Researchers have identified a new plant growth-promoting bacterium, Nocardia JTT02, capable of dramatically enhancing the nutritional and medicinal potential of garden cress (Lepidium sativum).
The study discovered that inoculating three cultivars of L. sativum (Haraz, Rajab, and Khider) with Nocardia JTT02 significantly improved plant biomass, photosynthesis, and metabolite accumulation. The bacterium, originally isolated from the medicinal plant Tribulus terrestris in Saudi Arabia, produces key phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid, which stimulate plant growth and biochemical activity.
Treated plants showed elevated levels of essential amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acids—precursors for glucosinolate and phenolic biosynthesis. The bacterium also triggered an increase in glucosinolates and their active hydrolysis products (like benzyl isothiocyanates), compounds known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Furthermore, Nocardia JTT02 enhanced the accumulation of phenolic acids and flavonoids, boosting antioxidant activity as confirmed by FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays. This biochemical enrichment translated into stronger antibacterial activity against pathogens such as E. coli and Bacillus subtilis.
The study concludes that Nocardia JTT02 is a promising biofertilizer candidate for sustainable agriculture, offering natural means to fortify crops with essential bioactive compounds while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Reference
Mahmoud, A. M., Khalaf, M. H., Alfaifi, Y. S., Hassan, A. H. A., Korany, S. M., Alsherif, E. A., Mohamed, M. Y. A., Aldailami, D. A., Sonbol, H., Sheteiwy, M. S., El-Keblawy, A., & Ulhassan, Z. (2025). Plant growth-promoting Nocardia JTT02 enhances Biomass, glucosinolate metabolism, and bioactive potential of three Lepidium sativum cultivars. BMC Plant Biology, 25(1), 1379. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-07276-1
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