Enhancement of drought tolerance in Triticum aestivum L. seedlings using Azospirillum brasilense NO40 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia B11

Abstract

The effectiveness of two PGPB; Azospirillum brasilense NO40 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia B11 was investigated in enhancing the drought tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings cultivar Gemiza9. The inoculated or uninoculated grains were sown in unsterilized sandy soil and watered normally untill the 8th day. Drought stress was initiated by completely withholding water for 7 days (until wilting). Samples were collected after 15 days from sowing to evaluate some growth criteria, damage and defense indicators and to analyze the roots’ protein pattern. The results showed that inoculating wheat seedlings with these strains significantly diminished the inhibitory effects of drought stress on the relative water content of roots, shoots and leaves; area of leaves; contents of pigments (chlorophyll a and b) and ascorbic acid; and on the protein patterns of roots. Moreover, the bacterial inoculation notably reduced the drought-induced damage indicated by lower leakage of electrolytes and less accumulation of Malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, surprisingly with less enhanced production of proline and activities of catalase and peroxidase than their uninoculated counterparts. Under normal conditions, inoculating wheat plants with these PGPB resulted in significantly promoted growth and elevated contents of pigments and altered protein patterns of roots. Overall, we can say that both Azospirillum brasilense NO40 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia B11 were able to deactivate the growth inhibition in wheat seedlings to some extent, while maintaining a certain level of efficient protection against damage under drought stress.