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Rhizobacteria protective hydrogel to promote plant growth and adaption to acidic soil

Author

Listed:
  • Qirui Feng

    (Southwest University
    Southwest University)

  • Yu Luo

    (Southwest University
    Yazhouwan National Laboratory)

  • Mu Liang

    (Southwest University
    Southwest University)

  • Yingui Cao

    (Southwest University)

  • LingShuang Wang

    (Southwest University)

  • Can Liu

    (Southwest University
    Southwest University)

  • Xiaoyong Zhang

    (Southwest University
    Southwest University)

  • Lanyang Ren

    (Southwest University
    Southwest University)

  • Yongfeng Wang

    (Henan University)

  • Daojie Wang

    (Henan University)

  • Yantao Zhu

    (Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shanxi Province)

  • Yanfeng Zhang

    (Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shanxi Province)

  • Bo Xiao

    (Southwest University)

  • Nannan Li

    (Southwest University
    Southwest University
    Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shanxi Province
    Zhejiang Lab)

Abstract

Endophytic plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) could replace chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to harsh environmental conditions. Here, we proposed a polymeric hydrogel (PMH) consisting of carboxymethyl chitosan, sodium alginate, and calcium chloride for loading and protecting endophytic PGPR. This hydrogel can load endophytic PGPRs to not only boost its growth-promoting efficiency, but also help them adapt more effectively to environments. Using endophytic PGPR Ensifer C5 as model bacteria and Brasscia napus as host, we demonstrate that the PMH facilitate the colonization of endophytic PGPRs in the apical and lateral root primordia regions. Further analysis indicates that the PMH modulate suberin deposition of the endodermal cell layers and regulate the accumulation of auxin at the root tip. Meanwhile, PMH enhances the antioxidant capacity and disease resistance properties of plants by increasing the content of arachidonic acid metabolism intermediates in the plant. Importantly, the combination of PMH and endophytic PGPRs increases the yields of B. napus by approximately 30% in the field. Furthermore, PMH attenuates the loss of endophytic PGPR activity in the acidic environments. Overall, this microbial encapsulation strategy is a promising way to protect fragile endophytic microorganisms, providing attractive avenues in sustainable agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Qirui Feng & Yu Luo & Mu Liang & Yingui Cao & LingShuang Wang & Can Liu & Xiaoyong Zhang & Lanyang Ren & Yongfeng Wang & Daojie Wang & Yantao Zhu & Yanfeng Zhang & Bo Xiao & Nannan Li, 2025. "Rhizobacteria protective hydrogel to promote plant growth and adaption to acidic soil," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56988-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56988-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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