New Research Identifies a Highly Robust Bacterial Strain That Enhances Durum Wheat Performance in Mediterranean Conditions
A new study published in Frontiers in Plant Science presents a structured, two-tiered methodology for validating plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) isolated from the rhizosphere of durum wheat. With global agriculture facing a projected 60% increase in food demand by 2050, the research highlights the potential of microbial inoculants as sustainable tools for improving crop resilience and nutrient use efficiency.
The study evaluated six wild PGPB strains using a comprehensive strategy that combined technological robustness testing with agronomic validation. The researchers assessed resistance to commercial fungicides, persistence in soil under increasing temperatures, and growth capacity across multiple pH and temperature ranges. Strains were also evaluated for seed adhesion, biomass production, and nutrient uptake in both growth chamber experiments and field trials.
The standout performer was strain 23P (Pseudomonas migulae), which exhibited the strongest resistance to fungicides, the highest persistence in soil even at 35–45°C, and the ability to maintain growth across broad environmental conditions. In controlled experiments, 23P significantly enhanced shoot biomass, nitrogen uptake, shoot-to-root ratio, and N:P ratio in durum wheat. Field trials further confirmed its effectiveness by improving nitrogen uptake and nitrogen use efficiency, particularly in low-fertility soils.
The study demonstrates that evaluating both technological traits and agronomic performance is essential for selecting PGPB suitable for real-world applications. The two-tiered approach provides a practical framework for future microbial biofertilizer development, with 23P emerging as a promising candidate for sustainable durum wheat production in Mediterranean environments.
Reference
d’Amelio, A., De Santis, M. A., Giuzio, L., Tozzi, D., Campaniello, D., Racioppo, A., … & Bevilacqua, A. (2025). A two-tiered methodology for the validation of promising plant growth promoting bacteria isolated from durum wheat rhizosphere. Frontiers in Plant Science, 16, 1707549. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1707549
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