Harnessing multifunctional Bacillus sp. as bioinoculant for sustainable brinjal (Solanum melongena) production
Harnessing Multifunctional Bacillus Sp
Keywords:
Bacillus sp., Brinjal, PGPR, Phenolics, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Potassium solubilizing bacteria, Soil healthAbstract
The study evaluated the effect of an indigenous Bacillus sp. NITR-3, isolated from the aerobic rice ecosystem of ICAR-IARI, New
Delhi and was initially characterized for nitrous oxide reducing capacity and later on explored with multiple plant growth promoting
traits, on growth, yield, fruit quality and rhizosphere biological properties of two contrasting brinjal (Solanum melongena) varieties,
Pusa Uttam and Pusa Shyamla, under pot conditions. The plants received recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) supplemented
with Bacillus sp. (NITR-3) inoculation significantly increased individual fruit weight and total fruit number in both varieties
compared with RDF alone. Fruit quality response was variety dependent, with Pusa Shyamla exhibiting significantly higher total
phenolic contents following bacterial inoculation, whereas these parameters remained statistically unchanged in Pusa Uttam. The
simultaneous improvement in crop productivity, antioxidant quality and soil biological health demonstrates the multifunctional
nature of the bacterial isolate. Given its previously established nutrient solubilizing ability, phytohormone production, siderophore
production and nitrous oxide reduction capacity, Bacillus sp. NITR-3 represents a promising bioinoculant for improving yield in
brinjal. The study highlights the importance of variety specific responses to PGPR and supports the use of indigenous beneficial
microorganisms to enhance vegetable productivity while promoting sustainable soil health.
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