Impact of Moisture Stress and Bacillus altitudinis FD48 on Physiological Modulation and Seed Germination in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The impact of moisture stress tolerant Bacillus altitudinis FD48 in promoting seed germination and physiological phenomenon under water deficit was evaluated. Rice seeds (Var CO51) biotized with B.altitudinis FD48 enhanced the seed germination and seedling vigor index by 51.05% followed by Methylobacterium sp., (37.3%) moisture stress seedlings (-0.7 Mpa osmotic potential). Plant biomass, accumulation of proline and compatible sugars also increased in FD48 treated seeds under moisture stress. Further, the alpha amylase activity also accelerated with increase in moisture stress intensity. GC-MS profiling of bacterial primed seed exudates revealed 35 diverse compounds belonging to the class viz., sugars, aminoacids, organic acids, flavones, prenol lipids and fatty acids. The B. altitudinis FD48 primed seeds alone released methoxy flavone which may act as a lure for recruiting beneficial rhizospheric bacteria. Hence, this study implies that seed priming with B. altitudinis FD48 is a promising approach for enhancing seed germination and seedling establishment in rice for drought prone areas and subsequent recruitment of beneficial bacteria that promotes plant growth and fitness.