Characterization of the Osmotolerant Endophytic Bacteria from Succulent Nagphani and Non Succulent Mustard Drought Tolerant Plants and their Utilization for Water Stress Alleviation in Cluster Bean

Abstract

Drought is an important abiotic stress impacting agricultural productivity. Due to global climate change there are going to be increasing incidences of drought which will further aggravate the situation. Cluster bean, an important crop grown in Rajasthan, has medicinal and industrial uses. Water scarcity and frequent droughts have an adverse impact on its growth and yield. Microbe-mediated alleviation of water deficit stress in crops is an attractive strategy for improving crop productivity in drought prone areas, with minimal inputs. In the present investigation, on the basis of growth under osmotic stress, seed germination, fresh weight of seedling, plumule and radicle length and plant growth promoting traits, biochemical parameters, physiological parameters, root architecture, solubility index of zinc, antioxidative enzymes, grain and straw yield, protein and guar gum content and plant nutrient status two promising endophytic bacterial strains B. casamancensisstrainMKS-6 and B. aryabhattaistrain NSRSSS-1 were identified. In vitro studies have indicated the potential of these strains, however, further evaluation under field condition need to be carried out to assess the potential of the strains as bio-inoculants for Cluster bean (Cymopsistetragonoloba) for improving productivity in arid and semi- arid regions of the country. newline