Scientists Uncover Salt- and Heat-Tolerant Bradyrhizobium Strains in Peru’s Desert Soils
A research team has conducted the first comprehensive study on Bradyrhizobium strains associated with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the desert coast of Peru. Using molecular and physiological analyses, the study isolated, identified, and characterized rhizobia from cowpea nodules collected in Piura and Barranca regions.
Through Multi-Locus Sequence Analysis (MLSA) of housekeeping genes (recA, glnII, gyrB, and dnaK), the researchers classified 65 isolates into eight genomic lineages within the Bradyrhizobium genus. Four possible new species were detected (< 97% similarity with known taxa). The dominant species were B. diversitatis and B. yuanmingense.
Some isolates displayed exceptional tolerance to 171 mM NaCl and temperatures up to 35 °C. These strains also demonstrated plant growth-promoting properties such as phosphate solubilization, auxin, and siderophore production. However, only 21.9% of the isolates showed symbiotic effectiveness above 80% compared to uninoculated controls.
The study highlights the ecological and biotechnological significance of native Bradyrhizobium strains adapted to arid soils, suggesting their potential as candidates for sustainable cowpea production and the development of commercial inoculants suited to desert agriculture.
Reference
Valdez-Nuñez, R. A., Melendre-Rodriguez, S. M., Calixto-Garcia, A. R., Silvera-Pablo, C. C., Castellano-Hinojosa, A., Ormeño-Orrillo, E., & Hungria, M. (2025). Phylogenetic, phenotypic, and symbiotic characterization of Bradyrhizobium isolated from nodules of cowpea grown on the Peruvian desert coast. Symbiosis. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-025-01083-w
Related posts:
Boosting Sunflower Growth in Saline Soils: The Role of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria and Phosphorus-Enriched Biochar
Revolutionary Diazotroph-Enriched Periphyton Biofilm Boosts Rice Growth Without Synthetic Fertilizer
Beneficial Bacillus Bacteria Boost Cotton Growth and Sustainability in Brazil
Low Night Temperatures Disrupt Tomato Soil Microbes but Boost Cold-Resistant Metabolites
Scientists Develop First Dual Microbial Consortium to Enhance Iron and Zinc Uptake in Wheat
