Bacteria isolated from rhizosphere soils of three blueberry varieties affect the growth and development of blueberry seedlings

Abstract:

[Objective] We isolated bacteria from the rhizosphere soils of three blueberry varieties, explored the bacterial diversity, and screened out the strains with acid-producing, plant growth-promoting, and antifungal properties, aiming to provide high-quality strain resources and a theoretical basis for the research on blueberry-specialized microbial fertilizers. [Methods] Five different media were used to isolate the bacteria from rhizosphere soils, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The strains capable of producing acid, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and siderophores, fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, and inhibiting the growth of Botrytis cinerea were screened out. The suitable strains with excellent properties were selected and then inoculated in blueberry seedlings cultivated in pots. The effects on the growth and element absorption of the seedlings and fertility of rhizosphere soil were examined. [Results] A total of 124 strains were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of three blueberry varieties. Seventy representative strains were selected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, belonging to 21 genera of 3 phyla, among which Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, and Rhodococcus were the dominant bacteria. Among the representative strains, 21.4%, 21.4%, 47.1%, 65.7%, and 14.3% could produce acids, produce IAA, fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphorus, and secrete siderophores, respectively. A few strains displayed the abilities of producing acids and IAA, fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, and inhibiting B. cinerea simultaneously. Pseudomonas chlororaphis CSM-70 and Pseudomonas piscium CSM-129 with acid-producing and growth-promoting characteristics were selected and inoculated in blueberry seedlings. Both strains significantly promoted the growth and development of blueberry seedlings and regulated the pH of the rhizosphere soil. In addition, strain CSM-70 significantly promoted the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus in blueberry leaves and increased the content of available potassium and available nitrogen in the soil. [Conclusion] The blueberry rhizosphere soil has high bacterial diversity and harbors abundant plant growth-promoting strains. P. chlororaphis CSM-70 and P. piscium CSM-129 can promote the growth of blueberry seedlings, regulate rhizosphere soil pH and fertility, and promote nutrient absorption, demonstrating the potential of serving as blueberry-specific microbial fertilizers.