Effect of <scp> <i>Anabaena</i> </scp> sp. <scp>PCC7120</scp> on the Tolerance of Rice ( <scp> <i>Oryza sativa</i> </scp> L. cv Maratelli) Seedlings Against Lindane

ABSTRACT Lindane (γ‐hexachlorocyclohexane, γ‐HCH) is a broad‐spectrum pesticide widely used since the 1950s until its inclusion in the Stockholm Convention list of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2009, together with other HCH isomers. The high persistence and mismanagement of the toxic wastes generated during its synthesis have led to serious environmental problems worldwide. In this work, we hypothesised that the co‐culture of Anabaena sp. PCC7120 (a cyanobacterium capable of metabolising lindane) with rice ( Oryza sativa L.) seeds could mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide on plants. Therefore, we first evaluated the toxicity of lindane in rice seeds and seedlings, proving that it especially affects root development. Then, we tested the growth of Anabaena cells on various concentrations of lindane, verifying its viability even at high concentrations of HCH. Lastly, we co‐cultured rice seeds with cyanobacteria, applying two different methods (direct inoculation and biopriming). Our results show that soaking the seeds in a cyanobacteria suspension (biopriming) prior to exposure to lindane supports plant development, significantly improving root development in lindane‐treated seedlings.