCBI). This study elucidated that CTF2-inoculation of pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Madras) seeds in combination with foliar iodine spraying (0.01% KI) led to biofortification of seedlings with macro- (NPK), micronutients (Zn, Fe, and I), pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids) and phenolic compounds. This agrotechnological approach can be considered as an effective way to improve the growth of crops (including microgreens) and increase their biological value.