Role of acinetobacter sp. CS9 in improving growth and phytoremediation potential of Catharanthus longifolius under cadmium stress

Abstract

Some rhizobacteria are capable of improving metal tolerance and growth of plants under heavy metal stress. The objective of the current study was isolation and subsequent application of cadmium-resistant rhizobacteria in phytoremediation by Catharanthus longifolius. The screened bacterial isolate exhibited growth-promoting attributes, including phosphate solubilization, ACCD activity, auxin, and siderophores production. The inoculation of Acinetobacter sp. CS9 under greenhouse trial improved growth and phytoextraction capability of C. longifolius plants in soils contaminated with different concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mg kg-1) of Cd. The plants exhibited reduced quantity of total soluble protein, soluble sugars, and chlorophyll contents under Cd stress. On the other hand, improved chlorophyll, soluble protein, and sugar contents were observed in Acinetobacter sp. CS9-treated plants. The inoculated plants exhibited improved activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Moreover, higher Cd uptake and translocation ratio was observed in Acinetobacter sp. CS9-inoculated plants as compared to un-inoculated ones. The current study showed that Acinetobacter sp. CS9 reduced Cd-induced oxidative stress and improved the phytoremediation capability of C. longifolius.