Isolation and Screening of the Novel Multi-Trait Strains for Future Implications in Phytotechnology

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) colonise the rhizosphere and root surfaces, enhancing crop development through a variety of mechanisms. This study evaluated microbial strains isolated from <i>Triticum aestivum</i> L. for key plant growth-promoting traits, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate and zinc (Zn) solubilisation, nitrogen (N₂) fixation, and antifungal activity. Among 36 isolates, 3 (AS8, AS23, AS31) exhibited strong growth-promoting potential. IAA production, citrate assimilation, carbohydrate fermentation, and catalase activity were observed to a comparable extent among the selected strains. AS8 showed the highest protease, lipase, and amylolytic activity, while AS23 demonstrated superior phosphate and Zn solubilisation. Notably, AS31 emerged as the most promising multi-trait isolate, exhibiting the highest levels of IAA production, N₂ fixation, antifungal activity against five phytopathogens (<i>Fusarium graminearum</i>, <i>F. solani</i>, <i>F. oxysporum</i>, <i>Pythium aphanidermatum</i>, and <i>Alternaria alternata</i>), potentially linked to its hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) production, and cellulolytic activity. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the isolates as <i>Stenotrophomonas indicatrix</i> AS8, <i>Pantoea agglomerans</i> AS23, and <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> AS31. Seed germination assays confirmed the plant growth-promoting efficacy of these PGPR strains, with vigour index increases of up to 43.4-fold. Given their positive impact on seed germination and significant Zn-solubilising abilities, the selected strains represent promising candidates for use as bio-inoculants, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to enhance agricultural productivity in nutrient-deficient soils. Future research should validate the efficacy of these PGPR strains under pot conditions to confirm their potential for practical agricultural applications.