Researchers from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, investigated how Bacillus bacteria isolated from cotton roots could improve plant growth and sustainability in cotton production. Using a combination of in vitro biochemical assays and greenhouse experiments, they analyzed 54 bacterial isolates for key plant growth-promoting traits such as phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, cellulase, and siderophore synthesis.
Four high-performing isolates—mainly from the Bacillus and Priestia genera—were selected for in vivo testing on two cotton cultivars, FM 985 and TMG 47. The inoculated plants exhibited significant improvements in morphological and biochemical parameters, including increased plant height, fruit and root biomass, leaf number, and enhanced levels of chlorophyll, sugars, phenolics, amino acids, catalase, and peroxidase activity compared to uninoculated controls.
Molecular identification through 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the isolates belonged to Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus sp., and related genera, indicating a strong potential for development as biofertilizers. The authors conclude that Bacillus-based inoculants can effectively enhance cotton growth while reducing dependency on chemical inputs, representing a sustainable alternative for modern agriculture.
Reference
Viana, T. F. C., Galeano, R. M. S., Paggi, G. M., Ramos, J. V., Silva, V. A. O. da, Novais, C. B. de, Lima, S. F. de, Zanoelo, F. F., & Brasil, M. da S. (2025). Prospecting, identification, and effect of growth-promoting Bacillus isolates on cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Ciência Rural, 55(11). https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20240108
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