Biofertilizer based on Agrobacterium as a key to food security

Authors

  • Gayane Avetisova
  • Lusine Melkonyan
  • Vahe Ghochikyan
  • Gevorg Tsarukyan
  • Anna Toplaghaltsya
  • Zhaneta Karapetyan
  • Susanna Keleshyan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31989/bchd.v7i10.1423

Abstract

Background: The concept of food security is contingent upon the fulfillment of two fundamental requirements: physiological and socioeconomic. The former comprises providing sustenance that is both safeguarded and enhanced in line with people’s nutritional needs and priorities, whereas the latter includes the mechanisms by which these needs are supplied. The objective is to ensure a state of robust and healthy well-being. As a sustainable solution, biofertilizers play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of food security. Biofertilizers represent a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, with the potential to enhance soil productivity through nitrogen fixation. They also enhance crop yield by increasing the concentration of nutrients. Access to functional foods derived from biofertilizer-enhanced yields may contribute to improved dietary diversification and overall well-being.

Objective: The objective is to isolate and screen the most active nitrogen-fixing bacterium as a basis to a new biofertilizer.

Methods: The isolation of nitrogen-fixing bacteria was conducted using the soil sowing technique. The selection of nitrogen-fixing bacteria was based on their morphophysiological characteristics. Bacterial growth was evaluated by viable cell count. Cultivation of the selected bacterium occurred in both flasks (on a shaker) and a bioreactor to compare growth conditions. The stimulatory effect of the selected bacterium on seed germination was assessed based on the final germination rate. The selected bacterium identified through molecular taxonomy.

Results: A total of 100 pure cultures were isolated, from which nitrogen-fixing bacteria were selected. The cultivation conditions for these bacteria were optimized regarding pH, temperature and process duration in a flask on a shaker. Strain NB4 exhibited the most favorable development under optimal settings. Additionally, cultivation parameters for this strain were optimized in a laboratory bioreactor. Notably, a bacterial liquid culture water solution comprising 1.5% strain NB4 facilitated complete germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), seeds and produced high-quality sprouts. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NB4 was submitted to the GenBank database under accession number MT670424.1, identifying it as Agrobacterium Pusense RP 1.

Conclusion: This research aimed to develop an effective biofertilizer to tackle the pressing issue of food security. The project’s cornerstone was Agrobacterium pusense RP 1, nitrogen-fixing strain isolated and identified through rigorous research. 

Keywords: Isolation and identification of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, cultivation in bioreactor, germination of wheat seeds, Agrobacterium pusense.

Published

2024-10-25

Issue

Section

Research Articles