AUTHOR=Zeng Chunli , Liu Yazhou , Zhang Bianhong , Zhang Chenjing , Li Niu , Ji Leshan , Lan Chaojie , Qin Bin , Yang Yuncheng , Wang Juanying , Chen Ting , Fang Changxun , Lin Wenxiong 

TITLE=The functional identification and evaluation of endophytic bacteria sourced from the roots of tolerant Achyranthes bidentata to overcome monoculture problems of Rehmannia glutinosa

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1399406

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2024.1399406

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>The isolation and identification of plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria (PGPEB) from <italic>Achyranthes bidentata</italic> roots have profound theoretical and practical implications in ecological agriculture, particularly as bio-inoculants to address challenges associated with continuous monoculture. Our research revealed a significant increase in the abundance of these beneficial bacteria in <italic>A. bidentata</italic> rhizosphere soil under prolonged monoculture conditions, as shown by bioinformatics analysis. Subsequently, we isolated 563 strains of endophytic bacteria from <italic>A. bidentata</italic> roots. Functional characterization highlighted diverse plant growth-promoting traits among these bacteria, including the secretion of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) ranging from 68.01 to 73.25 mg/L, phosphorus and potassium solubilization capacities, and antagonistic activity against pathogenic fungi (21.54%−50.81%). Through 16S rDNA sequencing, we identified nine strains exhibiting biocontrol and growth-promoting potential. Introduction of a synthetic microbial consortium (SMC) in pot experiments significantly increased root biomass by 48.19% in <italic>A. bidentata</italic> and 27.01% in replanted <italic>Rehmannia glutinosa</italic>. These findings provide innovative insights and strategies for addressing continuous cropping challenges, highlighting the practical promise of PGPEB from <italic>A. bidentata</italic> in ecological agriculture to overcome replanting obstacles for non-host plants like <italic>R. glutinosa</italic>, thereby promoting robust growth in medicinal plants.</p>