Bioameliorative role of Janibacter terrae KR41 in enhancing crop yield under salinity stress

Soil salinization is an escalating global concern that severely limits agricultural productivity by disrupting plant-microbe interactions and impairing soil health. This study evaluates the unique potential of Janibacter terrae (KR41), an actinobacteria isolated from highly saline soils of Manginapudi, Andhra Pradesh, India, as a bio-ameliorative agent for salinity-stressed soils. Unlike conventional plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), J. terrae (KR41) demonstrates exceptional halotolerance and multifaceted plant growth-promoting traits, including high levels of indole-3-acetic acid production (39.4 µg/mL), robust siderophore synthesis, and secretion of organic acids that contribute to rhizospheric modification. Greenhouse and open-field trials on maize, tomato, and brinjal under saline conditions revealed that J. terrae (KR41) significantly enhanced plant heightby 13.91% in maize, 17.83% in brinjal, and 13.62% in tomatocompared to non-treated controls. Moreover, the actinobacteria-treated soils showed a reduction in pH by 12.6%, indicating substantial amelioration of saline soil conditions. The improved crop performance is attributed to enhanced nutrient bioavailability and root zone conditioning facilitated by KR41’s bioactive metabolites. The findings demonstrate, for the first time, the novel application of J. terrae (KR41) as a halotolerant actinobacterium for dual greenhouse and field settings. By enhancing growth and yield of multiple crops while improving saline soil attributes, KR41 represents a promising microbial intervention for sustainable crop production in salt-affected agroecosystems. Actinobacteria strain Janibacte terrae (KR41) isolated from saline soils. Dual evaluation under greenhouse and field with maize, tomato, and brinjal. Strain KR41 enhanced crop growth and yield in high saline conditions.